Best Whole House Generators 2023 (Updated)

It’s sad to admit that we can feel panic whenever an electricity loss happens and all the lights go out. The power outage often takes place within a few hours. But if the cause is complicated (a natural disaster, for instance), it can last up to a few days. In such difficult situations, a reliable power backup like a whole house generator is a must-have item.

To find the best whole house generator, you should pay attention to some significant specifications. They are power output, fuel type & capacity, noise level, maintenance, etc. Your buying decision can vary based on your house’s size and the total wattage you need for all appliances.

So there’s no fixed answer for the question “What is the No.1 whole house generator on the market?” since it depends. But don’t worry because we’re here for you with a list of top-rated picks for homeowners. Without further ado, let’s dive into it!

Top 10 Best Best Whole House Generators Reviews

1

DuroMax XP12000EH Generator

The Duromax XP12000EH Generator has one of the top performances compared to other hybrid generators. The 12000 starting wattage and 9500 running wattage can deliver enough power for an entire small or medium apartment, including essential heavy-duty appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, freezer, etc.

Moreover, the unit can run for approximately 8.8 hours on gasoline and 7.2 hours on propane at ½ load. This amount of runtime is sufficient for a whole daytime when a neighborhood power outage suddenly attacks.

With such high productivity, you can’t expect its 457cc, 18HP DuroMax OHV Engine to be feather-weight or whisper-quiet. The noise level at ¼ load is 74dB, which is louder than a vacuum cleaner but still allows you to talk inside your home. In addition, the built-in handle kit and solid filled tires can support you to move the machine around easier.

2

Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

The Westinghouse WGen9500DF produces a running wattage of 9500 and a starting wattage of 12500. This power level is enough to run tons of household equipment, consisting of air conditioners, electric stove, sump pump, microwave, dryer, furnace fan. With such a powerful performance, it deserves the title best whole house generator.

Besides, the two DC 5V USB charging ports allow users to directly charge mobile phones and tablets. All 4 outlets have rubber covers for additional protection from moisture and debris.

One more reason to love this model is the remote start, which allows you to start the unit from 109 yards away. The machine also includes a free battery and battery charger. The motor has an iron-cast sleeve that makes it longer lasting.

Unfortunately, you will face 2 significant drawbacks of almost every powerful generator: bulkiness and loudness. This machine has a similar weight and noise level with the DuroMax XP1200EH, so you have to live with it.

3

Champion 7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

At half load, the Champion 100165 delivers runtime of 8 hours and 5.5 hours on gasoline and propane, respectively. In the event of a grid power failure, this unit might be your reliable source of power.

Additionally, this model comes with 2 20 A outlets that can handle heavy-duty tools and a 30A L14-30R 120v/40v receptacle for ease of transfer switch installation.

Remarkably, the Champion 100165 offers <5 THD output power to be suitable for your power sensitive household devices. For extra safety, a built-in Volt Guard surge protector is equipped to prevent overloads.

Although having the same noise level as the DuroMax XP12000EH and Westinghouse WGen9500F (as loud as a vacuum), this Champion is much lighter. If you still find it a bit daunting, the fold-down handle and 9.5-inch wheels can do all the hard work for you.

4

DuroMax XP11500EH Generator

When running on gasoline, the DuroMax XP11500EH delivers 11,500 peak watts and 9,000 running watts for straight 8 hours at half load. Supported by the 457cc OHV engine, the unit can offer plenty of power to handle multi-tasking from high voltage power tools like lights to heavy loads such as home AC, refrigerator.

Furthermore, the control panel features all you need in a generator. It includes safety functions (the low-oil shutdown or light indicator) and a wide range of outlets compatible with many power households. You will get 2 120V household GFCI receptacles, 1 240V 30A outlet, 1 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and 1 240V 50A outlet, one more receptacle than the above options.

One thing that the DuroMax XP11500EH did fall short on was its oil drain bolt’s location. We recommend using the rubber funnel in the package and masking tape to keep it firmly under the cross member.

5

Generac G007174 Guardian Home Standby Generator

All models in the Generac’s Guardian series, consisting of this G007174, are engineered and built in the USA, thus lowering the installation cost while still delivering the same product quality.

For smooth running of sensitive electronics and appliances, True PowerTM Technology offers the most influential power output with a total harmonic distortion of less than 5%. This feature allows you to run any kind of 4K or ultra-HD TV and laptops with high picture quality.

In addition, the patented G-Force Engine is a press-lubricated engine that can withstand the rigors, resulting in more efficient power and less frequent maintenance than any other competitor. This innovative engine also features hydraulic lifters to increase engine performance and enhance the machine’s lifespan.

Furthermore, the free-given Mobile Link allows you to connect with your machine via 4G LTE or wi-fi and monitor its status from anywhere using a smart device. You only need to log in to your account and access every data, including the current status, maintenance alerts, and preparation for the next power loss.

Contrary to what you might think about this extra-large standby generator, the decibel rating is relatively moderate. It’s only 65 dBA at 23 ft. (at average load), even quieter than other portable ones.

Speaking of size, yes, this unit is super heavy and can take up a huge space inside your house or garden. It’s not a portable piece of equipment, so this minor is acceptable.

6

Durostar DS10000E Portable Generator

With 10,000 peak wattage and 8,000 rated wattage, the Durostar DS10000E is ideal for home backup. This unit can run even the highest amperage and heaviest power tools in your house in about 10 hours at 50% load.

The safety features also make it one of the best whole house generators. The low oil shutdown will automatically turn off the machine when sensing that the tank is about to run out of oil. When the generator is not in use, the idle control will decrease the RPMs to save fuel and reduce noise. These functions protect your house and also provide a peaceful work-from-home space even when running.

Additionally, the unique MX2 technology can help get most of the power from each 120V outlet. This technology lets you choose between running the generator at 120V and 240V at the same time or at 120V with maximum power only. The machine also comes with 12V DC charging ports for convenient external battery charging.

On the downside, the Durostar DS10000E only runs on gasoline. As you may know, propane has a lower cost, lasts longer, and doesn’t harm the engine internals.

7

WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel Portable Generator

The WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel Portable Generator is our pick as the best whole house generator for those on a tight budget. With such an affordable price tag, you will get a dual fuel, high-output portable generator. This model is a real bargain for those who have standard requirements for their households.

The generator features 4 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V/240V 50A receptacle (NEMA 14-50R), a 120V 30A twist lock receptacle (L5-30R), and a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style socket. These 7 outlets offer compatibility with any appliance in your house, from the largest like an AC, TV, and power tools to phones and tablets.

What’s more, the control panel interface is user-friendly. There is a large fuel selector allowing you to switch between the 2 fuel types. You don’t have to shut the machine off to change from gasoline to propane and conversely. A quick key placed next to this big dial helps you switch to start the generator and shut it down.

Besides, the automated hour meter makes it easy to keep up with service times, and there is a wide range of power outlets for any kind of use. Two duplexes (NEMA 5-20R) outlets can be used with an extension cord to provide 120V electricity wherever possible.

However, this model doesn’t come with a pull-start system. Sometimes the electrical mechanism stops working, especially during winter days when the batteries don’t function very well. In that case, having a recoil string is a great backup plan.

Another flaw is the position of the right wheel. It gets in the way when we try to plug the 50-amp cable in. So remember to buy a straight plug instead of the usual right angle one. It doesn’t fit.

8

A-iPower SUA12000E Gasoline Powered Generator

The A-iPower SUA12000E is one of the best whole house generators for the money. Featuring a 459cc 4-stroke engine with a power supply of 12,000 surge watts and 9,000 running watts, it provides adequate fuel for most household appliances. The one-touch keyless push-button lets you power up the machine effortlessly.

Additionally, this unit has a full steel frame and fuel tank of 7 gallons. As the manufacturer claimed, this tank can provide oil for up to 9 hours of running at 50% load before refueling. Nevertheless, some customers admitted that the SUA12000E at their home can run up to 13 hours.

If you have never heard of A-iPower before, don’t worry because we used to be like that years ago. It might be a small drawback since this Chinese manufacturer is not reputable and reliable enough in the US market. On the other hand, its Chinese origin still ensures the ultra-duty functions without breaking your bank account.

The SUA12000E model runs at 78 dB, which is a relatively high rating for its compact size and power output. Still, you can buy additional sophisticated mufflers to mute the loudness. They cost a little bit more.

9

Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator

The Generac 7043’s power harmonic distortion is lower than 5%, which means it can protect sophisticated electronics better than other options with a higher rate. Its power output is 22,000W – the highest running wattage in this article. This unit is also compatible with a 200-amp automatic transfer switch. You can buy the machine with or without this switch.

Since the 7043 model has bulky dimensions, some people want to put it outside of their house. In that case, the anti-rust full aluminum cover is a plus. It can withstand even the harshest weather.

What’s more, you can easily remove 3 sides of the machine’s body for installation, maintenance, and repair purposes. The Generac’s engineers pressurized and specially designed the patented G-Force Engine to improve performance, save more fuel, and reduce regular maintenance.

On the downside, you have to buy batteries yourself, which can add up to the price. Also, while the unit is operating, you can not change the batteries.

10

Kohler 20RESCL-100LC16 Air-Cooled Standby Generator

Like Generac, Kohler also equips its product with online monitoring. You can set up all the control and warning messages.

Besides, the 20RESCL-100LC16 model comes in a composite noise-damping enclosure, making it run smoothly even on high loads. The machine offers 20,000-watt output capacity and 100 or 200-amp transfer switch options. This superior power efficiency and built quality can light up your house in a short time. The exact time depends on the actual load, but we’re sure it’s around 10 seconds.

In addition, this backup generator can be powered by liquid propane or natural gas. Its run time is long before you have to worry about it running out of fuel.

However, we find this model hard to repair. Whenever a problem occurs, you have to contact the local dealer for a solution.

11

Generac G0071780 Home Standby Generator

Generac seems to be famous for producing the best whole house generators in all price ranges and power levels. If you don’t find the 13k and 22k watt-model suitable, try checking this G0071780 model out. These 3 models are similar to each other except for the power output and Mobile Link function.

The 65-dB noise level is reasonably gentle for those living in a sound-related environment/neighborhood. It also has a Quiet-Test Self-Testing mode slowing down the RPMs to autotest for 5 or 12 minutes, ensuring that your machine runs as smooth and fuel-efficient as possible.

Furthermore, Generac G0071780 provides a Remote Link controlling program for cell phones, laptops, or tablets that enables you to manage your generator from far away. The latest operational status and operation plan can be reviewed with the submission. Like other models in the same series, this G0071780 also provides a 5-year guaranteed warranty.

Things to Know Before Buying a Whole House Generator

The most important question in every mind is which generator works best for me? How do I know what to choose? Should I buy a cheap and noisy generator over the expensive and quiet one? This section is here to address all your concerns. Following are some basic guidelines to know while purchasing the best whole house generator.

Size of the Generator

So, the first step in choosing the whole house generator is to know what appliances you will need during an emergency. Now the issue here is knowing the difference between NEED and WANT because many people confuse the terms. A person can live without using any devices that he owns so it is important to focus your endeavors on the essentials like heating.

Make a list with all the gadgets that you would NEED during a crisis. When you are done with that, figure out the number of watts it takes to run the devices. By knowing and adding up the wattage requirement for the devices you can easily figure out the size of the generator required. Easy right? Our other article will help you calculate the exact size of the generator you need.

Inverter or Generator:

When you are done with the wattage calculation the next step is the choice between an inverter or a generator. So how would you know what to use? Well, the thumb rule is if your wattage requirement is more than 1,000 watts for about 3 – 4 hours then you would need to go with a generator. But in case you do not require to power up heavy devices that the best option is an inverter that provides power for 2 – 3 hours.

So, to choose a whole house generator, you should use an ordinary generator (inverter is not recommended).

Portable or Standby Generator

The next step is to decide between a portable and standby generator. There is no right answer to this question as the answer depends on your requirement. But there are of course pros and cons for both. When you consider buying a standby generator then you should be aware that these types of generators are permanently or semi-permanently mounted, meaning that they cannot be moved once installed. On contrary, these types of generators are designed to run automatically when they sense a fluctuation in the electric power.

If you are thinking of buying a portable generator then keep in mind that these generators require starting them manually. But it is easy to move them around.

Again, it all depends on your requirement!

Gas, Diesel or Propane

To keep it short, a diesel generator costs more than a natural gas and propane generator because of their minimum fuel consumption, efficiency and long engine life. But like everything else there is a downside to these generators and that is that they produce a lot of smoke in turn producing a lot of smell as well. They also tend to produce noise when they are operating. However, you can also check out some solutions to reduce noise for generators.

Although propane and natural gas are more expensive than diesel, but they have many benefits such as low emissions, quiet operation and easy purchase at many stores. In addition, propane and natural gas generators are priced lower.

Because of these things that many people go with natural gas and propane generators when considering their size and cost-efficiency.

Automatic System

Never underestimate the significance of this security factor for any generator. A programmed shutoff system shuts down the unit in the event that it starts to overheat. Additionally, a generator with this automatic system will consequently turn itself on in case of a blackout so you won’t have to worry about turning it on in the pitch dark.

Safety

Safety is always the number one priority. So, when selecting a generator is it useful to know that standby whole house generators are much safer than portable ones since all the systems are automated. In addition, portable generators tend to produce fumes and smoke that is of course a health hazard and also dangerous for the society. It is therefore advisable to go with natural gas since is much cleaner burning.

Casing Material

Normally, generators sit outside of your home and should be made of a strong material that can withstand numerous disasters like harsh weather or from an environmental damage. Therefore, it is best to search for generators that have a casing made of steel or a corrosion-resistant composite material.

Warranty

Prior to buying a whole house generator, it is good to read the fine print in the guarantee. Most retailers offer a guarantee of 4 – 5 years, so be sure that you are happy with the services that they offer during that period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying the best whole house generator is not an easy task and it requires serious thought and consideration. Following are some of the basic questions that are asked by folks all around and these can help you in choosing the right generator.

What type of generator is best for my computer?

A most common question amongst the masses. To answer this, you should be aware that a computer requires a low harmonic distortion rating generator for its smooth operation. And also, there should be a good surge protector between the generator and the computer.

How much fuel does it require to run a generator?

Many sellers often use a sales pitch that a specific generator uses one gallon of fuel per hour. But this is not mostly true. You will figure out the question only after you have run a generator yourself. However you can refer to the information below:

• Diesel Generator

A 20-kilowatt diesel generator would burn about 1.5 gallons of fuel per hour while running at full load, the average price is around $3.3 per gallon of diesel.

• Propan Generator 

A 20kW propane generator will use about 3.5 gallons per hour, the average price is around $2.53.3 per gallon of propane.

• Natural Gas Generator 

A 8kW natural gas generator will use about 130 cubic feet per hour, the average cost of natural gas is $3.4 per thousand cubic feet.

What factors does the cost of using the generator depend?

The expense of a generator is impacted by numerous elements; however, the size of the generator is typically the fundamental standard for setting the cost and the type of fuel it utilizes like gas, diesel or propane. The best whole house generator will cost anywhere between four or five hundred dollars to a couple thousands. But it is advisable that you pick cheap over a branded generator.

What is the best time to buy a generator?

The keen thing is to get one preceding a crisis if you would prefer to get it a lower price. It is a good idea to make, buying the best whole house generator, a crisis preparedness assignment and treat it accordingly.

What are the general features that I should look at before buying a generator?

Following are some general main points to consider before purchasing a whole house generator: Engine, automated system, noise level, fuel consumption, large fuel tank with low oil shutdown feature, wheels for heavy generators.

What are other alternatives to fuel generators?

Fuel may become a major concern in time therefore following are some alternatives to consider to fuel generators.

• Solar Generators
• Biogas Generators
• Wind Generators
• Hydro Generators

Conclusion

So there you have our list of top-rated household generators. We include both portable and non-portable for your consideration. Portable units are less bulky, easy-to-carry, while bigger ones are quieter and more powerful.

To conclude, the best whole house generator must be a reliable, solid-built, user-friendly, and energy-saving machine. We believe that all of the recommendations above are worth your investment for an entire house.

Should you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment down below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.