Best Home Generators

A good home generator is an investment that can make a world of difference during power outages, natural disasters or even events like home renovation. Here, we have handpicked five of the best home generators for 2023 based on their performance, reliability, and value for money.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Generator For Home

Determine Your Power Needs

The first thing you need to do is determine your power needs. Ask yourself: Are you looking to power your entire house during an outage, or just essential appliances? The answer to this question will help you choose between a standby generator and a portable one.

Standby generators are capable of powering your entire house, while portable generators can keep essential appliances running. Standby generators are more expensive and require professional installation, but they kick in automatically during a power outage. Portable generators are less expensive and more flexible, but you'll need to start them manually.

Calculate Your Wattage Requirements

Next, calculate the wattage of the appliances you plan to power during an outage. Every appliance has its wattage listed somewhere on the appliance itself or in the manual. Add up the wattage of all the appliances you plan to use.

Remember, appliances with motors, like refrigerators or air conditioners, need extra power to start up. This is known as surge or startup wattage, which can be two to three times the running wattage. Your generator must be capable of handling this surge.

Choose Your Fuel Type

Generators can run on various types of fuel, including gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. Each fuel type has its own pros and cons.

• Gasoline generators are the most common type. They're generally cheaper and more portable, but gasoline can be expensive and has a short shelf life.
• Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient and generally last longer, but diesel fuel can be difficult to store and it's not as readily available as gasoline.
• Propane generators are clean-burning and have a virtually unlimited shelf life. However, propane is less energy-dense than gasoline or diesel, so you'll need more of it to produce the same amount of power.
• Natural gas generators are connected directly to your home's natural gas line, so you won't need to store or refill fuel. However, they're less portable and more expensive to install.

Pick the Right Size

Generator sizes are measured in watts. The size you need depends on your power requirements. If you're not sure what size to get, it's better to err on the larger side. A generator that's too small can be hazardous, as it may overload and damage your appliances or the generator itself.

Consider Noise Levels

Generators can be noisy. If you live in a densely populated area, you might want to consider a quieter model to avoid disturbing your neighbors. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The lower the dB rating, the quieter the generator.

Look for Safety Features

Choose a generator with safety features like automatic shutoffs in case of overload, low-oil shutoffs to protect the engine, and carbon monoxide detectors to protect you and your family. Some generators also come with transfer switches that prevent backfeeding electricity into the power lines, which can be deadly for utility workers.

Understand Maintenance Needs

Generators require regular maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug changes. Some models have maintenance reminders or self-maintenance features, which can be helpful.

Research Brands and Reviews

There's a wide range of brands available, including Generac, Champion, Briggs & Stratton, and Westinghouse. Research these brands and read reviews to see which ones are the most reliable and have the best customer service.

Consider Your Budget

Lastly, consider your budget. Portable generators can range from $300 to $2,000, whereas standby generators can range from $5,000 to $10,000, not including installation. Remember to factor in the costs of fuel and maintenance.

Our Top Picks For You 2023:

1. Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator

Specifications:

• Power Output: 22,000 Watts
• Fuel Type: Propane or Natural Gas
• Noise Level: 67 dB
• Weight: 515 lbs

The Generac 7043 is a powerful standby generator that can effortlessly power even large homes. This model offers a strong 22,000-watt power output, seamlessly transitioning to backup power in the event of an outage. It operates on propane or natural gas, providing flexibility based on your fuel source availability.

This generator features Generac's True Power™ Technology, delivering best-in-class power quality with less than 5% total harmonic distortion for clean, smooth operation of sensitive electronics and appliances. In terms of noise production, it operates at 67 dB, which is relatively quiet for a generator of this size.

The Generac 7043 also has Mobile Link™ Remote Monitoring, allowing you to check the status of your generator from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or PC.

Pros:

• Powerful enough for large homes
• Excellent build quality
• Remote monitoring capabilities

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Heavy and requires professional installation

2. Champion 100165 Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Specifications:

• Power Output: 7,500 Watts
• Fuel Type: Propane or Gasoline
• Noise Level: 74 dB
• Weight: 202.4 lbs

The Champion 100165 is a dual-fuel generator that can run on either gasoline or propane, making it a versatile choice for homeowners. It provides 7,500 running watts and 9,375 peak watts on gasoline and 6,750 running watts and 8,400 peak watts on propane.

This generator includes a convenient electric start featuring a battery and Cold Start Technology for easy starts in cold weather. It is also equipped with a Volt Guard to protect your appliances from any sudden voltage spikes and surges.

The Champion 100165 operates at a noise level of 74 dB, which is slightly louder than some other options, but it is still acceptable for most users.

Pros:

• Dual fuel capability
• Easy electric start
• Built-in surge protector

Cons:

• Slightly noisy
• Not suitable for larger homes

3. Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator

Specifications:

• Power Output: 3,000 Watts
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Noise Level: 50 dB
• Weight: 131 lbs

The Honda EU3000iS is an inverter generator that's been praised for its reliability and performance. It provides 3,000 watts of power, making it suitable for powering your essential home appliances during a power outage.

The EU3000iS operates very quietly, with noise levels ranging from 49 to 58 dB, depending on the load. This makes it perfect for use in residential areas or for activities like camping.

It's worth noting that the Honda EU3000iS is a gasoline-only generator. If you prefer the flexibility of dual fuel options, this might not be the generator for you.

Pros:

• Quiet operation
• Reliable and durable
• Eco-Throttle System for excellent fuel efficiency

Cons:

• Gasoline only
• Not suitable for powering larger homes

4. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator

Specifications:

• Power Output: 7,500 Watts
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Noise Level: 73 dB
• Weight: 201 lbs

The Westinghouse WGen7500 is a robust and reliable portable generator that offers exceptional value for money. It provides 7,500 running watts and 9,500 peak watts, perfect for medium to large homes.

One of the standout features of the WGen7500 is its remote start key fob, allowing you to fire up the generator from a distance. This generator also features a long runtime, with up to 11 hours at 50% load on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank.

Pros:

• Long runtime
• Remote start feature
• Excellent value for money

Cons:

• Gasoline only
• Slightly loud operation

5. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Specifications:

• Power Output: 12,000 Watts
• Fuel Type: Propane or Gasoline
• Noise Level: 72 dB
• Weight: 224 lbs

The DuroMax XP12000EH, also known as the "Beast," is an incredibly powerful dual fuel generator that can provide up to 12,000 watts of power. This is more than enough to power most homes during an outage.

One of the best features of the XP12000EH is its dual fuel capability. You can run it on either propane or gasoline, giving you flexibility in terms of fuel availability. It also features a low oil shutoff to protect the engine from damage.

While it's a powerful unit, it's also relatively noisy at 72 dB and quite heavy. However, its rugged construction and high power output make it a good choice for those who need a high-performance generator.

Pros:

• High power output
• Dual fuel technology
• Durable and reliable

Cons:

• Quite heavy
• Noisy operation

Conclusion

Choosing the best generator for your home depends on your specific needs, including the size of your home, the appliances you need to power, and your budget.

The Generac 7043 is a premium choice, delivering high power output and excellent build quality, but it comes at a higher price point. For a more budget-friendly option, the Westinghouse WGen7500 offers a good balance between performance and cost.

The Champion 100165 and DuroMax XP12000EH are excellent choices for flexibility, thanks to their dual-fuel capabilities. If quiet operation is a priority, the Honda EU3000iS is a reliable and quiet inverter generator.

Before making a purchase, consider these factors carefully to ensure you choose a generator that will best meet your needs.