When the power grid fails, a whole-house generator is more than a convenience—it’s a safeguard for your family’s comfort, security, and peace of mind. Whether facing a seasonal storm or an unexpected grid failure, having a reliable backup power source ensures your lights, refrigeration, and essential appliances continue running seamlessly. Choosing the right system, however, requires careful consideration of your home’s specific power needs and fuel preferences.
From fully automatic standby units that activate within seconds of an outage to powerful portable options for versatile use, the market offers solutions for every home and budget. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight of the best generators available, detailing their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your home’s backup power strategy.
Our Top Picks for Whole House Generators
- Champion Power Equipment 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator
- Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator, WiFi Enabled
- Generac Guardian 22kW Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch
- Generac 7043 22kW Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Switch
- Champion Power Equipment 15kW Home Standby Generator
- Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 12000 Watt
- Briggs & Stratton 20kW Home Standby Generator
Champion Power Equipment 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator
For homeowners seeking an affordable and reliable entry into automatic backup power, the Champion 8.5-kW model is a compelling choice. It provides seamless 24/7 power without the need for refueling, manual operation, or extension cords, activating automatically when an outage occurs. This system is built for durability and backed by a robust 10-year limited warranty, offering significant long-term value.
Designed to perform in harsh conditions, it features a Sub Zero Start system with a 24V starting mechanism that is engineered to operate in temperatures as low as -22º F. The innovative gullwing enclosure not only provides a sleek look but also offers easy access for professional installation and routine maintenance, simplifying the entire ownership experience.
Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator, WiFi Enabled
As a leader in home standby power, Generac offers this robust 22kW model capable of powering nearly an entire home during an outage. Its flexibility to run on either natural gas or liquid propane makes it a versatile solution for many households. With Generac’s Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, you can remotely monitor the generator’s status, performance, and maintenance alerts from anywhere, providing unparalleled peace of mind whether you’re at work or on vacation.
This generator is designed with consideration for your home environment. Its Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode operates at a lower RPM, resulting in quieter operation and reduced fuel consumption during its weekly self-checks. Protected by a 5-year limited warranty, this system is an investment in long-term reliability for your home.
Generac Guardian 22kW Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch
This package includes the same powerful and WiFi-enabled 22kW Generac Guardian generator but pairs it with a comprehensive 200 Amp NEMA 3R smart switch. This combination is ideal for homes with 200-amp electrical service, as the transfer switch is designed to manage your home’s entire electrical load, providing true whole-house protection during a power outage. The aluminum enclosure is rated for outdoor durability.
Like its counterpart, this system offers the convenience of remote monitoring via Mobile Link, allowing you to check status and receive alerts from your smartphone. The inclusion of the 200-amp switch in the package can streamline the purchasing and installation process, ensuring compatibility and robust performance backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
Generac 7043 22kW Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Switch
The Generac 7043 is another presentation of a highly capable 22kW/19.5kW air-cooled standby system that comes complete with a whole-house 200-amp transfer switch. This all-in-one solution is engineered for homes that require substantial backup power to maintain operation of multiple major appliances, including central air conditioning units, during an outage.
Its air-cooled design offers a balance of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice for residential use. By including the necessary transfer switch, this package ensures a seamless integration with your home’s electrical panel, providing automatic and comprehensive power coverage the moment the utility power fails.
Champion Power Equipment 15kW Home Standby Generator
Stepping up in power, the Champion 15kW model is designed for larger homes with greater energy demands. This automatic standby system can handle a significant portion of a home’s electrical load, keeping essential systems and multiple appliances running smoothly. It comes as a complete kit with an automatic transfer switch, simplifying the path to a professional installation.
Like the smaller Champion model, it operates automatically—no manual start is required during a blackout. This unit provides a strong middle ground for those who need more power than an 8kW-10kW unit can offer but may not require the full capacity of a 22kW system, all while benefiting from Champion’s reputation for value and reliability.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
For those who need powerful and flexible backup power without a permanent installation, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is an excellent portable option. Its dual-fuel capability allows it to run on either gasoline or propane, giving you flexibility based on fuel availability and preference. With a robust 9500 running watts, it can power several critical circuits in your home via a manual transfer switch.
The convenience of a remote electric start means you can get the generator running from the comfort of your home. As a portable unit, it is also useful for other applications like job sites or camping, making it a versatile investment for both emergency home backup and recreational power needs.
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 12000 Watt
The DuroMax XP12000EH stands out with its impressive power output, making it one of the most powerful portable units available. With 12,000 watts of starting power, it is capable of running a central air conditioning unit along with other essentials when connected through a proper transfer switch. Its dual-fuel engine offers the same valuable flexibility to choose between gasoline or propane.
This generator is built for demanding situations and is ideal for homeowners who want maximum portable power. The unit includes a powerful electric start and all the necessary outlets for connecting to a home transfer switch, providing a robust, on-demand power solution for major outages.
Briggs & Stratton 20kW Home Standby Generator
From a trusted name in engines, the Briggs & Stratton 20kW Home Standby Generator delivers automatic and reliable power for medium to large homes. This system is designed to integrate seamlessly with your home’s electrical system via its included automatic transfer switch, providing a hands-free solution during power failures.
It offers substantial power to keep your home’s critical systems operational, including lights, refrigeration, sump pumps, and security systems. Briggs & Stratton’s reputation for durability and performance is built into this unit, making it a solid choice for homeowners looking for a dependable, automatic backup power system from a well-established brand.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Whole House Generator
When the power goes out, having a whole house generator can be the difference between a major inconvenience and a minor hiccup. I know from experience that shopping for one can feel overwhelming with all the technical terms and options. So, let’s break down the key things you need to think about before you invest in one of the 8 best whole house generators for backup power.
First, you need to figure out how much power you actually need. This is the most critical step. You don’t want to buy a massive unit that’s overkill, but you definitely don’t want one that’s too small to run your essentials. I recommend starting with a load calculation. Make a list of everything you’d want to run during an outage: your refrigerator, furnace or AC unit, well pump, lights, and maybe a few outlets. Pay special attention to appliances with motors, like your central air conditioner, as they require a large surge of power to start up. An electrician can help you with a precise calculation, or you can use online calculators from generator manufacturers.
Next, consider the fuel source. The most common options are natural gas, liquid propane (LP), and diesel. Natural gas is incredibly convenient because it’s piped directly to your home, meaning you likely have an unlimited supply as long as the gas lines are intact. Liquid propane is also excellent and requires an on-site storage tank that you’ll need to keep filled. Diesel is less common for residential use but is very efficient. For most people, a natural gas or liquid propane unit is the way to go for true peace of mind.
Then there’s the question of installation and connectivity. A true whole house system isn’t something you plug in with an extension cord. It requires a professional to install a transfer switch. This device automatically disconnects your home from the utility grid when the generator kicks in, which is a critical safety feature for utility workers. It also automatically starts your generator when it detects a power outage. You want this “hands-off” operation. You don’t want to be outside in a storm trying to start things up manually.
Finally, think about the brand reputation, warranty, and local service. This is a long-term investment. Look for companies known for reliability and that offer a strong warranty. Just as importantly, find out who in your area services and maintains these units. Regular maintenance is non-negotiable for ensuring your generator is ready when you need it most. Taking the time to consider these points will help you choose a system that keeps your home running smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a whole house generator cost to install?
The total cost can vary a lot, but you should expect to invest several thousand dollars. The generator unit itself can range from around $2,000 for a smaller, air-cooled model to $10,000 or more for a large, commercial-grade, liquid-cooled unit. On top of that, professional installation, which includes the transfer switch and connecting to your fuel source, typically adds another $2,000 to $5,000. While it’s a significant upfront cost, for many of us, the value of having continuous power for our homes, especially in areas prone to long outages, makes it worthwhile.
Can a whole house generator power my entire home?
This depends entirely on the size of the generator you choose. A properly sized unit can indeed power almost everything in your home simultaneously, including central air conditioning. However, many homes use a “managed” or “load-shedding” system. This means the generator can power all your essential circuits, but it will intelligently prioritize them. For example, it might temporarily turn off your water heater while your AC compressor is running to avoid overloading the system. When you are looking at the 8 best whole house generators for backup power, you’ll see they come in various sizes to match different home needs.
How long can a whole house generator run continuously?
As long as it has a continuous fuel supply, a permanently installed standby generator can run for weeks. This is a key advantage over portable generators. If you have a natural gas unit connected to your city’s supply, your runtime is practically unlimited. For a propane-powered unit, your runtime is determined by the size of your storage tank. A 500-gallon tank could keep a typical generator running for about a week. It’s one less thing to worry about during a prolonged emergency.
How often does a whole house generator need maintenance?
I can’t stress enough how important regular maintenance is. Think of it like changing the oil in your car. Most manufacturers recommend an annual service performed by a qualified technician. This typically includes an oil and filter change, a spark plug replacement, and a general inspection of all components. The generator will also run a self-test cycle for about 5-20 minutes each week to ensure it’s in working order. Sticking to this maintenance schedule is the best way to guarantee it will start instantly when the power goes out.
Is a permit required for installation?
In almost all cases, yes. Installing a whole house generator involves electrical work and often gas line work, both of which require permits from your local building department. A reputable, professional installer will handle pulling these permits for you. This process ensures the installation is inspected and meets all local safety codes, which protects you, your home, and your family.