When the power goes out, a reliable home generator is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. From keeping the lights on and the refrigerator running to powering essential medical equipment, the right generator provides peace of mind and security for your family during storms, emergencies, and unexpected outages.
Choosing the best generator, however, can be a challenge. The market is filled with options ranging from small, portable inverter models for camping and tailgating to powerful whole-house standby systems. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best generators for home use, each offering a unique set of features to meet different needs and budgets.
Our Recommended Home Generators
- WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
- FIRMAN Inverter Portable Generator, 171cc Engine with Electric Start
- Pulsar 4500W, Portable Quiet Remote Start & Parallel Capability
- Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch
- DuroMax XP12000EH 12,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station – Yeti 1500X
- Honda Power Equipment EU3000IS 3000W Portable Home Gas Power Generator
- Westinghouse iGen4200 Hybrid Open Frame Inverter Generator
- Generic Recoil Starter Assembly Fits Generac 7117 GP2200i
- Champion Power Equipment 200994 4500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator
WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
For those who need portable and quiet power, the WEN 56225i is an excellent choice. Weighing just 48.5 pounds, it’s easy to transport for camping, tailgating, or powering essential home devices during an outage. Its inverter technology ensures stable, clean energy that is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and smartphones.
One of its most significant benefits is its remarkably quiet operation. At only 53 dB, it runs about as loud as a normal conversation, making it a good neighbor. With 1800 rated watts and 2250 surge watts, it can handle a variety of tasks from running a refrigerator to charging tools on a job site.
FIRMAN Inverter Portable Generator
The FIRMAN Inverter Generator balances power, runtime, and convenience. Its 171cc engine with a cast iron sleeve is built for durability and long life, while the electric start feature makes getting power on a simple task. This model is also parallel-ready, allowing you to connect a second compatible unit to double your power output.
Part of the “Whisper Series,” this generator operates at a quiet 59 decibels. With a 1.8-gallon fuel tank, it can run for up to 9 hours, providing extended power for a variety of home and recreational needs. The automatic low oil shutdown protection adds a layer of safety and helps protect the engine from damage.
Pulsar 4500W Portable Quiet Remote Start Generator
The Pulsar PG4500iSR offers a powerful and convenient solution for home backup and RV use. With 4500 peak watts and 3700 running watts, it has the capacity to handle multiple appliances simultaneously. A standout feature is the wireless remote start, which allows you to turn the unit on from up to 80 feet away.
This generator is designed for extended use, capable of running for up to 15 hours on just 3.2 gallons of fuel at half load. Its parallel capability means you can connect it to another Pulsar inverter for even more power, making it a flexible option for growing energy needs.
Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator
For the ultimate in home power backup, the Generac Guardian is a permanent standby solution. This 22kW unit automatically turns on within seconds of a power outage, running on either natural gas or liquid propane. It is designed to power your entire home, including central air conditioning and major appliances.
The included 200 Amp smart transfer switch manages the transition seamlessly. With Wi-Fi connectivity through Generac Mobile Link, you can monitor the generator’s status and receive maintenance alerts from anywhere. Backed by a 5-year warranty, this system offers long-term reliability and peace of mind.
DuroMax XP12000EH 12,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP12000EH is a powerhouse designed for whole-home backup during extended outages. Its massive 12,000-watt output can run multiple high-wattage appliances at once. A key advantage is its dual-fuel capability, giving you the option to run it on gasoline or cleaner-burning propane.
This flexibility can be crucial in an emergency where one fuel type may be scarce. The electric start makes it easy to get running, and its robust DuroMax engine is built for durability. It’s an ideal choice for homeowners who need serious portable power and the versatility of fuel options.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station
The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is a solar generator, meaning it stores power in a large internal battery instead of using gas. It provides 1,516 watt-hours of capacity and can be recharged via a wall outlet, a car charger, or solar panels. This makes it a silent, fume-free power source perfect for indoor use.
With a pure sine wave inverter offering 2000 watts of continuous power, it can run sensitive electronics and appliances like full-size refrigerators and microwaves safely. Its ten versatile ports, including USB and AC outlets, allow you to power almost anything, from phones to power tools, without noise or emissions.
Honda EU3000IS 3000W Portable Home Gas Power Generator
Honda is renowned for its reliability, and the EU3000IS lives up to that reputation. This 3000-watt inverter generator provides clean, stable power that is safe for sensitive electronics. Its efficient engine can run for up to 20 hours on a 3.4-gallon tank, offering exceptional runtime for its class.
The electric start ensures easy operation, and the unit’s compact design houses a surprisingly powerful and quiet motor. Known for its durability and consistent performance, the Honda EU3000IS is a premium choice for those who prioritize long-term value and dependable power.
Westinghouse iGen4200 Hybrid Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Westinghouse iGen4200 combines the durability of an open frame design with the advanced technology of an inverter. It delivers 3500 running watts and 4200 peak watts, making it strong enough for home backup and RV use. It features both standard household outlets and an RV-ready TT-30R outlet.
Its hybrid design aims for maximum fuel efficiency, offering up to 18 hours of run time on a 2.6-gallon gas tank. With a noise level as low as 64 dBA and an “Economy Mode” for enhanced fuel savings, it is a powerful and practical option for a wide range of power needs.
Generic Recoil Starter Assembly for Generac 7117 GP2200i
This product is a replacement recoil starter assembly designed for the Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200-Watt inverter generator. It is an essential part for restoring the pull-start function on your generator if the original assembly becomes damaged or fails.
Having a reliable recoil starter is crucial for ensuring you can manually start your generator, especially if the electric start feature is not functioning. This part offers a solution for generator owners looking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Champion Power Equipment offers a robust 4500-watt dual fuel generator that provides excellent flexibility and power. You can choose to run it on gasoline or propane, giving you options based on fuel availability and preference. This makes it a reliable companion for home backup and RV excursions.
With its RV-ready outlet, it is perfectly suited for powering a travel trailer while camping. The dual-fuel technology, combined with Champion’s reputation for building durable and user-friendly equipment, makes this generator a strong contender for anyone needing substantial and versatile portable power.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Generators for Home Use
So, you’re thinking about getting a generator. It’s a solid plan for keeping the lights on and the fridge running during an outage. But with so many options, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. I’ve been through this myself, and I want to help you figure out what really matters when you’re looking for the best generators for home use.
First up, you need to figure out the power you need. This is the most important step. Start by making a list of the essential appliances and devices you want to run. Think refrigerator, a few lights, your phone charger, and maybe a fan or your Wi-Fi router. Add up their starting wattage (which is always higher than the running wattage) to get a total. This number is your target. A common mistake is buying a unit that’s too small, which can damage both the generator and your electronics. For most homes, a generator in the 5,000 to 8,500-watt range can handle a good chunk of your essential circuits.
Next, decide on the type of generator. You have two main choices: inverter and conventional standby. Inverter generators are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and provide “clean” electricity that’s safe for sensitive gadgets like laptops and flat-screen TVs. They’re perfect for powering a few key items and are relatively portable. Conventional standby generators are the big, powerful workhorses. They can often power your entire house, but they are louder, heavier, and produce electricity that isn’t as stable. For a permanent solution, a home standby generator that kicks on automatically is the gold standard, but it requires professional installation.
Fuel type is another big consideration. Gasoline is the most common and easily available, but it doesn’t store for long without stabilizers. Propane can be stored for much longer and burns cleaner, but you need to keep spare tanks on hand. Dual-fuel models offer fantastic flexibility, allowing you to run on either gasoline or propane depending on what’s available. Diesel generators are incredibly durable and fuel-efficient but are typically louder and more expensive.
Don’t forget about the practical features. Look for a model with multiple outlets, including standard 120V household outlets and possibly a 240V outlet for larger appliances like a well pump. An electric start is a huge quality-of-life improvement over a recoil pull-start, especially in bad weather. For safety, a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection shut-off feature is a non-negotiable must-have for any portable generator to keep your family safe. Finally, consider the noise level measured in decibels (dB). Your neighbors (and your own ears) will thank you for choosing a quieter inverter model if you’re in a suburban area.
FAQ
What size generator do I need to run my refrigerator and a few lights?
This is probably the most common question I get. Most modern refrigerators require between 800 and 1,200 starting watts. A few LED lights will use less than 100 watts. So, to run just these items, a generator rated for 2,000 watts would be more than sufficient. However, I always recommend giving yourself a buffer. You’ll likely want to plug in your phone charger, a television, or a fan at the same time. A generator in the 2,200 to 3,000-watt range is a great starting point for these basic essentials and offers some room for a small additional appliance.
Can I just plug a generator into a wall outlet in my house?
Absolutely not. This is extremely dangerous and is called “backfeeding.” It can electrocute utility workers who are trying to restore power and poses a severe fire risk to your home. The only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s electrical system is through a professionally installed transfer switch. This device isolates your home from the utility grid, ensuring power only flows in one, safe direction. It’s the only method I would ever recommend or use myself.
How long can I continuously run a portable generator?
The run time depends entirely on the generator’s fuel tank capacity and the load you’re putting on it. A typical mid-sized portable generator running at a 50% load might last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours on a single tank of gasoline. You’ll need to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact run times. It’s crucial to remember that all generators need periodic breaks for maintenance, like checking oil levels. Never run a portable generator 24/7 without stopping for these essential checks. For long-term outages, you’ll need to plan for refueling, which means storing fuel safely.
What is the main difference between an inverter generator and a conventional one?
The key difference lies in the type of electrical current they produce. A conventional generator produces AC power directly from the engine. This power can have surges and dips in voltage, which is fine for tools and lights but can be harmful to sensitive electronics like computers and game consoles. An inverter generator first produces AC power, then converts it to DC, and finally “inverts” it back to a very stable, clean AC power. This process makes them safer for electronics, much quieter, and more fuel-efficient, as the engine can speed up and down based on the demand.
Where is the safest place to put a portable generator while it’s running?
Safety is paramount. You must always operate a portable generator outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, and far away from any windows, doors, or vents. A good rule is to keep it at least 20 feet from your house. The exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can easily seep inside and become lethal. Never, ever run a generator in a garage, even with the door open, or on a porch. Place it on a dry, level surface to ensure stable operation.
Are there any special maintenance tasks I need to do for my generator?
Yes, regular maintenance is critical for reliability. Beyond the obvious task of checking the oil before every use, you need to think about long-term fuel storage. If you leave gasoline in the tank for months, it will degrade and gum up the carburetor, which is the most common reason a generator won’t start when you need it. I either run the carburetor dry after testing or use a fuel stabilizer. You should also check the air filter periodically and change the oil according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Running your generator for 15-30 minutes every few months will help keep all the parts lubricated and ready to go.