Top 5 Best Generator In 2024

Dependability and power are important when the lights go out.

The South has a long list of outstanding achievements. Probably at the top of the list are football, sweet tea, and magnificent storms. And while we usually appreciate a little rain in the spring to help push out pollen, flood warnings, severe wind alerts, and tornado watches will always make us nervous. Did we also mention that generators are a need because bad weather often results in power outages in the South?

According to Jackery’s Rachel Stotts, “Power outages can be caused by weather, natural disasters, emergencies, and grid overload.” One of the most important consequences of power outages is the inability to cook and preserve food, which may be avoided if you have access to a generator. With groceries costing over $300 on average per day in the refrigerator of a U.S. home, Stotts notes that “all of it can be wasted in a matter of hours without power.”

What size generator is required to power your house?

According to Joel Worthington, owner of Mr. Electric, a Neighborly firm, “a home’s basic essentials will power generators with a capacity of 5,000 to 10,000 watts.” “Generators with 10,000–20,000 watt capacities may be necessary for larger homes.”

Worthington believes it’s best to speak with an electrician to determine the ideal generator size for your home, even if there are several internet calculators available to assist consumers with generator math.

We researched and polled our staff to find the finest house generators for a range of needs. They evaluated whole-home and portable generators based on factors including value, performance, noise level, and upkeep. The results are the top generators in each category.

Top 5 Best Generator In 2024

1.Generac Guardian 26KW Home Backup Generator

While whole-home generators usually evoke visions of massive machinery, Generac’s offering in the category is small (relatively speaking) but yet highly powerful, earning it the top rank on our list.

It could power a small refrigerator, a stove, a refrigerator (normal size), a coffee maker, a laptop/phone charger, a TV, and a central HVAC system, even though the longest we operated it in an emergency was around an hour. It was discovered that the noise produced by the Generac Guardian is manageable.

This generator saves space and produces more power than similar models, enough to run the big appliances in your house. Its G-Force engine ensures dependable operation and reduces the need for regular maintenance. You’ll also value the 200-amp automatic transfer switch, which allows you to activate backup power with a simple finger flick in the event of a power outage.

As a result, every Guardian Series Home backup generator comes with Mobile Link Remote Monitoring for free, allowing you to use a smartphone, tablet, or PC to check on the standby generator’s status from anywhere in the globe. It also has a feature called Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode, which allows you to test for five or twelve minutes at a lower RPM. That roughly translates to less fuel usage and noise during testing.

The Generac Guardian is made of aluminum and has a powder-coated finish, making it durable and resistant to corrosion from the elements. It is intended for outdoor use.

If you decide to shortlist this generator, bear in mind that installation requires a professional and certified electrician.

Wattage: 26,000 | Size: 48 x 29 x 25 inches | Weight: 518 pounds | Fuel Source: Natural gas, propane | Warranty: 5-year limited

2.Generac GP8000E Cosense 50ST Portable Generator 7676

The Generac GP8000E is a reliable choice for anyone in the market for a portable generator. With an 11-hour runtime at 50% load and a 7.9-gallon tank capacity, this generator is perfect for emergency power and recreational use.

It turned out to be simple to set up and operate. During an emergency, we ran it for more than twenty-four hours, and it produced enough electricity to run common household items including a TV, laptop/phone charging, dehumidifier, microwave, lights, and a standard-sized refrigerator.

In addition, the unit is shielded by a sturdy 1.25-inch steel-tube cradle, and covered outlets provide additional security. Despite weighing nearly 200 pounds, this generator is nonetheless portable because to its sturdy, never-flat wheels, which guarantee that it will go wherever you need it to.

A low oil level shutdown feature that protects the engine, an hour meter that records maintenance intervals, and an electronic start are additional noteworthy features.

Although some generators are air-cooled, be aware that this one needs coolant, and it is fairly noisy, in our experience.

Wattage: 8,000 | Size: 27 x 26.5 x 27.2 inches | Weight: 198 pounds | Fuel Source: Gas | Warranty: Not listed

3.Champion Power Equipment 3500 Watt Portable Generator

At less than $500, Champion Power Equipment’s portable generator suitable for RVs tops our list of affordable generators.

Both using and setting up this generator are simple. It could run appliances you would miss when the power goes out, such as a microwave, lights, a standard-sized refrigerator, and a coffee maker, for up to 24 hours during its longest operating period in an emergency. Based on the pricing, we would have anticipated some problems after several years of use, yet there are none to report.

During a power outage, this generator provides enough backup power for the necessities, offering a pleasing blend of versatility and convenience. It also works well as an addition to outdoor projects or weekend camping excursions. RV owners will also discover that a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner can be started and operated using the power this generator produces.

With its dependable recoil start and Cold Start Technology, this generator makes sure you’re never left out in the cold. Additionally, it is simple to quickly check voltage, frequency, and running hours with its Intelligauge feature.

The 3500-watt portable generator from Champion Power Equipment includes a 0.6-quart oil capacity and a 4.8-gallon gas tank. Push-to-reset circuit breakers, a low oil shut-off sensor, and “Volt Guard,” an integrated surge protection system that stops overloads, are a few examples of safety features.

During a blackout, a fully charged gas tank can sustain 12 hours of operation at 50% load. Furthermore, this portable generator runs at a noise level of roughly 68 dBA, which is somewhat quieter than a vacuum cleaner and louder than a typical conversion. However, noise may not be the least of your concerns in an emergency.

Compared to other generators on our list and others in the category, this one weighs only 103 pounds. Although most individuals should have no trouble transporting it, you may purchase a wheel kit for about $50. Since gasoline is the sole fuel that this generator uses, you’ll need to keep some on hand. Additionally, it uses a recoil start, which some users may find less convenient than an electronic start.

Wattage: 3,500 | Size: 23.2 x 19.9 x 18.3 inches | Weight: 103.4 pounds | Fuel Source: Gas | Warranty: 3-year limited

4.DuroMax Hybrid Portable Generator

If you want “cleaner” electricity and more economy, the DuroMax XP9000iH Inverter Generator is a good choice because it adjusts engine speeds to fit your power needs.

It has a digital control panel that allows you to quickly view the power output, load level, and operating hours of the machine. Additionally, you can increase its power by connecting it to a second unit using a parallel kit (separately offered), if you require more power than 9,000 watts.

This generator is perfect for outdoor tasks, RV camping, and emergency power. It has dual-fuel technology (it can run on both gasoline and propane), an automatic transfer switch, a remote start option, and a battery tender that keeps things running smoothly in an emergency.

With 7,000 watts of continuous run power and 9,000 watts of surge power, the unit should be more than enough to power small appliances, phones, computers, and other necessities around the house.

A low oil shutoff switch that safeguards the engine, a four-wheel design for effortless mobility and storage, and quiet power at 68 decibels are just a few of the convenience and safety features.

Wattage: 7,000 (regular run), 9,000 (surge power) | Size: 27 x 25 x 21 inches | Weight: 237 pounds | Fuel Source: Gas, propane | Warranty: 3-year residential

5.Jackery Power Station

Gas and propane may be scarce during an emergency, but the sun’s power is limitless and will always be present. Thus, if you’re searching for a solar-powered solution, Jackery’s Explorer is a great option.

With two Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels (separately offered), the power bank may be fully charged in six hours or in five hours when using an AC wall outlet.

It can run the majority of household equipment (fridges, fans, coffee machines, etc.) in an emergency because to its 1,002 watt-hour (Wh) power output. Additionally, an ergonomic handle and one-touch start-up are included. Eight plugs (three AC, one USB-A, one USB-A quick charge 3.0, and one car outlet) are among the other noteworthy characteristics.

Wattage: 1,000 | Size: 13.1 x 11.1 x 9.2 | Weight: 22 pounds | Fuel Source: Solar | Warranty: 2-year manufacturer

The Bottom Line

Our selection for the Best All-Around Whole-Home Generator is the Generac Guardian 26KW Home Backup Generator 7291. Its G-Force engine provides enough power to dependable operate the largest appliances in your house with less frequent maintenance. Better still, it has the capacity to monitor remotely and an automatic transfer switch. But given that it’s a standby generator, the price reflects that.

The Champion Power Equipment 3500W Generator is an affordable option for those seeking one. When traveling in an RV or during an emergency, this unit provides plenty of backup power. It also has a lot of safety features that everyone may appreciate and is reasonably light.

Our Testing Process

We polled our workers to find out which home generators they had tried, and the results are listed here. In evaluating whole-home and portable units, respondents took value, noise level, performance, and maintenance into account. They also graded each generator according to how portable it was. Every respondent had owned a generator for a minimum of three years.

Three of the five products on our list were chosen based on the responses to our survey, but the Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station and the DuroMax XP9000iH 9,000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator were picked after extensive investigation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Generator

Size

Size is important when choosing a generator; charging your phones, powering coffee machines, and powering microwaves and refrigerators are all very different. For instance, the Generac Guardian, which we have selected as the Best Whole-Home Generator, is a fairly sturdy device. With a weight of 518 pounds, this generator has a power output of 26,000 watts, which means it can run the largest appliances in your house. It is definitely not portable due to its skilled installation.

In the meantime, the weight of the 3500-watt portable generator from Champion Power Equipment is roughly 103 pounds. Therefore, even though you could carry it with you if necessary, this generator isn’t strong enough to keep your HVAC system operating in an emergency.

We should also mention that if you’re thinking about getting a standby generator, you’ll need to allow at least 18 inches of space between the generator’s back and your home’s exterior wall, as well as at least 5 feet between the generator and any windows or doors. Thus, your outdoor area is just as important as the unit’s size.

Type

There are several types of generators to choose from when looking for one, including backup generators, portable generators, and small portable generators.

An complete house can be powered by a whole-house or standby generator. Since these units are permanent fixtures in your house, expert installation is typically necessary.

Gas or propane are the main fuels for portable generators. When there is an outage or you need emergency electricity when camping or tailgating, these are excellent options.

For people who live in smaller locations (such as condos or apartments), compact, portable power stations are a great backup power source. They can also frequently be used to temporarily power minor household appliances.

Wattage 

When purchasing a generator, the unit’s wattage need to be the most important factor to take into account. It is best to assess the size of your house, the total amount of energy used, and the quantity of equipment (or electrical loads) that you wish to have running in the event of a power loss.

Small generators, of course, will only provide enough backup power to keep your electronics charged and provide the barest minimum of lights. Larger whole-home generators, on the other hand, might be able to supply enough backup power to power large appliances, HVAC systems, and water heaters.

Larger homes will probably need more than 20,000 watts to keep everything working, even though small generators with 5,000 to 7,000 watts would be plenty for a little home.

Fuel Source

The most common fuel sources for portable generators are gasoline and diesel, but solar generators and other alternative fuels are also becoming more widely available. Some even allow consumers to select between gas and propane (maybe depending on what they have access to in an emergency), such as Duromax’s 9000-Watt/7600-Watt Inverter.

In addition to the ones already listed, fuel-free substitutes like solar generators are also offered. These generators are handy for powering tiny appliances and devices, but their wattage is restricted, making them unsuitable for use in emergency situations.

Warranty

Since generators are not meant to be used frequently, the worst-case situation is when you turn on your backup and discover that it isn’t functioning properly. It is difficult to know because they are used so seldom. Because of this, warranties can be really useful, so make sure you search for long warranty durations.

FAQS

Is a generator necessary for my house?

Most homes do benefit from having a generator, according to Worthington. A standby generator could be helpful if homeowners reside in a region where rolling blackouts occur frequently in order to minimize any disruption to daily life while at home.

How much do generators for homes usually cost?

Whether a homeowner wants a standby or portable generator will have a significant impact on the cost of the generator, according to Worthington. Our list also confirms this. According to our study, budget generators can cost $500 or slightly less, whereas standby (whole-home) generators can cost as much as $7,000+.