Every house could use a generator, although many families find them to be unaffordable. Generators are an excellent way to keep a home supplied with electricity and power in case of emergencies like blackouts, brownouts, earthquakes, tornados, and other disasters that turn off the power. They can be powered with a variety of sources, including gasoline, solar power, wind, and even stored electricity in large batteries.
Here are the 10 best whole house generators.
DUROMAX – XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator
The Duromax XP12000EH is a powerful generator perfect for entire homes and families. It is designed to be portable, so it has a protective steel cage around the generator itself as well as handles and all-terrain wheels for maximum efficiency.
The internal engine is a DuroMax 18HP, 457cc OHV Engine that has 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts. Individuals who use this generator can choose to either run it as 120 and 240 volts simultaneously with half power each or continuously and fully at 120 volts. The Duromax XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved in all 50 states, so users don’t have to worry about meeting the environmental regulations of their local area when they purchase this whole home generator.
This blue and black generator is capable of running propane or gasoline, although not both at the same time. It can run for 7-8 hours at a half load, with propane offering slightly less energy than gasoline. Each product comes with a 3-year factory warranty designed to cover regular wear and tear during use as well as general manufacturer error in the construction of the project.
A-iPOWER SUA12000E – Gasoline Powered Generator with Electric Start
The A-iPower SUA12000E is a gasoline powered generator with an electric start designed to help preserve the precious fuel. This electric start is activated by a simple push button, making it an excellent option for people who favor simplicity over complexity. The machine has a starting wattage of 12,000 and an average running wattage of 9,000.
The tank holds 7 gallons of fuel and is capable of running for nine continuous hours without struggling or experiencing brownouts. The tank is made entirely of steel and is protected by metal bars to prevent damage during hazardous weather conditions. A cord protective cover keeps all of the wires protected, while the outlets have rubber covers to stop electrical shortages in damp conditions.
This is a wheeled generator, which means it is ideally supposed to be portable. While the wheels are a tad small, they are still functional and can help users move their generator around. Finally, this device comes with a built-in DC adapter plug so that individuals can charge their batteries, cell phones, and other devices while the power is out.
Overall, this is a tough and reliable generator designed to help larger homes during power outages or other unpleasant situations.
GENERAC – 5735 GP17500E Electric Start Gas Powered Portable Generator
The Generac 5735 GP17500E is one of the most powerful portable generators currently on the market, capable of powering a home using its 16 gallon tank for 10 hours on a 50% load. This is a gasoline powered model that features a hardened 1.25 in. steel tube cradle for added durability and strength in case of disaster. The orange and black model has wheels for portability and can easily be pushed and pulled because it is designed with all-terrain capabilities. There is also an integrated lifting eye for easy transport.
This generator has a Generac 992cc OHVI engine and has an electric start to conserve fuel that can be used to power the home. This is one of the only products that has an idle control to help conserve fuel and reduce noise while in use, and also has a low oil level shutdown system. This is a great feature for people who are often forgetful because it helps prevent costly damage.
GENERAC – 7043 Home Standby Generator
The Generac 7043 is one of the greatest home standby generators currently on the market because it offers a running wattage of 9,000, providing enough energy to keep a home running during a blackout. Because it is a standby generator, it will start up automatically once the power goes out in the home, having only a small 10 second window in which it powers up and starts to provide energy.
The Generac 7043 has 24/7 technical support available for users who need immediate responses to their questions and any issues. Each product also comes with a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer designed to cover much of the wear and tear associated with the regular use of the generator. Each device is kept within an all-aluminum enclosure that is powder-coated and corrosion-resistant to provide protection in all weather conditions – especially storms.
One additional nice feature about this home generator is that it comes with an easy to read LCD display that is multilingual and keeps users up to date with the energy output and how much fuel is left in the system. The motor is also air-cooled from within and has mobile link monitoring so owners can check in on the machine whenever they want. The generator uses gasoline as fuel.
NATURE’S GENERATOR – 1800W Solar Powered Generator
This isn’t as powerful as some models, but the Nature’s Generator 1800W is still a powerhouse in disguise. This generator is great because instead of relying on traditional fuel sources such as propane or gasoline, it comes with several solar panels that store energy in a reusable battery. This means users can constantly replenish their power supply when regular resources are scarce.
Each generator thus comes equipped with the capability to transfer solar and wind energy into usable power. If those seem unattainable, the generator can also be plugged into a wall and can be charged using regular electricity. Three solar panels come with each generator and can be placed or installed around the home to provide a constant supply. This quiet and eco-friendly model makes almost no noise and can be rolled around with its simple trolley system. It is white and green and has lightweight plastic handles for easy use.
The generator is compatible with multiple outlet types like USB, AC outlet, 12V DC. The regular output is 1800 watts, which is enough to keep the essential functions of the home running.
PULSAR – PG10000B16 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The Pulsar PG10000B16 possesses a large 6. 6 gallon fuel tank that can give you up to 12 hours of continuous operation when using a half load, or up to 24 hours with a full tank. This particular generator is capable of using gasoline or propane depending on which option you find more prudent and useful. This naturally gives the Pulsar different starting and running wattages, with gasoline being 10,000 and 8,000 while propane is 9,000 and 7,000.
This generator features an electronic push start powered by an included internal battery to help preserve precious fuel and ensure the device can get up and running efficiently. This Pulsar features patented ‘switch and go’ technology, which means it can be used with half propane and half gasoline. The machine will smoothly switch between the two, ensuring an even power supply even when resources are scarce or split.
The PG10000B16 has a 420cc, 4-stroke, OHV, air cooled engine designed to remain cool under pressure and constant use. It is surrounded by powdered steel bars and also has handles that fold down for easy storage. The wheels are also beneficial because they make the generator portable without sacrificing on generator power or quality.
WESTINGHOUSE – WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start
This portable generator is gas-powered and includes a remote electric starter that comes with a built-in battery to allow starting without draining valuable power from the generator. The starter is remote and can be switched on using a fob for easy access and quick use. This model has a starting wattage of 9500 and a running wattage of 7500, perfect for the average house in the United States.
The Westinghouse Wgen7500 possesses a black and blue design and includes a 4-Stroke OHV Engine, cast iron sleeve, and rubber covers to protect the electrical outlets. A tubular steel frame adds extra protection as well, stopping debris from striking the engine of the generator during disastrous weather conditions.
One nice feature about the Wgen7500 is that it gets 16 hours of power on a single 6.6 gallon fuel tank. The remaining amount of fuel can be checked with the attached gauge. Some extra specs for this generator are that it’s EPA, CARB, and CSA Compliant while also being backed by a 3-year warranty for regular wear and tear during use. This Westinghouse is also surprisingly covered by Nationwide customer service and support for individuals who might have tech questions.
Some minor assembly is required for this model. However, this one is best suited for individuals who would like something simple and efficient while also enjoying some benefits that simplify use like the electric fob.
Champion – 7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start
The Champion 7500-Watt Dual Generator is designed to be easy to use and portable. Users can power it right out of the box using gasoline or propane. This small yellow and black wheeled number operates with a whopping 7500 watts, making it ideal for medium sized houses inhabited by families. There is an electric start with a battery included so users don’t need to waste further resources that could be used to power the home on the generator itself. This electric start is connected to an internal battery included with the machine for maximum efficiency and value.
Because this model is a member of the standard Champion line, it comes with the manufacturer’s 3-year warranty intended to cover wear and tear during basic use. Owners also gain access to free lifetime technical support so there’s always someone you can turn to if something goes wrong. Surrounding the generator is also a 1.5 in. diameter tubular steel frame for extra protection and durability during storms or other unpleasant weather conditions. A built in surge protector is also included for safety purposes.
Since this home generator can be run using gasoline or propane, it has two separate starting and running wattages: 9375 and 7500 on gasoline and 8400 and 6750 on propane. Buyers can decide which method and wattage suits them best, giving this generator a little extra versatility not seen in other models.
BRIGGS & STRATTON – 40531 12kW Standby Generator
The Briggs & Stratton is a quiet and portable inverter generator powerful enough to work as a standby generator in case of disaster. The machine features 6,500 starting watts of power and is designed to be 60% quieter than a standard generator, making it great for individuals who worry about the noise typically associated with the machines. While the product cannot be shipped to the state of California, it is approved for sale and use to the rest of the United States because of its EPA and CARB standards.
One of the selling features of this generator is that it features a highly efficient 306cc Briggs & Stratton integrated engine/alternator that is capable of providing 14 hours of run time when operating on a 25% load. Another useful feature is that the generator comes with four 120V-20A outlets, two USB outlets, and one 120V-240V locking outlet. This way, users can power and charge all of their smaller electronic outlets.
The Briggs & Stratton 40531 has a recoil starter rather than an electric one for individuals who are more comfortable with the old-fashioned mechanisms. Despite the older technology though, this generator is actually far smaller and lighter than many of its counterparts while still packing a punch.
KOHLER – 14RESAL-100LC16 14,000-Watt Air-Cooled Standby Generator
This powerful Kohler 14RESAL-100LC16 is a standby generator guaranteed to turn on immediately when the power goes out so users no longer have to worry about losing their home’s function during unpleasant blackouts and brownouts. The generator is air-cooled to prevent overheating and provides a whopping standing wattage of 14,000. The manufacturer guarantees that it will provide full power to a home within 10 seconds, ensuring there is no time left in the dark.
The generator is kept inside a 100% corrosion proof enclosure guaranteed to provide protection in all types of conditions, including those of the seaside. A 100 amp, 16-circuit, indoor, automatic transfer switch is additionally included and is CARB compliant.
Each one of these generators is sold with a 5-year/2000-hour limited warranty designed to protect against the standard wear and tear experienced by the project. This feature is especially useful for individuals who struggle with blackouts often and don’t want to go without. This generator functions with either propane or gasoline, making it versatile and suitable for rural areas that have limited resources. It can also be hooked up to a natural gas connection.
More About Generators
While generators have long been unaffordable, companies have developed new ways to produce small-scale generators that are far more powerful and inexpensive. Now, families and individuals of all budgets are able to find one capable of supplying the entire house with power for a small investment.
Before purchasing a generator, it’s important to remember that the generator needs to be able to connect to your home’s power supply. Make sure your house’s wiring is up to date and that the electrical system won’t overload with the amount of power exerted by the generator when it starts up. If you’re unsure of the system, consider contacting a licensed electrician to come out and do a check.
There are many different whole house generators on the market. When it comes down to purchasing one, you’re going to have to decide what type of power supply you want a model to have, as well as whether you enjoy portability or an electric start. Some people choose generators based off of appearance, but this should not factor into your decision. Instead, focus on practicality and what you can live with and handle.