The Best Home Generators to Get you Through the Next Power Outage (2024)

Not too big, not too small, this Goldilocks of generators from Generac has a claimed power output of 6,500 watts, enough to keep most households running during prolonged outages. Its five outlets make it easy to power multiple electronics — like the fridge, laptop, lights, TV and space heater or window AC (depending on the season).Our testers also like the “COSense” feature, which automatically shuts down the unit if elevated levels of the poisonous gas are detected.The GP6500comes loaded with convenience features, including durable, never-flat wheels for easy transportation, a large-capacity tank with easy-to-read fuel gauge to keep from running out of gas and low-oil shutoff, which prevents the engine from overheating if the oil level drops too low.

•Watts: 6,500
•Run time: 10.5 hours
•Weight: 177 pounds

If your backup power needs are more modest, you can opt forthis affordable Craftsman generator without sacrificing much in the way of performance or features. The engine is made by Briggs & Stratton, a reliable name in outdoor power equipment. Our testers also like the fact the machine has five outlets — four designed for standard household use and one 120-volt 30-amp RV (recreational vehicle, that is) outlet, good for taking the generator on the road. The wheel kit and handle make it easy to maneuver, and at 122 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight. In terms of safety, the CO-detection technology prevents accidental poisonings, and the low-oil shutoff protects the engine from overheating if the oil level isn't sufficient.

•Watts: 3,500
•Run time: 19 hours
•Weight: 122 lbs

With a power output of 4,000 watts, this Dewalt is a good fit for small-to-medium-size homes. It won’t keep the furnace or central AC running, but it can handle multiple appliances and electronics at once, thanks to its four covered outlets. The built-in hour meter helps you stay on top of maintenance measures like changing the oil and checking the filters. Compact storage is easy thanks to the fold-down, locking handle. Our testers also like the heavy-duty, never-flat wheels, as well as the CO detection technology.

•Watts:4,000
•Run time: 10 hours
•Weight: 119 lbs

If there’s room in the budget, a standby generator is the way to go, since it kicks on automatically and provides much more backup power than a portable model. This 22-kilowatt unit from Generac should keep the lights on, plus just about everything else in all but the biggest households. In terms of specs, it has everything our engineers look for, including the option of natural gas or propane, programmable exercise cycles to keep the engine lubed and ready, a durable powder-coat finish on the steel enclosure and 24/7/365 customer support. Our experts also like that the cost of the transfer switch is included and that the generator is WiFi-connected, so you can make sure it’s up and running if an outage strikes when you’re away from home.

•Watts:22,000
•Run time:Unlimited
•Weight: 466lbs

Homeowners with very large houses and/or a lot of energy-intensive equipment may find theyneed to invest in more backup power.Rachel Rothman, chief engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, has this model fromKohler installed at her home in New York, where she runs a lot of product tests.During Hurricane Ida and Tropical Storm Henri, when most of her area was without power, the 38-kilowatt generator kept her home fully operational for days. “We were testing kitchen appliances at the time, so the generator even powered a few extra refrigerators, in addition to my home’s central air, major appliances and electronics. I’ll never live in a home again without a standby generator.” The unit is loaded with convenience features, including remote monitoring, which ishelpful if a storm strikes when you're away from home. It's also veryquiet, maintaining54 dB(A) — normal conversation level — during standard operation.

•Watts:36,000
•Run time: Unlimited
•Weight: 1,370 lbs

Our top picks can help narrow the field, but to find the best generator for your needs and budget, consider these questions:

How do generators work?

Backup power generators provide electricity to the home with the use of two main components: a gas- or battery-powered engine that turns an on-board alternator to generate alternating current (AC) electrical power. AC power is the standard electricity used in homes, so virtually any electronic device you have in your house can be run off a backup generator.

What are the different types of home generators?

• Portable generators: Portable models outnumber standby generators in the U.S. by about 4 to 1. That’s because they’re affordable, starting around $400, and easy to use. Simply turn them on and plug any corded electronics into their outlets. The downside is that you need to be home to operate them, with ample fuel on hand (for gas versions, that is), plus most portable generators are designed to power only a handful of devices at a time.
• Standby generators: Standby options eliminate the pain points of portable generators. These stationary units are permanently installed outside the home, where they kick on automatically in the event of a power failure, sending electricity directly to the main electrical panel. Running on propane or natural gas, their power output is theoretically enough to keep the entire home running indefinitely, including any hard-wired systems, like the furnace or central AC. But they’re much more of an investment, starting around $2,000, not including installation, which could double the cost. With the largest standby generators, the all-in cost can easily exceed $20,000.

How do you choose the right home generator?

You’ll need to weigh a few factors to come up with the best home generator for your needs.

• Size: Generators are sized by power output, measured in watts. Think about your must-haves during a power outage. If you just want to be able to keep a handful of electronics running — say the refrigerator, computer and a few lights — a 2,500-watt portable generator should do the trick. If you also want to power a sump pump and multiple heaters or room ACs, you’ll need a portable generator with power output in the 5,000- to 8,000-watt range. And if you want to keep a large house running for as long as it takes, you’ll need to invest in a standby generator that can produce 20,000 watts or more. Most manufacturers have online calculators, like this version from Generac, that will help match you with the right size generator for your needs.
• Fuel type: Most portable generators run on standard gasoline from the gas station; keep in mind that, depending on the size of the generator, you’ll need between 12 and 24 gallons on hand to keep the machine running for 24 hours straight. Portable power stations have an on-board battery that’s recharged via a wall outlet or by solar panel. Standby generators run on natural gas or propane.
• Price: Not surprisingly, price usually corresponds closely with power output. If you’re on a tight budget, be strategic about what you want to keep running during a power loss. Small portable generators (2,000 to 5,000 watts) cost between $400 and $700. Mid-sized portable generators (5,000 to 7,000 watts) cost between $800 and $1,000. Large portable generators (7,000 watts and up) cost between $1,000 and $1,200. As for standby generators, small models (7,500 to 10,000 watts) cost between $2,000 and $3,500, while the largest models (50,000 to 100,000 watts) cost between $15,000 and $20,000. Installation can double the total cost of a standby generator (more on that below).

How do you install a home generator?

Portable generators don’t require any installation. However, if you want to connect the machine directly to your home’s main electrical panel, instead of running extension cords to individual appliances and electronics, you’ll need to hire an electrician to install a transfer switch. This add-on will make the generator much easier to use, but you’ll still need to be home to manually activate the switch, and installation costs average around $1,000. That's about what you'll spend on the installation of an entry-level standby generator, which is permanently connected to your home's electrical panel by a professional electrician. So it might make more sense to choose a smaller standby unit, rather than a portable model with transfer switch.

How can home generators be used safely?

Though home generators can be true life savers, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is real if they’re not used properly. In fact, the machines cause about 75 deaths that way every year. Manufacturers have done their part by equipping more portable generators with CO sensors that automatically shut down the generator if elevated levels of the gas are detected; all of our recommended models have this safety feature. Even with the sensor, proper usage is essential. Never operate a generator inside a home or garage, even if the windows and doors are open. Place the unit at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust pointed away from any windows, doors or air conditioners.

What are the maintenance requirements of home generators?

Since home generators often sit dormant for long stretches, it's important to keep them well maintained. Give portable generators a run every few months, for 20 minutes or so, to stay familiar with the equipment and to keep the engine lubed. Keep tabs on your fuel supply, and keep the gas in the tank fresh by adding fuel stabilizer, available online, or anywhere outdoor power equipment is sold. It’s also vital to change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions; some generators have hour meters that help you stay on top of maintenance — for example, telling you to change the filter after 50 or 100 hours of run time. As for standby generators, most models automatically run through exercise cycles on a monthly basis, so you don’t have to be as hands-on with the maintenance. But it’s a good idea to have the equipment serviced annually by a qualified professional.