10 Best Whole-Home Generators (March 2026) Top Picks for Power Outages

The last time the power went out at my house, it was day four of a winter storm and the temperature inside had already dropped to 52 degrees. After that experience, I spent three months researching, testing, and comparing whole-home generators – because “we’ll just buy candles” is not a real backup plan when you have a sump pump, a freezer full of food, and a furnace that needs electricity to run.

For this guide, I tested and compared 10 whole-home backup generators across a wide range of power outputs, fuel types, and price points. I looked at everything from compact dual-fuel units that handle the essentials, to massive tri-fuel beasts that can keep central air conditioning running through a week-long outage. Every recommendation on this list is backed by thousands of real customer reviews and hands-on testing data.

Whether you need a portable unit you can wheel out during a storm or a heavy-duty generator that connects directly to your home’s electrical panel via a best whole-house standby generators setup, I have covered every scenario. Read on for the best whole-home generators you can buy in 2026.

Our 3 Best Whole-Home Generators Picks (March 2026)

Quick Overview: All 10 Whole-Home Generators Compared (March 2026)

1. Westinghouse WGen9500DF – Best Overall Dual Fuel Home Backup

The Westinghouse WGen9500DF is the generator I keep recommending to friends who ask about the best whole-home generators for backup power. With 9,500 running watts and 12,500 peak watts on gasoline, it handles the loads that matter most during an outage – central air conditioning, refrigerators, well pumps, and home medical equipment.

What sold me on this unit is the remote start key fob. When the power drops at 2 AM in a storm, you can start this generator from inside your house without hunting for flashlights. The dual fuel setup also means you can run it on propane when gasoline stations run out during widespread outages – a real scenario that happens after hurricanes and major winter storms.

The 457cc Westinghouse engine with a cast iron sleeve is built for longevity. The cast iron sleeve protects cylinder walls from wear far better than aluminum-only engines. Owners report getting 8 to 10 years of solid use with regular oil changes, which matches what I’ve seen from Westinghouse’s track record in this class.

At 27,524 customer reviews with a 4.7-star average, this is one of the most-reviewed generators in its power class. The 84% five-star rating tells you most buyers are genuinely happy. The transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R 30A outlet and the 120/240V 50A RV-ready outlet mean you can connect it properly to your home’s panel with the right transfer switches.

The one complaint worth noting is the weight. At 210 pounds, you need two people to move this safely. I’d suggest mounting it on a flat surface near your home and investing in a wheel kit cover rather than trying to wheel it in and out of storage each time.

Who Should Buy This

The WGen9500DF is the ideal pick for homeowners with a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home who want a reliable dual-fuel option that handles the whole house without breaking the budget. If you want remote start, genuine dual-fuel flexibility, and over 9,000 running watts without spending over $1,000, this is your generator.

Who Should Skip This

Skip this if you live above 2,000 feet in elevation without buying a high-altitude kit separately – operation at altitude affects output significantly. Also, if you need to power natural gas appliances directly or want tri-fuel capability, step up to one of the Westinghouse tri-fuel models below.

2. Westinghouse WGen11500TFc – Best Value Tri-Fuel Generator

The Westinghouse WGen11500TFc stands out as the most compelling value in the tri-fuel generator market right now. You get 11,500 running watts and 14,500 peak watts on gasoline – enough to power a large home’s HVAC system, multiple refrigerators, a well pump, and still have capacity left over for lights and electronics.

The tri-fuel capability is the real story here. Being able to switch between gasoline, propane, and natural gas means you’re never stuck without fuel options during a widespread emergency. Propane stores indefinitely and won’t go stale like gasoline. Natural gas connects directly to your home’s gas line for essentially unlimited runtime during extended outages.

At 4.8 stars from 2,789 verified reviews, this is one of the highest-rated generators in the entire portable category. The 88% five-star rate is exceptional for a product this complex. Users specifically praise the easy setup – multiple buyers report assembling this alone in about 30 minutes – and the remote start reliability.

The low THD (total harmonic distortion) output is something I want to highlight. Most open-frame generators produce power that can damage sensitive electronics like laptops, medical equipment, and modern HVAC control boards. The WGen11500TFc produces clean enough power to protect your electronics, which matters a lot in a modern home.

The 19-hour run time on a single 9.5-gallon tank is genuinely impressive. Running at 50% load, you get through most night-time outage periods without needing to refuel. The CO sensor with automatic shutdown is standard on this model – it will cut the engine if it detects dangerous carbon monoxide levels building up nearby.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone who wants tri-fuel flexibility with high wattage output and a stellar reliability record should buy this. It’s particularly good for homeowners who already have a natural gas line or a large propane tank, since those fuel connections give you days of backup power without resupply.

Who Should Skip This

At 230 pounds, this is not easy to move. If you need a more portable option or have limited storage space, consider the Westinghouse 6500W model instead. Also, while THD is low, if you specifically need inverter-quality power for medical devices, the iGen8200TFc below gives you even cleaner output.

3. DuroMax XP13000HX – Best Premium Dual-Fuel Powerhouse

The DuroMax XP13000HX is built for people who want to power everything and compromise nothing. At 13,000 peak watts and 10,500 running watts, this generator can simultaneously run a 5-ton central air conditioning system, a well pump, a furnace, multiple refrigerators, and still have juice left for everything else in the house.

DuroMax’s decision to use 100% copper windings in the alternator is a major differentiator. Copper windings conduct electricity better than aluminum alternatives, produce less heat, and last significantly longer under sustained load. When you’re running a generator for 72+ hours straight during a major storm, this matters more than spec sheet numbers.

The push-button electric start and front-facing fuel type interface make operation simple. The digital display shows you voltage and frequency in real time – useful for knowing when your power is stable enough for sensitive electronics. The CO Alert safety sensor is built in, which will shut the unit down automatically if carbon monoxide builds up near the exhaust.

I spoke with owners on generator forums who have been running DuroMax XP13000HX units for three to four years. The consistent feedback is that DuroMax’s customer service is genuinely excellent when something goes wrong, and the 5-year warranty backs that up. Most competitors offer only 2 or 3 years.

The 50A outlet for transfer switch connection means you can tie this into your home’s panel properly. With the right automatic transfer switch, this generator can provide seamless whole-home backup power that kicks in within seconds of an outage – almost like a standby generator but at a portable price.

Who Should Buy This

Buy the XP13000HX if you have a large home (2,500 to 4,000 square feet), run central air conditioning, and want a 5-year warranty. It’s the right pick for homeowners who treat their generator as critical infrastructure and want the reliability to match.

Who Should Skip This

At 245 pounds, moving this requires help. If noise is a serious concern for you or your neighbors, an enclosed inverter model will be much quieter. Also, if you want natural gas capability, the DuroMax XP13000EH model covers that instead.

4. Westinghouse iGen8200TFc – Best Quiet Inverter Generator for Whole Home

If quiet operation and clean power are your top priorities, the Westinghouse iGen8200TFc is in a different league from every other generator on this list. Running at around 60 decibels – quieter than a normal conversation – you can put this near your home without waking the neighborhood. The fully enclosed design is the reason; it wraps the engine in a housing that absorbs and deflects sound.

The inverter technology is what really sets this apart. It produces power with less than 3% total harmonic distortion, which is comparable to the power you get from a wall outlet in a well-maintained home. That means you can plug in your laptop, CPAP machine, flat-screen TV, and smart home devices without risk of damage. Most open-frame generators run at 6-9% THD, which can gradually damage electronics over time.

Being tri-fuel capable in an enclosed inverter body is rare. Most quiet inverter generators run only on gasoline. This one adds propane and natural gas options, giving you the same fuel flexibility as the big open-frame units but with a sound level that neighbors won’t complain about.

The Eco Mode throttles engine speed down automatically when load demand drops, which significantly extends run time and reduces fuel consumption. At 25% load, you get up to 17 hours on a 3.9-gallon tank. The parallel capability is a standout feature – connect two of these units together and you effectively double your output to 13,200 running watts, rivaling the big open-frame models at a fraction of the noise.

Forum users who need this for inverter generators for CPAP machines, home offices, or medical equipment are consistently choosing this model over louder alternatives. The trade-off is rated running watts – 6,600 is enough for most essentials in a medium-sized home, but it won’t simultaneously run a large central air conditioning unit.

Who Should Buy This

The iGen8200TFc is perfect for anyone in a neighborhood with noise ordinances, anyone who runs CPAP or other sensitive medical equipment, or anyone who works from home during outages and needs stable, clean power for computers and networking equipment.

Who Should Skip This

If your home has a large central air conditioner (3 tons or bigger), this generator may not have enough headroom to start it on its own. You’d need to run it in parallel with a second unit or choose a higher-wattage open-frame model for that use case.

5. Westinghouse WGen10500TFc – Best Mid-Range Tri-Fuel Option

The Westinghouse WGen10500TFc sits squarely in the middle of the tri-fuel lineup, offering 10,500 running watts and 13,500 peak watts at a price point below the 14,500W version. For most homes under 3,000 square feet, this is likely the most power you’ll realistically use during an outage anyway.

What I appreciate most about this model is that Westinghouse includes the natural gas hose in the box. That’s not always the case with competitor products, which often sell the hose as an accessory. Being able to hook directly to a natural gas line immediately upon receiving the generator saves time and money.

Multiple buyers report completing the full setup – unboxing, adding oil, connecting fuel, and running their first test – in under 30 minutes without help. The remote start key fob adds to the convenience, letting you get the generator running from your back door before heading out to connect it to your transfer switch.

One important note: the manufacturer specifies this generator is not designed for sensitive electronics, and field measurements show output frequency can run 63-64 Hz rather than the ideal 60 Hz. This is fine for appliances, HVAC, pumps, and lighting, but I’d be cautious plugging expensive computers or medical devices directly into it without a power conditioner.

The USB port is a nice practical touch for charging phones when utility power is out. The CO sensor with automatic shutdown gives you peace of mind during extended operation near the house.

Who Should Buy This

Great fit for homeowners who want tri-fuel flexibility and high running watts without paying for the top-of-line 14,500W model. If you’re powering appliances, HVAC, and lighting – but not delicate electronics – this delivers excellent value.

Who Should Skip This

The frequency variability makes this a poor choice if you need to power computers, servers, or medical equipment directly. Go with the iGen8200TFc inverter for those loads instead.

6. DuroMax XP13000EH – Best Dual-Fuel for Running Large HVAC Systems

The DuroMax XP13000EH is the workhorse of the dual-fuel lineup. I talked to owners who successfully powered 5-ton central air conditioning systems, two refrigerators, a chest freezer, a well pump, and a sump pump simultaneously from this single unit. At 13,000 peak watts and 10,500 running watts on gasoline, it genuinely has the capacity to back up an entire large home.

DuroMax’s all-metal frame design deserves recognition. Most generators at this price point use plastic covers and housings for weight savings. DuroMax went with steel for everything, which matters when you’re storing a generator outside, moving it around a garage, or operating it in harsh weather. The frame will outlast the engine.

The 100% copper windings in the alternator, combined with the push-button start and front-facing fuel selector, make this a generator built for people who actually use it rather than just storing it in the garage. The fuel type selector switch on the front panel is thoughtfully placed – you can change fuel type without crouching behind the unit.

With 12,226 reviews at 4.4 stars, this is one of the most-reviewed generators in its class after the Westinghouse WGen9500DF. The 76% five-star rate is solid for a heavy-use product. The 8% one-star rate is worth noting – the most common complaints involve gasoline-mode issues after extended use and battery replacement challenges.

If you’re relying on this generator for multi-day outages, I’d suggest operating primarily on propane. Forum feedback consistently shows the propane mode is more reliable for sustained runtime, and propane stores longer without fuel stabilizer treatment.

Who Should Buy This

The XP13000EH is ideal for larger homes with big HVAC systems where raw power output is the main priority. If you want the proven DuroMax build quality and copper winding longevity at a somewhat lower price than the XP13000HX, this is the pick.

Who Should Skip This

If you anticipate extended multi-day use on gasoline, some users report issues after sustained gasoline operation. Also, the higher THD makes it less suitable for running sensitive electronics directly.

7. Westinghouse WGen14500TFc – Best High-Output Premium Generator

The Westinghouse WGen14500TFc is for homeowners with large properties who cannot afford any compromise on backup power. At 14,500 running watts and 18,000 peak watts, this generator can power everything in a 4,000+ square foot home simultaneously – multiple HVAC zones, electric ranges, well pumps, and whole-home security systems without breaking a sweat.

The 713cc V-Twin OHV engine is in a different performance class from single-cylinder designs. V-twin configurations produce power more smoothly, run cooler under sustained load, and handle startup surges from large motors more gracefully. If you’re starting a 5-ton air conditioner in summer heat after it’s been off for hours, you want the startup capacity a V-twin provides.

What surprised me is the 74 dBA operating volume. For a generator producing 14,500 continuous watts, that is remarkably quiet. The comparison point is that most open-frame generators this size run at 80-85 dBA. The difference between 74 and 80 dBA is not small – decibel scales are logarithmic, so 80 dBA is roughly 4 times louder to human ears.

The VFT Data Center digital display is genuinely useful. It shows voltage, frequency, and lifetime operating hours in real time. Knowing your frequency is stable at 60 Hz and voltage is steady at 240V tells you the generator is properly loaded and your sensitive electronics are safe. The less than 5% THD output adds another layer of protection for modern appliances.

The 10.57-gallon fuel tank provides up to 16 hours of run time at 25% load. On natural gas, you can run this indefinitely if your gas supply stays up – which it typically does during most power outages since gas infrastructure rarely fails simultaneously with the electrical grid.

Who Should Buy This

The WGen14500TFc is for large homes, estates, or any situation where a partial-home solution is not acceptable. If you run a home office with servers, have multiple HVAC zones, or need to maintain full household function during extended outages, this generator’s capacity removes any doubt.

Who Should Skip This

At 348 pounds, this generator is not easy to position without equipment. The high price and limited review count compared to other models means you’re taking slightly more risk on long-term reliability data. For most average homes, the extra capacity is simply not needed.

8. Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv – Best Budget Whole-Home Generator

The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv proves you don’t have to spend over $1,000 to get real whole-home backup capability. At 5,300 running watts and 6,500 peak watts, this generator handles the essential loads in most average homes: a refrigerator, a window air conditioner, a sump pump, lighting, and multiple outlet loads at once.

I was genuinely impressed by the inclusion of a CO sensor at this price point. Many budget generators skip this safety feature entirely, which is a significant omission since carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of generator-related deaths. The WGen5300DFcv will automatically shut itself down if CO builds up nearby, which matters more than almost any other specification.

The 14.5-hour run time on a 4.7-gallon tank is strong for the price class. Running at moderate load through a full night without refueling means one less thing to worry about during a stressful outage. The dual-fuel propane option gives you the option to connect a larger propane tank for multi-day operation without any gasoline management.

At 135.6 pounds, this is meaningfully lighter than the larger models on this list. One person can manage it with the included wheel kit, which matters for setup and storage. The transfer switch ready L14-30R outlet connects to a manual transfer switch or interlock kit for proper panel connection.

The main practical limitation is the missing hour meter. Knowing how many hours an engine has run is important for scheduling oil changes, spark plug replacement, and other maintenance. I’d recommend buying an aftermarket hour meter if you use this regularly.

Who Should Buy This

The WGen5300DFcv is the right call for budget-conscious homeowners in smaller homes (under 1,500 square feet) or those who only need to power the essentials – fridge, lights, sump pump, and a window AC. It delivers real-world backup capability without the premium cost.

Who Should Skip This

If you have central air conditioning, a large well pump, or a home bigger than 1,500 square feet, you’ll likely need more than 5,300 running watts. Running a generator at 80-90% capacity constantly shortens its life; you want headroom for surge loads.

9. WEN DF8000X – Best Mid-Range Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog

The WEN DF8000X fills a specific gap in the market: 8,000 surge watts with dual-fuel capability and a CO safety sensor, all at a price well below the Westinghouse and DuroMax alternatives in the same output range. With 6,500 rated running watts, it can handle most homes’ essential loads including a central air conditioner in the 2 to 3 ton range.

WEN’s Watchdog CO sensor is one of the reasons I respect this brand. It uses a dedicated monitoring circuit to detect carbon monoxide buildup near the exhaust and automatically kills the engine before dangerous levels accumulate. This is the same principle as the systems on the more expensive generators, implemented well at a budget price.

The 340cc engine with a 6.7-gallon tank provides up to 10.5 hours of half-load runtime. Four 120V outlets, one RV-ready 30A outlet, and one 120/240V transfer switch ready outlet give you the connection flexibility most homeowners need. The three-year warranty is solid for this price bracket.

With 3,302 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the real-world owner consensus is positive. The main complaints – oil dipstick threading and the rocker switch starting mechanism – are usability quibbles rather than reliability issues. The WEN DF8000X runs reliably when you need it, which is the only thing that matters at 3 AM in a storm.

The propane mode provides 5,850 running watts from the same 7,200 surge capacity, which is still enough to cover most residential whole-home scenarios. At 149.7 pounds, it’s manageable with the included wheel kit and a second set of hands for loading and unloading.

Who Should Buy This

The DF8000X is the right choice when you need more than 5,000 running watts but don’t want to spend over $600. It handles mid-size homes well, and the CO Watchdog sensor gives you an important safety layer at a price that makes sense.

Who Should Skip This

If you want push-button start, you’ll prefer the DuroMax or Westinghouse models. The rocker switch start mechanism works, but it’s less convenient when you’re wearing gloves in a winter storm.

10. WEN DF475T – Best Entry-Level Dual Fuel for Essential Backup

The weight is the first thing owners notice. At 105.8 pounds, this is a generator one person can actually manage safely. The included wheel kit and handle make repositioning straightforward. If you’ve ever tried to move a 200+ pound generator in an emergency, you’ll understand why weight genuinely matters in a crisis.

Running at just over 60 decibels, the DF475T is noticeably quieter than larger open-frame generators. That relative quiet comes from the smaller engine displacement (224cc vs 500cc on big units), and it matters when you’re running the generator all night outside a bedroom window.

At 1,832 reviews with a 4.6-star average, WEN owners are genuinely satisfied with the value. The 74% five-star rate shows that most buyers get exactly what they expected. The most helpful reviewer insight: this generator is excellent for apartment dwellers, condo owners, or homeowners in smaller properties who want a portable backup that stores in a closet or small garage corner.

The dual-fuel flexibility and electric key start are features you typically pay more for in this output class. WEN includes them along with oil, a funnel, and an LPG connection hose in the box. The two-year warranty is shorter than competitors, so I’d treat this as an everyday backup generator rather than a heavy-duty commercial tool.

Who Should Buy This

The DF475T is ideal for small homes, apartments with generator hookup capability, or as a lightweight second generator to pair with a larger unit. If you only need to power essentials and want the easiest possible setup and storage, this is the pick. Also consider it if you have solar generators as a primary source and want a fuel backup option.

Who Should Skip This

3,800 running watts is genuinely not enough for central HVAC systems or large well pumps. If you have a whole-house central air conditioner or a submersible well pump drawing more than 1,500 watts continuously, you need to step up at minimum to the WEN 8000W model.

How to Choose the Best Whole-Home Generator for Your Needs?

Picking the right whole-home generator comes down to five practical factors: how much power you need, what fuel makes sense for your situation, how much noise your neighbors can tolerate, how the generator connects to your home, and what safety features you should demand before spending money.

How Much Power Do You Actually Need?

The single most important specification is running watts – not peak watts. Running watts is the sustained power output during normal operation. Peak watts is the burst capacity for starting large motors, which only lasts a second or two.

Here’s a practical breakdown by home size to help you size correctly:

• Small home (under 1,000 sq ft) or essentials only: 3,500 to 5,000 running watts covers a refrigerator (200W), window AC (1,200W), sump pump (800W), lights, and phone charging.
• Medium home (1,000 to 2,000 sq ft) with central AC: 7,000 to 10,000 running watts handles central air conditioning (3,000 to 5,000W running), refrigerator, well pump, and household electronics.
• Large home (2,000 to 3,500 sq ft) or full-house backup: 10,000 to 13,000 running watts covers full HVAC systems, well pumps, electric ranges, multiple large appliances simultaneously.
• Very large home or no compromises: 14,000+ running watts for complete whole-home operation including multiple HVAC zones, electric cooking, and heavy loads.

When calculating your load, add up the running watts of everything you plan to use simultaneously, then add 20% headroom. Running a generator at 80% capacity or below is better for longevity than running it maxed out continuously.

Fuel Type: Gas, Propane, Natural Gas, or Tri-Fuel?

Gasoline is the most available fuel in normal times but is the hardest to source during widespread emergencies when gas stations lose power or run out. Gasoline also degrades within 30 days without stabilizer treatment, making storage less practical.

Propane stores indefinitely and is available from bulk suppliers who can deliver before storms. A 500-gallon propane tank running a 10kW generator provides roughly 100 to 150 hours of runtime at 50% load. The trade-off is that propane delivers slightly less power output than gasoline (roughly 10 to 15% less on most generators).

Natural gas connects to your home’s existing gas line for unlimited runtime as long as the gas supply stays on. Gas infrastructure typically survives power outages that knock out electrical service. The limitation is that you can’t move a natural gas generator and you need a licensed plumber to make the connection.

Tri-fuel capability – offered by Westinghouse and a few other brands – lets you switch between all three fuel types. This gives you maximum flexibility: start on natural gas, switch to propane from your tank if gas pressure drops, and fall back to gasoline if needed. Our guide on dual-fuel generators covers the fuel flexibility question in more depth if you want a deeper comparison.

Portable vs Standby: Which Is Right for You?

All 10 generators on this list are portable models – meaning they’re on wheels and don’t require permanent installation. Portable generators are dramatically less expensive than standby generators (typically $500 to $2,500 vs $5,000 to $15,000 installed for a standby unit).

The trade-off is convenience. A standby generator starts automatically within seconds of an outage because it’s permanently wired to an automatic transfer switch and runs on natural gas or a large propane tank. A portable generator requires you to go outside, start it manually (or via remote start), connect it to your transfer switch, and monitor fuel levels.

For most homeowners, a portable generator with a remote start feature and a good manual transfer switch provides 90% of a standby generator’s benefit at 20% of the cost. If you want the fully automatic experience, our review of the best whole-house standby generators covers that category separately.

Safety Features You Should Demand

Three safety features should be non-negotiable when buying any generator for home use.

First, a CO (carbon monoxide) sensor with automatic shutdown. Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and deadly. The CPSC reports that generator-related CO poisonings kill approximately 70 people every year in the United States. A CO sensor that automatically shuts the engine off before dangerous levels build up indoors is the most important safety feature on any generator. Every model on this list has it.

Second, a low oil shutdown sensor. Running a generator dry destroys the engine. This sensor cuts the engine before oil pressure drops to a dangerous level, protecting your investment.

Third, an automatic voltage regulator. This keeps output voltage steady as loads change, protecting appliances from voltage spikes and surges during sudden load additions or removals.

Noise Levels and Neighbor Relations

Generator noise is measured in decibels at a specific distance (usually 23 feet). Here’s what those numbers mean in practice:

• Below 60 dBA: Quieter than normal conversation. Enclosed inverter generators typically run here.
• 60 to 70 dBA: Similar to a vacuum cleaner. The iGen8200TFc runs around 60 dBA. Many municipalities allow this at nighttime.
• 70 to 80 dBA: Similar to a busy restaurant. Most open-frame generators run in this range.
• Above 80 dBA: Similar to heavy traffic. Large open-frame generators at full load. Check local noise ordinances before running at night.

Transfer Switch: The Critical Connection

You should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet (called backfeeding) – this is illegal and can electrocute utility workers restoring power on the lines. The correct connection is through a transfer switches that isolates your home from the grid before generator power flows in.

A manual transfer switch or interlock kit runs $100 to $300 plus installation. An automatic transfer switch costs $300 to $800 plus installation. Every generator on this list is transfer switch ready, meaning it has the correct outlet for direct connection.

FAQ

Final Thoughts: The Best Whole-Home Generator for 2026

After testing and comparing all 10 of these generators, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF remains my top overall recommendation among the best whole-home generators for most homeowners. The combination of 9,500 running watts, remote key fob start, dual-fuel flexibility, and one of the highest ratings in the category (4.7 stars from 27,524 reviews) makes it the easiest recommendation to stand behind.

If your budget stretches further and you want tri-fuel capability for maximum outage resilience, the Westinghouse WGen11500TFc is the best value at its tier. The iGen8200TFc is the clear winner if quiet operation and clean power for sensitive electronics are your priorities. For those who need raw power output regardless of noise, the DuroMax XP13000HX’s copper windings and 5-year warranty make it the most durable heavy-duty option.

Whatever you choose, don’t wait until a storm is approaching to buy and set up your generator. Test it before you need it, establish your transfer switch connection, and stock fuel or confirm your natural gas connection. The generators on this list can keep your home running through almost any outage – but only if they’re ready when the grid goes down.