Top 10 Best Home Generators in 2024

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For a regular homeowner, buying a standby or portable generator does not make much sense. Blackouts seem to happen less often in some areas but there are still some zones where the power grid is very unstable. However, blackouts can also be caused by other factors. Over the past decade, we have seen natural disasters have caused multiple areas to be completely isolated for days or weeks. A lot of people were caught unprepared. During these times, generators prove their worth.

Having power during a blackout can save lives especially when temperatures drop. According to some statistics, 2011 has been a record-setting year for grid-disabling disasters in the US when 21 million people have been affected. If we were to add the number of households that were affected by regular blackouts, things become even more alarming. It is more and more common to see power shortages during the summer when energy consumption increases significantly.

What Type Of Generator To Choose?

There are several different types of generators. The smaller ones are usually portable and come with caster wheels. Their main goal is to be used wherever they are needed as they are mobile. They will not be able to power an entire household but they can provide power for a computer and a few other low consumers. Larger models are usually more expensive but they can support more energy consumers.

In order to power an entire house, it is necessary to look for a standby generator. They can be used to power a household or they can be used for commercial purposes. Since they are much bigger but provide much more power, standby generators are usually quite expensive. When choosing which type to get it is important to set a budget and get the most powerful option available. Also, it is important to estimate just how much power would be needed when a blackout occurs.

Best Home Generators in 2024

For our list, we selected several portable and standby generators. This way everyone should be able to find something that suits their needs. With no further ado let’s get right into our list starting with number 10. Here are the top 10 best home generators in 2024 reviews.

10. Ai Power SUA12000EC 12000-Watt Gas Powered Generator

A-iPower SUA12000EC 12000-Watt Gas Powered Generator W/Electric Start (CARB/EPA), 12000 Watt, Wheel Kit Included

One of the higher-performing Home Generators, the SUA12000EC provides plenty of wattage. This allows appliances, such as freezers, refrigerators, and washing machines, to be used at the same time as power tools.

Features:

  • The SUA12000EC has several outlets on the front panel.
  • Ergonomically angled control panel
  • Weatherproof cover
  • Electric start
  • CSA and EPA approved
  • 12,000 watts starting power and 9,000 watts running power
  • 16HP engine

Cons:

  • Although this generator is said to run quietly, it is actually quite loud.

Verdict:

Even though this generator has a single-cylinder engine, it provides plenty of power for its size.

9. Pulsar 12,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator - 9500 Rated Watts & 12000 Peak Watts - Gas & LPG - Electric Start - Transfer Switch & RV Ready - CARB Compliant

The G12KBN portable generator operates on liquid propane or gasoline. In the event of an emergency, this can be beneficial when it comes to finding fuel as well as storage.

Features:

  • 1 12V DC output
  • 1 120V/240V 50A outlet
  • 1 120V/240V 30A outlet (twist-lock)
  • 4 120V 20A AC outlets
  • Operates for 12 hours at half load when running gasoline in the eight-gallon tank
  • Never-flat wheels
  • Drop down handles for easier storage
  • Propane hose included
  • Low oil automatic shut-off
  • Automatic voltage regulation

Cons:

  • Some users have said the generator does not run well when using propane, which could be a regulator problem.

Verdict:

A powerful generator, the G12KBN will produce 12,000W when using gasoline and 10,800W using propane to provide power to the home as needed during outages.

8. Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel (Gas and Propane) Portable Generator

Sale RAINIER R12000DF Dual Fuel (Gas and Propane) Portable Generator with Electric Start - 12000 Peak Watts & 9500 Rated Watts - CARB Compliant - Transfer Switch Ready

The Rainier R12000DF may be a portable generator, but it is equipped with a 457cc engine that will provide power to several appliances as well as an air conditioner at the same time.

Features:

  • Electric start
  • 1 TT-30R 120V 30 AMP outlet
  • 1 L5-30R 120V 30 AMP outlet
  • 2 5-20R 120V 20 AMP outlets
  • Wheel kit included
  • EPA and CARB compliant
  • VFT display featuring frequency, volts, and lifetime hours
  • 2 foam grip handles
  • 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts using gasoline
  • 10,800 peak watts and 8550 running watts using propane

Cons:

  • The weight of the Rainier R12000DF makes it somewhat difficult to pull to different locations.

Verdict:

This generator can be used with propane or gasoline and has a large capacity tank. When using gasoline, it can provide power for approximately seventeen hours. Alternating the fuel sources offers even longer running time.

7. All Power America 10000 Watt Dual Fuel Generator

All Power, APGG10000-10,000 Watt Starting Power Generator JD Engine Gasoline Electric Start Portable Wheel Steel Frame

The APGG10000GL generator is affordable and long-running in between refueling. In addition, with a noise level of 76 dB, it is one of the quieter running generators.

Features:

  • 15 HP 420cc OHV engine
  • Electric start
  • 1 12V DC outlet
  • 1 120/240V twist-lock outlet
  • 1 120V twist-lock outlet
  • 4 AC Duplex 120V outlets
  • Flat-free wheel kit included
  • 10,000 peak watts and 8,000 power watts using gasoline
  • 8,500 peak watts and 7,000 power watts using propane

Cons:

  • The sleeves on the handle grips are prone to coming off when moving the generator.

Verdict:

This generator is very well made, easy to assemble, and will provide power for an average size home for several hours during outages.

6. WEN 56475 4750-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator

Sale WEN 56475 4750-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start and Wheel Kit, Yellow and Black

Offering affordability and providing overall good performance, the WEN 56475 generator features a digital readout for ease of maintenance including oil changes.

Features:

  • Electric start
  • Overload protection
  • 223CC engine
  • Provides 4,750 peak watts and 3,750 power watts
  • EPA and CARB approved
  • Wheel kit included
  • Automatic voltage regulator
  • Low oil shutdown

Cons:

  • Several purchasers have complained about generators being damaged or missing parts when received.

Verdict:

The WEN 56475 generator has a 4-gallon tank that will provide up to eleven hours of use at half-load during power outages or other situations.

5.Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Sale Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas & Propane Powered

When it comes to Home Generators, the Wgen7500DF offers a simple electric start with the push of a button and an onboard battery charger to provide start-up whenever it is needed. An added bonus is a remote that will start the generator from as far as 109 yards away.

Features:

  • Gasoline or propane powered
  • 9,500 peak watts and 7,500 power watts using gasoline
  • 8,550 peak watts and 6,750 power watts using propane
  • 1 L14-30 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
  • 2 GFCI 5-20R 120V household outlets
  • CSA, CARB, and EPA compliant
  • 420cc Westinghouse 4-stroke engine
  • Automatic shutoff for low oil
  • Digital hour meter

Cons:

  • Many buyers are reporting a problem with getting this generator to start within a short time after purchasing it.

Verdict:

Affordably priced and powerful enough to run several appliances and lights at the same time, this generator will run for approximately ten hours on one tank of gasoline. It can be switched from one fuel source to another while it is in operation.

4. Duromax XP4850EH

Sale DuroMax XP4850EH Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered-Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Green

A very portable generator weighing only 130 pounds, the Duromax XP4850EH has a 7HP engine and provides enough power for lights, a refrigerator, and other essential items during power outages.

Features:

  • Runs on propane or gasoline
  • Delivers 4,850 peak watts and 3,850 constant watts using gasoline
  • Provides 4,608 peak watts and 3,658 running watts using propane
  • Key start
  • 2 120V, 20AMP outlets
  • EPA approved
  • Low oil indicator
  • Runs for over 10 hours at half-load on gasoline and more than 8 hours at half-load on propane

Cons:

  • Several buyers have reported that they have had problems with the propane regulator leaking.

Verdict:

The XP4850EH is affordable and can be changed from gasoline to propane by simply flipping a switch. This generator has 4 motor mounts allowing quieter operation at only 69 decibels, which is equivalent to that of a normal conversation between people at a distance of 3 feet.

3. DuroMax Hybrid Dual Fuel XP12000EH 12,000-Watt Portable Generator

Sale DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator, Black and Blue

The DuroMax XP12000EH has been called the “Beast” because it provides more power than portable generators offer. It will power a central AC system in addition to other appliances throughout the home in a power outage with ease.

Features:

  • Runs on gasoline or propane
  • Provides 12,000 peak units and 9,500 running units using gasoline
  • Provides 11,400 peak units and 9,025 running units using propane
  • Can run 120V and 240V at the same time or 120V full power
  • CARB and EPA approved
  • 1 50AMP heavy-duty outlet
  • 1 120/240V 30AMP outlet
  • 2 120V/20AMP outlets
  • 18HP 457cc OHV engine
  • Electric key start
  • Control panel with circuit breakers, an indicator for low oil, and a voltmeter

Cons:

  • Some problems concerning the carburetor and electric starter that prevent the generator from starting and running have been reported by users.

Verdict:

The DuroMax XP12000EH is an affordable, heavy-duty, and long-running generator, even when providing power for several appliances, lights, and AC systems during outages.

2. Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter

Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter, Yellow

Converting DC current to AC current, this Champion inverter offers 3500 running watts that can last for up to seventeen hours at twenty-five percent load, making it a good choice for long-term needs.

Features:

  • Power can be increased by purchasing an optional Parallel Kit
  • 1 12V DC outlet includes a dual USB adapter
  • 2 120V 20A household outlets
  • 1 120V 30 RV outlet
  • Cables for charging batteries
  • Quiet running
  • Provides clean power for sensitive electronics
  • Produces 4,000 starting watts and 3,500 running watts
  • Economy Mode option extends engine life and uses less fuel

Cons:

  • This generator is an open-frame model and does not have wheels. It must be manually started and has no GFCI outlets.

Verdict:

This is a very affordable choice for homes or RVs and provides enough power to run several items at a time without a problem.

1. Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start

Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start

This Champion generator features an electric start with a built-in battery charger. This keeps the battery charged even when you are using the generator, and it comes ready to use.

Features:

  • Runs on propane or gasoline
  • Propane hose is included
  • Never-flat tires
  • Fold down handle for easy storage
  • Runs for approximately 9 hours on gasoline or 10 ½ hours on propane at a 50% load
  • Built-in surge protector
  • Noise level is minimal at 68 decibels
  • 2 120V 20A household outlets
  • 1 120V 30A locking outlet
  • 1 120V 30A RV outlet
  • Champion 224cc single-cylinder OHV motor
  • Low oil sensor automatically shuts down the generator
  • Produces 4,750 starting watts and 3,800 running watts using gasoline
  • Produces 4,275 starting watts and 3,240 running watts using propane
  • EPA and CARB compliant

Cons:

  • Although the generator is advertised with a noise level of only sixty-eight decibels, some users have said the actual level is louder – between seventy-seven and eighty decibels.

Verdict:

Champion has been designing and producing power equipment since 2003. This Champion generator is affordable and can provide power during outages for a number of motor-driven appliances as well as lights and other household essentials without a problem.

Things To Keep In Mind

When looking at various generators it is important to look at their power output. Most manufacturers list the starting watts which is just a marketing strategy. The value that matters the most is the number of watts the generator can push continuously.

The most reliable generators are the standby ones. Portable ones are also great but they are limiting in terms of how many items can be supplied with power. If the budget is a problem, then there is no another option to go for other than portable generators. Standby models are quite expensive and not everyone finds themselves needing such a bit generator. These models are more often used for commercial purposes. A regular household tends to go for a small portable generator.

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One Comment

  1. Attention:

    My name is James Carter and I would like to order some Home standby Generac generators. Below is the information for a quote:

    22KW Home standby Generac generator with 200 amp transfer swtich
    Quantity: 2

    I will be picking up the generators once you have them ready for pick up (No Installation). Kindly email back the pricing so we can proceed. Please advice the brands you can get if you dont have the Generac brand. I will look forward to your reply.

    Best Regards
    James Carter

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