Best Standby Generators Reviewed

Standby Generators Compared

How Standby Generators Work

Standby generators are pretty easy to understand when it comes to operation. Essentially, these relatively large units are installed near your home and connected to its power grid. Then, when it senses that your home is experiencing an outage, it flips on automatically and begins to provide energy created by burning its own fuel. This process can go on for several hours up to several days, depending on the size and capability of the generator.

Benefits of Having Backup Stationary Generators

Installing a standby generator can provide any home with peace of mind, even if they don't experience power outages regularly. This is especially true if there are several important pieces of electronic equipment spread throughout the home, including computers and climate control equipment, that must remain in operation at all times.

Along the same lines, a standby generator allows you to continue your life as usual when a scheduled or unscheduled power outage strikes. Today’s generators even do this while producing half as much noise as past models, allowing you to use them in suburban environments with ease.

Buying a High-Quality Standby Generator

Dimensions

All standby generators are sizable appliances, thus requiring you to take their physical dimensions into account. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of space between the side of your home and a neighbor’s property line. Standby generators should always be placed several feet away from your home and any fences, too, to decrease fire risks.

Home Power Needs

Before ever shopping for a standby generator, you should take some time and appraise your home’s power needs. This includes any appliances that you deem “absolutely necessary,” such as medical equipment, a climate control system, or a sump pump. If they are available, check how much electricity those appliances regularly draw to operate and combine that sum to determine your home’s power needs.

Fuel Type & Operating Cost

Today's standby generators operate on one of two primary fuel source – propane or natural gas. Propane is reasonably safe to store, so you are able conveniently able to keep a fuel reserve in case your generator’s first tank-full runs dry. However, natural gas models have also become increasingly popular while that fuel source remains cheap in many areas.

Transfer Switch

This is an essential component of your chosen standby generator. When triggered, this component automatically (or manually, if so desired) cuts off your circuit breaker during an outage and engages your standby generator in turn. Without it, utility workers may be put in danger when they come to repair your home’s in-line connection, not to mention the fact that it puts your in-home appliances at risk of enduring a surge.

Noise Level

Standby generators always produce a noticeable level of noise while in operation. However, you’ll want to pick out a model that handles its own noise production efficiently. This is most often accomplished through internal sound deadening, which helps keep your standby generator from bothering neighbors while in use.

Durability

Naturally, you’ll want to select a standby generator that can take the wear and tear of the elements year after year. This may come in the form of a unit with an enclosure made from a particularly resilient material. Ideally, such an enclosure should be able to stand up to impacts effectively while preventing corrosion from ever taking hold of your generator’s internal components.

Price & Warranty

Only purchase a standby generator when you know that you’re getting a good deal on it. Usually, you’ll know that you’re getting the best price if you compare it to the prices offered by popular online retailers. These price comparisons should account for the added value of a warranty as well because such a policy can save you some serious money down the line.

1. Generac 7043

Hands down, the Generac 7043 is the best standby generator you’ll find on the market today. That’s because this affordable model manages to remain kind to your wallet while providing some of the best features of any model in its mid-range class. This includes a quiet test mode that will end the days of bothering your neighbors with weekly testing.

In terms of core performance, this model’s 200-watt transfer switch always comes through in a pinch. At that point, the Generac 7043's patented G-Force engine begins to burn natural gas (or propane, alternatively) efficiently.

Both you and your chosen maintenance team will also be able to keep track of this unit’s performance stats remotely from either a mobile or desktop platform – all without needing to go and lift the lid on this unit’s durable powder-coated all-aluminum enclosure.

2. Briggs & Stratton 40346

When it comes to the best home backup generator, you need not look further than the Briggs & Stratton 40346. Though its kilowatt output is a little lower than expected, it goes beyond expectations when it comes to its maximum noise level of only 64 dB.

Both are the direct result of this unit’s V-Twin commercial-grade Vanguard engine, which dramatically reduces inefficiency and excessive noise when paired with this model's Symphony II power management system.

Speaking of the Briggs & Stratton 40346’s quiet operation, this standby generator’s automotive-style exhaust system and sound dampening technology both play an important role that cannot be ignored.

The same goes for this unit’s post-manufacturing testing, which meets rigorous National Fire Protection Agency standards for installation. As such, you’ll be able to place this unit as close as 18” away from your home.

3. Generac 70321 Optimus

Those who are looking for a slightly smaller standby generator option might be interested in the Generac 70321 Optimus, which is fully deserving of the “best 11kW home standby generator” moniker. That’s because this compact unit produces surprisingly little noise - 63 dB to be precise - for an 11kW generator. Even this model’s G-Force engine is easy to handle and only requires re-oiling once every two years.

Unlike some larger generators, the Generac 70321 Optimus utilizes a Direct-To-Dirt composite mounting pad that allows for more installation flexibility. Once it's up and running, you can expect this model's NEMA 3R outdoor aluminum enclosure to resist everything from the elements to hard impacts.

During a storm, you won't need to go out and inspect this generator’s control panel, either, so long as you take advantage of this model’s Mobile Link wi-fi remote monitoring compatibility.

4. Generac Guardian 7030 Optimus

On the smaller end of the spectrum, the best 9kW small standby generator remains the Generac Guardian 7030 Optimus. This unit makes the most of its minimized operational capacity by only requiring a 100-watt transfer switch (which it comes pre-packaged with). Better yet, its core operations only result in less than 5% total harmonic distortion, thus proving its fuel efficiency while utilizing natural gas.

The Generac Guardian 7030 Optimus’ Evolution digital controller is also a prime example of what all other standby generators large and small should look and operate like. First off, its programmable-exerciser allows you to easily schedule weekly tests without any of the hassle. Meanwhile, this digital controller’s 2-Line LCD display is multilingual, allowing all users to interface with it without confusion.

5. Generac RG03015ANAX Protector Series

If diesel fuel is going to be your go-to fuel source, then you should certainly pick up the best diesel standby generator, otherwise known as the Generac RG03015ANAX.

As a part of this brand’s trusted Protector series, you can expect this unit to provide you with 30,000 watts of power when you need it most. Though its 4-cylinder engine is a little louder than most, you can also expect it to last several decades due to its liquid-cooled heat management system.

Also, not everything about this generator is “loud" per se. In fact, its weekly tests whisper on by at only 59 dB. This model’s immense weight should be a clear indicator of the Generac RG03015ANAX’s durability, though. This derives from this model’s corrosion-resistant reinforced aluminum enclosure, which is coincidently the very best in its class when it comes to resisting seawater.

6. Champion 8.5-kW

If you’re trying to save a bit of money while protecting your home, then you won’t go wrong with the Champion 8.5-kW. As the best budget standby generator on the market today, you should be fully satisfied with this model’s numerous improvements over older cheap generators, including its incredibly soft 59 dB operational noise level. This model’s extended 10-year warranty is also a significant improvement over even more expensive units in this collection.

At its core, the Champion 8.5-kW’s 39cc OHV engine does more than just output enough electricity to power a couple of appliances concurrently. In fact, it includes a 24-volt auto-start module and a low oil shutdown function that will allow this generator to almost entirely control itself. This generator is also among the best for folks living in variable climates as it has been tested to reliably operate at between -22° F and 104° F.

7. Briggs & Stratton 76107

The Briggs & Stratton 76107 is undoubtedly among the beefier options in this collection and may well be the best 25kW standby generator available now. Though it is easily among the largest residential-class standby generators, you'll certainly find room for this unit on your property after learning that it can manage up to two 5-ton central air conditioners at once. Also, this unit can be easily integrated into almost any home’s electric grid due to its dual 200/400 amp transfer switch compatibility.

You might catch some sticker shock after checking out the expensive Briggs & Stratton 76107. But you should know that this high price is well worth paying when it comes to this model’s longevity. For example, this model will remain structurally sound when its competitors rust away thanks to its galvanneal steel and automotive rust proofing paint enclosure. This model also comes with a built-in battery charger, which most other manufacturers require you to buy separately.

8. Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS

Finally, for propane fans out there, here’s the best propane powered standby generator available today – the Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS. This modern-looking unit is exceptionally efficient when it comes to turning standard liquid propane into 20,000 watts of power in no time at all.

This model has one of the quickest initiation response times of any residential-grade generator, that of a mere 10 seconds. You'll know this generator is working, too, because it tends to roar up to 69 dB.

Fortunately, you won’t need to go near this generator while it is engaged. That’s because the Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS is fully compatible with the OnCue Plus wireless generator management system. Alternatively, when the weather is good, you’ll be able to check this unit’s LCD screen interface to find not confusing codes, but instead clear readouts for statistics such as the real-time power status.

Top Brands of Standby Generators Compared

Right now, several major standby generator brands are dominating the market – Kohler, Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Champion, just to name a few. Though certain models from each brand may cost more or less than the other, each offers different sized models that can easily fit any budget.

The "best" brand among these can be evaluated based upon what features their generators include, though, with a reliable transfer switch being the most important overall.

Home Generator Fuel Options

Diesel

Diesel has long been the go-to for generator makers and users alike. While it burns efficiently when it comes to power generation, some homeowners won't use it now because of the dangers associated with storing extra fuel canisters.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is another viable option, particularly in areas where an in-line hook up is readily available. Natural gas is fairly cheap in most parts of the US, though it burns slightly less efficiently than other fuels.

Liquid Propane

Propane is the liquid fuel source of choice for today’s standby generator owners. While it burns with comparable efficiency to diesel, it is far safer to store in bulk. Also, liquid propane-burning units tend to run slightly quieter as well.

Bi-Fuel/Dual Fuel Systems

Determining Basic Home Power Needs

To purchase a standby generator that is appropriate for your home, you must first evaluate your home's power needs. This should include appraising how much power your "essential" appliances (including medical equipment, sump pumps, and climate control units) draw while in use. Also, if your heating or hot water uses a fuel source other than electricity than you should account for this absence accordingly.

How to Install and Run a New Generator

Generally speaking, installing a new standby generator should be left to the professionals. Because of the immense amount of electricity that they output, only a professional electrician or generator installation team should be trusted to connect your unit to your home's electric grid properly. However, this video guide can give you an idea of the steps involved in this process.

Meanwhile, operating your generator safely is of the utmost importance. Safe operation begins at the installation step, though, as your unit should never operate in an enclosed space due to the risk of dangerous gas build-ups. Also, placement in proximity to your home can make a major difference when it comes to fire hazard reduction. This video guide will provide you with further insights on this front.

People also Ask (FAQs)

What type of maintenance is needed for standby generators?

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What is the importance of a generator transfer switch?

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Conclusion