Best Whole House Generators Reviewed

Did you know that 3.5 million Americans are without power each week? Losing power, whether because of inclement weather such as blizzards, wind storms, tornados, or hurricanes, can wreak havoc on your life. When the power goes down, pipes can burst, temperatures can soar or fall to uncomfortable and even life-threatening conditions, and safety alarms no longer work.

Food spoils, and the lights won't turn on. Electronics cannot be used or charged. A whole house generator can "back up" your house with power by supplying power when you need it most. A whole house generator is perfect for people who experience power outages frequently as well as those who may only experience power outages on occasion in emergency situations.

Where you live is essential when it comes to choosing your generator size. You want to select a larger generator if you expect that you will have a lot to power on an ongoing basis. For example, people who live in hurricane areas of Florida should have a large generator that can keep their power running for days at a time.

You also want to choose a larger generator if you have a lot of power needs in your home. This calculator from Kohler can help you choose the right generator size.

There are several fuel types available for whole house generators, including diesel, natural gas, liquid propane, and bi-fuel/dual-fuel systems. Always choose a fuel type that is compatible with your generator system. Bi-fuel generators allow you to use multiple types of fuel. Gasoline does not store well but might be most available in a crisis situation. Propane and natural gas are usually the best choices.

There are many different types of generators. A standby or stationary generator is a permanent fixture in your home. These generators offer the most power, the most considerable cost savings, and the best performance. However, portable generators are more cost-effective. You might want to choose a portable generator if you intend to move the generator or need to save money.

The Generac 7043 whole house generator is our top pick on this list. It is the best whole house generator for homeowners who want convenience, power, and large fuel capacity. The G-force engine is pressure-lubricated and can handle rigorous use over time. It does not require as much maintenance compared to other whole house generator models and can power your entire home.

This unit can also be purchased with a 200-amp smart switch that protects your house from electrical charges. The engine also comes with Generac’s Quiet-Test technology. This technology allows the generator to run quietly while also running a test to let you know the current power consumption.

Mobile Link remote monitoring will enable you to view the generator consumption, operating status, and all maintenance alerts on an app on any tech device. All Generac brand generators are built in the U.S.

Total harmonic distortion is the level related to the quality of electricity in your device, and the Generac 7043 has less than 5% THD. This unit is efficient and powerful. It also has a large capacity for fuel, and you won't need to restock often. The multilingual LCD display lets you know when you need maintenance or require a new battery. However, this generator does not include its own battery. Homeowners will need to purchase a battery.

The warranty also does not cover all parts, and several spare parts are not covered. We wouldn’t worry too much about either of these inconveniences. If you want the best standby whole house generator, this is it.

The Westinghouse WGen 5500 is the best portable generator for your house. It is inexpensive, easy-to-assemble, comes with a tool kit and oil, and has plenty of power to power most small to medium-sized homes. It has two ground fault circuit interrupters and features 5500 continuous watts of power.

This portable generator offers 20 hours of run time with a 6.6-gallon tank and includes a 420 CC 4-stroke OHV engine. This generator includes a built-in automatic low oil shutdown, digital hour meter, and a clean, clear control panel. It is built with durable and high-quality materials at an affordable price.

Some users did report that it was difficult to know how to properly use the generator because the instructions were unclear. It is also a heavy machine at 178.7 lbs. Some users may find that the wheels and handles are not enough to easily move the machine. But, if you want an affordable whole house generator that is also portable, you cannot go wrong with this generator.

The Generac Guardian 7030 Optimus is the a close 2nd for standby whole house generators on our list. It has an all-aluminum enclosure, which helps protect the unit from rust and inclement weather. This generator can also use both natural gas and propane to power itself.

It has a remote monitoring system that can detect when fuel is low as well as alerting you to the power output rating. The runtime remaining is also listed. These details are available on the multilingual LCD display, as well. The G-force engine is both powerful and durable. It is pressure-lubricated and requires fewer maintenance treatments.

This generator is also built by the brand Generac, which is well known for creating premium generators. This generator is easy to set-up and install, although the wiring may be difficult to reach by hand. However, it is a louder machine at 68 dB compared to the most premium whole house generators that fall below 60 dB.

This machine also has higher fuel consumption and may not be as cost-effective as other machines. If you do not mind a louder machine or higher fuel consumption, then this generator is an excellent choice for you. It is powerful, durable, and has a clean, clear display.

The Champion 100177 is the best propane whole house generator on our list. It has 8500 continuous watts of power and is air-cooled. Once permanently installed, the powerful engine has an automatic start and automatic shutoff feature, so you won't need to monitor the generator.

The 59.5 dB volume level on this generator is quiet and won't be heard indoors. This generator can also run in extreme temperatures ranging from -22 degrees to 104 degrees. Both natural gas and propane are fuel options for this generator. The starting system is made with 24-Volts and can quickly power without a warming period.

Some users have noted that this generator is difficult to install, and the wiring is inaccessible. However, hiring an installation expert can make the process a breeze. A professional installer can easily access the wiring and install the unit permanently for you. This generator also comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which is one of the best warranties on the market for propane whole house generators.

The Briggs & Stratton 76107 is the top of the range generator choice on our list. This generator comes with a 200 amp/split 400 amp automatic transfer switch. This option can save you money when installing your unit because it should fit easily into any home’s wiring set-up.

You can also place this generator closer to your home, as close as 18 inches away, which is unusual for a whole house generator. This closer placement can save space. The powerful 25,000-watt engine can power your whole house comfortably, up to 19,000 square feet. This generator comes with a five-year warranty.

Automatic start and automatic shut-off options allow your family to rest peacefully while the generator monitors itself. The generator's enclosure is fully enclosed in sleek Galvannealed Steel. This steel enclosure will protect your generator from inclement weather and holds the same durability as the steel used in vehicles. This generator is both heavy and expensive. Over 1,000 lbs., this unit will require an experienced installer.

This unit is also one of the most expensive generators in the marketplace; however, every part of this generator is commercial grade. If you want a high-quality, premier whole house generator that is durable, reliable and comes with state-of-the-art features, then it is a perfect generator for you.

The Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS is our best backup whole house generator. This generator can be connected to your home’s fuel supply and run on either natural gas or liquid propane. This means you won’t need to refuel your unit, but can let it run permanently without issues.

Kohler also sells additional accessories for this generator, including a maintenance kit and fuel regulator heater. A remote monitoring system comes with a wireless remote and allows you to access your system even when you are not home.

The monitoring system also shows the hourly fuel usage and includes overload protection notifications. An automatic shutdown system is in place for low oil. When the unit shuts down, it will also send an alert via the monitoring system. The generator is fully enclosed to avoid debris from getting stuck in the engine and fans.

Many users have reported a positive experience with their generator, but note that the technical support from Kohler is not great. If you expect to fix technical issues over the phone, this generator may not be your best option. Installation is also tricky, and professional installation is recommended for this product. This unit does come with a five-year limited warranty.

The Generac 7033 is the best generator for small houses on our list. It is similar to the Generac 7043 model but has a smaller fuel capacity. The smaller fuel capacity will not work for more substantial homes but is perfect for smaller homes that simply do not need a massive generator with large fuel capacity.

This can save small homeowners money while still providing them with a strong, durable whole house generator. It has a 16,000-watt pressure-lubricated engine and is fully enclosed with an all-aluminum exterior.

This exterior is weather-resistant and adds durability to the model. A multilingual LCD display includes a remote control and offers a mobile link remote monitoring system. This model protects sensitive electronics with less than 5% total harmonic distortion.

When purchasing a whole home generator, it is important first to calculate the size of the generator that you need. If you buy a generator that is too small, you will not be able to correctly power your home in an emergency.

This calculator from Kohler will let you determine the size of generator you need. Work your way through the questions to calculate your power requirement. As you answer, remember to answer realistically based on your average power consumption.