The Most Reliable Home Generators For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Most Reliable Home Generators
Most Reliable Home Generators

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Westinghouse 15000 Watt Home Backup Portable Generator

This Westinghouse portable generator has one of the highest power output ratings among portable generators, making it one of the best gas generators on this list for meeting the power needs of smaller homes. Read Review

2. Best For Price: DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Given its consistent several-hour runtime, this unit appears to be a dependable propane-powered solution to the increasingly frequent controlled power outages that many communities have implemented to save energy. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: DuroMax XP8500E Gas Powered Portable Generator

Designed to help you get the job done, the DuroMax XP8500E Gas Powered Portable Generator is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high-voltage appliances to heavy-duty power tools. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Champion Power Equipment 100891 9375/7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

With this generator, you'll be able to power up the essentials wherever you go. This portable generator is powered by fuel and electricity, so it's perfect for powering up a tent, RV, or campsite quickly and conveniently. Read Review

5. Best Easy To Assemble: Generac 7127 IQ3500 3,500-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Generator

The Generac 7127 is the perfect addition to your emergency preparedness kit. Advanced inverter technology and enclosure design provide optimal quiet performance and durable steel enclosure for clean inverter power and easy portability. Read Review

Homeowners and renters can find themselves without electricity during a storm, natural disaster, or prolonged power outage. A generator is essential in preparing your home for these unexpected circumstances. Keeping your family safe, warm, and comfortable is critical.

Even the smallest of disruptions can make a living without electricity difficult. Fortunately, a reliable home generator can compensate for this by providing electricity until the grid is restored or repaired. A generator isn't just necessary if you live in an area prone to extended power outages or regularly experience natural disasters; it's also beneficial if you install one in your home. Installing a home generator isn't as expensive as you may think. They're an excellent way to create energy-independent living space – especially when coupled with solar panels and a battery system.

After nearly hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Westinghouse outdoor power equipment, Duromax, Champion power equipment, Generac, Wen, Durostar, Powersmart, Togopower, Honda. Among them, We think the Most Reliable Home Generator is the Westinghouse 15000 Watt Home Backup Portable Generator because it is robust and easy to operate. Alternatively, if you're looking for another option, you may go with the DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator. Our article today focuses on guidelines and tips to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Westinghouse 15000 Watt Home Backup Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.8
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

On a full 10.5-gallon tank, its gasoline-powered engine can provide up to 16 hours of continuous power, and the fuel gauge conveniently monitors the fuel level. It has an electronic start that can be activated using the generator's push button or a remote start key fob.

The generator has four standard household outlets, one 30-amp outlet ready for a transfer switch, and two USB ports for charging portable electronics. It also includes a digital display for monitoring power output and engine run-time and keeping track of scheduled maintenance items. It's a bit pricey, but the peace of mind it can provide to smaller homes during power outages may be worth it.

TOP Choice #2 DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.6
DuroMax

We like this unit because it can power more than just lights. Its 10,500 watts should be more than enough to power a central air conditioner and a refrigerator, giving you peace of mind when keeping perishables cold. We should also mention that the XP1300EH is no slouch when powering a central heating or air conditioning unit.

So, even though this unit has wheels, we consider it more of a standby than a portable unit (although its small footprint seems the right size to take on camping trips). We recommend hiring an electrician to install a transfer switch and the necessary cabling to your home's switch box. Furthermore, this generator belongs outside and undercover.

 

TOP Choice #3 DuroMax XP8500E Gas Powered Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.4
DuroMax

The portable generator from DuroMax has 7,000 running watts of power and a 7.9-gallon gasoline fuel tank for extended operation time. Its power output has impressively tiny dimensions, measuring 32 by 23 by 22 inches and weighing 200 pounds. These features, combined with a collapsible handle and never-flat tires, resulting in a generator designed for portability. It also has an electric start for a quick start.

DuroMax includes every potential tool required for routine maintenance with this generator, including a spark plug wrench, a toolset, and an oil funnel. Unfortunately, there is no digital display that tracks run-time or scheduled maintenance items, so these parameters must be tracked manually.

This Champion home generator is as versatile as it is powerful. It can run on gasoline to produce 7,500 watts or propane to produce 6,750 watts of power. A full 7.7-gallon gasoline tank can run continuously for up to 10 hours. It can run for up to five and a half hours on a 20-gallon propane tank.

This Champion generator has an electric start to eliminate the need to wrestle with a pull cord, four 120V electrical outlets to meet your power needs and distribute wattage, and two 30-amp outlets for larger appliances. It has a digital gauge that tracks the generator's power output, engine run time, and scheduled maintenance intervals. The only disadvantage is it does not have a fuel gauge, but you can see it in other ways.

The iQ3500 portable inverter generator allows you to bring power wherever you go, from tailgating parties to camping trips, the job site, and everywhere in between. The lightweight yet durable design is specifically designed for portability.

The Power Dial combines the start, run, and stop functions into a single, easy-to-use dial and Electric Start capability, all conveniently located for faster startup. Depending on your needs, you can choose between two engine speeds to significantly reduce noise and fuel consumption or maximize power response. However, this generator would produce fewer emissions in the long run because less fuel would need to be used.

You can use a portable generator for your home for short-term and limited power needs. The WEN GN6000 is an excellent choice because it provides up to 6,000 surge watts and 5,000 running watts. That's enough to simultaneously power an air conditioner, television, sump pump, and lights. It may not be enough for significant power appliances or a central cooling system, but it will make short power outages more bearable.

The WEN GN6000 is unique among portable generators because it has a transfer switch-ready NEMA L5-30R outlet. With a half-load, you can expect this portable generator to run for up to 7.5 hours before the 3.4-gallon gas tank needs to be refilled.

7 DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator
Our Score:
8.7
DuroStar

With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads ranging from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high-amperage power tools. The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that has enough power to power everything from high-voltage appliances to heavy-duty power tools.

This generator can protect your investment by automatically turning off the generator when the oil level is low. One thing to remember is that some oil has been seen seeping out of the unit and onto the box, so be cautious when opening it up. For maximum compatibility with your applications, the power panel includes two 120V household outlets and one 120V 30A twist lock outlet. 

More To Consider

8 Westinghouse 4500 Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Our Score:
8.6
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
10 TogoPower Portable Generator
Our Score:
8.2
TogoPower

What Should You Know Before Selecting most reliable home generators?

Our website is an online source that provides clients with a diverse selection of most reliable home generators. Many items on the site perfectly suit the demands of clients and serve their intended function.

So, how can you determine which of the most reliable home generators is the best fit for your needs? Don't be concerned! This article will walk you through all you need to know about the most reliable home generators before you buy it.

 

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

 

FAQs

What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed On A Home Generator?

You should get basic maintenance information from the manufacturer of any generator that you buy. However, most generator models will work fine if you follow these guidelines.
Run the generator at least 30 minutes per month or perform a weekly self test
When storing a gasoline-powered generator, add fuel stabilizer.
Regular oil changes are a must for your generator.

Can I Vent The Exhaust Out Of An Enclosed Area?

No. The generator should not be used in enclosed areas or homes. The portable generators can only be run outdoors where there is adequate ventilation. As with all gasoline engines exhaust, generators contain poisonous carbon monoxide.

Where Is The Best Place To Put Your Home Generator?

Natural gas generators do not produce as much fumes than natural gas ranges. Gasoline-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide exhaust fumes, which is why it's important to select the ideal location. These are the reasons why utility companies and local codes often have specific requirements for placement.
A generator should generally be located at least 5ft from any windows or doors. While some generators are able to be mounted as close as 18inches from the house, it is still important that the generator is at least 5ft away from any air intake areas on the property.
It is not advisable to use portable generators in an indoor environment, such as a garage. This type of generator is best placed outdoors, away from windows and doors.

How Do You Safely Run A Home Generator?

A whole-home generator or standby generator must be connected to a switch. This disconnects your circuit panel and the electrical grid, allowing power to flow through the circuits from the generator.
You must manually start the power transfer for portable generators. These products have different safety requirements.

Does The Portable Generator Need To Be Grounded?

Yes. It is important that the generator be correctly grounded in order to protect your safety. The generator must be grounded properly to avoid electrocution. Grounding is a subject matter that must be adhered to by all authorities, federal and state.

Can I Use The Generator During Inclement Weather?

Although you can use your generator in any weather or temperature, protect it from the elements whenever it is not being used to stop it from shorting out and rusting. It is not recommended to run the generator indoors.

Conclusion

In short, you have just been shown all the things related to most reliable home generators, including the top models, buyer’s guides, and the comparison between products as well. At this moment, it’s obvious that you acquire the mentioned information and are ready to pick one among the list of most reliable home generators above. In case there is no model that suits your needs, then Honda Power Equipment EU3000IS1AN 3000W 120V Portable Home Gas Power Generator will be the best to pay attention to. Hopefully, our sharing today will help you choose the best item for your requirement. 


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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