The Best Standby Generators
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Standby Generators and hope the blog can help you.
With a standby generator for backup power, you’ll ensure that your home can keep the lights on when the rest of the neighborhood is left in the dark.
The purpose of a generator is to provide power to appliances, electronic devices, and lighting in remote locations, like campsites or an RV. But when the power goes out at home, a portable generator won’t have the necessary output to supply the entire house. If power outages are a regular occurrence or a significant concern for you and your family, consider investing in a standby generator.
These large devices become semipermanent fixtures in your home with a line that runs directly to the electrical system. This ensures that when the power goes out, the standby generator will automatically start and get the power back on within minutes. The list of products below highlights some of the top options available, and it’s a great place to start the search for the best standby generator for backup power at home.
- BEST OVERALL: Generac Guardian Home Backup Generator
- RUNNER-UP: Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect Standby Generator
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Generac PowerPact Home Backup Generator
- BEST DUAL FUEL: Kohler Standby Generator w/ Automatic Transfer Switch
- BEST FOR SMALL HOMES: EcoFlow Delta Pro Portable Power Station
- BEST FOR LARGE HOMES: Generac Protector QS Automatic Standby Generator
- BEST MONITORING: Generac Guardian Backup Generator With Mobile Link
- BEST FOR WARM CLIMATES: Generac Protector QS Premium-Grade Standby Generator
- BEST FOR COLD WEATHER: Champion aXis Home Standby Generator
How We Chose the Best Standby Generators
Trying to choose the best whole-house generator from the wide range of available products isn’t an easy task. We conducted extensive research into over 30 generators to assemble this list of the top standby generators for your home. The key factors we considered during the selection process included wattage, fuel source, transfer switch, and physical dimensions.
We chose low-wattage and high-wattage generators for this list to accommodate the power needs of both smaller and larger homes. Similarly, we gave preference to dual-fuel generators because having a generator that can run on more than one type of fuel in an emergency is always better.
Typically, standby generators either come with a transfer switch or need one installed to transfer power to the home. Generators with automatic transfer switches make this process easier than relying on the user to switch the power manually. Standby generators with special features, like wireless monitoring or a liquid-cooled cooling system, were considered superior to similar products that lacked these features.
Our Top Picks
This list of top products was selected based on the important criteria mentioned above. Each considers power needs and type, fuel source, installation requirement, transfer switch features, and overall quality to help you find the best standby generator. Read on to learn how to keep the lights on when the power goes out.
Best Overall
Generac Guardian Home Backup Generator
Photo: homedepot.com
Generac is known for producing a wide range of quality standby generators, and the Generac Guardian standby generator blends affordability, substantial power, and an automatic transfer switch to provide you with a reliable product that meets most needs. While a majority of homes only needs 5,000 watts for essential appliances, this standby generator can produce up to 22,000 running watts, ensuring that the whole home has power, not just the essentials.
The standby generator is a dual-fuel product that can operate on both liquid propane (22,000 running watts) and natural gas (19,500 running watts). It can also connect remotely through Wi-Fi, so you can get regular updates on the status of the system. The generator also has exterior system-status lights to keep you informed of maintenance needs.
Product Specs
- Fuel source: Liquid propane and natural gas
- Running watts: 22,000 watts (propane) or 19,500 watts (natural gas)
- Dimensions: 48 inches long by 25 inches wide by 29 inches high
Pros
- Dual-fuel unit allows for added flexibility during an outage
- WiFi-enabled unit for wireless monitoring; easier for users to track
- System status and maintenance LED indicators are easy to read
Cons
- Extreme temperatures such as snowstorms may cause the filter to freeze
Get the Generac Guardian home backup generator at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Acme Tools, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Runner-Up
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect Standby Generator
Photo: lowes.com
The best standby generators, like this model by Briggs & Stratton, come equipped with an automatic transfer switch so that when the power fails, the generator automatically starts. You can take advantage of the WiFi-equipped whole-house generator for remote monitoring through the InfoHub app. The app even sends maintenance alerts to help ensure that you’re on top of maintenance tasks and that the generator is functioning properly.
This generator includes a low-oil detection system that will shut down the generator to prevent overheating and ongoing damage to the internal mechanisms. It uses either liquid propane or natural gas for convenience in emergencies, and the generator has a maximum wattage of 20,000 watts, regardless of which fuel it’s using. It should also be mentioned that the generator uses an air-cooled system that is effective in most climates, though it may not be able to keep up with cooling demands in warmer locations.
Product Specs
- Fuel source: Liquid propane and natural gas
- Running watts: 20,000 watts (propane) or 20,000 watts (natural gas)
- Dimensions: 46.5 inches long by 26.8 inches wide by 28.4 inches high
Pros
- Wireless monitoring provided through InfoHub, so you don’t need to be near the unit to check its status
- Relatively quiet operation at just 68 decibels under normal operation
- Low-oil detection system triggers automatic shutdown; helps keep the unit running smoothly
Cons
- Air-cooled system may struggle to keep temperatures down in hot climates
Get the Briggs & Stratton standby generator at Lowe’s, Electric Generators Direct, or eComfort.
Best Bang for the Buck
Generac PowerPact Home Backup Generator
Photo: lowes.com
Keep a backup system ready to support the essential appliances in your home when the power goes out with this Generac PowerPact standby generator. The PowerPact comes with a digital controller with LED indicators for monitoring the generator status, utility power presence, and maintenance needs. It has a galvanized steel enclosure that protects against rain and sleet and includes an all-weather composite mounting pad that resists corrosion.
Connect either the home propane or natural gas system to the standby generator and get up to 7,500 watts of power on propane and 6,000 watts on natural gas, ensuring that the essential appliances can still run in emergencies. At this lower wattage, however, unnecessary systems, like televisions, may not be able to be used. The PowerPact comes with an automatic transfer switch to monitor the home’s power. It automatically starts when a power outage is detected—though it can only power up to eight circuits due to the low wattage.
Product Specs
- Fuel source: Liquid propane and natural gas
- Running watts: 7,500 watts (propane) or 6,000 watts (natural gas)
- Dimensions: 36 inches long by 27 inches wide by 25 inches high
Pros
- Affordable generator for powering essential systems in emergencies
- Digital controller with LED status indicators is easy to read and use
- Equipped with an automatic transfer switch, allowing for smoother operation
Cons
- Relatively low wattage may not be enough for larger households or all appliances
Get the Generac PowerPact standby generator at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Electric Generators Direct.
Best Dual Fuel
Kohler Standby Generator w/ Automatic Transfer Switch
Photo: lowes.com
The Kohler Standby Generator is a reliable backup power solution for shoppers looking to keep the lights on in a pinch. Engineered to deliver exceptional performance, this generator ensures your peace of mind during power outages. Equipped with an automatic transfer switch, it seamlessly activates within seconds, automatically providing uninterrupted power to your home or business.
Designed for versatility, the Kohler generator offers fuel flexibility, capable of running on either liquid propane or natural gas. This allows you to choose the option that suits your needs and availability. With a robust 14k-watt capacity using liquid propane, or 12k-watt on natural gas, this generator has ample power to support essential appliances and electronics, ensuring your comfort and security are maintained even during prolonged blackouts.
Crafted with Kohler’s renowned durability and reliability, this standby generator is built to last. Its advanced features, combined with a user-friendly interface, make it easy to operate and monitor.
Product Specs
- Fuel source: Liquid propane or natural gas
- Running watts: 14,000 (LP), or 12,000 (NG)
- Dimensions: 47 inches long by 26.2 inches wide by 32.2 inches high
Pros
- Includes dual fuel capability; flexible choice of liquid propane or natural gas
- Automatic transfer switch will turn on the power during an outage
- Impressive wattage; can handle most home appliances
Cons
- Overall size of this generator is quite larger than other options
Get the Kohler standby generator at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Menard’s, Nationwide Generators, or Brags + Hayes.
Best For Small Homes
EcoFlow Delta Pro Portable Power Station
Photo: amazon.com
While not precisely a full-fledged standby generator, this portable power station from EcoFlow may do the trick for smaller households. Its attractive price point may also be an ideal option for shoppers looking to have backup power without making a major investment in a larger standby generator. Unlike fuel generators, this home battery runs silently, so there are no loud noises or fumes to worry about. At a modest 3,600-watt AC output, this is certainly not the punchiest generator on our list. However, note that the EcoFlow can be expanded to pair several units together to achieve up to 25,000 watts of power—more than enough to power most heavy-duty devices.
This backup power kit comes with the compact unit, a transfer switch, and a power cord. Should the home lose power, simply plug in devices and keep the lights on during the outage. When not in use, the EcoFlow can be charged via multiple charging methods, including AC, car charge ports, and solar, which can be a lifeline during extended outages with limited fuel availability.
Product Specs
- Fuel source: Electric
- Running watts: 3,600 watts
- Dimensions: 25 inches long by 11.2 inches wide by 16.4 inches high
Pros
- This power station is a compact size and includes 2 wheels and a handle for added portability
- Allows multiple charging methods, with solar being ideal for extended outages
- Can be upgraded and paired with multiple units for additional power output
Cons
- Lower wattage output compared to conventional generators
- Unit must be charged for use, requiring users to be prepared in advance
Get the EcoFlow standby generator at Amazon,