The Best Standby Generator For 2023

Sherry Peterson By, Sherry Peterson
Updated
DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator-4400 Watt
Image credit: Amazon.com

Summary

1. Best Overall: DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator-4400 Watt

With 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools Dual Fuel Technology. This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice Read Review

2. Best Quality: Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator 22kW/19.5kW Air Cooled

Offering a best-in-class 22,000 watts, it goes unmatched on this list for the amount of power it outputs to your home. This generator is also the quietest of our top five. It is designed to start automatically when your home’s power is lost, evenly manage the electric load, and operate at sub-zero temperatures or in extreme heat. Read Review

3. Best Performance: Champion Power Equipment 100111 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator

Champion powerful 12,000-watt generator can provide up to 9 hours of running time with a full tank gasoline. With an electric start, the 717cc V Twin Champion engine and battery features Intelligauge, it has all you need for your home backup or to power your next project. Read Review

4. Best Value: Automatic Standby Generator, Liquid Propane/Natural Gas, Single Phase

The Generator packs quite the punch for a narrow footprint unit and ships at a solid price. Though one of the smallest generators on our best-of list, this product delivers a solid 10,000 watts and comes in as one of the best-ranked generators by customer reviews. Read Review

Whether you have a large home or property and want to untie yourself from the grid, or simply want to keep more than only your essential appliances operating on a portable or standby generator that’ll eventually peter out a few days after disaster strikes your community, a whole house generator provides the power that you’ll need.

The best time to buy a whole house generator is when you don’t actually need one. Read on to see the best standby generators and find out how you can keep your house fully powered anytime for any reason.

Based on our long-term research,DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator-4400 Watt is the best product that brings great power to your home. In addition, we also have -second-product at a reasonable price.

 

Our Top Picks

  • Plenty of Power – With 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
  • Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
  • Generac evolution controller features LED indicators for generator status, utility power presence or maintenance required
  • Tough, durable all-weather aluminum enclosure offers 3 removable sides for easy access for installation, service and maintenance
TOP Choice #3 Champion Power Equipment 100111 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.6
Champion Power Equipment
  • Champion Support – includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
  • Lift Hook – Designed for safe and easy transport, loading and unloading, plus the Intelligauge keeps track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours so you can easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals
  • ✅ Engine RPM: 3,600 RPM
  • ✅ Automatic Standby Generator, Liquid Propane/Natural Gas, Single Phase, 120V AC/240V AC
  • DUAL FUEL TECHNOLOGY: The ability to run on Propane or Gasoline allows the Freedom and Flexibility of Fuel Choice.
  • POWERFUL DUROMAX ENGINE: The XP13000EH is powered by a 500cc OHV Duromax Engine.
6 Champion 12.5-kW Home Standby Generator
Our Score:
9.2
Champion Power Equipment
  • Reliable – 24-volt starting system operates in sub-zero or extreme heat (between -22° F and 104° F) with no warming kit necessary, plus the generator performs weekly self-diagnostic tests
  • Totally Automatic – The ATS100 Emergency Essentials Automatic Transfer Switch has 12 available circuits and provides seamless power to your home during an outage
7 Westinghouse Power Equipment WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.1
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
  • Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
  • Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter. VFT display gives you real time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
  • Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets and laptops
  • 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours
  • Product 2: Plug (Male): NEMA 14-50P (Straight Blade 50 Amps 125/250 Volts)
  • Product 2: 25-Foot Temp RV Power Supply Cord
  • 15,000 Starting Watts / 12,000 Running Watts
  • Pure Sine Wave Technology with less than 5% THD (total harmonic distortion) which allows to power sensitive electronics
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Do You Need To Keep In Mind When Selecting best standby generator?

There are numerous factors for customers to consider whenever they decide to buy a best standby generator. Simultaneously, it comes with many product types and brands, which makes it difficult for you to choose yourself. Thus, we are here to give you support, guidance, and solutions to these problems.

Our buying guide will highlight some most outstanding features related to the best standby generator of 2023. But you are expected to go through the frequently asked questions first:

  • Which website should you go through to learn more about the product?
  • Do you think your investment in this product is worth it?
  • What are the product's advantages for customers?
  • Could you list some best-seller products in the current market?
  • What should be taken into account for selecting the best item?

Nowadays, the number of technology sale networks, especially websites, sale forums, or even the online space for customers’ comments, has been dramatically increased. So, you can quickly obtain information on best standby generator available on these sources. 

Along with reading the update of best standby generator on famous websites, you are also expected to go through some needed things below to make a great decision.

Power Requirements

You should first determine your power needs before purchasing a generator. Air conditioning, refrigerators, sump pumps or well pumps and medical devices will all have high power draws and are most important during an outage.

Fuel Type

Although home generators can run on a wide variety of fuel types, all those listed here use liquid propane (LP), natural gasoline (NG), or both. The generators that are able to use either one or both of these fuel types can be easily converted without the need for tools.

Automatic CO Shutoff

If a CO sensor is installed, this critical safety feature will automatically turn off a generator's motor. To be included on the CR list, a portable generator should have this safety feature. This technology is available in more brands than ever before, even heavyweights like Ryobi, Honda and Generac. We have more than a dozen generators with CO safety shutoffs.

Stationary Or Portable

Portability is not a top priority if you need backup power for your home. There are many advantages to stationary generators. Stationary generators are generally more quiet, less complicated to start and much stronger than portable ones. They can also be hardwired to your business or home, so don't try this at home! There will not be any messing with extension cords if the power goes out.
You'll need something portable for camping, caravans, boats, fishing, and other home uses. You will need to decide what kind of start-up your portable generator should have. There are both pull-start and batteries start options.

Traditional Or Inverter

These models are ideal for powering delicate electronics such as computers and TVs. These models produce an uninterrupted sine wave of electricity, which ensures there won't be any power surges.
Traditional and standard generators operate at maximum speed, regardless of the power required. An inverter, on the other hand, uses a smart throttle to adjust when you switch on an appliance or light. It saves fuel and runs quieter, more efficiently, and it is healthier for the environment.

Size/Noise

After you have determined your power requirements, two important factors to consider are its physical footprint and how loud it emits. You will want to have the generator close to your house, no matter how small or large the area.
You should consider how loud the generator will be outside your house. This is measured in decibels. Our generators average between 60 and 70 decibels. A vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, is around 70 to 80 decibels.

Alternative Fuel Capacity

Although most portable models are powered by gasoline, some have the ability to be run on natural gas or propane. Others can also be modified with kit conversions.

Phase

Single-phase generators generate single-phase power that is comparable to the one used in most household appliances. Single-phase generators can be used in small and large homes.
Three-phase power is often required for larger commercial operations. Therefore, a generator with three phases is necessary.
Although three-phase generators are able to be operated as one phase, the power output of a single phase will not be as high as when it is run in three phases.

FAQs

Can I Use A Portable Generator For Backup During A Power Outage?

Yes. Yes. You can connect household devices and appliances to a portable generator, but not all at once.
You should never plug the generator in to an electrical outlet at home or work. A certified electrician will install a manual power transfer switch that conforms to electrical codes if you want to attach a portable generator into your home or business's wiring.

Can I Vent The Exhaust Out Of An Enclosed Area?

No. No. Generators that are portable can be used outdoors where ventilation is available. Like all gasoline engines' exhaust, generator exhaust contains toxic carbon monoxide. You can find more details in the Portable Generator Safety Tips.

What Is The Best Generator To Buy For Home Use?

There are many factors that go into choosing the best generator for your home. These include your power needs, your essential appliances, such as fridges, air conditioners and sump pumps.

Does The Portable Generator Need To Be Grounded?

Yes. Yes. You risk electrocution if the generator isn’t properly grounded. Follow all federal, state and local rules relating to grounding.

How Long Can You Run A Whole House On A Generator?

The home generator could theoretically last indefinitely if it has unlimited fuel supply and is free from mechanical problems. The generator engine works in the same way as a car engine. It requires regular maintenance such as an oil change, replacement of belts and other similar tasks.

Are Home Generators Worth It?

Although they can be more expensive than portable generators, home generators will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your family is safe during an outage.

How Often Should I Perform Routine Maintenance?

For the maintenance recommendations, consult your owner's guide.

How Big Of A Generator Do I Need To Run A House?

A home requires a minimum of 5,500 to 7,500 watts in order to operate. Common home generator capacities start at 10,000 watts.

How Far Away From The House Does A Generator Need To Be?

National Fire Protection Association guidelines allow small generators to remain at least 18 inches away from exterior walls. However, local codes may require you to check for more strict requirements. Installers who are professionals should be familiar with the codes to help plan where your generator will go.

As mentioned above, all of our information is drawn from actual research, so the accuracy level is reliable. Furthermore, best standby generator of 2023 will be updated regularly to add new data. You should keep a close eye on our websites for any updates or additions.

After all, we are always available to support and assist you with any problems related to best standby generator. Please feel free to contact us as soon as possible. Thank you!


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About Sherry Peterson

Sherry Peterson
Sherry Peterson is an editor for Sanford. She has a passion for home gadgets and beautiful design and loves to share her finds with others. Sherry has been working in the publishing industry for over 10 years and is excited to bring her expertise to Sanford's readers.

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