Top Rated Home Backup Generators of 2024

According to Customer Reviews

When it comes to preparing for unexpected power outages, having a reliable home backup generator can provide peace of mind and essential power supply. Our top-rated home backup generators have been carefully... selected based on user review ratings, ensuring that you have access to the best options available. Whether you're looking for a portable generator for occasional use or a standby generator for continuous power during outages, our selection offers a range of options to suit your specific needs. With user satisfaction as the guiding factor, you can trust that these top-rated home backup generators will deliver the performance and reliability you need when it matters most.
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What to look for in top-rated home backup generators

1. Power Output

The amount of power the generator can produce is crucial. This should match or exceed the total wattage of the appliances and devices you plan on using during a power outage.

2. Fuel Type

Home backup generators typically run on gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Each type has its own pros and cons in terms of availability, cost, and environmental impact.

3. Noise Level

Generators can be noisy. Check the decibel level to ensure it won't cause too much disturbance, especially if you live in a residential area.

4. Automatic Transfer Switch

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) allows the generator to start up automatically when power is lost, and shut down when it's restored. This is particularly useful for maintaining power during unexpected outages.
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  1. 1
    Champion Power Equipment 6,500/5,000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Quiet Technology, CO Shield I bought this for R
    5.0 (39 reviews)
    $1240.72 Your price for this item is $1240.72

    About this product

    A quiet and reliable 6500W inverter generator with CO Shield technology and extended run time.

    A quiet and reliable 6500W inverter generator with CO Shield technology and extended run time.

    What customers like
    • Quiet operation
    • Easy to start
    • Reliable performance
    • Powerful output
    • Lightweight and portable
  2. 2
    Zendure 5,000/3,600-Watt Solar Powered Portable Generator, V6.4Kwh, 120V/240V, Semi-Solid
    4.9 (51 reviews)
    $5999.99 Your price for this item is $5999.99

    About this product

    A portable solar generator with dual 120V/240V output, expandable up to 64KWh, suitable for home backup, RV, and off-grid use.

    A portable solar generator with dual 120V/240V output, expandable up to 64KWh, suitable for home backup, RV, and off-grid use.

    What customers like
    • Versatile with multiple output options
    • Reliable and fast charging
    • Affordable and portable
    • Suitable for emergency backup and off-grid use
    • High-quality build and ability to power essential appliances
    What customers dislike
    • Limited charging options
    • Build quality concerns
    • Issues with accessories and documentation
    • Heavy and bulky
    • Performance and connectivity problems
  3. 3
    Champion Power Equipment 600/300-Watt Lithium-Ion Solar Generator Portable Power Station Backup Battery, 285Wh Got this as backup for a cpap machine and it has been working great
    4.9 (23 reviews)
    $349.00 Your price for this item is $349.00

    About this product

    A compact, lightweight lithium-ion solar generator with 300 running watts and 600 starting watts.

    A compact, lightweight lithium-ion solar generator with 300 running watts and 600 starting watts.

    What customers like
    • Versatile functionality
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Quiet and reliable operation
    • Fast and effective charging
    • Compact and easy to use
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready Great Generator for Home Backup
    4.8 (28,446 reviews)
    $1149.99 Your price for this item is $1149.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with electric start and transfer switch compatibility.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with electric start and transfer switch compatibility.

    What customers like
    • Powerful and versatile
    • Easy to assemble and start
    • Good value for the price
    • Durable and well-built
    • Comfortable and flattering fit
    What customers dislike
    • Not quiet
    • Not durable
    • Fit issues
    • Box was opened
    • Button placement
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 13,000/10,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, CO Sensor, Gas/Propane/Natural Gas Perfect for home backup
    4.8 (28,256 reviews)
    $1299.99 Your price for this item is $1299.99

    About this product

    A 13,000W tri-fuel portable generator with CO sensor, runs on gas, propane, or natural gas, with automatic shutdown.

    A 13,000W tri-fuel portable generator with CO sensor, runs on gas, propane, or natural gas, with automatic shutdown.

    What customers like
    • Versatile fuel options
    • Easy to start and operate
    • Powerful and reliable
    • Good value for the price
    • Quality craftsmanship and design
    What customers dislike
    • Not quiet
    • Troubleshooting frustrations
    • Insufficient engine oil provided
    • Difficulties starting
    • Design flaws with receptacles
  6. 6
    Westinghouse 9,500/7,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Transfer Switch Ready, CO Sensor Great Generator
    4.8 (6,263 reviews)
    $1049.99 Your price for this item is $1049.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 9,500 peak watts, CO sensor, and transfer switch readiness.

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 9,500 peak watts, CO sensor, and transfer switch readiness.

    What customers like
    • Fast cooking
    • Easy assembly
    • Sturdy
    • Quiet operation
    • Reliability
    What customers dislike
    • Swing rotted and broke quickly
    • Gas gauge quality
    • No recipe booklet
    • Heavy
  7. 7
    Westinghouse 1,500/1,000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Super Quiet, Lightweight, CO Sensor Great generator so far
    4.8 (5,345 reviews)
    $379.99 Your price for this item is $379.99

    About this product

    A compact and lightweight portable inverter generator with 1500 peak watts and 1000 running watts.

    A compact and lightweight portable inverter generator with 1500 peak watts and 1000 running watts.

    What customers like
    • Quiet operation
    • Compact and lightweight
    • Versatile and efficient
    • Easy to use and start
    • Good value for the price
    What customers dislike
    • Lack of cushioning
    • Limited capacity
    • Initial fuel leak
    • Lack of wattage gauge on lower end model
    • Lack of quality control
  8. 8
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, RV-Ready Outlet with CO Sensor I bought to use for power tools, home backup and camping
    4.8 (4,519 reviews)
    $399.99 Your price for this item is $399.99

    About this product

    A powerful and durable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and a 4-gallon fuel tank.

    A powerful and durable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and a 4-gallon fuel tank.

    What customers like
    • Removes moisture
    • Included accessories
    • Makes cleaning easier
    • Healthy plant
    • Packed securely
    What customers dislike
    • Incorrect cord rating
    • Smaller than expected
    • Lack of helpful support
    • Potential damage to circuit wiring
    • Occasional charging issues with high voltage
  9. 9
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, CO Sensor, RV-Ready Outlet I hunted a long time for a good home backup generator and am very happy with purchase
    4.8 (4,513 reviews)
    $499.99 Your price for this item is $499.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and 3,600 running watts, perfect for travel trailers or backup power at home.

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and 3,600 running watts, perfect for travel trailers or backup power at home.

    What customers like
    • Removes moisture
    • Included accessories
    • Makes cleaning easier
    • Healthy plant
    • Packed securely
    What customers dislike
    • Incorrect cord rating
    • Smaller than expected
    • Lack of helpful support
    • Potential damage to circuit wiring
    • Occasional charging issues with high voltage
  10. 10
    Generac 22,000-Watt (LP)/19,500-Watt (NG) Dual-Fuel Guardian Whole Home Standby Generator, 200A Transfer Switch, Wi-Fi Our permanently installed Generac home backup generator protects our home automatically
    4.8 (2,718 reviews)
    $6249.99 Your price for this item is $6249.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable stand-by generator with True Power™ Technology and a RhinoCoat™ powder finish.

    A powerful and reliable stand-by generator with True Power™ Technology and a RhinoCoat™ powder finish.

    What customers like
    • Low maintenance
    • Reliable and durable
    • Quiet operation
    • Easy to use and install
    • Provides peace of mind
    What customers dislike
    • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    • Doesn't fit in box with handles installed
    • Generator arrived without Wi-Fi
    • Service issues
    • Requires lots of water after consumption

FAQ

What are the benefits of having a home backup generator? + -

A home backup generator provides an immediate solution during power outages, ensuring that essential appliances and systems in your home continue to function. This can be particularly important in rural areas where power restoration may take longer. It also provides peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for unexpected situations.

How do I determine the right size of a home backup generator for my needs? + -

The size of the generator you need depends on the number of appliances and systems you want to keep running during a power outage. You'll need to calculate the total wattage of these items, which can usually be found on their labels or in their user manuals. It's recommended to choose a generator with a slightly higher output than your calculated total to account for any additional power needs.

What type of fuel do home backup generators use? + -

Home backup generators can run on various types of fuel, including diesel, natural gas, propane, or gasoline. The choice often depends on what's readily available in your area and your personal preference.

Can I install a home backup generator myself? + -

While it's possible to install a home backup generator yourself if you have the necessary skills and knowledge, it's generally recommended to have it installed by a professional. This ensures that it's set up correctly and safely, and many manufacturers require professional installation for warranty purposes.

How often should I perform maintenance on my home backup generator? + -

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your home backup generator in good working condition. It's generally recommended to check it at least once every few months and after each use. Regular maintenance tasks may include checking and changing the oil, inspecting the air filter, and ensuring the generator is clean and free of debris.

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