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Best Whole Home Generator in 2024: In-depth Reviews

Charles A.
  Nov 26, 2024 10:35 PM

When the power goes out, do you have a plan? the generator can be a lifesaver during a blackout, whether it's for your whole home or just a few key appliances.

But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? Here, we'll take a look at some of the top-rated whole-home generators for sale and offer in-depth reviews of each.

Whether you're looking for standby power or something that can run your entire home during an outage, we've got you covered. So keep reading to find the perfect whole home generator for you!


Our top picks

Best power: Champion Power Equipment 100177

If the power ever goes out, you'll be glad you have the Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator with a 50-Amp Outdoor-Rated Automatic Transfer Switch.

This totally automatic generator kicks in right away to provide seamless power to your home, and since it's the quietest in its class, you won't even know it's there.

Plus, it's specially designed to withstand extreme temperatures (between -22° F and 104° F), so you can rest assured that it will be there for you when you need it most.

Best design: Generac 7210

The Generac Guardian 24kW Home Standby Generator with PWRview Transfer Switch Wi-Fi generator is designed to be highly efficient, taking up 70% less space than similar models on the market.

It also features PWRview, Generac's home energy management system, which allows you to monitor and manage your energy usage.

With preview, you could see a reduction in your electric utility bills of up to 20%. So not only will this generator keep your home powered during an outage, but it could also save you money on your energy bills every month. 

Best wattage: Generac G0071720

The Generac G0071720 10 kW Guardian Home Standby Generator can handle up to 16 circuits, making it ideal for homes with lots of electronics and appliances.

Additionally, the 100-amp, NEMA 3R transfer switch ensures that your power will be consistent and reliable. Not to mention, the G-Force Engine is purpose-built and pressure-lubricated, meaning it can handle lots of use and won't require much maintenance.

So if you're looking for a powerful and durable generator that can keep your home running during a power outage, the Generac G0071720 is a perfect choice.

Best design: Champion Power Equipment 100416

The Champion Power Equipment 100416 10,000/8,000-Watt TRI Fuel Portable Natural Gas Generator. This unit comes with NG/LPG hose kits and a CO shield, so it's ready to run on natural gas, propane, or gasoline right out of the box.

The 459cc Champion engine is easy to start with the handy rocker switch, and the LED display lets you keep an eye on voltage, frequency, session run time, and total run time. Plus, the UL-recognized sensor uses an LED to indicate CO shutoff or fault. 

Best Capacity: WEN DF1100T

The WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is the perfect solution for those who need a reliable power source that can run on either gasoline or propane.

With a simple turn of the selection dial, you can easily switch between the two fuel sources. This generator is also perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup thanks to its ability to go from 120V to 240V.

And with an electric start, you can easily get the 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine up and running with just the turn of a key. 

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Last update on 2024-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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How to choose

How to choose the best whole-home generator

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best whole-home generator for your needs.

1. Type of fuel

First, you'll need to decide what type of fuel you want to use. The most common options are propane or natural gas. Both have their pros and cons, so it's important to do some research to decide which is best for you.

2. The size

Next, you'll need to think about the size of the generator. If you have a large home, you'll need a bigger generator to power all of your appliances and electronics.

However, if you have a smaller home or only plan on using the generator occasionally, a smaller one will suffice.

3. How much power do you need

Finally, you'll need to decide how much power you need. This will depend on how many appliances and electronics you plan on running at the same time. Make sure to overestimate your needs to be safe, as you don't want to run out of power in the middle of a storm.

Types of the best whole-home generator

Now that you know the basics of whole home generators, it's time to learn about the different types available. There are four main types of generators: standby, portable, inverter, and solar. Here's a quick overview of each type:

1. Standby Generators:

Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected to your home's electrical system.

They typically run on propane or natural gas, and they turn on automatically when the power goes out. Standby generators are the most expensive option, but they're also the most reliable.

2. Portable Generators:

Portable generators are less expensive than standby generators, but they're also less reliable. They need to be manually started, and they typically run on gasoline.

Portable generators are a good option if you only need power for a short period of time, or if you don't want to invest in a more expensive standby generator.

3. Inverter Generators:

Inverter generators are similar to portable generators, but they're more efficient and produce cleaner power. They're a good option if you need power for sensitive electronics, like computers or TVs.

4. Solar Generators:

Solar generators are the most environmentally-friendly option, but they're also the most expensive. Solar generators use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, and they can be used to power your home even when the sun isn't shining. Solar generators are a good option if you're looking for a long-term power solution.


Final thoughts

Whole-home generators are a critical part of any home's emergency preparedness plan. In this article, we’ve looked at some of the best whole-home generators based on in-depth reviews.

We hope that you found this information helpful and that it has given you a good starting point for your own research into the best whole-home generator for your needs.

If you have any questions about whole-home generators or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!