7 Best Whole House Generators (Guide)

Welcome here to have the best whole-house generators. We have researched and picked some high-quality generators.

Also, these generators will keep running for a long time continuously.

And if you are tired of electricity going on and off every day then these our well tested best home generators will solve your problem.

Also, if you have a heavy-duty generator, it will run the heavy appliances such as a refrigerator.

best whole house generators
best whole house generators

However, there are some tips and complete buying guides about how to choose a portable generator?

At a Glance:

  1. Best Whole House Generator Overall – Westinghouse WGen12000
  2. Best Heavy Duty Home Backup Generator – DuroMax XP12000EH
  3. Best Reliable Standby Home Generator – Generac 7043
  4. Best Budget Whole House Generator – Briggs and Stratton 40336 20kW
  5. Best High Capacity Generator for Whole House – A-iPower SUA12000E
  6. Best Emergency Home Generator – DuroMax XP10000E
  7. Best Fuel Efficient Whole House Generator – Champion 100161

Best Whole House Generators Comparison

Product Starting
Watts
Running
Watts
Fuel Runtime
(25% load)
Noise
Level
Wgt.
Westinghouse WGen12000 15000W 12000W Gasoline 16 hrs 74 dB 352 lbs.
DuroMax XP12000EH 12000W 9500W Propane
Gasoline
12 hrs 74 dB 224 lbs.
Generac 7043 22000W 19500W Propane 17 hrs 67 dB 515 lbs.
Briggs and Stratton 40336 20000W 18000W Propane
Gas
16 hrs 68 dB 580 lbs.
A-iPower SUA12000E 12000W 9500W Gasoline 13 hrs 68 dB 206 lbs.
DuroMax XP10000E 10000W 8000W Gasoline 15 hrs 72 dB 218 lbs.
Champion 100161 9375W 7500W Gasoline 12 hrs 74 dB 230 lbs.

 

Best Whole House Generators are the safest and most efficient models.

As the tag shows, these generators are to run whole house appliances in case of a power outage or emergency.

Here I have reviewed the most well-performing best whole home generators.

 

Best Whole House Generator Overall

Westinghouse WGen12000

Our top pick is the westing house portable generator. This generator will run smoothly for several hours. Westinghouse WGen 12000 is the best whole-house generator overall.

It requires 12000 watts to run, and the westing house requires gas power and electricity to start.

No doubt, it is easy to function. For starting this generator, you need to press one button only.

Moreover, it is a high-quality generator with high performance.

Well, the starting watts of this generator are 15000W while the running power output capacity is 12000W.

So you can use this generator for running heavy home appliances as well, such as refrigerators. Besides that, this generator has a remote controller with it.

Westinghouse WGen12000 Ultra-Duty Portable Generator
Westinghouse WGen12000 Ultra-Duty Portable Generator

And the remote of the westing house is wireless. You can turn on the generator with a remote as far as 110 yards.

Other than that, this generator is user-friendly, and you can buy this machine for transferring electricity to the entire house.

And the westing house generator will not require any electrical wiring to switch the power between all the appliances.

WGEN 12000 is one of the best whole home generators that can run for 16 hours.

But you need to fill the tank of the generator with 10.5-gallon.

Additionally, this generator is safe to use, and it will shut down automatically once the voltage comes back.

Lastly, the best function of this machine is the auto-shutdown of low oil.

It is one of the most accessible generators to operate daily. Westinghouse is one of the best whole-house generator manufacturers.

Why It’s Great
  • One start button
  • Remote controller
  • Runs continuously for 16 hours
  • Comes with a user manual
  • Auto low oil shutdown and safe to use
  • Great customer care service
Flaws But not Deal breakers
  • No cons as such

User’s Reviews

Many users of this product have reported that it works great even whilst annual storms and hurricanes.

See what one of the users “JMB CT” says about this product:

This was easy to de-crate (two person job) and assemble. Steady current level so far in testing. started right up. It takes the entire quart of oil with no overflow. Seems high quality and well made.

JMB CT

You can read here all the user’s reviews about this product (after use).

Best Heavy Duty Home Backup Generator

DuroMax  XP12000EH

Next up, we have the Duro max portable generator which is an electric start machine. DuroMax XP12000EH is the best heavy-duty home backup generator.

It is a reliable and user-friendly generator that isn’t much heavy.

Due to its lightweight and compact design, you can place this generator anywhere in the house.

Moreover, this generator is well-found with 12000W of power output and running watts of 9500W.

It’s the all-time favorite backup power station of many homeowners.

Also, this generator is portable and reliable for providing power to all home appliances. It’s a dual fuel generator with 3 years warranty.

DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

Besides that, this best generator for the whole house is ideal for any event or function at home.

Because it will give power supply to heavy home appliances, you can turn on the Air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave, and many other home appliances.

And for the summer season, this generator is the best buy.

Additionally, Duromax XP12000EH is the best heavy-duty home backup generator with a 457cc engine that supplies up to 12000 watts of power to all home appliances.

Why It’s Great
  • Comes with 3-years warranty
  • Dual fuel generators
  • MX2 technology
  • Supplies 12000 watts of power
  • Heavy-duty generator
  • Best for summer weather
Flaws But not Deal breakers
  • One of expensive whole home generators

User’s Reviews

Fairy Thyme used this product, and after using Duromax XP12000EH, she shared her reviews as:

Amazing generator, super quite, runs the whole house during outages. 3 yr parts warranty,

FAIRY THYME

Best Reliable Standby Home Generator

Generac 7043

Next up, we have one of the famous and best generator brands that has a compact shape. Genrac 7043 is the best reliable standby home generator.

Also, this powerful generator can work on gas as well as on liquid propane.

Its 22000W starting and 19500W running power output make it an outstanding choice as the best whole-house standby generator.

Do you know how much power it will deliver to the whole house? Generac gives 22 kilo-watts of power. So it’s the best 22kw whole-house generator.

Moreover, this generator has a slim and sleek design that will come with a 5-years warranty.

And you can contact the company if you need any help.

Generac is a well-known brand that offers the best services to its customers as well as high-quality products.

Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator

Besides, all the other generators will produce so much distortion noise, but this machine will create only 5 percent of distortion.

Best of all, this generator will give the smoothest and most convenient power usage.

However, It’s the best buy if you are living in a state that faces hurricanes often, and the power goes off.

So you can run all the home appliances with this generator, such as AC, refrigerator, microwave oven, TV, etc.

Additionally, Genrac 7043, the best standby generator for home use, will work efficiently and give high performance for several hours in a day.

Also, it has user-friendly controlling options, and you can monitor the generator status from any smartphone device.

Lastly, these best standby home generators will run smoothly, and you can connect them to any device, including a PC, tablet, etc. you can check the status quickly from any distance.

Why It’s Great
  • 5-year warranty
  • Create only 5% of distortion
  • Made in the USA
  • Easy to operate
  • Can be monitored by any smart device
  • Durable body
  • 200 AMP and transfer switch
  • Durable body and water-resistant
  • Easy maintenance
Flaws But not Deal breakers
  • No cons as such

User’s Reviews

Many end users of this product (Generac 7043) point out that it works even during high rates of rainfall and hurricanes. It can run all heavy appliances in the home.

Kindly used it for lighting up her whole home and she says:

It was very easy to install and setup and it’s just in time for Dorian. Power just went off and my 22kw generac is up and running my whole house.

KINDLY

Best Budget Whole House Generator

Briggs and Stratton 40336

The Briggs and Stratton home generator is one of the best home generators with high wattage. Briggs and Stratton 40336 is the best budget whole-house generator.

It is a new portable generator that can supply power to heavy household appliances.

Its 20000W surge watts and 18000W rated watts power output make it an outstanding choice for the whole house.

Besides, this generator is easy to operate, and you will get this machine in a pocket-friendly price range.

Moreover, this generator is small in size. But the size of this generator doesn’t mean that it will supply power to low-voltage appliances only.

Unlike other portable home generators that have frustrating noise, Briggs will not produce much noise.

Briggs and Stratton 40336 20kW Home Standby Generator
Briggs and Stratton 40336 20kW Home Standby Generator

Do you know why this machine is quiet? Because it has a noise muffling feature that will not allow the best whole-house generators to make noise.

Besides that, this machine has an exhaust system that will supply power to all household appliances efficiently. Its fuel consumption is very less.

Best of all, the Briggs household generator is small in size and affordable as well. It is a 17-kilo-watt whole-house power-supplying machine that is safe to use.

Lastly, this machine is safe due to national fire protection, and you need to keep this generator 18 meters away from your home.

Also, it comes with a 5-years warranty period. So you can contact the company in that duration if there is any problem occurring with the generator.

Why It’s Great
  • Quiet having Noise muffling feature
  • National fire control
  • Comes with 5-years warranty
  • Compact size
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to turn on
  • 200 AMP automatic transfer
Flaws But not Deal breakers
  • Doesn’t come with a remote controller to operate

User’s Reviews

Well, Numerous customers of this product reported that it functioned well in strong winds and also extreme temperatures.

Eddie Wilson used it and he says:

Worked great during recent storms. Would not be without it.

EDDIE WILSON

Best High Capacity Generator for Whole House

Ai-Power SUA12000E

Next, we have the ai-power gasoline electric generator. Ai-Power SUA12000E is Best High Capacity Generator for the Whole House.

So if you are looking for a generator that works on gas, then ai-power is the best buy.

Besides, this gasoline-electric generator will deliver 12000 watts of starting power output while 9500 watts of running power output when it is full of fuel.

Moreover, this generator is easy to move from one place to another. Also, it is easy to start by touching one button only.

And you can buy this best full-house generator for any event to deliver high power output to heavy appliances, including the AC, TV, and refrigerator.

Ai-Power SUA12000E Gasoline Electric Generator
Ai-Power SUA12000E Gasoline Electric Generator

Consequently, this generator requires 12,000 watts at the start. But after running, it needs 9000 watts.

Lastly, this best natural gas whole-home generator is convenient to operate without connecting any wires to the home appliances.

Why It’s Great
  • Comes with the charging cables
  • The generator has a DC adapter
  • Large wheels for movability
  • The fuel tank of 7 inches
  • Easy to start by one button
Flaws But not Deal breakers
  • Creates a lot of vibration and noise while operating

User’s Reviews

Most users have stated in reviews that its flood and storm security work tremendously at normal times as well as during major disasters.

It illuminates their whole house. Even Many users of A-iPower SUA1200DE claim that it runs refrigerator, computer, well pump, and all home appliances side by side.

One of the users of this generator, Jim in Sequim shares his review and says:

Awesome unit! Our 15k watt home standby generator went fins up so I gutted the enclosure, did some modifications, and installed the A-i Power unit. Works like a champ! I’m very happy with it.

JIM IN SEQUIM

Best Emergency Home Generator

Duromax XP10000E

Next, the duromaxgas portable generator is offering high voltage.

Duromax XP10000E is one of the Best Emergency Home Generator.

And you can have this best portable generator for home with a powerful engine.

An outstanding backup power station with 1000W starting watts and 8000W running watts power capacity.

Besides that, this generator offers gas fuel with 1000 kilo-watts.

Moreover, this generator has a 440cc engine that will supply power to any of the appliances at home.

Plus, the duromax portable generator is easy to operate.

And it is one of the ideal and best generators for home during hot weather.

Duromax XP10000E Gas Portable Generator
Duromax XP10000E Gas Portable Generator

Additionally, this best generator for the whole house will indicate to you if the fuel is less in the tank. Consequently, the duromax generator will work efficiently while saving fuel.

Lastly, it is idle to control, and you choose the voltage usage between 120 to 240 volts.

Why It’s Great
  • Ideal for summer and humid weathers
  • High power voltage
  • You can choose between 120 to 240 volts
  • Used in more than 50 countries
Flaws But not Deal breakers
  • Creates a lot of vibration and noise while operating

User’s Reviews

Many users in their reviews have indicated that this product continues to work effectively during especially bad weather and storms. It lights up their whole homes.

Tom Ebeling reviews after using it during storms and Hurricanes as:

This is a powerhouse and workhorse. I followed directions and it started on the first try and ran constantly all through Hurricane Harvey. I life saver since my 81-year-old mother was at my house….flawless

It ran a freezer, refrigerator, portable A/C unit, septic systems pumps, water well, TV, Lights, computer/internet……Amazing !!!!

TOM EBELING

Best Fuel Efficient Whole House Generator

Champion 100161

Last but not least, we have the champion 100161 generator that is easy to operate. Champion 100161 is Best Fuel Efficient Whole House Generator.

With just one button, you can operate the generator.

It is one of the best generators for house that will work on gas or propane. So its a best propane generator for the whole house.

Moreover, this generator is ready to use when it arrives. With its 9375W starting power, it delivers 7500 watts of power supply to all the appliances of the household.

Besides that, the best generator for whole house has a powerful engine of 439cc.

Best of all; the champion 10061 generator has cold stat technology.

Champion 100161 Generator Electric Start
Champion 100161 Generator Electric Start

However, this generator will work on gas for eight hours. And champion works continuously for 6 hours on propane. No doubt its one of the best whole house propane generators.

Also, this machine is safe to use because it will never get heated. Also, it has an auto-shutoff option that will make this generator last long.

Lastly, this champion’s best whole house generator comes with 3 years warranty.

Why It’s Great
  • 3 years warranty
  • Auto shutoff
  • Durable and safe
  • Easy to turn on
  • Dual engine machine
  • Electric start generator
Flaws But not Deal breakers
  • Less power supply wattage

User’s Reviews

Amanda S reviews after using it and she says:

Very good generator! Bought to use with a First River fifth wheel and very impressed. Able to run AC full blast and microwave at the same time with all lights on, didn’t bog down or seem to increase load at all. Doesn’t initially sound very cool to say that, but a microwave pulls about the same power as an AC starting, so I think it really shows how awesome the generator is. And the remote start is great as well.

AMANDA S

Portable or Standby Whole House Generator

Portable or standby whole house generator – which one should you get?

Generators that operate automatically are called standby generators. An outage will be resolved within seconds.

Standby generators are powered by inborn gas or propane. Portable generators can be moved from one spot to another.

For a short time, they usually power an area.

What are Home Standby Generators?

During a power outage, home standby generators provide emergency power. Generators connected to natural gas or propane are usually permanently installed outside homes. 

Generators provide power to homes when utilities fail.

During an outage, standby generators provide power to your home.

They are typically permanently installed and connected to your natural gas or propane line, so they automatically start up when the power goes out. 

What Are Portable Generators?

Powered by a gas-powered engine, portable generators generate electricity by turning an onboard alternator.

These devices are helpful in a variety of situations, such as when power outages occur or when working in remote areas where there is no access to the power grid.

Portable generators come in various sizes and can be used for various purposes, such as powering tools and equipment, providing lighting, or charging batteries.

Portable Vs. Standby Generators by Kohler Power

Benefits of Standby Generators

When you need power, you can rely on a standby generator. Standby generators offer the following benefits: 

  • As much power as you need can be provided by a standby generator. This means you can keep your lights on, your fridge running, and your home heated or cooled, even during a power outage. 
  • A standby power generator can run as long as you need power. This means you won’t have to worry about your power going out in the middle of the night or during a storm. 
  • A standby generator provides power automatically. This means you don’t have to worry about manually starting the generator or ensuring it has enough fuel.

Drawbacks of Standby Generators

There are several potential drawbacks to owning a standby generator, especially for those that are large enough to power an entire home. 

  • Firstly, standby generators can be quite costly, both in terms of the initial purchase price as well as the ongoing costs of maintenance and fuel. 
  • Additionally, standby generators can be loud, which can be a nuisance for the generator owner and their neighbors. 
  • Additionally, standby generators emit harmful emissions that cause environmental damage.

Benefits of Portable Generators

Portable generators offer many benefits, chief among them being the provision of emergency power. 

  • An outage can cause a power outage, which may be caused by a generator. 
  • Additionally, portable generators can be used to power tools, making them ideal for construction projects or other work where access to reliable power is limited. 
  • Camping or tailgating can also be done with portable generators. Power outages can cause damage to your home or business if you have a portable generator.

Drawbacks of Portable Generators

Purchasing a portable generator requires consideration of several drawbacks. 

  • First, they require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. This can be a significant expense, particularly if you need someone to do the work. 
  • Second, portable generators can be pretty noisy, which can be a significant nuisance to your neighbors. 
  • Finally, portable generators can be dangerous if not used properly, so it is essential to be sure that you understand how to use yours safely before operating them.

Which is better, a standby generator or a portable generator?

A standby generator is more robust and reliable than a portable generator. Your home’s electrical system is connected to a standby generator.

In the event of a power outage, it automatically turns on and runs on either natural gas or propane.

A portable generator is less expensive than a standby generator, but it’s not as powerful and needs to be manually started.

Can a portable generator be used as a standby generator?

Yes, a portable generator can be used as a standby generator. Your home’s circuit-breaker panel can be used to power almost as much as a standby generator.

This is because the portable generator can tap into the home’s existing wiring and deliver power to the circuit-breaker panel, which then powers the home.

The only difference is that the portable generator is not permanently installed, so it can be moved around as needed.

How long can you run a portable generator at one time?

A portable generator can usually run for about 6-18 hours before needing to be refueled.

The specific time a portable generator can run will depend on its size and the load it is being asked to power.

In that case, it will be able to run for a more extended period than if it was being used to power a more significant number of devices.

When it comes to a standby generator, you need to ensure that it will fit in the available space.

You also have to have a professional install it, which can be expensive. A portable generator is less expensive and can be easily moved if you need to.

However, you need to ensure that it is adequately ventilated and that you have enough fuel to run it when needed.

What Do You Need To Know Before Buying a Whole House Generator

It can be difficult to manage without power for an extended period of time.

Whole house generators are a great way to ensure that you and your family are never left in the dark. 

These generators can be used for various purposes, from providing backup power during an outage to powering your entire home during a natural disaster.

In addition to being a great way to keep your family safe and comfortable, whole house generators can also be a significant financial investment.

What Do You Need To Know Before Buying a Whole House Generator?

A whole-house generator should take into consideration several factors.

Automatic Shutoff:

Buying a whole-house generator requires consideration of a few factors.

The automatic shutoff is a crucial factor. Automatic shutoff refers to the generator shutting itself off when it senses the power has been restored.

This is an important safety feature to have, as it prevents the generator from continuing to run when it is not needed.

Without this feature, the generator could overheat and cause damage to your home.

Type of Enclosure:

The enclosure is the generator’s housing, and it must be tough enough to protect it from the elements.

There are three types of enclosures for standby generators-open, semi-open, and enclosed.

The type of enclosure you choose will be based on how much sound reduction you need, how much weather protection you need, and how much security you need. 

  • Open standby generators are the least expensive and have minor sound reduction. Their weather resistance and security are also the lowest. 
  • Semi-open standby generators are more expensive than open standby generators but have more sound reduction. They are also more weather resistant but are not as secure as enclosed standby generators. 
  • Enclosed standby generators are the most expensive but have the best sound reduction, weather protection, and security.

Generator Capacity:

The generator’s capacity must be determined. Depending on the size of your house and the number of electronic devices you have, you will need a different system.

A rule of thumb is to choose a generator that can provide at least double the power of what you need to run your household.

Generator Fuel Source:

It would be best to decide which fuel source you would like to use.

Natural gas, propane, and gasoline are the most commonly used fuel sources.

For example, natural gas is the most affordable option but requires a connection to a natural gas line.

Propane is a bit more expensive than natural gas but is not as dependent on weather conditions.

Gasoline is the most expensive option, but it is the most convenient option since you can fill up your generator with gas when it runs out.

Warranty and Delivery:

Before purchasing a whole house generator, it would be best to keep a few things in mind. 

  • First, make sure to check the warranty. Most whole house generators will have a warranty of at least 3 years. 
  • Second, keep in mind the delivery time. Most generators will be delivered within 2 weeks, but some may take up to 4 weeks. 
  • Check the return policy last. If you are dissatisfied with a generator, you can return it within 30 days.

And So, Finally,

A whole-house generator should be purchased based on a few factors. 

  • Firstly, you need to consider the installation cost and the generator itself. 
  • Second, ensure that your home’s electrical system is compatible with the generator. 
  • Finally, you’ll need to factor in the ongoing cost of maintenance and operation. 

Your family and home will benefit from considering all these factors.

Summary: Best Generator for Whole House

Preview Product Type Rating Price
Westinghouse WGen12000 Ultra-Duty Portable Generator Westinghouse WGen12000 Best Whole House Generator Overall 4.5 Check Price
DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator DuroMax XP12000EH Best Heavy Duty Home Backup Generator 4.6 Check Price
Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator Generac 7043 Best Reliable Standby Home Generator 4.5 Check Price
Briggs and Stratton 40336 20kW Home Standby Generator Briggs and Stratton 40336 20kW Best Budget Whole House Generator 4.6 Check Price
Ai-Power SUA12000E Gasoline Electric Generator A-iPower SUA12000E Best High Capacity Generator for Whole House 4.7 Check Price
Duromax XP10000E Gas Portable Generator DuroMax XP10000E Best Emergency Home Generator 4.4 Check Price
Champion 100161 Dual Fuel Generator Electric Start Champion 100161 Best Fuel Efficient Whole House Generator 4.5 Check Price

Final Verdict

In my opinion, buying a best whole house generator is one of the best investments.

And we suggest buying a good quality generator so you can rely on it for several years. You can contact any of the best whole-house generator companies if you have any inconvenience during usage.

So that is why we have the best whole house generator in our review.

Also, these generators have durable and safe quality. And these generators are electric starting with MX2 technology.

Best of all, portable generators will run for a long time continuously.

But these generators are costly than the smaller generators, so keep in mind that you need more budget for buying them.

You can find all the best whole house generators for sale here.

To make your choice much easier, check out the top 3 recommendations as:

  1. Briggs and Stratton 40336 as it’s a perfect choice for you in an affordable budget.
  2. Westinghouse WGen12000 if you need a long-term replacement and best pick with no cons.
  3. Generac 7043 is runners up pick if you need a reliable best whole house generator.

Best Whole House Generator FAQs

How much power do I need for a whole house generator?

A general rule of thumb is that you will need 30 to 50 kilowatts of power for a generator that will power a typical home.

The amount of power you will need for a whole house generator depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the number of appliances you have, and the amount of power you typically use.

How big of a generator do I need for a 2000 sq ft house?

IIf you have a 2000 square ft house, you’ll probably need a generator of at least 1000KWh.

When determining how big a generator should be for a 2000-square-foot house, several factors must be considered. 

  • One crucial factor is the amount of power required to run all home appliances and electronics. 
  • Considering the area’s climate and the weather is another important factor. If the area is prone to extreme weather conditions, a more significant generator may be needed to provide enough power to keep the home running during a power outage.

How much is a generator for a 2000 sq ft house?

For a 2000 square foot house, a generator is usually between $10,000 and $10,000.

Generators different in price depending on their size and type. For example, a small, portable generator may cost as little as $500, while a more significant, powerful generator could cost $10,000 or more.

The size of your home will also affect the cost, as you’ll need a more significant generator to power a larger home.

What is the price range of generators for whole house?

The generators can start from 400$ up to 10,000$. But you can find a decent generator with high quality for 500 dollars.

Also, there are several budget-friendly options available in the market. Keep in mind, the best whole house generator cost varies according to their features and power production.

Which are the best brands of the generator for the whole house?

Some of the best brands of generators for houses are Champion 75,000 Watt Dual Fuel Generator Electric Start, Duromax XP10000E Gas Portable Generator, Ai-Power 12000 Watt Gasoline Electric Generator, Briggs and Straton Home Standby Generator, Generac Home Standby Generator, and Westinghouse Ultra-Duty Portable Generator.

How much time can a generator work without any interruption?

Your generator will keep on running if there is fuel or gas provided to it. And decent quality generators will run for 24 hours continuously for the whole week.

You can check the best whole house generators consumer reports here.

Don’t miss the chance to buy the best home generators for power outages.

How reliable is whole house generator?

Answering this question can never be definitive. Whole house generators can be quite reliable, but it ultimately depends on the individual unit and how well it is maintained.

Some people may have had great experiences with their whole house generator, while others may have had issues.

If you’re considering purchasing a whole house generator, it’s important to do your research and read reviews to get a sense of how reliable different models are.

Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a model that has a good reputation for reliability.

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