The 7 Best Whole House Generators in 2023

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In case of a power outage, having one of the best whole house generators in 2023 (also known as standby generators) at home will save your family from massive disruption. When you own a large home or property and wish to disconnect from the grid, or if you plan to run more than your essential appliances from a portable or standby generator that will eventually go out after a disaster strikes your community, a whole house generator will meet your needs. A whole house generator is best purchased when you aren’t actually in need of one. In this post, we have reviewed the top-rated whole house generators, so read on to learn how to keep your house powered up at all times.

Basics of Whole House Generators

When a power outage occurs, a whole house generator automatically connects to the electrical wiring of your home and provides electricity to the house until the power is restored.

Even though these standby generators are great machines, they do come with additional costs such as maintenance and upkeep. It’s good advice to hire a professional generator installation service provider to install a whole-house electric generator for you unless you’re particularly handy with electrical work.

To extend the lifespan of any machine, experts recommend that it should be serviced regularly after a period of continuous use, including changing the oil and filters. It is also crucial to measure your home’s size before purchasing a whole house generator because each home has different needs and therefore different generator sizes.

If you are wondering whether a whole house generator increases the value of your home, you may be interested to learn that it does. The value of a property can increase by about $6,000 after installing a $12,000 generator, according to one report.

The Advantages of Getting a Whole House Generator

You can get a whole house generator for a number of reasons, including:

Providing Backup Power to the Entire Home

Proper whole house generators are designed to power the entire house and everything inside, as well as provide backup power for essential appliances such as your air conditioner, sump pump, and refrigerator. In essence, a whole house generator will keep your house running at full capacity during power outages, and it will also give you added assurance that you will not have to compromise your electrical needs during a power outage.

Permanent Installation

Whole house generators are permanently installed outside of your home, so whether you use them as backup power during a power outage or as your primary power source, they’re ready when you need them. It can be powered by liquid propane (LP), natural gas (NG), or even diesel and is generally connected to a large, permanently installed tank or the main gas line, so you don’t have to be concerned about going to the store for fuel when you need electricity.

Enhanced Power Capacity

A whole house generator usually has more power than a standby generator, with a capacity of 22 to 48 kW. As a result of their larger and more powerful engines and liquid cooling, these generators can operate for an extended period of time without heating up or requiring maintenance.

Whole House Generators Buying Guide

The frequency of power cuts is increasing, which is certainly not ideal for the electronic devices in your home. Additionally, if you had already invested a significant amount in smart home applications, then a power outage would simply render your home non-smart until the electricity is restored. So if you are looking for a reliable source of backup power for your home, you should check out whole house generators.

Apart from providing backup power to your home’s electronic devices, whole house generators can also be used to run electronics at remote locations. Typically, whole house generators run on gas or propane fuel. Consequently, they can provide the same amount of power backup as the amount of propane they are filled with. Before you decide to buy a generator, there are several things you should consider.

Power Output

When purchasing a new whole house generator, the first thing you should check is the power output of each option. A whole house generator’s power capacity should be compared to the electrical load of your house. In this way, you can find out whether the specified whole house generator is suitable for your home. Some of you may need a whole house generator for a small home, while others may need one to power heavy appliances in multiple rooms. As a result, not all homeowners will require the same amount of power for a whole house generator.

Generators are rated in watts, and those with higher wattage ratings produce more power. You can check to see if one model’s power output capacity is higher or lower than its competitors. House generators with 3800 or 4500 watts can be ideal for smaller houses with less power-hungry appliances. However, if you want the ultimate performance, you may want a whole house generator rated at 10000 or 12000 watts.

Engine Capacity

In order to determine a generator’s overall performance and compatibility, you need to take into consideration the engine powering it. A whole house generator operates on a fuel source like propane, and they have a gas engine built into the generator that converts chemical energy into rotational energy, which is then transformed into electricity. It is crucial to make sure that the gas engine powering the generator has a large capacity in order to get an idea of its performance.

In the same way as automobiles, whole house generators use gas engines with a specific capacity mentioned in the CC units. CC is the abbreviation for cubic centimeters, which is the amount of space inside the combustion chamber of an engine. Increasing the CC rating of the engine will increase its overall capacity to produce power. Depending on the model you choose, the engine size may be 200 cc or even a 400 cc engine for heavy-duty options.

Engine Power

A whole house generator’s engine power rating is also critical. As with an automobile engine, the engine power of a generator is expressed in HP units. Comparing a generator with a 15 HP engine to one with a 10 HP engine, the 15 HP engine will offer significantly better performance. In general, these options are well-suited for powering industrial-grade tools and machines, while even a 10 HP generator will suffice for standard household appliances.

Since a higher horsepower engine generates greater brake power, it ultimately develops more electrical power.

Engines with higher horsepower consume more fuel, which makes them less energy efficient, just as engines with higher capacities do. If you intend to run your generator frequently, you should only choose an energy-efficient model if you don’t want to burn a lot of fuel every so often.

Output Ports

In addition to the specifications, there are some other aspects that you should consider which affect the application rather than the performance of the generator. For instance, you should consider the output ports. However much energy the generator generates, it won’t be of any use to you if you cannot connect the devices that you wish to power with it to the generator. When you are shopping for a generator for your RV and you plan to use it during a long-distance trip, this becomes even more important.

It’s important to check which output ports are available on a whole house generator and make sure you are purchasing one that offers you multiple options for connectivity. You will usually find various options for connecting the generator, including standard household AC ports, transfer switches, RV ports, and numerous others. Some generators come with a USB port so that you can connect devices powered by USB directly to the generator. An extension cord is necessary if the generator doesn’t come with sufficient output ports. This will increase the cost of the initial investment.

Best Whole House Generators Reviews

In today’s market, you can easily find a generator, which is one of the most common household accessories. It also means that you have access to a wide range of options, which can make it a bit overwhelming at times if you were to choose one. It is even more critical to make sure that you select the right option for your house because there are different types of options for industrial applications and domestic applications. In order to help you find the right choice for your house, we have created a list of the best whole house generators. Also provided is a brief discussion of each product’s specifications, along with its strengths and weaknesses.

1. Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator

The Best Whole House Generators in 2022 — Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator (Reference: **westinghouseoutdoorpower.com**)

Pros & Cons

Pros

It runs at standard 120 voltage
with a 3-year warranty
Reliable and powerful gas engine
Key fob for remote start
Multi-output options

Cons

For basic household uses, it is quite expensive

Specifications

Wattage	9500 watts
Dimensions	27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches
Item Weight	211 Pounds
Color	Blue
Voltage	240 volts

The manufacturer of this generator is Westinghouse, a trusted brand in the generator industry. We have chosen the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator as one of the most powerful options on this list, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. This gasoline-powered generator has a capacity of 9500 running watts, but its peak power rating is 12500 watts. This generator also operates on propane, offering a peak capacity of 11200 watts. Remotely starting this unit is also possible using the included key fob.

A 6.6-gallon fuel tank is included with the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator. If the generator is full, it can run for 12 hours straight without any problems. On the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator there are four outlets: two GFCI standard household outlets, a transfer switch, and an RV-ready outlet. The generator is powered by a 475 CC gas engine. This engine produces much power but is pretty reliable, featuring cast iron sleeves and an automatic shut-down when oil is low.

2. Generac Guardian 24kW Standby Generator, Model 7209

Pros & Cons

Pros

One of the largest air-cooled generators on the market
Self-tests are conducted in a quiet manner every week

Cons

With natural gas, power output is significantly reduced
There is no transfer switch included

Specifications

Wattage	24kW LP / 21kW NG
Dimensions	48 x 25 x 29 inches
Item Weight	514 Pounds
Voltage	120/240-Volts Single Phase

Typically, air-cooled generators are used for backup power in residential areas. Simple maintenance and affordability are two benefits of this type of generator. Powered by propane, the Generac Guardian 24kW air-cooled generator offers up to 24,000 watts of power. This generator is ideal for homeowners who need a generator capable of handling increased power demands. It also has Wi-Fi capabilities so you can monitor its operation wherever you are.

Power output is maximized while space requirements are minimized with this popular generator model. Unlike most compact generators, the unit’s housing is 4 feet in length and 2 feet wide, which makes it comparable to typical whole-house generators. There is also a Quiet-Test weekly self-test mode on this unit, which runs at just 57 decibels. In regular use, the generator’s noise level is 67 decibels, which is average for a generator with this amount of power.

There is no transfer switch included with this model, so you will need to buy one separately.

3. Briggs & Stratton 12,000-Watt Automatic Air Cooled Standby Generator

Pros & Cons

Pros

Monitoring and control via a smartphone
Easy placement due to narrow footprint
The engine is manufactured in the U.S.A. and is durable

Cons

A louder unit than similar ones

Specifications

Wattage	12000 watts
Dimensions	40 x 22 x 23 inches
Item Weight	475 Pounds
Fuel type	Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Briggs & Stratton’s 12,000 Watt Generator offers tremendous power for such a compact unit and ships at an affordable price. One of the best-rated generators by customers, this product delivers 12,000 watts while being among the smallest on our list.

With an automatic voltage regulator, an efficient alternator, and smartphone app control over Wi-Fi, there is no danger of damaging electronic components or underpowering high-voltage appliances. The low-speed mode can also be used to reduce noise, save fuel, and tighten control.

4. DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Portable Generator

Pros & Cons

Pros

A good pick for basic household tasks
There are multiple outlets available
Dual-fuel operation is available

Cons

It would have been better if the fuel tank had been larger

Specifications

Wattage	5000 watts
Dimensions	22 x 25 x 22 inches
Item Weight	142 Pounds
Color	Blue/Black
Voltage	120 volts

Choosing a brand like DuroMax for a basic household generator won’t cost you a fortune. In the midrange generator market, it offers budget-friendly options.

Its starting power is 5500 watts, and its continuous running power is 4500 watts, so it can handle most household appliances under basic conditions. The DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator also comes with a dual fuel option. This unit can be powered by gasoline or propane, depending on your local availability.

A 224 CC OHV engine powers the DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator and provides sufficient power to ensure a stable electric supply. The MX2 technology provides the generator with the maximum power output from each of its 120-volt standard AC outlets. If your application requires 240 volts output, you can switch to it. There are two standard 120-volt GFCI outlets and one 120/240 30A twist-lock outlet on the DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator, which allows simultaneous use.

5. DuroStar Gas Powered Portable Generator

Pros & Cons

Pros

Engine performance that is comparable to that of other engines
When not under heavy load, it generates little noise
Fuel-efficient engine with high power

Cons

It would have been better if the power capacity had been higher

Specifications

Wattage	8000 watts
Dimensions	40 x 29 x 27.5 inches
Item Weight	129 Pounds
Color	Red/Black
Engine Type	4-Cycle Air-Cooled Spark-Ignition

There are a few brands in the premium generator market that are immediately recognizable. DuroStar is one of them. DuroStar offers premium yet powerful options. There is a 10000-watt power rating on this gas-powered whole house generator. This is possible thanks to the DuroStar 440 CC gas engine that powers this unit. The engine has a power capacity of 18 horsepower, offering the highest performance with the right fuel intake. The DuroStar DS10000E can handle a variety of heavy tasks at high power levels, such as high voltage appliances and power tools.

By lowering the load on the DuroStar DS10000E, it automatically lowers the engine’s RPM, thereby reducing fuel consumption and increasing efficiency. When the generator isn’t under heavy load, there is little noise produced. Furthermore, each 120 volt AC outlet has MX2 technology that provides maximum power output. DuroStar DS10000E has two 120 volt GFCI outlets, one 120 volt 30A twist-lock outlet, one 240 volt 30A twist-lock outlet, and one additional 240 volt 50A outlet.

6. Champion 14-kW aXis Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Whole House Switch

Pros & Cons

Pros

It’s quiet at 62 decibels
The best warranty with a 10-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support
Self-diagnoses

Cons

There have been reports of technical support issues from some customers
Remote monitoring is not included

Specifications

Wattage	12500 watts
Dimensions	50 x 30.1 x 32.1 inches
Item Weight	482 Pounds
Noise level	62 decibels
Voltage	120/240-Volts Single Phase

While it is one of the costliest whole house generators, the Champion 14-kW aXis generator has excellent specifications that set it apart from the competition. For the amount of power it provides to your home, the Champion aXis stands out on this list with its 14,000 watts. Furthermore, this generator is very quiet, with a noise level of only 62 dbA.

As soon as the power is lost, the Champion aXis starts automatically, manages the electric load evenly, and remains functional at subzero or extreme temperatures. There is no remote monitoring system with this generator. However, it comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which provides more than double the warranty offered by many other brands.

7. Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator

Pros & Cons

Pros

A powerful engine powers this generator
A dual fuel option is available
A professional-grade product

Cons

Short warranty period

Specifications

Wattage	12000 watts
Dimensions	28.5 x 26 x 25.5 inches
Item Weight	209 Pounds
Color	Space Gray
Voltage	120/240-Volts

We’ll discuss yet another powerful whole house generator that’s suitable for large households. Pulsar, a versatile brand focused on a wide array of products, designs this option. This Pulsar G12KBN whole house generator is a powerful unit designed for heavy uses. This generator has a peak power output of 12000 watts and a running power output of 9500 watts. The Pulsar G12KBN comes with a dual fuel option, so you can power it with either gasoline or LPG. With its 8-gallon fuel tank, this generator offers long-lasting performance, lasting up to 12 hours without the need for refueling.

One of the most powerful picks on our list is the Pulsar G12KBN, which has a 457 CC 4-stroke gas engine. This generator is still portable and mobile, owing to the 10 inches never-flat wheels on the chassis, which help with mobility. Aside from 4 120V/20A AC outlets, the Pulsar G12KBN offers a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet and a 120/240V 50A outlet for heavier loads. For special applications requiring a DC plug, you can also find a 12-volt DC outlet on the Pulsar G12KBN.

Conclusion

Powered by the combustion of natural gas or propane, generators generate electricity. Thus, these options can serve as a standalone power station for your house, office, or RV without requiring electricity. With high-powered options available for whole house generators, you can even power heavy-duty electronic appliances without any problems.

In this post, we have outlined some of the best whole house generators available and explained a bit about them in terms of specifications and features. Our list contains several decent options, so you can easily select one that suits your needs.

To obtain a better idea of which option would be best for you, you can also review our buying guide for the best whole house generators.