Best Generators

Finding the best generators ensures you’re never left helpless during a sudden power outage. That feeling of stress is real, but the right backup power source brings ultimate peace of mind. We’ve done the hard work, testing the most reliable models to protect your home and family. This definitive guide cuts through the confusion, helping you confidently choose the perfect portable power solution for your needs. Let’s dive into our top-rated picks.

Top 5 Generators:

1. Westinghouse WGen9500DF – Best Generator Overall

 

 

Looking for a dependable source of energy for your home? For a generator, it’s hard to beat the Westinghouse WGen9500DF, which provides a whopping 12,500 watts. It runs on and can be switched between gasoline and propane, giving you energy options and peace of mind. Whether you need backup power or the perfect source for a job site, this generator has you covered.

The WGen9500DF weighs 210 lbs., and stands as a heavy-duty, long lasting portable generator with the 457cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed for durability. The engine has a cast iron sleeve for prolonged durability, as well as a 1.7-gallon fuel tank to keep it running longer between fill-ups. The digital hourmeter feature makes it easy to perform recommended maintenance, such as an oil change.

You’ll appreciate the convenient electric start with 3-position switch and an easy-to-read V-meter, with one twist of a knob, this Control Panel allows you to start the generator or stop it when finished. The VFT meter provides you with real-time information regarding voltage output, frequency, and total lifetime hours for the generator.

A versatile generator ideal for a variety of uses, it’s easy to use while offering plenty of power to keep you and your family happy. Ready to help protect your family with the dual fuel WGen9500DF that allows your portable generator to use either gas or propane as a fuel source to ensure power supply. Don’t settle for a subpar generator that won’t have the long lifespan that you deserve.

 

2. DuroMax XP13000EH – Best Generator for Whole Home Backup

 

 

Do you need a dependable source of portable power to serve during storms or other emergencies? From the manufacturer DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Generator The DuroMax XP13000EH is a Dual Fuel workhorse powered by a 500cc OHV Engine and runs on gasoline or propane.

With gasoline and propane fueling options, this dual fuel generator has the flexibility to run on whatever your job site or recreational event has available. It is capable of a 10,500 peak watt output and is also back-up transfer switch ready for most small homes or even an item as large as a water heater.

On the other hand, the XP13000EH features a simple, user-friendly push-button electric start and a easy to use, conveniently located multi-featured control panel, which lets you change fuel type even while it’s running. Its heavyweight metal body makes it durable enough to be left out in harsh weather and strong enough for some tough love over the years, without fear of flimsy plastic parts getting in the way of your grow!

Featuring low oil shutdown, hour meter and the CO sense CO2 detector, this generator is built for long life and easy maintenance, so you can be confident you’ll have power when you need it for years to come for your home.

Yet, weighing just 234 pounds, this generator is easy to move to the jobsite, and portable with wheel and handles for easy maneuverability in all types of terrain, so you’ll always have power when and where you need it. For when you need the convenience of portability and the power to perform, the DuroMax XP13000EH is ready.

 

3. Westinghouse iGen5000 – Best Generator for RVs

 

 

Are you looking for the best generator for RV camping? Enter the Westinghouse iGen5000. A peak wattage of 5000 watts and rated output of 3900 watts, you do not have to worry about this generator not being able to provide enough power without being noisy. Running at a quiet 52 dBA, you can sleep soundly in your tent while the generator powers your camping trip.

Powered by gasoline, you can start it right up with the simple push of an on/off button. With a run time of up to 18 hours on a 3.4-gallon gasoline tank, you can stay powered throughout your journey. The “Eco Mode” is available for those who want to maximizing their fuel efficiency.

his generator also features an electric start and a recoil start if needed, and a remote start that can be turned on using an included key fob. The LED data center has all lights and functions in one area, including a running hour’s display to remind you of scheduled maintenance such as an oil change.

It is 119 pounds and has a telescoping handle for handiness when you’re on the run. Whether you need power for your home or next project, this generator delivers excellent power, has outstanding features and reliable performance, the answer to all your power needs.

 

4. Anker SOLIX C1000 – Best Solar Powered Generator

 

 

Want to power your outdoor adventures or are you stuck at home during a power outage? The Anker SOLIX C1000 Solar Generator is the answer Dimensions: all black Portable Power Outdoors. Measuring 420 x 430 x 267mm, the design features a solar source of energy and generator that are compatible with the panels. Delivering 1800 watts and able to fill an 80% battery in only 43 minutes, this power station ensures you stay powered up, even in moments of chaos. With the UltraFast recharge and technology, full recharging is under an hour using an AC input, which is great for home; likewise, USB‑C; for multi‑function use wherever you go.

Built to last, the Anker SOLIX C1000 years and years of service, thanks to a LiFePO4 battery that’s good for more than 3,000 cycles over 10 years. So you can trust your power source, even for when the entire crew going out on an adventure or an expedition!

Packing a huge 2400W capacity with impressive SurgePad technology, the SOLIX C1000 is perfect for charging 99% of devices with 11 different ports. Whether you are camping in an RV or setting up in the backyard for a jubilee, the generator makes it simple to bring the light.

Also, it’s never been more simple to go green. The SOLIX C1000 delivers up to 600W Fast Solar Recharging, fully refilling the unit in a short 1.8 hours from solar. With the Anker SOLIX C1000, you are more than ready; you are enabled to go, explore, and grow, while maintaining a sustainable living.

 

5. Westinghouse iGen2200 – Best Budget Generator

 

 

Looking for a Power Solution you can trust that wont cost a fortune? The Westinghouse iGen2200 generator might be the solution you’ve been searching for. This generator has the capacity of 2200 watts and is gas powered, and can cater to the needs of your home and also functions as an outdoor units by using it while camping.

Weighing in at only 24 pounds it’s lightweight, compact design only adds to it’s portability without sacrificing power. It runs at a regular voltage of 120 volts so you know you’ll have plenty of power for all your gadgets. Whether you’re at home and facing a power outage, or off the grid and in need of power, this generator has got you covered.

One of the unique attributes of the iGen2200 is how quietly it runs (noise as low as 52 dBA). This makes it ideal for residential use or tame campgrounds. And its fuel efficiency is also very good, up to 12 hours of run time on a 1.2-gallon gas tank. It also comes with an “Economy Mode” feature that promotes maximum fuel efficiency, allowing you to spend less on fuel costs.

Complete with overload protection and a muffler for tranquil operation, the Westinghouse iGen2200 is a solid choice for those who want to have power when it matters most. You shouldn’t have to lose power just because you’re out at sea, and now you won’t have to with an energy-saving, cost-effective and long-lasting generator.

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Generator:

You should evaluate your power needs, budget, installation constraints, fuel options, noise levels, maintenance requirements, and local codes before choosing a generator. Also consider transfer switch compatibility, runtime, warranty, and resale value to ensure reliable performance, safety, and ease of ownership.

Deciding Between Fuel Types: A Critical Choice

Compare how each fuel affects runtime, storage, and maintenance: diesel typically offers 20–30% better fuel economy and longer engine life, gasoline units are cheaper and easier to transport, propane stores indefinitely and burns cleaner, while natural gas eliminates on-site refueling if piped. A 5 kW gasoline generator often runs 8–10 hours on a 20 L tank; a diesel equivalent may reach 12–15 hours. After weighing these trade-offs, match fuel choice to your access, runtime needs, and local fuel prices.

Gasoline vs. Diesel: Weighing Performance and Availability

Diesel produces more low-end torque and better thermal efficiency, so you get longer runtimes and better fuel economy under heavy loads; expect 10–15% higher energy per liter compared with gasoline. Gasoline generators typically cost 20–30% less to buy and remain easier to source during short outages. You should balance diesel’s higher upfront price against lower fuel consumption and longer service intervals—commercial sites often opt for diesel for continuous or demanding duty cycles.

The Rise of Renewable Energy Solutions

Solar-plus-battery systems became viable as PV prices dropped roughly 85–90% since 2010 and battery-pack costs fell similarly, enabling hybrid setups that cut generator runtime by an estimated 30–60% depending on load and insolation. You can configure an inverter/charger to prioritize solar and batteries, reserving the generator for bulk charging or prolonged outages, reducing fuel costs and maintenance over time.

Size systems to your critical loads: a 3 kW PV array with a 10 kWh Li‑ion battery (usable ~8–9 kWh at 80–90% DoD) can sustain refrigeration and comms for 24–48 hours under moderate sun. Hybrid controllers allow your generator to top up batteries when sunlight is insufficient, trimming generator hours by 40–70% over extended outages. You should also account for inverter capacity, battery cycle life (typically 3,000–6,000 cycles for modern Li‑ion), installation costs, and available incentives or net‑metering policies when planning integration.

Estimating Your Total Wattage Demand

List every device and note running vs. starting watts—motors often draw 3–7× running watts. For example, a refrigerator might run at ~700 W and start at ~2,200 W; a sump pump 900 W running and 2,500 W starting; lights 200 W total. Sum running watts for continuous load (about 1,800 W here), then ensure the generator covers the combined starting surge (roughly 4,700 W), choosing a unit with headroom (e.g., 5,000–6,000 W).

Prioritizing Essential Appliances and Tools

Rank loads by health/safety, food preservation, and property protection: medical devices, refrigerator/freezer, well or sump pumps, heating/fans, and lighting. You may find imperative loads typically fall between 2,000–5,000 W; minimal setups can use a 2,000–3,000 W inverter, while broader backups require 5,000–7,500 W. Include sensitive electronics in the count and opt for inverter or AVR-equipped generators for clean power.

Create a prioritized load list with running and starting watts and label circuits for a manual or automatic transfer switch. Example: fridge (700/2,200), sump pump (900/2,500), three lights (150), modem (50) → ~1,800 W running and ~4,700 W starting, so choose a 5,000–6,000 W generator and a 30 A/240 V transfer solution, adding ~25% headroom to handle unexpected surges.

Evaluating Power Needs for Mobile vs. Stationary Use

You should list the specific loads you’ll run: a refrigerator typically draws 600–800 W (starting 1,200–2,000 W), a sump pump 800–1,500 W (starting to 2,500 W), and central AC or HVAC can demand 3,500–15,000 W. For mobile use prioritize compact inverter models (1–3 kW) that are lighter and clean (<3% THD) for electronics; for stationary whole‑home backup size toward 10–20 kW standby units and account for starting surges and simultaneous loads.

The Trade-offs Between Convenience and Capacity

You’ll trade portability and low cost for higher capacity and automation: portable units are cheaper up front and movable but often require manual hookup, have limited run times (4–12 hours on a tank) and louder operation, whereas permanently installed standby systems offer automatic switchover, continuous fuel via natural gas, and 24/7 readiness at much higher installation and maintenance costs.

You should weigh specific technical differences: inverter portables provide clean power (<3% THD) for laptops and TVs, conventional generators can supply higher surge watts for motors but with higher harmonic distortion, gasoline has short shelf life (~3–6 months without stabilizer), propane stores indefinitely, and diesel offers long storage but needs periodic maintenance; permits and ATS wiring add to standby installs and affect the total convenience vs capacity calculus.

Solutions for Quieter Operation

You can choose inverter generators rated around 50–60 dB at 7 m for quiet residential use, or add engineered mufflers and acoustic enclosures to conventional units that often run 70–90 dB. Strategic placement 15–20 ft away, pointing exhaust away from neighbors, and mounting on anti-vibration pads lowers transmitted noise. Manufacturers usually provide dBA values at specific loads—compare those specs for real-world expectations.

Acoustic enclosures and sound barriers commonly yield 10–15 dB reductions, while aftermarket silencers or muffler upgrades often cut 3–8 dB; combined measures can drop loudness to a neighbor-friendly level. Keep ventilation and cooling clear to avoid overheating, and verify that any enclosure or muffler does not void your warranty. Consider professional acoustic treatment or a site-specific noise study if you need reductions greater than 10 dB.

Conclusion

Presently you should evaluate your power requirements, fuel availability, portability, runtime, transfer switch needs, noise and emissions, maintenance and operating costs, safety features, warranty, and local codes; weigh initial price against long-term reliability and dealer support, and consult a licensed electrician to confirm proper sizing and safe installation.