The occurrence of power outages is becoming increasingly common and this is not favorable for the electronic devices in your home. Additionally, if you have invested a considerable amount of money in smart home technology, a power outage would render your home “non-smart” until the power is restored. Therefore, it is recommended that you consider whole house generators as a dependable backup power source for your home.
In addition to providing backup power to your home appliances, whole-house generators can also be utilized to supply electricity to electronic devices located in a remote area. These generators are generally fueled by natural gas or propane, meaning that the amount of backup power available is dependent on the amount of propane in the generator. However, there are a few things to consider before purchasing a generator.
- Power Output: The generator’s power output is measured in watts, and you should compare it to your household’s electrical load to determine if it’s suitable. A generator with a higher wattage rating will provide more power, and options range from industrial-grade 120,000-watt generators to smaller units with capacities as low as 3,800 watts.
- Capacity: Whole house generators use propane or natural gas to generate power, and they come with a built-in gas engine. To gauge a generator’s performance, you should ensure that the engine has a high capacity. Heavy-duty options may feature engines with capacities of 200 cc or 400 cc, depending on the model.
- Engine Power: The engine power rating, measured in horsepower (HP), is also a significant factor to consider when purchasing a whole-house generator. A generator with a 15 HP engine will provide better performance than one with a 10 HP engine because a higher HP engine generates more brake power, resulting in greater electrical output.
Generators have become increasingly popular household items, making it easy to find one on the market. However, with the abundance of options available, it can be confusing to choose the right one for your specific needs. It is especially important to select the appropriate option since there are different types of generators designed for both industrial and domestic use. To assist you in your search, we have compiled a list of the best whole house generators and provide a Buying Guide to ensure you select the perfect option for your home.
Chart
| BEST WHOLE HOUSE GENERATOR | WATTAGE | VOLTAGE | WARRANTY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 9500 Watts | 120 Volts | 3 Years |
| DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Portable Generator | 5500 Watts | 120/240 Volts | 3 Years |
| DuroStar Gas Powered Portable Generator | 10000 Watts | 120 Volts | 1 Year |
| Champion Power Equipment Portable Generator | 3800 Watts | 120 Volts | 3 Years |
| Briggs PowerSmart Series | 4500 Watts | 120 Volts | 3 Years |
| Pulsar Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator | 12000 Watts | 120/240 Volts | 1 Year |
Best Whole House Generator Reviews
1. Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator
At the top of our list, we have chosen the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator, which is a highly powerful option for a whole house generator. This generator is produced by the reliable brand Westinghouse, and it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With a running capacity of 9500 watts, this generator can produce a peak rating of up to 12500 watts when powered by gasoline, and a peak capacity of 11200 watts when powered by propane. The unit also comes with a remote key fob that allows you to start it from anywhere in your house.
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator has a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, which can provide power for up to 12 hours when full. It features 4 outlets, including 2 GFCI standard household outlets, one transfer switch, and one RV-ready outlet. The generator is powered by a 475 CC gas engine, which has cast iron sleeves and an automatic low-oil shutdown feature, ensuring its reliability even at high outputs.
Best Features
- The generator offers 9500 watts
- It operates at standard 120 voltage
- Comes with 3 years of warranty
- Powerful and reliable gas engine
- One of the most powerful options
- Remote start key fob available
- Multiple outputs are available
- Pretty expensive unit for basic household applications
2. DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Portable Generator
DuroMax is a brand that offers budget options for mid-range generators, which makes it a great choice for a basic household generator without breaking the bank.
In second place, we have the DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator which has a starting power of 5500 watts and a continuous running power ranging up to 4500 watts. This generator is capable of handling a lot of load from basic household appliances and offers the convenience of dual fuel option, powered by gasoline or propane, whichever is easily available to you.
The DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator is powered by a 224 CC OHV engine that offers sufficient power to the generator to provide a stable electric supply. Additionally, the MX2 technology offers the maximum power output from each of the 120 volts standard AC outlets of the generator, with the option to switch to 240 volts output based on your application. To allow simultaneous applications, the DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator features 2 standard 120 volts GFCI outlets and one 120/240 30A twist-lock outlet.
Best Features
- Provides starting power of 5500 watts
- Operates at standard 120 voltage
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Great option for the price
- Suitable pick for basic household applications
- Multiple outlets are provided
- Offers dual fuel operation
- Fuel tank should have been larger
3. DuroStar Gas Powered Portable Generator
DuroStar DS10000E is a premium gas-powered whole house generator capable of producing up to 10000 watts of power output. The powerful DuroStar 440 CC gas engine that powers this unit has a capacity of 18 HP, enabling it to handle a wide range of heavy tasks, including high-voltage appliances and power tools. The engine automatically adjusts its RPM when the load is reduced, making it more efficient and quieter. It also features MX2 technology for maximum power output from each 120-volt AC outlet. The generator comes with two 120-volt GFCI outlets, one 120-volt 30A twist-lock outlet, one 240-volt 30A twist-lock outlet, and an additional 240-volt 50A outlet. While it offers many great features, its power capacity could be improved.
Best Features
- 10000 watts power output
- Standard 120 voltage operation
- 1-year warranty
- Multiple outlet options
- Comparatively efficient engine performance
- Generates low noise if it is not under a heavy load
- Powerful yet fuel-efficient engine
- Power capacity should have been better
4. Champion Power Equipment Portable Generator
If you’re looking for an affordable option to power basic home appliances during a power outage, the Champion Power 76533 is the ideal choice. This unit offers dual-fuel operation with a power output of 3800 watts and the option of running on either gasoline or propane. The 224 CC engine powering the generator ensures a runtime of approximately 9 hours with the 0.6-quart fuel tank.
Despite being the most affordable option, the Champion Power 76533 offers great value for money as it comes with several features such as automatic shutoff when low on oil, monitoring of generator output, voltage, run-time hours, and hertz. It has four outlets that include 120 volts 30A RV, 120 volts 30A locking, and two 120 volts 20A household AC outlets, making it suitable for powering essential household appliances during an emergency.
Best Features
- The generator offers 3800 watts
- It operates at standard 120 voltage
- Comes with 3 years of warranty
- Most affordable option for a whole house generator
- Great option for low-load applications
- Energy-efficient design with a 224 C engine
- Great companion for frequent power cuts
- Power output might be too low for some users
5. Briggs PowerSmart Series
Briggs & Stratton has brought a compact yet powerful option for low-load applications with their fuel generator. The Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500, part of the PowerSmart series of whole house generators, measures just 24.5 x 17.6 x 20.3 inches, making it highly portable and ideal for outdoor use. Despite its small size, it offers a decent power output of 4500 watts, sufficient for low to medium-grade electrical appliances.
The display panel on the front of the generator shows important factors like power usage, fuel level, and total run time. The outer shell is designed to contain the noise generated on the inside, resulting in a quiet and peaceful performance. Additionally, the generator shuts down automatically when harmful levels of CO emissions are detected, making it safer for the environment and your family.
Best Features
- The generator offers 4500 watts
- It operates at standard 120 voltage
- Comes with 3 years of warranty
- Comes with a multi-functional display
- Automatic shutdown feature based on CO emission level
- Operates for about 16 hours at a time
- One of the most compact whole house generators
- Very expensive option for the given power output capacity
6. Pulsar Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator
The next whole house generator on our list is the Pulsar G12KBN, which is also a highly powerful option suitable for large households. This generator is designed by Pulsar, a brand that offers a wide range of products.
The Pulsar G12KBN is capable of offering up to 12000 watts peak power output and up to 9500 watts running output. It also features a dual fuel option, allowing you to power it with gasoline or LPG. With its 8-gallon fuel tank, this generator can run for up to 12 hours at a time without needing a refill.
Powering the Pulsar G12KBN is a 457 CC 4-stroke gas engine, making it one of the most powerful options on our list. However, it still remains a portable and mobile generator thanks to the 10-inch never-flat wheels on its chassis. The Pulsar G12KBN offers 4 standard 120 volts 20A AC outlets, one 120/240 volts 30A twist-lock outlet, and one 120/240 volts 50A outlet for heavier applications. It also has a 12 volts DC outlet for special applications requiring a DC plug.
Best Features
- The generator offers 12000 watts
- It operates at standard 120/240 voltage
- Comes with 1 year of warranty
- It has an 8-gallon tank
- Powerful engine for heavy applications
- Dual fuel option
- Suitable for professional applications
- Short 1-year warranty period
Buying Guide
If you're in search of a dependable and robust backup power source, you've come to the right place. On this page, you'll discover the best whole house generator options available in the market. As the name implies, these generators are capable of powering your entire house without any issues. So, even during a long power outage, you can enjoy watching TV, taking a hot shower, and vacuuming your house with ease.
As the requirements vary for different users, we've included multiple types of options in the same list so that you can find a suitable one right here. You can find all the relevant information and best features of a particular whole house generator along with our picks. And if you're a first-time buyer and uncertain about how these parameters influence the unit's performance, don't worry. Our buying guide provides additional assistance, and we guarantee that you'll be able to purchase the perfect whole house generator after reading it.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, check out our post on the best tri-fuel generators for home use.
Power Output
One of the key factors to consider when buying a whole house generator is its power output. It is essential to check whether the generator can supply enough power to meet the requirements of your household. The power output of a generator is measured in watts, and this information can be found in the product specifications. It is important to note that the power output requirements vary from one household to another, based on the number and type of appliances that need to be powered.
To determine the appropriate power output for your needs, consider the wattage rating of the generator. For smaller homes with fewer appliances, a generator with a power output of 3800 or 4500 watts may be sufficient. However, if you have a larger home with many power-hungry appliances, a generator with a power output of 10000 or 12000 watts may be necessary for optimal performance.
Engine Capacity
The gas engine powering a whole house generator is crucial in determining its performance and compatibility. As propane or natural gas is used as the primary fuel source, the engine combusts the fuel to generate electricity. The capacity of the engine is measured in cubic centimeters (CC) and determines the power output of the generator.
The higher the CC rating of the engine, the greater its capacity to produce power.
Generally, the engines in whole house generators have a capacity of 200 or 400 CC. However, generators with a 400 CC engine capacity tend to consume more fuel but offer higher power output.
