Home generators provide peace of mind that should you experience an outage, you can still operate your essential devices, including home appliances.
However, home generator models vary depending on their type, power level, and power source, and finding the right one for your specific needs can depend on your living situation. Typically, home generators cost anywhere from around $500 for small models that can power a few appliances to over $1,500 for larger devices that can re-power your entire home.
To help you select the best home generator for your needs, the This Old House Team put together this guide of the top home generators on the market. Our top pick is the DuroMax Electric-Start Generator, which provides a high power level and has five built-in outlets, making it powerful enough to power appliances like your refrigerator or washer/dryer.
You can also read our comprehensive generator buying guide to learn more about the most important factors for buying a generator.
Top 7 Home Generators
- DuroMax Electric-Start Generator: Best Overall
- Westinghouse Portable Generator: Easiest Generator To Start
- Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter: Best Inverter Generator
- Jackery Portable Power Station : Best Portable
- DuroStar Gas-Powered Portable Generator: Best Home Generator Design
- Honda EU2200ITAN Portable Inverter Generator: Best Medium-Sized
- WEN DF472 Dual Fuel Portable Generator: Most Versatile
Compare Top Home Generators
| Product | Wattage | Weight | Run Time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DuroMax Electric-Start GeneratorCheck Price | 10,500 running watts, 13,000 peak watts | 227 pounds | Up to 8 hours | 3 years |
Westinghouse Portable GeneratorCheck Price | 7,500 running watts, 9,500 peak watts | 192 pounds | Up to 11 hours | 3 yearas |
Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame InverterCheck Price | 5,000 running watts, 6,250 peak watts | 121 pounds | Up to 13.5 hours | 3 years |
Jackery Portable Power Station Check Price | 1,000 watts | 22 pounds | N/A | 2 years |
DuroStar Gas-Powered Portable GeneratorCheck Price | 8,000 running watts, 10,000 peak watts | 129 pounds | Up to 15 hours | 1 year |
Honda EU2200ITAN Portable Inverter GeneratorCheck Price | 2,200 watts | 44 pounds | Up to 8 hours | 3 years |
WEN DF472 Dual Fuel Portable GeneratorCheck Price | 3,850 running watts 4,750 peak watts | 103 pounds | Up to 11 hours | 2 years |
Best Overall
DuroMax Electric-Start Generator
Good for: Homeowners looking for a powerful home generator that can run numerous apllinaces.
Our team liked that the DuroMax portable generator has 10,500 watts of power and five built-in outlets for running large appliances, such as refrigerators. For your convenience, your order of this generator also includes a wheel and handle kit, spark plug wrench, oil funnel, toolset, and user manual.
Pros and Cons of DuroMax Electric-Start Generator
- Runs quietly between 48 and 57 decibels
- Can connect it to a second generator for double the power
- Runs for up to 10 hours despite its small fuel tank
- Powers a limited number of devices and appliances
- Requires special cables to use the parallel operation outlets
What People Are Saying About The DuroMax Electric-Start Generator
When looking through customer reviews of this product, we saw that several said that the DuroMax generator earned high ratings for its easy-to-understand instructions, reliability, and value. One reviewer said that it was able to power items around their house for 77 hours during a hurricane. Still, we saw that some unsatisfied users said that the generator didn’t work as advertised.
Easiest Generator To Start
Westinghouse Portable Generator
Good for: Homeowners looking for a heavy-duty quick-start generator with a long runtime.
One thing we particularly liked about the Westinghouse portable generator was that it could be turned on with its push button or remote key fob. We also liked its long runtime and four 120-volt standard household outlets, making it a solid choice for emergency outages and DIY projects around the house.
Pros and Cons of Westinghouse Portable Generator
- Can handle powerful items, including a refrigerator and an air conditioner
- Has a built-in voltmeter to measure the voltage output
- Approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board
- Requires a separate purchase if you want wheels
- Doesn’t last too long with its small 3.9-gallon fuel tank
What People Are Saying About The Westinghouse Portable Generator
Our research showed that customers recommended tis generator for being affordable and easy to assemble. Several customers also liked its long runtime and industry-leading efficiency. However, we did notice some unsatisfied customers had issues with operating the generator’s battery or communicating with the company’s customer service team.
Best Inverter Generator
Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter
Good for: Those looking for a generator to run multiple appliances at once.
We liked that the Champion inverter generator has five built-in outlets for running several appliances and a 69-decibel noise level for limiting disturbance. Plus, it features Intelligauge technology that monitors voltage and operating hours and cold-start technology that ensures smooth operation during cold weather.
Pros and Cons of Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter
- Has a durable steel construction
- Has wheels and handles for transportation
- Uses co-sense technology to protect against carbon monoxide
- Operates at a loud volume because of its gas fuel source
- Increases the electrical current when you first start it
What People Are Saying About The Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter
We saw that happy customers liked the Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter for its range of features, including its fuel shut-off valve, wireless remote, and multiple outlet options. Others liked it for its ability to deliver house-wide power with little distortion. We also noticed that unsatisfied customers said that getting in touch with customer support was difficult.
Best Portable
Jackery Portable Power Station
Good for: Those looking for a portable generator that can run small devices.
We found that Jackery’s portable power station can support small devices, such as space heaters, coffee makers, and cell phones, making it useful for on-the-go power. Additionally, our research showed it can run these devices while it’s being recharged to give you continuous power.
Pros and Cons of Jackery Portable Power Station
- Shuts off automatically when the oil level is low
- Has a convenient remote start function to turn it on from inside your home
- Comes with several accessories, including an oil funnel and battery charger
- Weighs nearly 200 pounds
- Can arrive with residual oil or fuel odor because it’s tested in a lab
What People Are Saying About The Jackery Portable Power Station
We found that customers who liked the Jackery Portable Power Station frequently mentioned its durability, easy setup, and reliability, especially considering its cost. Out of the limited negative reviews, one user mentioned the product emitting a bad smell, and one mentioned an unsteady flow.
Best Home Generator Design
DuroStar Gas-Powered Portable Generator
Good for: Homeowners looking for a low-noise, efficient generator that can still provide ample power.
We appreciated that the DuroStar portable generator offers a unique idle control that lowers its working revolutions per minute when it’s not in use. This saves you fuel and reduces its noise level. Additionally, this all-metal generator is outfitted with surge-arrest technology to protect you, your family, and your belongings.
Pros and Cons of DuroStar Gas-Powered Portable Generator
- Can charge it with a wall outlet, solar panel, or cigarette lighter
- Has a built-in flashlight
- Can fit in a backpack
- Can’t power large appliances
- Takes eight hours to recharge
What People Are Saying About The DuroStar Gas-Powered Portable Generator
Our team noticed that customers who liked the DuroStar Gas-Powered Portable Generator often mentioned its quick setup, ease of use, portability, and value. Of the unsatisfied customers, we saw a handful say that their order was missing parts and that they encountered a lack of customer support when they tried to resolve the issue.
Best Medium-Sized
Honda EU2200ITAN Portable Inverter Generator
Good for: Those looking for a medium-sized generator for small appliances or on-the-go spaces like RVs and campsites.
If you’re looking for a generator that’s bigger than a small portable generator but smaller than a whole-home generator, this product from Honda may perfectly fit your needs. This generator weighs 44 pounds and has an output of 2,200 watts, making it ideal for outdoor spaces like campsites or tailgates. It also produces a much quieter operation than most larger generators.
Pros and Cons of Honda EU2200ITAN Portable Inverter Generator
- Has a lightweight design
- Can connect to your smartphone
- Runs for over eight hours on 0.95 gallons of fuel
- Has a high price point for its size
- Has fewer running watts than whole-home generators
What People Are Saying About The Honda EU2200ITAN Portable Inverter Generator
We found that customers who gave this product positive reviews were particularly impressed by its low noise level and easy startup. Several others commented on its excellent fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers did find it difficult to start and others said it ran out of fuel quickly.
Most Versatile
WEN DF472 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Good for: People with smaller homes looking for a heavy-duty generator.
This dual-fuel generator can run off of gas or electric, giving you the option to choose which method is best for your home. With 4,750 surge watts, this generator is perfect for smaller homes or for running major appliances. This device can also be purchased with either a recoil or electric start.
Pros and Cons of WEN DF472 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Has a four-gallon tank that provides up to 11 hours of run time
- Has a dual-fuel design
- Is CARB & EPAIII compliant
- Is a bulky, heavy design
- Not enough wattage to power an entire home
What People Are Saying About The WEN DF472 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
We found that those who gave this generator positive reviews praised how simple it was to start and its durable, versatile design. Several others commented on its dual-fuel operation. However, some customers found that this product got damaged too easily, and others said it was overly loud.
What Do You Need To Know Before Buying a Home Generator?
Before buying a home generator, it’s important to consider how its design and specifications impact its performance. Before deciding on a home generator, you’ll need to consider factors such as the type, wattage, power source, and noise level to find the product that’s right for you. Read our guide below for more information about purchasing a home generator.
Home Generator Types
Home generators are available in a variety of models, with some of the most popular being home standby generators, portable generators, inverter generators, and portable power stations.
- Standby: Standby generators connect directly to your home’s electrical panel to automatically turn on during a power outage. Most models run on natural gas, which is convenient but expensive.
- Portable: Portable generators, including the Westinghouse Portable Generator, are compact models that can move to various locations around your home. While they’re able to power large appliances for hours, they don’t provide whole-home power like home standby generators.
- Inverter: Inverter generators, including the Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter, are similar to portable generators in that they have built-in wheels for easy transportation and a gasoline fuel source. However, they adjust their amount of power based on the needs of the items they’re powering. This results in better fuel efficiency and a lower operational noise.
- Portable: Portable power stations, including the Jackery Portable Power Station, power smaller home appliances, such as coffee makers and hair dryers. They have an electrical battery that’s charged using a wall outlet, car outlet, or solar panel.
Wattage
Wattage refers to how much power a home generator supplies. The available power of a generator is measured in running watts, which typically ranges from 1,000–10,000 watts, according to our research. The higher the wattage, the larger the appliances the generator can run. For example, the 7,500-watt Westinghouse Portable Generator can supply power to a few of your home’s essential appliances, while the 1,000-watt Jackery Portable Power Station can power small devices and appliances.
Fuel and Power Sources
Generators use gasoline, diesel, propane, solar energy, or natural gas.
- Gasoline: Gas generators are the most common, but we highly recommend you use them cautiously to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. They’re powerful but expensive.
- Diesel: This fuel is less common than gasoline. However, they’re efficient, and you can store them for long periods without a stabilizer. They’re also less of a fire hazard than gasoline-powered generators.
- Propane: Propane is common in larger standby generators. Though it burns fairly cleanly, it’s not as powerful as other fuel sources.
- Solar power: Solar generators are clean alternatives to gas-powered generators, making them better for the environment. Another advantage is that you don’t need to purchase fuel. However, in the course of our research, we learned that solar generators must get several hours of direct sun exposure to operate. The solar charging time and power output a charge yields varies between models.
- Natural gas: This fuel source is exclusively for standby generators. Since it’s tied to your home’s natural gas line, you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel. However, it’s not very energy efficient.
Select machines are dual-fuel generators, meaning they can run on more than one of these fuel sources.
Generator Noise Levels
The noise level of a home generator varies depending on its running wattage and power source. Some generators list their decibel ratings in their product descriptions. For example, we determined that the Champion Power Equipment Open-Frame Inverter runs at about 69 decibels, which is similar to the sound of a vacuum cleaner.
How To Use a Home Generator Safely
Using a generator can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. Here are some critical steps you should take to ensure that you’re using your home generator safely:
- Don’t operate a gas generator in an enclosed area, such as a garage or shed, as this can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
- Use a fuel stabilizer when you’re storing gasoline for an extended period of time, as destabilized gas can be a fire hazard.
- Operate your generator at least 20 feet away from your home to keep any carbon monoxide from making its way into your home.
- Install a transfer switch on your generator transfer between grid power and generator power. Using a transfer switch reduces the risk of electrocution and appliance damage. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to install a transfer switch, contact an electrician for you.
- Be cautious when you’re refueling your generator. Don’t refill it when it’s hot or near a heater or another warm object.
- Keep your generator at least five feet away from surrounding surfaces. This reduces the risk of these surfaces overheating, which could cause the items on them to catch on fire.
- Test your generator when you first get it to make sure that it runs properly. You don’t want to wait until an emergency in case it doesn’t work or you don’t understand how to use it.
How Much Energy Do Common Household Items Use?
While portable generators may provide enough power for lights and small electronics, they can’t power your entire household. The chart below estimates how much electricity common household appliances, devices, and equipment consume so you can find whole-home generator with enough wattage to meet the power needs of your household.
Energy Consumption of Household Appliances, Devices, and Equipment
| Item | Power |
|---|---|
| Window air conditioner | 400-1,200 watts |
| Aquarium | 50-1,200 watts |
| Ceiling fan | 65-175 watts |
| Coffee maker | 600-1,200 watts |
| Desktop computer | 125-200 watts |
| Dryer | 2,000-6,000 watts |
| Laptop | 20-75 watts |
| Microwave | 700-1,500 watts |
| Portable heater | 750-1,500 watts |
| Refrigerator | 500-1,000 watts |
| Sump pump | 800-1,000 watts |
| Tablet | 10-20 watts |
| Television (42-inch) | 200-300 watts |
| Toaster oven | 1,000-1,200 watts |
| Vacuum cleaner | 300-1,500 watts |
| Washing machine | 500-1,200 watts |
| Water heater | 4,000-5,000 watts |
| Well pump | 750-1,000 watts |
Home Backup Generator FAQs
What type of home generator do I need?
The home generator you need depends on a variety of factors, including the type and wattage of the appliances you want to power.
For example, if you want to power small appliances, such as a coffee maker or television, we recommend investing in a portable power station.
However, if you want to power large appliances or your entire home, look into standby or whole house generators.
How much does a home generator cost?
While the price of a home use generator varies depending on the model, our research showed that most cost between $500 and $1,000.
How do portable generators create power?
Portable generators don’t actually create power. Instead, they turn chemical or mechanical energy into electrical energy by burning gas (usually liquid propane) to rotate an alternator, which induces an electrical current. This results in a power output that’s compatible with household appliances and devices.
Additional Generator Resources and Guides
Over the years, our power and generator experts here at This Old House have developed numerous resources for homeowners, contractors, and road-warriors. We’ve compiled a list of our most popular backup power and disaster preparedness guides below.
Whether you’re looking for information about different types of power generators, setup and installation, generator troubleshooting, severe weather preparation, or other tips, these resources can help:
- The 5 Best Portable Generators
- How To Install an Automatic Standby Generator
- Power on Demand: How It Works
- How To Wire a Portable Generator
- How To Install a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator
- How To Install a Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator
- 14 Supplies To Prepare for a Blizzard
- Disaster Supply Kit: How To Prepare for Severe Weather
- How To Provide Backup Power Without Gas
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of garbage disposals with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.