The Best Whole House Generators in The Market

A whole house generator is a stand by power source that is a combination of power input & output, installation type and transfer switch, AC/DC power source, and fuel. If you constantly face power cuts in your area, a whole house generator would be a lifesaver for you.  But before buying one for your house, it’s best to shortlist a few top-rated whole house generators available in the market to make the job easier. 

We can understand you might feel confused since all of these generators pledge to provide the best quality service and last longer. But how many of these generators are really worth the money? This article is here to help you deal with this confusion. 

Most of our day-to-day activities are dependent on electricity. Thus, whenever there is a power failure, the only thing that can save the entire house from such a huge interruption is a whole house generator. A standby generator is also an alternative that can save you from the extra expenses associated with the outcomes of natural disasters.

Generac Generator Inside

These home generators are a significant investment. Although these machines occupy a lot of space in the home, and most of them run on petrol, the amount of electricity they produce makes them a satisfactory compromise.

Why should you get the best whole house generators for your house?

A generator is the only way of protection against the problems that come with power cuts. However, choosing the best whole house generator is a challenging task. They come in different shapes and sizes as well as various functionalities. Even the range of these generators varies according to their models. 

The whole house generators differ in wattage too. Therefore, while purchasing, one should consider both starting watts and running watts for the house’s power needs. Thus, it is important to choose the best whole house generator that is efficient and cost-effective for you and your home. 

Here are names of some of the best whole house generators you can easily come across on e-commerce sites.

List of the Best Whole House Generators

portable generators
  • Westinghouse
  • Generac GP3500iO 
  • Generator Gas—Durostar
  • Generator Propane—Champion Power
  • House Generator —WEN
  • Natural Gas—Honda
  • Inverter—Briggs & Stratton
  • A-iPower

All the models of whole house generators are presented in the list. They have been shortlisted depending on good customer reviews and ratings simultaneously with the characteristics available on them.

Westinghouse

The Westinghouse dual fuel generator is one of the most efficient and top-rated generators in the market. When this machine is powered with gasoline, it goes up to 12,500 peak watts and a little less when powered with propane. Provided with a 6.6-gallon steel fuel tank, and if you choose to make a full tank, the generator could run up to 12 hours. The best thing about this generator is it’s easy to use and takes no time to set up. 

This machine fulfills all the requirements that a person would look for in a whole house generator. You can efficiently run big electronics like air conditioning, well pump, fans, lights, etc., with the Westinghouse

Key Features
  • Wattage- 12500 watts
  • Item Weight- 220 Pounds
  • Engine Type- 4 Stroke
  • Fuel Type- Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Pros
  • It is easy to use
  • It is easy to assemble
  • Comes with a convenient remote
  • It generates a lot of power
  • The access to gas shutoff is easy
Cons
  • The generator is quite heavy
  • It makes a loud noise

Generac GP3500iO : Open Frame RV Ready Inverter Generator 

Generac GP3500iO

Generac’s GP3500iO Open Frame Inverter Generator is an ideal generator for big spaces. It is built with the Powerrush patented technology, which will give you 50% more opening capacity. 

The PowerDial combines START/RUN/STOP roles into a single dial, which is relatively easy to use. There are two USB outlets where you can connect your smartphones, tablets, and other electronics and charge them. 

It is quieter, which makes the generator suitable for noise-sensitive surroundings. The generator comes with improved portability and true power technology for sensitive electronics. It is one of the best portable home generators available currently.

Key Features
  • Item Weight- 74.3 pounds
  • Voltage- 120 volts
Pros
  • It is portable
  • It doesn’t make a loud noise
  • It comes with two USB outlets
  • Easy to operate
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • It ignites a lot of smoke

Generator Gas—Durostar

Durostar DS4850EH

The Durostar is a lightweight generator, which makes it easily transportable. Run by gas, the generator is made up of complete metal and all-copper windings to make sure it is durable enough. Due to its quality construction, the generator is strong and sturdy. It comes with an 8.3-gallon capacity gas tank, idle control, a voltmeter, an electric start, a low oil sensor, and an AC breaker. 

This generator has almost 2,000 reviewers on Amazon. It generates enough power to always run the refrigerator, AC unit, TV, lights, etc., in the house. With a complete tank of gas, the generator gives 10 to 15 hours of service.

Key Features
  • Wattage- 4850
  • Item Weight- 122 Pounds
  • Voltage- 120 volts
  • Engine Type- 4 Stroke
Pros
  • It is very easy to handle
  • It is durable and sturdy
  • Generates power
  • Long duration of service
  • Easily transportable
Cons
  • The quality of the fuel gauge can be better

Generator Propane—Champion Power

Champion 9375

The Champion Power generator is one of the best choices among Propane generators. It comes with an electric start and has a 224cc engine. You also get an “intelligauge,” which is helpful to have a track of maintenance intervals, running time, voltage, and power output. Moreover, the Champion Power generator comes with a three-year warranty and lifetime technical support for free. 

Key Features
  • Item Weight- 202.4 watt
  • Engine Type- 4 Stroke
  • Frequency- 60 Hz
  • Output Wattage- 7500 Watt
Pros
  • It is easy to assemble
  • It is worth the money
  • It is versatile
  • It is a portable home generator
  • It comes with a three-year warranty
Cons
  • It is too noisy

House Generator —WEN

It is one of the most cost-effective and best fuel-efficient generators in the market. The generator is powered by gas and produces 1,600 to 2,000 watts and 120 volts through its 4-stroke OHV engine. This machine efficiently runs refrigerators with a deep freezer, TV, fan, chargers. 

In addition, this generator makes less sound than many other models. Thus, if you want to purchase a generator that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, go for WEN 56200i 2000-Watt. 

It also comes with two three-prong, one 12V DC receptacle, 120V receptacles, and one 5V USB port. However, it might not be very optimal for powering an entire house. 

Key Features
  • Item Weight- 48 Pounds
  • Voltage- 120 Voltage
  • Output Wattage- 2000 Watts
  • Engine Type- 4 Stroke
Pros
  • It makes less noise
  • It is cheaper than many others in the market
Cons
  • It isn’t very useful for the whole house

Natural Gas—Honda

Honda EU2200i

You might have found a lot of people whining about the loud and unbearable noise that the generators make when they are on. You don’t have to worry about that when it comes to the Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Home Generator. It hardly makes any noise and is extremely portable.

This generator has a 96% positive rating on Amazon and is one of the most fuel-efficient generators. Once the tank is completely filled up, it can run for nine hours. It’s user-friendly and can be used immediately after taking it out of the box. 

Key Features
  • Wattage- 2200 watts
  • Item Weight- 46.5 Pounds
  • Voltage- 46.5 Pounds
  • Tank Volume- 0.95 Gallons
Pros
  • It is a quiet generator
  • It is light in weight
  • It is fuel-efficient
  • Easy to use and comes already assembled
Cons
  • No upgrades with time

Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton p4500

The robust Briggs & Stratton P4500 has an exciting and unique CO guard that figures out dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and immediately shuts the machine by itself. This machine is powerful but also sensitive at the same time towards all the delicate electronics. 

It has an electric start button and a display panel with many functionalities depicting the amount of power used, fuel level, and run time. The machine doesn’t make a moderate level of sound, but it is not unbearable. 

Moreover, it also comes with a telescopic handle, which makes it easy to move around. If you want to have a generator that is cost-efficient, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 is what you should get. 

Key Features
  • Wattage- 4500 watts
  • Voltage- 120 volts
  • Tank Volume- 3.5 gallons
Pros
  • It is cost-efficient
  • It is portable
  • It is powerful
Cons
  • It makes a moderate level of noise

A-iPower

A-iPower SUA12000E

This generator comes with a dual fuel version. The A-iPower has GFCI shielded outlets and a cover on the cord that ensures extra protection for circuit breakers and receptacles in wet situations. 

Some of the other features of this generator include a one-touch keyless push-button electric start, a backup recoil start, and cast iron sleeves for engine durability. It is a 12,000-watt gasoline-powered generator that is highly efficient. 

Key Features
  • Wattage- 9000 watts
  • Item weight- 206 Pounds
  • Engine Type- 4 Stroke
  • Fuel Type- Gasoline
Pros
  • It is durable
  • It is well-designed
  • Made of excellent quality materials
Cons
  • It makes a slight noise

Buying Guide for the Right Whole House Generator 

It doesn’t matter where your house is; possessing an emergency power generator like a whole house standby generator should be a vital part of your home. Power blackouts can take place at any time and place for a lot of reasons. 

Thus, owning a standby generator can keep you and your family relaxed and protected. These generators are quite expensive, so you will have to ensure you buy a unit that suits your requirements. 

Here are a few things that you should keep in mind while getting your generator.

Automated Shutoff

People often neglect this crucial safety trait for high-capacity whole house generators. If the generator begins to overheat, the automatic shutoff feature will switch the unit off. 

Thus, it will switch itself on whenever there is a blackout. So, you don’t need to have to worry whenever there is a power outage. 

Warranty and Delivery

Before you decide to buy your whole house generator, make sure to go through the warranty card. Different manufacturers offer different periods of warranty. Some are ready to give you 4 to 5 years. 

Thus, it is necessary for you to be satisfied with the coverage before buying the product. Another necessary point to keep in mind is the delivery method. Whole house generators are huge and heavy. Hence, the dealer has to ensure its safe delivery and other installation processes. 

You Must Need:- The Best RV Generators

Generator Capacity

This is the most significant hallmark to weigh when acquiring a new whole house generator. Depending on the needs of your home, you have to decide if you want a backup source to cover all the things of your house or if a smaller capacity generator would work. 

Generator Fuel Source

High-capacity whole house generators operate on either natural gas or propane. Natural gas is the favored choice and is slightly cost-efficient. 

The “Best Whole House Generator” Trophy goes to

I bought a Honda 662220 EU2200i generator for my household usage, and I can vouch for its top-quality service. It is undoubtedly the best whole house generator in the market.

Honda EU2200i Overall Design

This machine offers a plethora of benefits for its users. It is very easy to start and doesn’t make any noise. At first, I was slightly unsure whether I should invest in this generator or not. However, after using it for a few months, I realized that it is completely worth the money.

FAQs

Q1. What is the average cost to have a whole house generator installed?

You might have to spend anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 for just the generator and extra charges for installation, electrical wiring, and every year in maintenance. 

Q2. What size generator do you need to run your whole house?

You will possibly require a minimum 10,000 Watt or 10kW generator to power an entire house. 

Q3. How long will a whole house generator last?

The lifespan will differ according to the type and size of the generator, but a common range is about 1500-3000 hours. 

Conclusion

This article focuses on some of the best whole house generators and their numerous characteristics. It also comes with a buying guide and some frequently asked questions. Therefore, if you want to purchase a whole house standby generator, do read this article as it will help to resolve all your questions and confusion.  

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