Different types of whole house generators suit various needs. Standby models are for homes, making sure you always have power, while bigger ones are for places like offices. Really big ones, called industrial-grade generators, are for places that need power in emergencies, like hospitals or important services. These varying types meet specific user requirements, ensuring uninterrupted electricity tailored to diverse settings and purposes.
- Power Output: It ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 watts, offering substantial electricity to run an entire household. For instance, a generator producing 25,000 watts can power essential appliances like refrigerators, HVAC systems, and lighting, ensuring comfort and safety during blackouts.
- Capacity: It often ranging from 200 to 300 amps. This capacity determines the volume of electricity the generator can handle, accommodating the electrical needs of different-sized homes. For instance, a 250-amp capacity suits larger homes with more appliances, providing consistent power without overload.
- Engine Power: It varies widely, falling between 30 to 50 horsepower. A higher horsepower engine ensures robust performance, especially in demanding situations or prolonged power outages. For instance, a 40-horsepower engine can efficiently sustain power output for extended durations, supporting continuous operation of household essentials.
The best whole house generators are distinguished by their substantial output power, accommodating capacity, and robust engine power. These features guarantee uninterrupted power supply for households, making them indispensable during emergencies and blackouts. Discover the ideal whole house generator for your home or business in our detailed “Buying Guide” tailored to diverse needs.
Best Whole House Generator Chart
| Best Whole House Generator | Wattage | Voltage | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 9500 Watts | 120 Volts | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
| DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Portable Generator | 5500 Watts | 120/240 Volts | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
| Champion Power Equipment Portable Generator | 3800 Watts | 120 Volts | 3 Years | Check On Amazon |
| WEN Whole House Generator | 4750 Watts | 120 Volts | 2 year | Check On Amazon |
| Pulsar Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator | 12000 Watts | 120/240 Volts | 1 Year | Check On Amazon |
| A-iPower Whole House Generator | 12000 Watts | 120 Volts | -- | Check On Amazon |
Best Whole House Generator Reviews
1. Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator
On the top of our picks, we are putting one of the most powerful options for a whole house generator. This generator is made by Westinghouse, a trusted brand for generators.
Present at the top, we have the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator. It is one of the powerful options that we have picked for this list, making it suitable for indoor as well as outdoor applications. This generator offers 9500 running watts capacity whereas the peak rating for this generator goes as high as 12500 watts whilst being powered by gasoline. You can also use this generator with propane, offering a peak capacity of 11200 watts. With the included key fob, you can also remotely start this unit from anywhere in your house.
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator offers a 6.6 gallons fuel tank. Once it is full, the generator can be used for about 12 hours without any problem. There are 4 outlets present on the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator that are 2 GFCI standard household outlets, one transfer switch, and one RV ready outlet. There is a 475 CC gas engine powering this generator. Despite the powerful output, the engine itself is pretty reliable with cast iron sleeves and an automatic low-oil shutdown feature.
Best Features:
- The generator offers 9500 watts
- It operates at standard 120 voltage
- Comes with 3 years of warranty
- Powerful and reliable gas engine
Pros:
- One of the most powerful options
- Remote start key fob available
- Multiple outputs are available
Cons:
- Pretty expensive unit for basic household applications
2. DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Portable Generator
For a basic household generator, you don’t need to spend a fortune if you go with brands like DuroMax. It is one of the brands that offer budget options for mid-range generators.
In the 2nd place, we are putting the DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator. With 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. On top of that, you also get the dual fuel option with the DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator. You can power this unit with gasoline or propane, whichever is easily available to you.
Coming to the engine, the DuroMax XP5500EH electric start generator is powered by a 224 CC OHV engine offering sufficient power to the generator to offer a stable electric supply. And the MX2 technology offers the maximum power output from each of the 120 volts standard AC outlets of the generator. You can also 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:
- The generator offers 5500 watts
- It operates at standard 120 voltage
- Comes with 3 years of warranty
- Great option for the price
Pros:
- Suitable pick for basic household applications
- Multiple outlets are provided
- Offers dual fuel operation
Cons:
- Fuel tank should have been larger
3. Champion Power Equipment Portable Generator
If you wish to power basic and crucial home appliances such as lights and fans with a generator, then this option from Champion Power will be ideal for you. This is also the most affordable option available on this list.
The Champion Power 76533 is the cheapest and most compatible option we have for small applications on this list. This unit is rated for 3800 watts of power output which is more than enough to power crucial household accessories in the event of a power cut. Plus, you also get the option of dual-fuel operation with the Champion Power 76533, offering you a choice between gasoline and propane. The Champion Power 76533 has a fuel tank of 0.6-quarts which is enough for about 9 hours thanks to the 224 CC engine powering the unit.
Despite being the most affordable option, the Champion Power 76533 offers a great value for the money since it arrives with 0.6-quarts included in the package. It also performs automatic shutoff when it is running low on the oil, preventing damage to the internal parts of the engine as well as the generator. You can also monitor the overall output of the generator as well as other factors such as voltage, run-time hours, and hertz to get an idea about the maintenance intervals. Even though this is a rather compact unit, it has 4 outlets that are 120 volts 30A RV, 120 volts 30A locking, and two 120 volts 20A household AC outlets.
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
Pros:
- Great option for low-load applications
- Energy-efficient design with a 224 C engine
- Great companion for frequent power cuts
Cons:
- Power output might be too low for some users
4. WEN Whole House Generator
WEN 56475 4750-Watt Portable Generator is the dependable power companion for home or work. This handy generator gives you power outages and strong support for tools and appliances at work or campsites. This generator has a strong 223cc OHV engine that gives you lots of power 4750 watts for a boost and a steady 3750 watts for reliable performance.
This generator meets strict emission standards set by CARB and EPA III for cleaner operation. The generator includes wheels and foldable handles, making it easy to carry wherever you need power. The 4-gallon tank can run for 10 hours with just half the tank filled, so you can use it for a long time without any breaks. This tough generator is made to last and runs on gas. It has a reliable 4-stroke engine for added durability. The generator comes with a 12V battery included, making it even more user-friendly. It comes with 2-year warranty.
Best Features:
- 4750W surge power, 3750W rated power
- Electric start for easy operation
- CARB and EPA III compliant
- Portable with wheel kit and foldable handles
- 4-gallon tank for 10 hours runtime
- Durable 223cc 4-stroke engine
- Compliance with emission standards
Pros:
- Reliable power for home or work
- Easy to transport
- Long runtime
- Sturdy and durable design
- Attractive aesthetics
Cons:
- May be heavy for some users
5. Pulsar Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator
Lastly, we will talk about yet another highly powerful option for a whole house generator suitable for large households. This option is designed by Pulsar, a versatile brand that deals with a wide range of products.
Finishing off our picks, we have the Pulsar G12KBN, yet another highly powerful whole house generator designed for heavy applications. This generator is capable of offering up to 12000 watts peak power output whereas the running output for this unit goes up to 9500 watts. You will also get a dual fuel option with the Pulsar G12KBN, allowing you to choose either gasoline or LPG to power this generator. The 8-gallon fuel tank on this generator surely offers a long performance, ranging up to 12 hours at a time without needing a refill.
As for the engine, there is a 457 CC 4-stroke gas engine powering the Pulsar G12KBN, making it one of the most powerful options on this list. But still, it is a portable and mobile generator thanks to the 10 inches never-flat wheels provided on this chassis that help with mobility. Coming to the outlets, 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. Additionally, you will also find a 12 volts DC outlet on the Pulsar G12KBN that you can use 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
Pros:
- One of the most powerful engines powering this generator
- Dual fuel option
- Suitable for professional applications
Cons:
- The warranty period is very short
6. A-iPower Whole House Generator
A-iPower SUA12000E Generator is a strong and dependable power solution made to fulfill all your different energy requirements. The generator runs at 60 cycles per second (Hz) and gives off 12,000 watts when starting and 9,000 watts while running. It produces power at 120 volts. It is perfect for work sites, camping and keeping your home safe during emergencies.
Inside, it has a reliable 459cc engine that is perfect for performance. It comes with a low oil alert and automatic shutdown. This generator has a big 7-gallon tank and it can keep running for 9 hours when it is halfway used. So, it gives you power for a long time. It includes standard outlets and even a USB port for your devices. The engine runs on regular gasoline, starts with the push of a button and has a fuel tank capacity of 7 gallons. The engine works in four steps and has a size of 459 cubic centimetres. It can keep giving power for 7 hours nonstop. It is equipped with an electric start for easy operation and comes with a manual.
Best Features:
- 12,000 starting watts, 9,000 running watts.
- 4-stroke, 459cc OHV with low oil alert.
- Generator runs at 60 cycles per second (Hz)
- Produces power at 120 volts.
- 7-gallon fuel tank for up to 9 hours at 50% load.
- Convenient electric start.
- Multiple options for various devices.
Pros:
- Handles heavy tools and appliances.
- Ideal for camping and emergencies.
- Quick and easy operation.
- Accommodates different power needs.
Cons:
- Breaker is too small.
Buying Guide For The Best Whole House Generator
If you are looking for a reliable yet powerful backup power source, you have come to the right place. On this page, you will find the best options present in the market for a whole house generator. As the name suggests, these generators are powerful enough to power your entire house without any problem. So even if there is a long power cut, you can enjoy watching TV, taking a hot water bath, and even vacuum cleaning your house without any problem.
Since the requirements are different for different users, we have decided to include multiple types of options on the same list so that you can find a suitable option right here. You can find all the related information and best features of a certain whole house generator right along with our picks. But if this is your first time buying a generator and you are not sure how these parameters affect the application of a unit, worry not. We are also bringing additional help for you in your buying guide given right here. We can assure you that you will be able to buy the perfect whole house generator after giving a read to our buying guide.
1. Power Output
When it comes to buying a new whole house generator, one of the first things that you should check is the power output of all the options available for you. This gives you an idea about whether the given whole house generator is optimal for your house or not. While some of you might need a whole house generator for a small house, others might need one to power heavy appliances and a lot of them spread across various rooms. Therefore, the power requirements for a whole house generator cannot be the same for everyone.
If you want to check the power output of the whole house generator you are going to buy, simply check its wattage rating. Depending on the model you are looking at, you can check if the power output capacity of the said model is higher or lower than its competitors. For smaller houses with lesser power-hungry appliances, a 3800 or 4500 watts house generator can be a great choice. On the other hand, you may want to go with a 10000 or 12000 watts whole house generator if you want the ultimate performance.
2. Engine Capacity
Since whole house generators use propane or natural gas as the primary fuel source, they are also equipped with gas engines to combust the fuel and use its energy to generate electricity. Therefore, the engine powering a generator is an important factor that should not be overlooked if you wish to know more about the performance and overall compatibility of the unit. The gas engines present inside the whole house generators power the dynamo of the generator by rotational power which then generates electricity.
Just like a gas engine used in automobiles, the gas engines used in whole house generators have a certain capacity mentioned in the CC units. In this case, CC stands for cubic centimeters which is basically the area available inside the combustion chamber of the engine. As you can imagine, the overall capacity of the engine to produce power increases with an increase in its CC rating. Generally, the engines used in whole house generators have 200 or 400 CC engine capacity. In comparison, the generators with 400 CC capacity can offer much more powerful output, but at the expense of higher fuel consumption.
3. HP Rating
Another important factor when it comes to gas engines is their HP rating. The HP or horsepower rating of a gas engine is basically the power rating of that engine. And so, it becomes an important factor for whole house generators too since they depend on gas engines to generate electricity. Therefore, you should always take a look at the HP rating provided with a whole house generator before making your choice. A standard whole house generator is powered by a gas engine having a 10 HP power rating. But, you can also find some heavy-duty options that have a higher power rating, ranging up to 15 HP, if not more.
But, these options are more suitable for powering industrial-grade tools and machines, whereas even a 10 HP generator can easily suffice for standard home appliances. Just like higher engine capacity, a higher HP rating of an engine also causes an increased fuel consumption, making the generator less efficient in terms of energy efficiency. And if you are planning to use the generator on a frequent basis, you should only opt for an energy-efficient generator if you don’t want to burn a lot of fuel every other week.
4. Output Ports
Apart from the specifications, there are some other factors that you should look into which affect the application of the generator rather than its performance. One such factor is the available output ports. Even if the generator produces a lot of energy, it won’t be of any use to you if you cannot connect the devices to the generator that you want to power with it. This is an even more important factor if you are buying a generator for your RV, and using it while you are on a long-distance trip.
To avoid that, you should check the output ports available on a whole house generator and make sure that you are buying one that offers multiple options in terms of connectivity. Usually, you will find connectivity options like standard household AC ports, transfer switches, RV ports, and various other options present on the generator. Some manufacturers also provide a USB port on the generator so that you can connect your USB-powered devices directly to the generator. If there aren’t enough output ports available on the generator, you will have to invest in an extension cord, making the initial investment even higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: The answer to this question completely depends upon the average power consumption of all of your electronic household appliances. If you have a lot of electronic appliances that you wish to power with the generator, you will need a high-power output generator. If you want a basic idea, a standard U.S. home needs 5000 to 7500 watts generators to power critical household appliances. But, if you include more appliances in the list, the required power output from the generator also increases. Therefore, a lot of users go with 10000 or 12000 watts generators to be on the safe side.
Ans: There have been a lot of studies that standard whole house generators are around 99% reliable for general purpose usage. As for the generators themselves, they are a bit more prone to damage compared to electrical inverters. As you can see, generators have a gas engine powering the unit. So while they are operational, there are chances of common wear and tear. Plus, these generators also need frequent maintenance if you wish to prolong their lifespan.
Ans: Installing a whole house generator is certainly not an easy task. We will strongly recommend you do not attempt this task if you don’t have any prior experience. Installing a generator in your house includes electrical wiring, plumbing, and even carpentry if some adjustments need to be made at the installation location. So, for safety reasons, you should always hire a professional to install a whole house generator. If not, you should at least consult one to get the best suggestions.
Conclusion
Generators are powerful devices that generate electricity by burning fuel such as propane or natural gas. Therefore, these options are not dependent on electricity and they can act as a standalone power station for your house, office, or RV. And since there are high-powered options available for a whole house generator, you can even find a suitable option for powering heavy-duty electronic appliances without any problem. Today, we have brought you a list of the best whole house generators available in the market and what they have to offer in terms of specifications and features. So, you can easily select a decent option from our list. If you are not sure which option is right for you, you can also take a look at our buying guide for the best whole house generators to get an idea. Or, you can go with one of our top options selected from this list.
- A lot of users tend to go with a budget option for a whole house generator since most of these options cost a significant sum. Therefore, our first recommendation would be the Champion Power Equipment 76533 which is the cheapest option on this list. But, it is still a decent option to suffice for the critical power needs of your home since it offers 3800 watts of power output. The Champion Power Equipment 76533 has a 224 CC engine and it can intake up to 0.6-quarts of oil at once. You will get a 3-year warranty period on the Champion Power Equipment 76533.
- On the other hand, the Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Fuel Generator is the best option for you if you want the best performance for the price. This fuel generator has a power output rating of 12000 watts, making it a suitable option for heavy-usage households. This unit can operate on either gasoline or LPG, making it easier to power at any time of the year. The Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Fuel Generator is powered by a 457 CC gas engine with a durable coated frame to avoid damage to the internal parts. Plus, the 8-gallons fuel tank of this generator makes sure you don’t have to refill it frequently.
- If you are confused between price and performance, don’t be. The DuroMax XP5500EH generator will be the perfect choice for you. This unit offers about 5500 watts of starting power and operates at 4500 running watts for a stable and sufficient power supply. It also has dual fuel technology, offering you a choice to run the generator on gasoline or propane, whichever is readily available around you. As for the power, the DuroMax XP5500EH generator is powered by a 224 CC OHV engine, offering plenty of power to handle multiple electrical appliances with ease.
