The Good Home Generators For 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Good Home Generators
Good Home Generators

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator

Meet the powerhouse, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator, your ultimate companion in the realm of electricity generation. With an impressive array of features and unbeatable reliability, this generator is a game-changer for both residential and outdoor power needs. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: DuroMax XP5500EH Generator

The DuroMax XP5500EH Generator is a versatile powerhouse that embraces dual fuel technology for ultimate convenience. Its robust engine and fully-featured power panel make it a reliable companion for diverse power needs. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: DuroStar DS4000S Generator

The DuroStar DS4000S Generator is a compact yet powerful solution for your portable power needs. With a focus on efficiency and compliance, this generator ensures a reliable power source for various applications. Read Review

4. Best Durable: WEN 4750-Watt Generator

Experience uninterrupted power with the WEN 4750-watt Generator. It's your go-to power solution with a keyless electric start and a durable design. Read Review

5. Best Versatile: A-iPower SUA12000E Generator

Empower your projects with the A-iPower SUA12000E Generator, a powerhouse delivering 12,000 starting and 9,000 running watts. With a robust engine and various outlets, this generator ensures reliability in diverse settings. Read Review

When it comes to protecting your home and family, having a reliable source of power is essential. Whether you are dealing with a natural disaster, a power outage, or just need a little extra energy for the home, a good home generator can be an invaluable asset. Home generators provide energy when needed most, ensuring that you and your family are safe and comfortable.

From portable generators to large, stationary models, there are various options to meet all your home power needs. Whether you are looking for a reliable backup power source, a way to save money on utility bills, or improve the quality of life at home, a good home generator can be the perfect solution. With the suitable model, you can ensure that your home is equipped with a reliable energy source, no matter the situation.

After spending 16 researching and assessing, we have identified the keyword Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator. Equipped with Two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles, a Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and an RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R, this generator covers all your power needs. We've put up a buying guide and additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator
Our Score:
9.9
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

The Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator is a robust solution, boasting 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts when gasoline-fueled, ensuring that your power-hungry appliances are well-fed. Switch to propane, and you still get a commendable 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts. The convenience of Remote Start with the included key fob, coupled with electric and recoil start options, offers unmatched flexibility.

Equipped with Two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles, a Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and an RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R, this generator covers all your power needs. The 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine, with a durable cast iron sleeve, ensures longevity, while the automatic low oil shutdown and digital hour meter add an extra layer of protection.

Moreover, the VFT display provides real-time updates on voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours, giving you full control. Its plug-and-play design includes a remote start key fob, 12V battery charger, oil, funnel, tool kit, and user’s manual for a hassle-free setup. Nevertheless, it can be a bit loud, but it is not a big deal.

TOP Choice #2 DuroMax XP5500EH Generator
Our Score:
9.8
DuroMax

The DuroMax XP5500EH Generator delivers robust 5500 starting and 4500 running watts, ensuring it can handle many power demands. Its dual-fuel technology, running on gasoline or propane, provides the freedom to choose the most convenient and available fuel source. The powerful 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse capable of easily handling high-voltage appliances and heavy-duty power tools. However, the wheels may not be very sturdy.

The unique MX2 technology allows you to maximize power from each 120-volt receptacle, operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously or at 120V with full power. It also includes GFCI outlets, a 30A twist lock outlet, a voltmeter, and 12V DC charging posts, offering maximum compatibility for various applications. Plus, the runtime of 9 hours on gasoline and 8 hours on propane at 50% load ensures prolonged usage without frequent refueling. The low oil shutoff feature adds extra protection to your investment. 

TOP Choice #3 DuroStar DS4000S Generator
Our Score:
9.7
DuroStar

The DuroStar DS4000S Generator is a compact powerhouse, offering 4000 peak watts and 3300 running watts, making it suitable for various applications, from household appliances to power tools. The 208cc OHV engine ensures a steady and robust power supply, handling various jobs effortlessly.

The low oil shutoff feature is a thoughtful addition, automatically protecting your generator by shutting it off when oil levels are low. Its power panel includes 120V household outlets, a 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and a voltmeter for precise monitoring. Furthermore, being EPA and CARB compliant, it adheres to strict environmental standards, ensuring eco-friendly operation.

The only downside is that the earth grounding post and hardware (nuts and washers) are pretty small, but it is not a big deal. Overall, the DuroStar DS4000S is a reliable and environmentally friendly choice for those seeking portable power without compromising performance.

4 WEN 4750-Watt Generator
Our Score:
9.6
WEN

The WEN 4750-Watt is a testament to reliability and versatility. The CARB & EPAIII compliant generator boasts a robust 223cc OHV engine, delivering 4750 watts of peak power and 3750 watts of rated power. It includes two 120V receptacles, a 30-amp 3-prong receptacle, and a 120V RV receptacle catering to diverse power needs. Plus, the keyless electric start allows you to ignite the generator effortlessly with just a press of a button.

This product has a 4-gallon tank that ensures up to 10 hours of operation at half load, providing ample time for your power needs. The automatic voltage regulator ensures clean power to safeguard your electronics. The low-oil shutdown and overload protection add layers of security to the unit. Its wheel kit and dual handles also enhance portability, making it a breeze to transport. Nevertheless, it doesn't have installation instructions. 

5 A-iPower SUA12000E Generator
Our Score:
9.4
A-iPower

Armed with a potent 459cc OHV 4-stroke engine, this generator packs a punch with 12,000 starting watts and a consistent 9,000 running watts. Whether you're powering tools at a construction site, setting up camp, or running essential home appliances during an outage, this generator has you covered. No more struggling with manual pulls; with just a turn of the key, you can fire up the generator effortlessly.

The low oil alert light and automatic shutdown add a layer of protection, ensuring the longevity of the generator and reducing the risk of damage due to insufficient lubrication. Additionally, it has a large 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank, providing an average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and an impressive 9 hours at 50% load. The versatility extends to the outlets, all outlets come with rubber covers, ensuring an additional layer of safety. Although it is a bit heavy, it has convenient wheels so you don't need to worry much about that.

6 Champion Power Equipment Generator
Our Score:
9.2
Champion Power Equipment

The Champion Power Equipment Generator is a true powerhouse, offering a seamless blend of versatility and convenience. The electric start, equipped with Cold Start Technology and a battery, ensures a quick start even in cold weather, making it a reliable option for various scenarios.

The 439cc Champion engine delivers a robust performance of 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline, with a 20-pound propane tank providing 8400 starting watts and 6750 running watts. Though a bit louder than a vacuum at 74 dBA, the noise level is a reasonable trade-off for the generator's performance.

Furthermore, the Intelligauge allows easy power output, voltage, hertz, and run-time hours to be monitored. The Volt Guard™ protects against electrical voltage spikes, ensuring the safety of your devices. Its thoughtful packaging and clear setup directions also make it hassle-free, and the foldaway U-shaped handle and never-flat tires in the wheel kit simplify storage and transportation.

7 Generac GP3600 Generator
Our Score:
9.0
Generac

With a whopping 40% more starting capacity, tackling heavy electrical loads becomes a breeze with the Generac GP3600 Generator. Its seamless transition from routine to high-demand scenarios positions it as a versatile companion for various needs. The integrated COsense technology ensures the smooth operation of the device and, more importantly, prioritizes user safety. It also has a built-in fuel gauge that allows you to monitor power levels effortlessly. 

The GP3600 comes with covered outlets for enhanced protection, a robust 1.25-inch steel-tube cradle ensuring structural strength, and heavy-duty, never-flat wheels for easy transportation. The inclusion of an hour meter, tracking essential maintenance intervals, ensures that your generator remains in peak condition. Additionally, the low-oil level shutdown feature acts as a failsafe, preventing potential engine damage and guaranteeing a prolonged and reliable lifespan for the generator. One minor drawback is that the handle is not very good.

What to Look For in a good home generators?

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

FAQs

How often should I maintain my home generator?

It is recommended to perform maintenance on your home generator at least once a year. This includes checking and changing the oil, air filter, spark plugs, and any other components. Additionally, you should check the fuel level and battery voltage regularly.

What type of fuel should I use in my home generator?

Most home generators use unleaded gasoline or propane. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper fuel type for your generator.

How much power will my home generator provide?

The amount of power a home generator can provide depends on the size and type of generator you have. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for more information on the power output of your particular model.

What safety measures should I take when running my home generator?

To ensure safety, always keep your home generator outside and away from open windows and doors. Additionally, make sure it is properly grounded and far away from any combustible materials. Be sure to read and follow all instructions provided in the user manual for your specific model.

Conclusion

Choosing the good home generators for your purposes might be a difficult challenge. It is critical to remember what you want to achieve with the purchase as well as any factors that may influence your selection. 
Whether it's as basic as reading reviews before purchasing or inspecting images of good home generators on the market from numerous perspectives. When you wish to locate another one, you may also look at the Generac GP3600 Generator. Now, let’s pick one for you!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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