The South is known for a litany of great things. Football, sweet tea, and breathtaking storms probably top the list. And while rain is always welcome to knock back the pollen come springtime, flood watches, strong winds, and tornado warnings will always heighten our anxiety. Did we mention the other thing the South is known for is power outages in inclement weather, so generators are a must-have? 

Rachel Stotts of Jackery says, “Emergencies, grid overload, weather, and natural disasters can cause power outages. Access to a generator can ensure you avoid some of the serious aftermaths that outages cause—not the least of which is maintaining the ability to preserve and prepare food.” Noting that the average U.S. household’s refrigerator holds more than $300 worth of groceries on any given day, Stotts says “all of it can be wasted in a matter of hours without power.”

How big of a generator do you need to power your home? “In general, generators with a capacity of 5,000 to 10,000 watts will power a home’s basic essentials,” says Joel Worthington, president of Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company. “Larger homes may need generators with capacities of 10,000 to 20,000 watts.”

While there are plenty of online calculators that can help homeowners with generator math, Worthington says it’s best to consult an electrician for the best generator size for your home.

To determine the best home generators across a variety of needs, we conducted research and surveyed our staff who rated whole-home and portable units in terms of their performance, maintenance, noise level, and value to yield the following of the best generators across categories. 

Our Top Picks Best Overall, Whole Home: Generac Guardian 26KW Home Backup Generator at Amazon ($6,997) Jump to Review Best Overall, Portable: Generac GP8000E Cosense 50ST Portable Generator 7676 at Amazon ($1,149) Jump to Review Best Budget Generator: Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Portable Generator 100555 at Amazon ($469) Jump to Review Best Inverter Generator: DuroMax Hybrid Portable Generator at Amazon ($1,799) Jump to Review Best Solar-Powered Generator: Jackery Power Station at Amazon ($629) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall, Whole Home

Generac Guardian 26KW Home Backup Generator

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot What’s Great About It Delivers a lot of power from a compact footprint

Remote monitoring

Automatic transfer switch

Not too loud

What Could Be Better Requires professional installation

​​While whole-home generators conjure images of big machinery, Generac’s entry into the category is compact (in comparison) but still quite mighty, earning it the top spot on our list.  

While the longest we ran it in an emergency was about an hour, it was powerful enough to manage a central HVAC system, water heater, microwave, lights, refrigerator (standard size), stove, hair dryer, coffee maker, laptop/phone charging, TV, and a small refrigerator. We found that the Generac Guardian produces a reasonable amount of noise

Delivering enough power to run your home’s large appliances, this generator takes up less space while delivering more power than comparable units. It features a G-Force engine that keeps things running reliably and requires less routine maintenance to boot. And when the power goes out, you’ll appreciate the 200-amp automatic transfer switch that lets you turn on your backup power with a flip of your finger. 

Thus, the standby generator features Mobile Link Remote Monitoring (free with every Guardian Series Home standby generator), so you can monitor its status from anywhere in the world using a smartphone, tablet, or PC. It also features Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode, which runs at a lower RPM for five- or 12-minute tests. Loosely translated, that means less noise and less fuel consumption when you run a test. 

Designed for outdoor use, the Generac Guardian has an aluminum enclosure with a powder-coated finish, so it’s corrosion-resistant and tough enough to withstand whatever Mother Nature blows its way. 

If this generator makes your shortlist, keep in mind that installation by a certified and licensed electrician is a part of the deal.

Wattage: 26,000 | Size: 48 x 29 x 25 inches | Weight: 518 pounds | Fuel Source: Natural gas, propane | Warranty: 5-year limited

　　 Best Overall, Portable

Generac GP8000E Cosense 50ST Portable Generator 7676

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Generous tank capacity

Heavy-duty wheels for portability

Electric start

What Could Be Better Quite loud when in use

Those looking for a portable generator will find a solid option with Generac GP8000E. Ideal for recreational use and emergency power, this generator has a 7.9-gallon tank capacity, which means it has an 11-hour runtime at 50% load. 

It proved to be easy to set up and easy to start. We ran it for over 24 hours during an emergency, and it provided enough power to run standard household appliances like a dehumidifier, microwave, lights, refrigerator (standard size), coffee maker, laptop/phone charging, TV, and small refrigerator. 

It also has a robust 1.25-inch steel-tube cradle that protects the unit and covered outlets for added protection. While this generator weighs close to 200 pounds, it’s still portable courtesy of its heavy-duty, never-flat wheels, which ensure it can go where you go without issue. 

Other notable features include an electric start, an hour meter that tracks maintenance intervals, and a low-oil level shutdown feature that safeguards the engine.  

While some generators are air-cooled, you should know that this one requires coolant, and we did find it to be pretty loud. 

Wattage: 8,000 | Size: 27 x 26.5 x 27.2 inches | Weight: 198 pounds | Fuel Source: Gas | Warranty: Not listed

　　 Best Budget Generator

Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Portable Generator 100555

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Batteriesplus.com What’s Great About It Held up to years of use

Lets you monitor voltage and operating time

Built-in surge protector prevents overloads

Less than $500

What Could Be Better No electric start

Coming in under $500, this RV-ready portable generator by Champion Power Equipment makes our list as the best budget generator of the bunch. 

This generator is easy to use and easy to set up. Its longest run time in an emergency was about 24 hours, and it provided enough power to charge laptops and phones and run the appliances you’d miss when the power is out, like a microwave, lights, refrigerator (standard size), and coffee maker. After several years of use, we would have expected some issues based on the price, but there are zero to report.  

With a nice combination of versatility and convenience, this generator offers ample backup power for the essentials during a power outage. Plus, it makes a great addition to weekend camping trips or outdoor projects. RV enthusiasts will also find that this generator provides enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner. 

This generator features a reliable recoil start and Cold Start Technology, which ensures you’re not left out in the cold. Its Intelligauge feature also makes it easy to monitor voltage, frequency, and operating hours at a glance. 

Champion Power Equipment’s 3500-watt Portable Generator has a 4.8-gallon gas tank and a 0.6-quart oil capacity. Safety features include push-to-reset circuit breakers, a low oil shut-off sensor, and “Volt Guard,” a built-in surge protection that prevents overloads. 

A full gas tank can provide 12 hours of run time at 50% load during a power outage. And while noise may be the least of your worries in an emergency, this portable generator operates at a noise level of about 68 dBA—louder than a normal conversion and a tad quieter than a vacuum cleaner. 

Weighing 103 pounds, this generator is relatively lightweight compared to others on our list (and others in the category). Most people should have no issues moving it around, but there is a wheel kit you can buy for around $50. This generator only runs on gasoline, so you’ll need to have a supply on hand. It also relies on a recoil start, which might not be as convenient as an electric start for some users.

Wattage: 3,500 | Size: 23.2 x 19.9 x 18.3 inches | Weight: 103.4 pounds | Fuel Source: Gas | Warranty: 3-year limited

　　 Best Inverter Generator

DuroMax Hybrid Portable Generator

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot What’s Great About It Energy efficient

Digital control panel

Dual-fuel technology

Four-wheel design

What Could Be Better Pricey

The DuroMax XP9000iH Inverter Generator is a solid pick if you’re interested in “cleaner” power and improved efficiency by ebbing and flowing engine speeds to match your power demands. 

It features a digital control panel so you can monitor the unit’s power output, load level, and running hours at a glance. And if you need more than 9,000 watts, you can boost its power by connecting to a second unit with a parallel kit (sold separately). 

Ideal for emergency home power, camping with your RV, or outdoor projects, this generator features dual-fuel technology (it runs on gasoline or propane), a remote start option, an automatic transfer switch, and a battery tender that eliminates any hiccups in emergency situations. 

The unit produces 7,000 watts of regular run power and 9,000 watts of surge power, which should be plenty to operate laptops, phones, small electronics, and essential small appliances around your home. 

Safety and convenience features include a low oil shutoff switch that protects the engine, a four-wheel design for easy movement and storage, and quiet power at 68 decibels. 

Wattage: 7,000 (regular run), 9,000 (surge power) | Size: 27 x 25 x 21 inches | Weight: 237 pounds | Fuel Source: Gas, propane | Warranty: 3-year residential

　　 Best Solar-Powered Generator

Jackery Power Station

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Jackery.com What’s Great About It Lightweight and portable

Outfitted with plenty of outlets and ports

Can be fully charged with two solar panels or via a wall outlet

What Could Be Better No backlighting, so it could be hard to use in the dark

In an emergency situation, gas and propane may be hard to come by, but the power of the sun will always be there—and it’s unlimited. So, now that you’re looking for a solar-powered option, Jackery’s Explorer is an excellent choice.  

The power bank can be fully charged with two Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels (sold separately) within 6 hours or in 5.5 hours via an AC wall outlet.

With a power output of 1,002 watt-hour (Wh), it has enough juice to power most home appliances (fridges, fans, coffee makers, etc.) in an emergency. You’ll also find a one-touch start-up and an ergonomic handle. Other notable features include eight outlets (including three AC outlets, one USB-A, one USB-A quick charge 3.0, and one car outlet). 

Wattage: 1,000 | Size: 13.1 x 11.1 x 9.2 | Weight: 22 pounds | Fuel Source: Solar | Warranty: 2-year manufacturer

　　 The Bottom Line

The Generac Guardian 26KW Home Backup Generator 7291 is our choice for the Best Overall Whole-Home Generator. Equipped with a G-Force engine, it delivers enough power to reliably run your home’s larger appliances with less routine maintenance. Even better, it features an automatic transfer switch and remote monitoring capability. However, this is a standby generator and is priced accordingly.

Those looking for a more budget-friendly option will find it with Champion’s Power Equipment 3500W Generator. This unit offers ample backup power in emergency situations or on your next RV trip. Plus, it’s relatively light and loaded with safety features anyone can appreciate.

　　 Our Testing Process

To come up with this list, we surveyed our staff on the best home generators they’ve used. Respondents rated whole-home and portable units while considering performance, maintenance, noise level, and value. For portable generators, they also rated each unit on portability. All respondents owned their generators for at least three years. 

Of the five units on our list, three were selected based on our survey results, while the DuroMax XP9000iH 9,000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator and the Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station were chosen based on hours of research.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Generator

Size When selecting a generator, size matters; there’s a big difference between powering microwaves and refrigerators, powering coffee makers, and charging your phones. For example, the Generac Guardian, our pick as the Best Whole-Home Generator, is a pretty robust unit. Weighing 518 pounds, this generator delivers 26,000 watts of power and can, therefore, power the larger appliances in your home. It’s professionally installed and certainly not sized for portability.

Meanwhile, the Champion Power Equipment’s 3500-watt Portable Generator weighs approximately 103 pounds. So, while you can take it with you if need be, this generator just doesn’t have the power to keep your HVAC system up and running in an emergency.

We’ll add here that if you’re considering a standby generator, you will need at least 18 inches of clearance from the back of the generator to the exterior wall of your home and 5 feet of clearance (at a minimum) from windows or doors. So, not only does the size of the unit matter, but so does your outdoor space. 

Type As you search for a generator, you’ll find them available in a range of units: standby generators, portable generators, and compact portable units.

Whole-home or standby generators can deliver enough power to run an entire home. These units are a permanent part of your home and usually require professional installation. 

Portable generators usually run on gas or propane. They are good go-to’s for emergency power while tailgating, camping, or during an outage.

Compact, portable power stations are good backup power options for those in smaller spaces (think condos or apartments) and are often suitable for powering smaller home appliances in a pinch. 

Wattage The wattage of the unit should top the list of considerations when buying a generator. Ideally, you should analyze your home’s square footage, overall energy consumption, and the number of appliances (or electrical loads) you want to keep powered during an outage.

Obviously, small generators will only offer enough backup power for minimal lighting and keeping your electronic devices charged. In contrast, larger, whole-home generators may provide enough backup power to run water heaters, HVAC systems, or large appliances. 

While small generators offering 5,000 to 7,000 watts may be suitable for a small home, larger houses will likely require 20,000+ watts to keep things up and running. 

Fuel Source Gasoline and diesel are the most conventional fuel sources for portable generators, but alternate fuel options and solar generators are increasingly making their way to market. Some, like Duromax’s 9000-Watt/7600-Watt Inverter, even offer dual-fuel capability so users can choose between gas and propane (maybe based on what they have access to in an emergency situation).

Beyond those mentioned above, fuel-free alternatives like solar generators are also available. While these generators can help in emergency situations, they’re limited in the wattage they supply and are typically only useful for powering small appliances and devices.

Warranty Generators are not an everyday-use item, and the worst-case scenario is that you power up your backup only to find that it doesn’t work as expected. They’re used so infrequently that it’s hard to know. To that end, warranties can be invaluable, so be sure to look for generous warranty periods. 

　　 Questions and Answers

Do I need a generator for my home? Worthington says, “Most homes do benefit from having a generator. If homeowners live in areas that are prone to frequent or rolling blackouts, a standby generator could be useful to ensure there is no or little disruption in daily lives while at home.” 

Worthington adds, “Standby generators are especially good for homes with a sump pump. Generators can ensure they operate and function as needed during power outages to prevent water damage.” 

How much do home generators typically cost? “The price of a generator will vary widely depending on whether the homeowner is looking for a portable generator or a standby generator,” says Worthington. And our list shows us as much. Our research shows that standby (whole-home) generators can pull on the purse strings for as much as $7,000+, while budget units can cost $500 or a little less. 

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

This article was written by Sharon Brandwein, Certified Sleep Science Coach and freelance commerce writer. Over the last five years, Sharon has written product reviews and roundups for a variety of online publishers. To curate this list of the best generators, we surveyed our staff and conducted our own research to determine the finer points of each.

For expert insight, Sharon spoke with Joel Worthington, president of Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, and Rachel Stotts of Jackery.