Where do you want to start?
Pick the situation that sounds most like yours. Each path goes straight to suitable models.
Automatic home backup
Power comes back on its own within seconds of an outage. Runs on natural gas or propane. Needs a permanent install by a licensed electrician (and a gas fitter for the fuel line).
See standby generators ↓Portable power for essential loads
Lower cost. You start it, set it outdoors away from the house, and connect through a transfer switch or interlock kit. Good for fridge, furnace fan, sump pump, and lights.
See portable and inverter picks ↓Help choosing the type or size
Not sure how many watts you need, or whether standby is worth it? Start with a load estimate and the portable vs standby trade-offs.
Get sizing help ↓Recommended generators by type
Picks are grouped by type because the right choice depends on fuel, the loads you need to run, and how it will be installed. Specs come from manufacturer and retailer listings, checked October 2026.
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Home standby generators
Prices shown on Amazon are for the equipment only. Installation (pad, gas line, electrical work, permits) is extra and varies widely. See what installation costs.
Generac Guardian 22kW (model 7043) with 200A transfer switch
- Best for
- Homes that want automatic backup for most circuits and the widest installer and service network.
- Key specs
- 22kW on propane, 19.5kW on natural gas. 200A whole-house transfer switch and Wi-Fi monitoring included.
- Know first
- A 22kW rating does not guarantee every appliance can run at once. Large AC, electric ranges, and heat strips may need load management. Have an installer do a load calculation.
Champion 14kW aXis (model 100837) with 200A transfer switch
- Best for
- Smaller homes, or buyers prioritizing a lower equipment price and long warranty.
- Key specs
- 14kW on propane, 12.5kW on natural gas. 200A aXis transfer switch with load management included. 10-year limited warranty on the generator.
- Know first
- Lower output than 20kW-class units, so larger homes depend on load management. Fewer certified installers than Generac.
Kohler 20kW (model 20RESCL-200SELS) with 200A transfer switch
- Best for
- Buyers who want a 20kW-class unit with a service-entrance, load-shedding transfer switch included.
- Key specs
- 20kW on propane, 18kW on natural gas. 200A service-entrance RXT transfer switch with load shedding. 5-year/2,000-hour limited warranty.
- Know first
- Usually priced above comparable Generac units. Kohler dealer coverage varies by area, so confirm a local installer first.
Portable backup generators
Never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage. Place it outdoors, well away from doors and windows, and use a CO alarm inside. Connecting to home circuits requires a transfer switch or interlock kit installed by an electrician. Transfer switch vs interlock kit.
DuroMax XP12000EH dual fuel portable generator
- Best for
- Essential-circuit backup (fridge, furnace blower, well or sump pump, lights) at a fraction of standby cost.
- Key specs
- 12,000 starting / 9,500 running watts on gasoline (lower on propane). Electric start. Transfer-switch ready.
- Know first
- Manual start and hookup each outage, plus fuel storage. Loud, and too large for most RV or camping use.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF dual fuel portable generator
- Best for
- Home backup buyers who want remote start and gas or propane flexibility.
- Key specs
- 12,500 starting / 9,500 running watts on gasoline (lower on propane). Remote key-fob electric start. Transfer-switch ready.
- Know first
- Not automatic: you still wheel it out and connect it during each outage. Heavy, and needs regular exercise and fuel management.
Inverter generators (quiet, light loads)
Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITA) inverter generator
- Best for
- Quiet power for electronics, a CPAP, a refrigerator, or camping and RV use with a small AC load.
- Key specs
- 2,200 starting / 1,800 running watts. Gasoline. Clean inverter output for sensitive electronics.
- Know first
- 1,800 running watts will not start central AC, a well pump, or an electric water heater. It is not a whole-house solution.
Not sure which type or size?
Size from the loads you must run during an outage, not from the nameplate rating alone. Motor loads (AC, well pump, sump pump) need extra starting watts.
Popular guides and comparisons
Prefer a printable worksheet? The Home Generator Sizing Guide (PDF, $9.99) includes a load calculation worksheet, appliance wattage charts, and a transfer switch decision guide.
View the sizing guideHow we research
Recommendations are based on manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, installation requirements, and published owner feedback. We do not run hands-on lab testing, and we confirm each product link points to the exact model and configuration described.
Generator output, fuel type, and installation conditions all change what a unit can actually run. Treat any rating as a starting point and confirm sizing with a licensed electrician before you buy.