The Most Reliable Whole-house Generator, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the whole-house generator you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 24, 2024 07:57

Picture a stormy night with torrential rain pounding against the windowpanes, and then, suddenly, the power goes out. Without warning, your home is plunged into darkness, and all the modern conveniences halt. In these moments, a whole-house generator can be invaluable, providing not just light and heat but also peace of mind. By participating in the ranking of the most reliable whole-house generators, users contribute to a valuable resource for homeowners seeking reassurance and reliability in their choices. The collective experience and feedback help identify which models stand up best to the demands of providing seamless power during interruptions, ensuring homes remain operational when it matters most.

What Is the Most Reliable Whole-house Generator?

1

63
votes
Generac Guardian Series

Generac Power Systems

Generac is a well-known brand in the generator industry, and their Guardian Series is one of the most popular whole-house generators on the market. It offers reliable power backup and comes in a variety of sizes to suit different home needs.
The Generac Guardian Series is a line of reliable whole-house generators designed to provide backup power during emergencies or outages. These generators are known for their high-quality construction and advanced features.

Power Output: From 9KW to 24KW

Fuel Type: Natural gas or liquid propane

Engine Type: Generac G-Force

Transfer Switch: Automatic 200 Amp

Noise Levels: As low as 63 decibels
2

45
votes
Kohler 20RESCL

Kohler

Kohler is another reputable brand that produces high-quality whole-house generators. The 20RESCL model is a standby generator that offers reliable power backup and features a corrosion-resistant enclosure to protect against harsh weather conditions.
The Kohler 20RESCL is a reliable whole-house generator designed to provide consistent power supply during utility outages. It is capable of automatically starting and restoring power within seconds, ensuring uninterrupted operation of essential appliances and systems in a home. With a sleek and compact design, it can seamlessly blend into any outdoor setting without compromising aesthetics.

Power Output: 20 kilowatts

Fuel Type: Propane or Natural Gas

Engine: Kohler Command PRO OHV

Voltage: 120/240 Volts

Frequency: 60 Hz
3

23
votes
Briggs & Stratton 20kW

Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton is a trusted brand in the generator industry, and their 20kW model is a reliable whole-house generator that can power up to a 5,000 square foot home. It features a durable and weather-resistant enclosure and comes with a 5-year warranty.
The Briggs & Stratton 20kW is a whole-house generator that offers a reliable solution for backup power needs. It is designed to provide seamless power supply during emergencies or power outages. With its advanced features and sturdy construction, this generator delivers consistent and long-lasting performance.

Power Output: 20 kW

Fuel Type: Liquid Propane (LP) or Natural Gas

Engine: 992cc V-Twin

Voltage: 120/240VAC, Single Phase

Run Time: Up to 10 hours at 50% load
4

14
votes
Cummins RS20A

Cummins Inc.

The Cummins RS20A is a durable and reliable whole-house generator that can power up to a 4,000 square foot home. It features a weather-resistant enclosure and offers quiet operation.
The Cummins RS20A is a highly reliable whole-house generator that provides consistent power backup for residences. It is designed to be durable and efficient, ensuring optimal performance during power outages.

Maximum Power Output: 20,000 watts

Fuel Type: Liquid propane or natural gas

Engine: Cummins 2.4L Turbocharged

Voltage: 120/240 Volts AC

Frequency: 60 Hz
5

18
votes
Champion 100294

Champion Power Equipment

The Champion 100294 is a portable whole-house generator that offers reliable power backup in case of an outage. It features a durable steel frame and can power up to a 5,500 square foot home.
The Champion 100294 is a highly reliable whole-house generator designed to provide a reliable and uninterrupted power supply during times of electrical outages. It is capable of supplying power to all the essential appliances and systems in a home, ensuring the comfort and safety of its residents.

Power Output: 14,000 watts

Engine: 717cc V-Twin OHV

Fuel Type: Propane or Natural Gas

Voltage: 120/240V

Run Time: Up to 10 hours
6

15
votes
Westinghouse WGen9500DF

Westinghouse

The Westinghouse WGen9500DF is a versatile whole-house generator that can run on both gasoline and propane. It offers reliable power backup and features a durable steel frame and weather-resistant enclosure.
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF is a highly reliable whole-house generator capable of providing backup power during emergencies and outages. It is specifically designed to meet the power needs of larger residential properties, allowing homeowners to seamlessly continue their daily activities without interruption. With a dual fuel capability, it offers the flexibility of running on both gasoline and propane, providing a reliable fuel source even in times of fuel scarcity. The generator is equipped with a powerful and efficient engine, ensuring long-lasting performance and dependable power output.

Power Output: 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts

Fuel Type: Gasoline and propane

Engine: Westinghouse OHV 457cc

Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.6 gallons

Run Time: Up to 17.5 hours at 25% load
7

6
votes
Honeywell 22kW

Honeywell

The Honeywell 22kW is a reliable whole-house generator that can power up to a 10,000 square foot home. It features a weather-resistant enclosure and offers quiet operation.
The Honeywell 22kW is a highly reliable whole-house generator designed to provide a steady power supply during outages or emergencies. It is capable of powering an entire home, ensuring that essential appliances and systems continue to operate seamlessly.

Power Output: 22,000 watts

Fuel Type: Natural Gas or Propane

Engine: Generac G-Force

Voltage: 120/240V single-phase

Transfer Switch: 200 Amp NEMA 3, 16-circuit
8

6
votes
Yamaha EF7200DE

Yamaha Corporation

The Yamaha EF7200DE is a portable whole-house generator that offers reliable power backup in case of an outage. It features a durable steel frame and can power up to a 4,500 square foot home.
The Yamaha EF7200DE is a reliable whole-house generator designed to provide efficient and consistent power supply during emergencies or power outages. It is built with high-quality materials and features advanced technologies to ensure optimal performance and durability.

Engine Type: OHV, air-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder

Displacement: 358cc

Fuel Type: Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.9 gallons

Runtime at 50% Load: 8.1 hours
9

9
votes
CAT RP12000E

Caterpillar Inc.

The CAT RP12000E is a powerful and reliable whole-house generator that can power up to a 5,000 square foot home. It features a durable steel frame and weather-resistant enclosure and offers quiet operation.
The CAT RP12000E is a reliable whole-house generator designed to provide a consistent and efficient power supply during electricity outages. It is ruggedly built to withstand extreme weather conditions and is suitable for both residential and commercial use. With its powerful engine and advanced features, this generator ensures uninterrupted electricity supply for an extended period of time.

Running Watts: 12,000W

Starting Watts: 15,000W

Fuel Type: Gasoline

Engine: Caterpillar OHV

Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons
10

12
votes
Duromax XP12000EH

Duromax

The Duromax XP12000EH is a versatile whole-house generator that can run on both gasoline and propane. It offers reliable power backup and features a durable steel frame and weather-resistant enclosure.
The Duromax XP12000EH is a reliable whole-house generator that provides a constant power supply during an outage. It is designed for heavy-duty usage, making it suitable for both residential and commercial applications. With its dual-fuel capability, it can run on either gasoline or propane, offering flexibility and convenience.

Power Output: 12,000 watts

Engine: 457cc Duromax OHV Engine

Fuel Type: Gasoline or Propane

Run Time: Up to 20 hours on propane

Start Type: Electric start

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Ranking factors for reliable whole-house generator

Power output

The generator should be capable of producing enough power to meet the needs of your home. Consider the size of your home and the appliances and electronics that need to be powered during an outage.
Fuel efficiency

Look for generators that are fuel-efficient and have extended run-time, so that they can operate for longer periods of time without refueling.
Reliability

The generator should be reliable and durable, with a proven track record of performance and minimal breakdowns. Check the warranty and customer reviews to gauge its reliability.
Noise level

Choose a generator that operates quietly, especially if it will be located near living areas or neighbor’s property.
Ease of use

The generator should be easy to operate and maintain, with user-friendly controls and clear instructions. The installation should also be straightforward and easy.
Price

Consider the cost of both the generator and its maintenance costs when evaluating its overall value.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable whole-house generator. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or generator is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2072 views
210 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each generator once every 24 hours. The rank of each generator is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable whole-house generator

When it comes to ensuring uninterrupted power supply during a power outage, a whole-house generator is a reliable solution. These generators are designed to provide power to your entire home, including appliances, HVAC systems, and other essential electronics. A whole-house generator is typically powered by natural gas or propane and can automatically turn on within seconds of a power outage. This means that you won't have to worry about manually starting the generator or refueling it during an extended power outage. When selecting a whole-house generator, it's crucial to consider factors such as the size of your home and the power requirements of your essential appliances. It's also important to choose a reputable brand that offers reliable performance and excellent customer support. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most reliable whole-house generator brands and models on the market. We'll also provide some helpful tips on how to choose the right generator for your home, so you can stay powered up during any power outage.