8 Best Home Generators

Not too big, not too small, this Goldilocks of generators from Generac has a claimed power output of 6,500 watts, enough to keep most households running during prolonged outages. Its five outlets make it easy to power multiple electronics — like the fridge, laptop, lights, TV and space heater or window AC (depending on the season). Our testers also like the “COSense” feature, which automatically shuts down the unit if elevated levels of the poisonous gas are detected. The GP6500 comes loaded with convenience features, including durable, never-flat wheels for easy transportation, a large-capacity tank with easy-to-read fuel gauge to keep from running out of gas and low-oil shutoff, which prevents the engine from overheating if the oil level drops too low.

• Watts: 6,500
• Run time: 10.5 hours
• Weight: 177 pounds

If your backup power needs are more modest, you can opt for this affordable Craftsman generator without sacrificing much in the way of performance or features. The engine is made by Briggs & Stratton, a reliable name in outdoor power equipment. Our testers also like the fact the machine has five outlets — four designed for standard household use and one 120-volt 30-amp RV (recreational vehicle, that is) outlet, good for taking the generator on the road. The wheel kit and handle make it easy to maneuver, and at 122 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight. In terms of safety, the CO-detection technology prevents accidental poisonings, and the low-oil shutoff protects the engine from overheating if the oil level isn't sufficient.

• Watts: 3,500
• Run time: 19 hours
• Weight: 122 lbs

With a power output of 4,000 watts, this Dewalt is a good fit for small-to-medium-size homes. It won’t keep the furnace or central AC running, but it can handle multiple appliances and electronics at once, thanks to its four covered outlets. The built-in hour meter helps you stay on top of maintenance measures like changing the oil and checking the filters. Compact storage is easy thanks to the fold-down, locking handle. Our testers also like the heavy-duty, never-flat wheels, as well as the CO detection technology.

• Watts: 4,000
• Run time: 10 hours
• Weight: 119 lbs

If you have a lot of house — 4,000 square feet or more — and you want to keep most of it up and running through extended blackouts, you’ll need to spend more on a maximum-capacity backup generator. Our engineers like the claimed 8,500-watt output on this Generac, as well as the electronic fuel injection technology, which, based on past tests, should combine for clean power and consistently high voltage. The machine comes fully loaded with convenience features, including electric start, which works by pressing a button rather than pulling on a cord. Weighing in at 214 pounds, it’s a beast of a machine, but the 10-inch solid wheels help with transportation, and the fold-down handle reduces storage space.

• Watts: 8,500
• Run time: 9 hours
• Weight: 214 lbs

There’s a newer type of backup power on the market known as an inverter generator. These machines have more sophisticated engines that adjust speeds depending on the electrical demand. The result is more efficient power output and lower emissions. Inverter generators are also exceptionally quiet, as is the case with this version from Honda. Though it can crank out a respectable 2,800 watts, it operates at a decibel level of 50 to 57 dB(A), or less than a normal conversation. That’s especially nice if you’re using the generator for recreational use, say at a campsite or tailgate party. This Honda has many of the features our testers look for, including electric start, low-oil shutoff and CO detection. The downside with inverter generators, whose power output can go as high as 10,000 watts, is their steep price; expect to spend three to four times what you would on a traditional generator with comparable power output.

• Watts: 2,800
• Run time: 20 hours
• Weight: 144 lbs

Another alternative to traditional generators is a so-called power station, which runs off a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, rather than gasoline. After extensive hands-on tests, our engineers tapped the 1,000-watt Goal Zero Yeti because its built-in solar panel harnesses the power of the sun to charge the battery (other power stations get plugged into an outlet to be charged, which poses obvious challenges during a power outage). With its durable wheels and fold-down handle, the Goal Zero is also quite portable, especially since you don’t have to worry about fuel. While it only has two outlets, that should be enough for most recreational uses, plus there are four USB ports, good for charging phones, laptops and other electronics.

• Watts: 1,000
• Run time: 19 hours
• Weight: 32 lbs

If there’s room in the budget, a standby generator is the way to go, since it kicks on automatically and provides much more backup power than a portable model. This 22-kilowatt unit from Generac should keep the lights on, plus just about everything else in all but the biggest households. In terms of specs, it has everything our engineers look for, including the option of natural gas or propane, programmable exercise cycles to keep the engine lubed and ready, a durable powder-coat finish on the steel enclosure and 24/7/365 customer support. Our experts also like that the cost of the transfer switch is included and that the generator is WiFi-connected, so you can make sure it’s up and running if an outage strikes when you’re away from home.

• Watts: 22,000
• Run time: Unlimited
• Weight: 466 lbs

Homeowners with very large houses and/or a lot of energy-intensive equipment may find they need to invest in more backup power. Rachel Rothman, chief engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, has this model from Kohler installed at her home in New York, where she runs a lot of product tests. During Hurricane Ida and Tropical Storm Henri, when most of her area was without power, the 38-kilowatt generator kept her home fully operational for days. “We were testing kitchen appliances at the time, so the generator even powered a few extra refrigerators, in addition to my home’s central air, major appliances and electronics. I’ll never live in a home again without a standby generator.” The unit is loaded with convenience features, including remote monitoring, which is helpful if a storm strikes when you're away from home. It's also very quiet, maintaining 54 dB(A) — normal conversation level — during standard operation.

• Watts: 36,000
• Run time: Unlimited
• Weight: 1,370 lbs