Best standby generator - Top rate & In-depth Reviews

When choosing a standby generator, you should consider your home's power needs, the generator's size, and the best fuel source for the generator. The power needs can be found by adding the wattage of essential appliances such as the fridge, stove, and furnace. The size of the generator refers to its electrical output, which can range from 7,500 watts to over 50,000 watts.

The fuel source can be natural gas, liquid propane, diesel, or dual-fuel. A transfer switch is a common feature that connects the generator to the home's main electrical panel, and an automatic transfer switch is necessary to protect the home during an outage. Standby generator manufacturers have added various features to their products, such as automatic starts, remote start systems, system status lights, and corrosion-resistant enclosures.

The installation of a standby generator is more involved than a portable generator, so manufacturers often provide instructions, and some companies may offer pre-packaged and pre-wired systems to help make the installation process easier.

#1 Generac 22,000-Watt (LP)/19,500-Watt (NG) Air-Cooled

The Generac 70432 standby generator is a reliable, dual-fuel product that provides up to 22,000 running watts and has an automatic transfer switch feature. It operates on both liquid propane and natural gas and can be connected remotely through Wi-Fi or monitored through exterior status lights. This generator is suitable for homes that require more than just essential power.

#2 Briggs & Stratton 20000-Watt (LP)/20000-Watt (NG)

Briggs & Stratton produces a highly reliable standby generator equipped with an automatic transfer switch, making it easy to use during power outages. The generator can be monitored remotely through a WiFi connection and the InfoHub app, which also alerts the user of any maintenance needs. The generator is a dual-fuel system that can operate on either liquid propane or natural gas, with a maximum output of 20,000 watts. It has a low-oil detection system that shuts it down in case of overheating, and uses an air-cooled system that works well in most climates.

#3 Generac PowerPact 7500-Watt (LP)/6000-Watt (NG)

This Generac PowerPact standby generator provides backup power for essential appliances during power outages. It has a digital controller with LED indicators for monitoring its status, utility power presence and maintenance needs. It is protected by a galvanized steel enclosure and has a composite mounting pad that is resistant to corrosion. The generator can run on either propane or natural gas, producing up to 7,500 watts on propane and 6,000 watts on natural gas. It has an automatic transfer switch that starts automatically during power outages, but can only power up to eight circuits due to its low wattage.

#4 Champion 12.5kW Whole House Standby Generator

The Champion standby generator is suitable for smaller homes, as it can provide 11,000-12,500 running watts on natural gas or propane, sufficient to power essential appliances. It features an automatic transfer switch that starts the generator when power goes out and returns power to important appliances like furnace, fridge, and freezer. The generator has a sound-dampening muffler, making it a good option for residential areas

#5 Generac Protector Qs 38000-Watt (LP)/38000-Watt (NG)

The Generac standby generator is a powerful option for whole-house electricity backup during power outages, capable of generating up to 38,000 running watts with either liquid propane or natural gas. It features a corrosion-resistant aluminum enclosure and can be monitored remotely via WiFi. However, its large size (46.1 in height x 35 in width x 76.8 in length) and high price should be taken into consideration.

The authors of the article conducted research on over 30 different Standby generators and selected the top options based on key factors such as wattage, fuel source, transfer switch, and physical dimensions. They favored low and high-wattage generators to cater to different power requirements of small and large homes, and dual-fuel generators for added versatility in emergencies. The article also highlights the preference for generators with automatic transfer switches for ease of use and for those with special features such as wireless monitoring or liquid-cooled cooling systems.

What’s the difference between portable and standby generators?

This is a summary of the differences between portable and standby generators. Portable generators are movable and have lower electricity output, while standby generators are stationary and have a higher output, making them suitable for powering a whole home. Standby generators are also fully enclosed and have an automatic start function that detects power outages and starts the generator quickly.

What is the difference between a standby generator and a portable generator?
Standby generators are larger, permanent fixtures installed outside the building and connected to the electrical system, while portable generators are smaller, more mobile units that can be used as a temporary power source. Standby generators are more expensive but also provide more power and are better suited for whole-house backup power.

What factors should I consider when choosing a standby generator?
When choosing a standby generator, consider the wattage required for your home or business, fuel source, transfer switch, physical dimensions, and any additional features such as automatic transfer switches, wireless monitoring, and liquid-cooled cooling systems.

What are the fuel sources for a standby generator?
Standby generators can run on either liquid propane, natural gas, or diesel fuel. The choice of fuel source will depend on the user's specific needs and preferences, as well as availability and cost.

What is the average lifespan of a standby generator?
The average lifespan of a standby generator is around 15-20 years with proper maintenance. The longevity of the generator will depend on various factors such as usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions.