Top 6 Best Home Generators in 2022| Reviews and Buying Guide

If you live in an area with frequent power outages, then you know how frustrating it is to not be able to watch TV or appliances. To solve this problem, you can invest in home generator.

So here we have reviewed some of the best home generators available on the market including inverter, portable and double fuel system generators. Read the full article to learn more about each generator.

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List Of The 6 Best Home Generators

Westinghouse WGen7500

#1st Rated

#1. Westinghouse WGen7500

  • Gas Powered - 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob 
  • One-Touch Electric Start
  • Powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV
  • Up to 11 Hours of Run
  • Noise level: 72 dB
  • EPA and CARB Compliant
  • Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V
  • Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network
Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel

#2nd Rated

#2. Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel

  • Dual Fuel – 12000 Peak Watts and 9500 Running Watts (Gasoline)
  • Electric Start – Convenient One-Touch
  • Powerful – 457cc OHV 4 Stroke Rainier Engine
  • Up to 17 hours of Run Time
  • Noise level: 72 dB
  • EPA and CARB Compliant
  • VFT Display – Volts, Frequency, and Lifetime Hours
  • Full Control Panel Featuring Two 5-20R 120V 20A GFCI Household Outlets, One L5-30R 120V 30A Outlet, One L14-30R 120V 30A Outlet, and One 14-50R 120/240V 50A Outlet; Two Grounding Ports
  • 3-Year Limited Warranty
All Power America APGG10000GL Dual Fuel Portable Generator

#3rd Rated

#3. All Power America APGG10000GL 10000 Watt Dual Fuel

  • 10000 watt peak power, 8000 watt rated power(GAS); 8500 watt peak power, 7000 watt rated power(LPG)
  • Electric start button & recoil start
  • 15 HP 420cc OHV air cooled engine.
  • Runs 11 hrs @ 1/2 load
  • Noise level: 76 dB
  • EPA certified
  • 4x AC Duplex 120V outlets; 1x 120v twist-lock outlet; 1x 120/240V twist-lock outlet; 1x 12V DC
  • Include hour meter, maintenance free battery and flat free wheel kit
Champion 6250-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter

#4th Rated

#4. Champion 6250-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology

  • 6250 starting watts and 5000 running watts, powered gasoline
  • Recoil start
  • 12.5 hours run time
  • EPA/CARB certified
  • Voltage (V) AC/DC: 120/240 / 12
  • Noise level: 69 dB
  • Clean power and economy mode
  • 3-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support
Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

#5th Rated

#5. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel

  • 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts (Gasoline, Propane (LPG))
  • Electric and Recoil Start
  • Run up to 7.5 hours
  • Voltage (V) AC/DC: 120/240 / 12
  • Ultra-Quiet Operation – 59 dBA
  • Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics – RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
  • 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support
Duromax XP4400E Gas Powered

#6th Rated

#6. DuroMax XP4400E 4400 watt

  • Powerful 208cc engine (GASOLINE)
  • Electric and Recoil Start
  • Run up to 11.46 hours
  • Noise level – 69 dB
  • 2x120V 20A household outlets, 1x120/ 240v 30A twist-lock
  • 3-year limited warranty 

Best Home Generators 2020 Reviews

1. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator

Westinghouse WGen7500

Westinghouse WGen7500 is our top pick for the best whole house generator. Please note that this generator can only run gasoline; however, there is a dual fuel option available too.

It is rated for 7500 running watts and 9500 surge watts, and by using this generator, you can power almost all the appliances in your home during power outages.

You can start the generator remotely by using key fob from a very far distance, and for the backup, Westinghouse has included electric start, as well as recoil, start feature.

Its powerful 4-stroke engine is very reliable and requires little maintenance if you take care of the generator properly, especially when the generator is not in use. Do not forget to remove the oil from the tank and carburetor when you want to use the generator for a long time.

Moreover, this generator comes with a transfer switch ready port, which allows you to connect the generator directly to your house. Other than that, it has a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, and on the full gas tank, you will get 16 hours of runtime at a 25% load.

Last but not least, this unit is sold with three years of warranty.

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Pros
  • High power output generator
  • Decent runtime
  • Wireless start system
  • GFCI outlets
Cons
  • Heavy

2. Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel (Gas and Propane)

Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel

If you like to use propane in your generator to cut the fuel costs, then Rainier R12000DF is for you. In addition to propane, you can also use gasoline, which is a huge advantage.

When running on gasoline, Rainier R12000DF provides 12,000 surge watts and 9500 running watts. Similarly, you will get 10,800 peak watts and 8550 running watts using the propane.

Although it does not come with a remote start feature but electric start feature isn’t that bad either. And this feature relies on the internal battery to work, so if sometimes this battery gets discharged, then you can the recoil start option.

Other than that, it is equipped with a powerful 4-stroke engine that can run up to 17 hours of runtime at a 25% load. The operating noise level of this unit is 72 decibels, which will decrease even further as you put it away from your house for protection against harmful gases.

Moreover, you can use this generator for recreational use due to its EPA and CARB certifications. For easy transportation, it includes wheels and foldable handle too.

Pros
  • Enough power output for home backup
  • Comes with a transfer switch port
  • Dual-fuel capability
  • GFCI outlets for extra protection
Cons
  • No wireless start
  • Does not include that many accessories in the package

3. All Power America APGG10000GL Dual Fuel

All Power America APGG10000GL Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Our next choice is All Power America APGG10000GL, which is also a dual fuel generator. Meaning that it can run on both gasoline and propane. By using a toggle switch, you can switch between these two fuels.

If we talk about the power output, then it offers 1000 watts of peak power and 8000 watts of running power when using gasoline. In addition, it will provide 8500 peak watts and 7000 running watts when running propane.

It is fitted with an 8-gallon fuel tank that holds enough fuel for 11 hours if you run the generator at a 50% load. Additionally, it has seven output ports, such as four 120V AC ports, one 120V twist-lock outlet, one 120V/240V outlet, and one 12V DC output port.

This generator comes at a very reasonable price range; however, its body is not that reliable, so look out for that when choosing this generator. Moreover, the gas option generator is much cheaper than this one if you are on a tight budget.

Also, this generator is not CARB compliant, so you cannot use it in California, but due to its EPA certifications, you can use it in other states of the USA. The weight of this unit is 236 pounds, and dimensions are 31 x 23 x 21 inches.

Pros
  • Cheapest generator with a decent power output
  • Flat-free tires with foldable handle
  • Electric start system
  • 8-gallon tank capacity
Cons
  • Not that reliable in terms of build quality

4. Champion 6250-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter

Champion 6250-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter

Champion 100519 is different from all the generators we have reviewed so far. This particular unit deploys the inverter technology in it that gives you clean power and higher fuel efficiency.

However, this technology comes at a price, which is why Champion 100519 is expensive compared to other generators in our list.

Its internal circuitry adjusts the speed of the engine according to your power demand; thus, its noise output reduces drastically at lower loads. On average, its noise level tops out at 69 dBA, which is very low compared to non-inverter generators.

It can produce 6250 surge watts and 5000 rated watts, and the runtime is 12.5 hours when you run the generator at 25% load.

For the easy starting, it also includes the electric start feature, and it's designed to start the generator even in cold weather. Other than that, its economy-mode is all you could ask for, and this feature helps in reducing the wear and tear of the engine and not to mention the quieter operation.

Champion is offering three years of warranty and lifetime technical support. Additionally, the generator has passed all the necessary tests, including EPA and CARB.

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Pros
  • High-powered inverter generator
  • Plenty of power outlets
  • High fuel efficiency and low noise operation
  • GFCI output port with cold starting technology
Cons
  • Not parallel capable
  • No RV ready port

5. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

Just like Champion 100519, this generator also comes with inverter capability, and on top of that, it has a dual fuel system. So you will be able to use gasoline as well as propane in this generator.

Weighing at just about 95 pounds, this generator is lightweight and portable at the same time. Its electric start feature combined with cold start technology gives you the effortless starting of the generator.

Its 192cc can generate 3400 surge watts and 3100 rated watts using gasoline and 3060 surge watts and 2790 rated watts using propane.

Moreover, if you feel like this amount of power is not enough, then you can connect another generator parallel with this one and increases the power output.

If we talk about the runtime, then you will get 14.5 hours of runtime at 25% load when using the 20-pound propane tank, and this runtime decreases to 7.5 hours when running the generator on gasoline at 25& capacity.

At just about 59 decibels, its operation noise is very low, and you can even compare it to the noise of normal conversations. Due to its compact size and low noise operation this generator is perfect for camping.

Champion’s famous economy mode is very useful when it comes to saving fuel, and it also reduces the noise level of the generator. You will get three years of warranty and lifetime technical support on this generator.

Pros
  • Inverter generator with a dual fuel system
  • Clean and stable power
  • Parallel capable
  • Extremely quiet
  • Three-year warranty

Cons
  • Expensive compared to other same models

6. Duromax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator

Duromax XP4400E Gas Powered

Duromax is another great brand that produces top-notch generators. The only thing I did not like about Duromax is that their generators are bulky and heavy compared to other manufacturers.

Anyways, let’s take a look at the features of this generator and see if it is worth your money or not.

XP4400E is powered by a 7HP engine that is not only powerful, but it is reliable too. It is rated for 4400 surge watts and 3500 rated watts. With this power, you can run major appliances in your home, including air conditioner, TV, refrigerator, and other high amperage tools.

You will get two voltage levels, including 120V and 240V, to run even high power-consuming devices easily. This unit has EPA as well as CARB certification so that you can use it in all 50 states of the USA.

With its 3.9-gallon fuel tank, you can expect 8 hours of runtime when operating the generator at a 50% load. Furthermore, there is a built-in surge protector in the generator that protects it again any power surges.

That’s not all; it also includes GFCI outlet and RV ready port for the user’s convenience. For additional safety, Duromax XP4400E incorporates a low oil shut-off sensor. Features like electric start and built-in mufflers add another advantage on the list.

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Pros
  • Reasonably priced unit
  • Built-in arrestor and mufflers
  • Safety features like surge arrester and low-oil sensor
  • GFCI outlets for additional protection
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Poor customer support
What to look for when selecting any home generator

What to Look for When Selecting Any Home Generator?

There are many factors you need to consider before purchasing any home generator. These factors will help you narrow down the list of potential generators so you can compare them easily.

1. Power output

The first and foremost thing to look in any generator is its power-producing capacity. But first, you need to decide how much power you will consume in your home so this way you will easily be able to select any generator. We also advise you to choose slightly high-powered generator than your needs for your future power requirements.

2. Portability

If you want to use the generator only for power outage, then you can choose any generator you see fit because you won’t move it that much. On the other hand, if you want to use the generator for other applications too, then you should choose a generator that is portable. Moreover, your selected generator must have handle and wheels for easy transport.

3. Noise level

Noise level of the generator is very important, especially when you are living in a neighborhood with noise restrictions. All the generators come with different noise levels, so don’t forget to check it out. If you need a really quiet generator, then we suggest you choose the inverter generator.

4. Safety feature

Your generator should be fitted with safety features like overload protection, circuit breakers, low-oil sensor, and GFCI outlets for protection of the generator as well as your appliances.


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Important Features of Your Home Generator

Here are some of the features that will help you operate the generator easily.


1. Automatic start

It is a crucial feature for the whole house generator. Basically, when a power outage occurs, the generator will start automatically, and similarly, it will shut off the power comes back on. This feature will save you a lot of trouble.

2. Electric start

Usually, automatic start does not come in portable home generators; instead electric start feature is included, which is not that bad. By using this feature, you can start the feature with one push of a button, and in my opinion, it is way better than the recoil start feature.

3. Fuel gauge

It shows you how much fuel left in the generator, so you will never run out of fuel in the middle of the night or party. And you can keep close tabs on the generator.

4. Clean power

If you are running sensitive electronics like laptop and TV then you need clean energy. Only inverter generators can produce such clean and stable power, but they are expensive, so in the end, it all comes down to personal choices.

5. Fuel options

Many models come with only one fuel option, which is gasoline. However, having a double fuel system in your generator will give you the convenience of using whatever fuel suits your needs.

Conclusion

So have you chosen the best home generator to deal with power outages yet? For me, I would pick the Rainier R12000DF, which has a double fuel system, electric start, GFCI outlets, and other cool features. On top of that, it is very affordable so it will suit your budget and let’s forget its three years of solid warranty.

Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel

Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel (Gas And Propane) Portable Generator

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