A power outage can be a frustrating and even dangerous experience, especially if it lasts for an extended period. A whole house generator is a reliable solution to keep your home running during power outages. It is a permanent and powerful backup system that can provide electricity to your entire home, including critical appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and medical equipment.
When choosing the best generator for your whole house, there are several critical factors to consider. The first thing you need to determine is the size of the generator you need. A generator that is too small will not provide enough power to run your home, while a generator that is too large will be a waste of money. You should also consider the type of fuel the generator uses, the noise level, and the transfer switch.
We spent hours researching and testing ten whole house generators to identify the ones that can power your home during an outage. In this article, we will discuss the top generators that we recommend and the features that make them stand out.
Top pick
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a reliable and powerful generator that can provide backup power for your whole house during an outage.
The dual fuel feature is incredibly convenient, giving you the option to use either gasoline or propane. The remote start feature is also a major plus, making it incredibly easy to start the generator with the included key fob.
Editor’s choice
A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator
In my experience, the A-iPower SUA12000E is a reliable generator that can power all your major appliances like your air conditioner, refrigerator, and sump pump as well as lights or entertainment centers during power outages or emergencies.
The generator is easy to start up with the Electric Start capability and has a large fuel tank that provides a decent run time.
Best Generators for Whole House
When it comes to powering your entire home during a power outage, a whole house generator is a must-have. These generators are designed to provide enough power to keep your lights on, your appliances running, and your family comfortable until the power comes back on. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your home. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best generators for whole house use. Our top picks are reliable, efficient, and designed to keep your home running smoothly no matter what.
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
If you’re in the market for a reliable generator that can power your whole house during an outage, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is definitely worth considering.
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a reliable and powerful generator that can provide backup power for your whole house during an outage. The dual fuel feature is incredibly convenient, giving you the option to use either gasoline or propane. The remote start feature is also a major plus, making it incredibly easy to start the generator with the included key fob.
Pros
- The generator is dual fuel, meaning that it can run on either gasoline or propane, giving you flexibility in fuel options.
- The remote start feature, complete with an included key fob, makes starting the generator incredibly easy and convenient.
- The generator is transfer switch ready, meaning that it can be easily connected to your home’s electrical panel for seamless backup power.
Cons
- At 211 pounds, the generator is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the starter grinding on the flywheel or not meshing properly.
- The generator is quite loud when running, which may be a concern for some users.
However, the generator is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around, and some users have reported issues with the starter grinding on the flywheel or not meshing properly. Additionally, the generator is quite loud when running, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable generator for your whole house, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is definitely worth considering.
A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator
If you are looking for a reliable generator for your whole house, the A-iPower SUA12000E is a great option to consider.
A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator
The A-iPower SUA12000E is a reliable generator that can power all your major appliances like your air conditioner, refrigerator, and sump pump as well as lights or entertainment centers during power outages or emergencies. The generator is easy to start up with the Electric Start capability and has a large fuel tank that provides a decent run time.
Pros
- The powerful 459 cc OHV 4 stroke engine with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown helps keep your generator performing year after year.
- The large 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank provides an average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load.
- The generator comes with Electric Start capability allowing you to quickly, easily, and conveniently start up your generator whenever you need it.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy and difficult to move around.
- The noise level is a bit high, which can be a nuisance in residential areas.
- The customer support can be unresponsive at times.
However, the generator is quite heavy and can be difficult to move around. Additionally, the noise level can be a bit high, which can be a nuisance in residential areas. Lastly, the customer support can be unresponsive at times, which can be frustrating.
Overall, if you are looking for a powerful generator for your whole house, the A-iPower SUA12000E is definitely worth considering.
Ford FG11050PBE Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable generator that can power your entire house during blackouts or emergencies, the Ford FG11050PBE Dual Fuel Portable Generator is worth considering.
Ford FG11050PBE Dual Fuel Portable Generator
This generator is built Ford tough and is perfect for those living in hurricane-prone regions such as Florida. The patented Switch & Go technology allows for seamless transitioning between LPG and gasoline fuel sources while still in operation. The rugged M-Frame design with drop-down handles and 10″ Never-flat wheels provide optimal portability, so you can store and maneuver the unit with ease.
Pros
- Dual fuel capability allows you to switch between gasoline and LPG fuel sources while still in operation..
- Powerful 457cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a Heavy-Duty Powder Coated Steel Frame.
- Large 6.6 Gallon High Capacity Fuel Tank gives you up to 10 Hours of Continuous Operation at half load when running on gasoline.
Cons
- Heavy unit weighing 196 pounds.
- Some customers reported missing remote control.
- Higher price point compared to other generators.
In terms of power, the Ford FG11050PBE Dual Fuel Portable Generator boasts 11,050W Peak/ 9,000W Rated (Gasoline) & 10,050W Peak/8,100W Rated (LPG) and has a 457cc 4-Stroke, OHV engine that can be run on either gasoline or liquid propane. The generator also comes with automatic choke that gives you a smooth single button remote start experience. It is switch box compatible and fully automated with electric start.
Overall, the Ford FG11050PBE Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a reliable and durable choice for those looking for a powerful generator that can handle a whole house.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best generator for your whole house, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your decision:
Power Output
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a generator is its power output. The generator should be able to provide enough power to run all the appliances and electronics in your home. You can calculate the power requirements of your home by adding up the wattage of all the devices you want to power during an outage. It’s important to choose a generator with a power output that exceeds your total wattage needs.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline is readily available and easy to store, but it has a short shelf life and can be dangerous to store in large quantities. Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient and have a longer lifespan, but they are typically more expensive. Propane and natural gas generators are clean-burning and produce less emissions, but they require a dedicated fuel line and may not be as widely available as gasoline or diesel.
Portability
If you plan to use your generator for more than just powering your whole house during an outage, portability may be a factor to consider. Portable generators are smaller and easier to move around, but they typically have a lower power output than standby generators. Standby generators are larger and more powerful, but they are permanently installed and cannot be moved.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, so it’s important to choose one with a noise level that is acceptable for your needs. Look for generators with noise levels of 70 decibels or less, which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
Price
Generators can be expensive, so it’s important to choose one that fits your budget. Standby generators are typically more expensive than portable generators, but they offer more power and convenience. Keep in mind that the initial cost of a generator is just one factor to consider – you’ll also need to factor in the cost of fuel, maintenance, and repairs over the life of the generator.
