Home Heating Heroes
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you click through and purchase. Learn more
Your Guide to Home Heating and Cooling Systems
Menu
Best Home Standby Generators - 2022 Guide
Standby generators provide peace of mind for homeowners and businesses. If your power goes out for any reason, even if you are not at home or your business, these standby generators kick in to keep power running to essential electrical equipment.
Reliable, robust, and providing instant power in the event of a power outage, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is the number one choice when it comes to standby generators. Removable door panels and an improved wiring technique allow easy installation, while the multilingual LCD means you’ll always know if your generator is in peak operating condition.
Total harmonic distortion is less than 5%, meaning the unit can provide clean and efficient energy to power both large appliances and more sensitive devices such as laptops and cell phones. Look no further than the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator for the best standby generator on the market.
Table of Contents
t
t
PROS
SPECS
Best Choice
Generac 7043 22kW
PROS
-
Mobile link remote monitoring for status updates
-
Corrosion-resistant coating
-
5-year warranty
SPECS
-
Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 29 inches
-
Weight: 515 lbs.
-
G-Force engine
-
Less than 5% total harmonic distortion
t
Champion 8.5 kW
PROS
-
Low oil shutdown for engine protection
-
Designed for homes with super-quiet operation
-
Automatic start and standby modes
SPECS
-
Uses propane (LPG) or natural gas
-
8.5kW electrical power supply
-
24V system
-
439cc Champion OHV engine
t
Briggs & Stratton 40415 17kW
PROS
-
Extremely powerful
-
Suits for larger homes
-
Manufactured from durable Galvanneal steel
SPECS
-
Dimension: 38.75 x 53 x 37.75 inches
-
100-amp 16-circuit Transfer Switch
-
Reliable 3-phase system
-
Sound dampening technology
t
Generac 7033 11kW Air Cooled
PROS
-
Save money on installation costs
-
Automatically starts within seconds of power loss
-
LED indicators
SPECS
-
Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 29 inches
-
Weighs 446 lbs
-
16-circuit transfer switch
-
Base pad requiring minimal ground prep
t
Briggs & Stratton 40336 20kW
PROS
-
Provides power supply up to 12k sqft
-
Can power 2-5ton AC units
-
Closer placement: 18in. from home
SPECS
-
Dimensions:72.5 x 36.5 x 58 inches
-
Weighs 580 lbs
-
20kW with Symphony II Power Management system
-
Optional 100/150/200 amp transfer switches
Refrigerators and freezers can still operate, preventing food from spoiling, and the units can often support a full load of appliances for cooking, heating, and lighting your property.
When choosing your standby generator, it’s essential to consider your reasons for the purchase. Some take up more space than others, and some run for longer periods. Fortunately, there are excellent generators available to meet almost any need.
9 Best Home Standby Generator Reviews
1. Generac 7043 22kW Home Standby Generator – Best Overall
The Generac Guardian series is the most well-known home standby generator brand in the US. Easily connect it to your natural gas supply or your propane gas supply, and instantly have peace of mind that your home or business has power in the event of an outage. This is especially useful if you live in an area with high winds, blizzards, or active hurricane seasons.
With remote link monitoring from anywhere in the world, you’ll always know if your generator is ready to kick in when it intelligently detects a power outage. With a RhinoCoat powder-coated finish to reduce corrosion from the elements and a 5-year warranty, you can rest assured that this Generac standby generator can last for many years.
Specs:
-
Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 29 inches
-
Weight: 515 lbs.
-
G-Force engine
-
Less than 5% total harmonic distortion
Pros
-
Mobile link remote monitoring for status updates
-
Corrosion-resistant coating.
-
User-friendly Evolution Controller system
-
5-year warranty
Cons
-
Battery not included
Who Should Get This? For those seeking the best-in-class back-up generator, Generac is a tried and trusted brand. This generator is a robust and reliable unit for your home or business.
2. Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator – Best for the Money
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to accept a low-quality standby generator. Champion’s wallet-friendly unit provides power automatically should you lose power, and then resumes standby mode when the main supply is restored. Built with homes in mind, it has an operational volume level of just 59dBA, which is comparative to the level of a normal conversation.
The system performs weekly self-tests, so you don’t have to, and the included battery charger ensures there’s always a full battery ready for use. Backed by a 10-year warranty, it’s hard to go wrong with this standby generator option.
Specs:
-
Uses propane (LPG) or natural gas
-
8.5kW electrical power supply
-
24V system for reliability
-
439cc Champion OHV engine
Pros
-
Low oil shutdown for engine protection
-
Designed for homes with super-quiet operation
-
Automatic start and standby modes
-
Compliant with regulations in all 50 states
Cons
-
Relatively small 8.5kW power supply
Who Should Get This? While it may require less upfront investment, this standby generator challenges more expensive rivals through its excellent range of features. This unit is perfect for those on a budget.
3. Briggs & Stratton 40415 17kW Home Standby Generator
Single-phase generators can have small reductions in power as they go through their supply cycle. However, 3-phase generators produce multiple waves of power that work in harmony, maintaining a steady supply. Often quite expensive, these standby generators are better suited for larger premises and are often seen in industrial premises.
Using a Symphony II Power Management system, it intelligently supplies the required amount of power to varying sizes of appliances for efficient operation. The 100-amp transfer switch allows the system to supply power to a large number of household appliances without a drop in performance.
Specs:
-
17000-watt standby generator
-
Compliant with National Fire Protection Agency 37 standard
-
100-amp 16-circuit Transfer Switch
-
Reliable 3-phase system
Pros
-
Power level won’t dip like with some single-phase generators
-
Extremely powerful and suits larger homes
-
Manufactured from durable Galvanneal steel
Cons
-
An expensive option
Who Should Get This? If you live in a large home or need a standby generator for industrial property, this 3-phase unit can more than meet your more heavy-duty requirements.
4. Generac 7033 11kW Air Cooled Home Standby Generator
Generac prides themselves on building their products in the US and having a 24/7 customer service network that is based all across the country. Coming with a 5-year limited warranty, built with all-aluminum enclosures, and finished with a corrosion-resistant coating, you can look forward to many years of service from this standby Guardian Series generator.
The intelligent control system allows you to view maintenance intervals to ensure your unit is ready in the event of an emergency, while the self-test mode adds an extra layer of protection to ensure your entire house has a safe source of standby power.
Specs:
-
Weighs 446 lbs
-
Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 29 inches
-
16-circuit transfer switch
-
Base pad requiring minimal ground prep
Pros
-
Can power only essential circuits or the whole house
-
Manufactured by a respected brand name
-
Designed to save money on installation costs
-
Automatically starts within seconds of power loss
Cons
-
Remote link does not work in isolated areas without wireless service
Who Should Get This? Anyone who needs a reliable standby generator from a trusted supplier will be happy with this choice. With a nationwide service network, the manufacturer can address any issues quickly.
5. Briggs & Stratton 40336 20kW Home Standby Generator
Briggs & Stratton are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and the ability to provide a versatile standby generator. This unit weighs in at a relatively hefty 580 lbs., but that’s offset by the impressive 20kW power supply, which can power 2 5-ton AC units simultaneously.
Even with such a powerful output, the unit is compact enough so you can install it less than 2 feet from your home. Meeting National Fire Protection Agency 37 standard, it’s a solid choice for a reliable standby generator.
Specs:
-
20kW with Symphony II Power Management system
-
5-year limited warranty
-
Weighs 580 pounds
-
Optional 100/150/200 and dual-amp transfer switches
Pros
-
Can provide power supply for a home up to 12,000 square feet
-
Can power as much as two 5-ton AC units
-
Installs as close as 18″ from your home
Cons
-
Some users have found it to be noisier than some rival models
Who Should Get This? If you have a large residence yet want to preserve your outside area without using it for generator installation space, this standby option is an excellent choice.
6. Briggs & Stratton 76107 25kW Home Standby Generator
Using a liquid-cooled engine, this standby generator protects against overheating, even if you need to load the enormous 25kW engine with a multitude of household appliances during a blackout. The generous 200-amp transfer switch manages your devices intelligently, delivering just as much power as is necessary for efficiency.
Choose to run your new generator off either natural gas or propane for your convenience. The unit kicks in almost instantly following a power outage, and your home can run as usual until your power returns.
Housed in a galvanneal steel structure, your standby generator is protected from the elements and is also coated with a corrosion-resistant finish.
Specs:
-
Liquid-cooled engine
-
Corrosion-resistant steel
-
200-amp transfer switch
-
Powerful 25kW system
Pros
-
Innovative design allows saving on installation costs
-
Intelligently manages high- and low-demand appliances
-
Commercial-grade engine for reliability
Cons
-
May be more powerful than many homeowners need
Who Should Get This? Customers seeking the reassurance of buying from a brand name, and who want to be at the cutting-edge of standby generator technology can appreciate this product.
7. Champion Power Equipment 100294 Home Standby Generator
Champion’s 100294 Home Standby generator can operate in extreme temperatures, from -22° F up to 104° F, making it an excellent choice for those who reside in areas with intense or variable climates.
The resourceful technology can provide power to various zones within the home, sending increased power to prioritized areas, and a lesser energy supply to zones that are designated as secondary importance.
Should a generator overload become a possibility, the in-built sensors move the supply to appliances, which you have previously designated as being of primary value. Combined with a 10-year warranty, you can relax knowing your system can provide service for many years to come.
Specs:
-
14-kilowatt generator
-
24-volt starting system
-
Dimensions: 50 x 30.1 x 40.2 inches
-
Less than 5% total harmonic distortion
Pros
-
No refueling required as it is connected to gas supply
-
10-year limited warranty guarantee
-
63 dBA noise level for quiet operation
Cons
-
Expensive compared to similar models
Who Should Get This? If you want a reliable system backed by a reputable brand name and a 10-year warranty, this offering from Champion is sure to meet your standby generator needs.
8. Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS Air-Cooled
Kohler’s reputation has been built over a full century of producing world-class reliable generators. Their latest offering consists of a heavy-duty engine, surrounded by a steel enclosure to ensure protection from the elements.
While it is built to last, this Kohler generator also has a rapid response time following a sudden power outage and comes with a 5-year or 200-hour warranty for your peace of mind.
Kohler boasts that hospitals and airports trust their generators, so you can feel comfortable that your standby energy needs are in safe hands. Rigorously tested before they are released on the market, this is an excellent purchase for those who don’t want to take a chance with their power supply.
Specs:
-
100% corrosion-proof finish
-
200-hour limited warranty
-
10-second response time following power outage
-
Weighs 500 lbs
Pros
-
Heavy-duty engine to meet power requirements
-
Kohler has produced generators for 100 years
-
Steel enclosure material for durability
Cons
-
Installation cost can be expensive
Who Should Get This? If you value reputation, Kohler’s 100-year manufacturing career could be the right choice for you. Quality, reliability, and robust, this generator won’t let you down.
9. Briggs & Stratton 40445 8000 Watt Home Standby Generator
You may need a standby generator, but you also don’t want to compromise the appearance of your home. Briggs & Stratton’s great-looking model offers a slim 252 lb. unit to meet your home and yard requirements. Install it as close as 18 inches from your home, and you may not even notice it’s there, while still having the peace of mind that it meets Fire Protection regulations for your safety.
Look after the environment at the same time as having a stable standby power source, as this generator has the smallest eco-footprint in its kW class. Although it’s not as powerful as many contemporaries, it’s a solid choice for those looking for reliability mixed with an attractive façade.
Specs:
-
50-amp Transfer Switch
-
Weighs 252 lbs
-
Meets the National Fire Protection Agency 37 standard
-
Closer placement option as little as 18″ from your home
Pros
-
Efficiency-improving Symphony II Power Management system
-
Manufactured using Galvanneal steel for durability
-
Small environmental footprint
Cons
-
Not as powerful as many rivals
Who Should Get This? For those seeking a standby generator but also want a great-looking unit, this is an excellent choice. Attractive and reliable, it can meet all your home power and aesthetic needs.
Final Verdict
For a brand name, you can trust, don’t hesitate to make the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator the latest addition to your home. Complete with a 5-year warranty and remote link monitoring, you can rest assured that if the power goes out, this generator kicks on to keep your home running.
