A standby generator is not like a portable generator that can power only a handful of devices. These are powerful electromechanical equipment that can power almost all the appliances present in the house.
A portable generator is a good choice when you face long power outages frequently. These types of blackouts can interrupt your life. If there is no power, then the food in your fridge will go bad, you won’t have an internet connection, and if you live in cold areas, then you won’t have hot water.
So, a standby generator is a sound investment, and to find you one of the best in the market, we have prepared a list of generators, which offers value for money. It will provide you the information about their features and also the pros and cons. Patiently go through them and see which suits your needs.
| Generac 7172 (Best Overall)
 
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| Generac 7043 (Highest Power Output - Most Popular Among Customers)
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| Champion 100177 (Budget Pick)
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| Generac 70422
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| Generac 7210
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Table of Contents
Best Standby Generators
1. Generac 7172 10kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator
A long standby generator with decent versatility is a true luxury for people, necessity; So does this wonderful Generac 7172 standby generator.
With its clean and stable power output, effortless control system, and super-advanced monitoring, the Generac 7172 certainly leaves an impression on the crowd.
Whether you are considering a power outage solution for your home or business, Generac 7172, with its maximum power output of 16 kilowatts, can handle all the demanding loads while keeping the lights and appliances running for a longer period.
Gas-powered Generac 7172 is potent for empowering up to 16 circuits of your home with 100 amp. For safety purposes, the transfer switch is layered with an aluminum enclosure which is not something you find in any random gimbal.
Generac assured a high-performance rate by configuring the strongest G-Force four-stroke engine, which is a pressure-lubricated engine, which means lesser maintenance.
In terms of security, the generator stands out with its one greatest feature True Power Technology, a feature that makes sure the power output gets a clean slope and also keeps your sensitive electronics from getting damaged.
One of the major benefits of standby generators is their automaticity; the Generac 7172 follows the same. I don’t face any challenges in the tool’s installation thanks to its pre-wired design.
The best part is once the generator is installed, it will auto start-up and switch over to backup power in the outages circumstances without involving any external input. The only reason I have second thoughts is because of its heavy weightage 338 pounds, which makes maneuverability tricky.
Generac 7172 is super easy to control; this is what I like the most; the advanced monitoring and control system gives peaceful observation of the generator’s performance; also, using the mobile phone application, the standby generator can be managed remotely.
Pros
- Reliable and clean power
- True Power technology
- Durable construction
- Automatic startup
- Additional safety measures
- Pre-wired designing
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Quite loud operation
- Bulkier and large
2. Generac 7043 22kW Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Transfer Switch
Moving on to more power and potential, another magnificent piece of tech from Generac; is the Generac 7043 standby generator with a reliable source of power and the safest, easiest way of handling it.
This ultra-potent standby generator has the capability to take a stand and support all the electronic essentials of large houses and keep them running during severe blackouts.
The generator features the globally trusted True Power technology just to keep safety in check; This way, you can get a clean and stable power output without overflowing or underflowing through sensitive appliances.
The generator is destined to expose a maximum power output of 22 kilowatts. With such tremendous ability, Generac 7043 can literally take care of every possible appliance in your house.
The Generac 7043 is installed with an extremely reliable and strongest OHV four-stroke engine, which works through 240 volts to empower electronics through the durable aluminum enclosure ports.
There is no need to put input every time you want the generator to turn on because the automatic start-up does its job effectively.
Things get more fascinating when you look at its intellectual properties; Yes, the advanced monitoring control system to keep on track with the generator’s performance is much better.
When you get in touch with the smart multilingual LCD display. The screen lets you examine the battery status and other maintenance tracking stuff.
There are some other thrilling features, along with a remarkably durable design with a fully enclosed approach.
For safety purposes, Generic 7043 is associated with short circuit protection, overload protection, automatic voltage regulation, and automatic shutdown to keep your standby generator safe from any electronic disruption.
Overall, This Generic 7043 standby generator is one ravishing, high-rated powerful auto generator that is above base but holds the potential to power the sun metaphorically.
Pros
- High-rated backup power
- Remote controlling system
- Advance LCD panel
- Durable, safe enclosure
- True Power technology
- Automatic start-up
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Fuel type limitation
- High maintenance
3. Champion Power Equipment 100177 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator
Known for its wonderful expertise and unique and remarkable way of approaching power backup tool designing and manufacturing, Champion itself has this outstanding Champion 100177 standby generator on the go list.
With the primary integral address to grant a clean, safe, and effortless source of running power, the Champion unveils this exquisite piece of jewel for a reasonable budget.
Indulged with a never-seen powerful 439cc OHV engine that lets you enjoy the maximum power streak coming out of Champion 100177 expertise. The maximum output of 8.5 kilowatts, 7500 watts on propane, and 8500 on gas is enough to save the panic of an outage in the city.
The generator starts automatically at the instance when the power goes out and returns to standby when restored, making Champion 100177 the best standby generator for the home.
The generator performance rate rose to a high with its exceptional intelligauge, such as the smart display. I love the fact of being updated with the real-time monitoring of basic metrics such as fuel level, oil pressure, and runtime.
And did I mention that Champion 100177 gives you the flexibility to choose your own fuel? Yes, its peak performance can be adored on either gas or propane.
Like any of the Champion generators, this Champion 100177 standby generator is also incredibly easy to use; I mean, it’s obvious because of the automatic startup and transfer-switch features.
This subjectifies that you can rest assured knowing your home is in safe hands even if you are not there to manually start up the generator.
With the greatest power potential, Champion made an effort to structure this precious tool in a reliable and durable body with a 394-pound weight protected against hazardous weather and with a rust-proof base.
And the operation sound also kept very quiet at 59 dBA thanks to its low-tone muffler feature to avoid chaos in the neighborhood.
Don’t you, too, believe there are some cool features in this Champion 100177 generator that not only support your electronics but also come pretty handy during usage?
Pros
- Seamless enormous power
- Dual Fuel Technology
- Extended power runtime
- Low-tone Muffler
- Automatic start and transfer
- Durable rust-free body
- Ten-year warranty
Cons
- Heavier in size
- Expensive
4. Generac 70422 22/19.5kW Guardian Series Home Standby Generator
A qualified leader in electrical power generation, one exceptionally handy and productive standby generator from none other than the Generac.
The all-time best Generac 70422 home standby generator comprises all the great power potential to offer a hand in giving reliable, efficient, and full-integrated solutions during those scary power outage days. It’s the ultimate solution for all your power-related troubles.
Let me just clear this very fact Generac 70422 is an insanely advanced generator with an unbeatable performance rate. The Generac’s strongest G-force four-stroke engine behind the curtain played the game and summoned 22-kilowatt power or 195000 watts, which is pretty rare for a home standby generator.
With the involvement of true power technology, Generac 70422 tends to deliver the best-in-class, clean and steady streak of power.
This is why I do not worry at all about my appliances, even when the generator is running at its peak. The standard approach of the generator starting up automatically and switching over to backup the electronics without any physical inputs is just mind-blowing, but what is even best is you can control it via smartphone or other mobile devices.
Configured with an advanced digital control panel made things effortlessly easy. With the phone, you can stay on top of your generator’s performance or adjust settings from anywhere.
The Generac 70422 got the toughest, most durable body weighing 525 pounds, and all aluminum enclosure physics to keep the safety at the bar. Since Generac is the best standby generator brand, they put an effort into extending the runtime of Generac 70422 as in the benefit of the Guardian series edition.
Also, the Generac 70422 has a quiet test feature that will allow the standby generator to run at a reduced load for a brief period so that you can test its performance and count on it when you need it.
With the sharp consciousness of being ready at the moment, Generac 70422 is the best tool to supply higher power with all advancements to keep the system running during a blackout.
Pros
- Real-time status receiving
- Clean and vast power
- Remote connectivity
- Reliably durable body
- Less maintenance
- Minimal noise rate
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Extremely heavier
- Professional installation
5. Generac 24kW Home Standby Generator with PWRview Transfer Switch
And the last but exceptionally powerful to the top standby generator list, Generac’s best-selling Generac Guardian 24kW generator is a living example of perfection that blends with affordability, substantial power, and effortlessly safe automaticity.
With immense power ready, this ultra-versatile generator keeps a backup system ready to adore all the essential appliances in the home without spending much.
It’s said Generac Guardian 24Kw is a true powerhouse of a backup power solution, with its potential to grant endless power supply to not just your entire home but much more.
The impeccable performance came directly from its strong and efficient 999cc OHVI engine, one that is designed to run for extended periods without interruption. The highest power provider Generac Guardian 24kW standby generator is burdened with granting 24 kilowatts of power output.
The gas-powered Generac Guardian 24Kw is easy to install and control. The up-level intelligauge gives the flexibility to monitor its performance, maintenance status, and other real-time information from anywhere.
So whether it’s an emergency at home, a job site, or a small commercial store, Generac Guardian 24Kw will take care without professional expertise.
I mean, the immense power certainly leaves an impression of challenging usage, but I assure you this perfect standby generator is incredibly easy to operate.
The generator didn’t even require manual input to start; it does the job automatically and moves to standby backup once the power gets restored.
The generator got some dazzling functions that add charm to its efficiencies, such as the Quiet-test feature for performance tests, Air-cooled automaticity, and other safety measures.
One of the best things about Generac Guardian 24Kw has been its spectacularly durable body in a more compact aspect so that you can store it anywhere easily.
Generac Guardian 24kW is a great automatic generator option that landed not only this but on many experts’ lists; All because of its remarkable versatility and potential, so don’t hesitate a bit.
Pros
- Compact size
- Endlessly high-power source
- Automatic start and transfer
- Rigid and protected body
- Up-to-date monitoring
- No professional installment
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come budget-friendly
- Noise rate controlling
What is a Standby Generator?
You can’t imagine your day without electricity in these modern days. If the power outage stays for a long, it might affect your work if you are working from home. It ends the entertainment from electronic devices and robs you of your comfort.
The power outage can be worse if it doesn’t go away for days or weeks. If you want to keep your day going without any, then the standby generator is a solid choice. You won’t even notice that there is a power outage.
A standby generator offers convenience, and you won’t have to connect and start it every time the power goes out and take it off when the power comes back.
They have installed devices on your premise that will automatically start powering your devices when the power goes out, and they will turn themselves off when the power comes back.
The transfer switch is the main component for proper automatic function. It detects the power and gives the signal to the generator whether it is time to start or shut off. And all these things happen in just a matter of seconds, and this makes them highly convenient.
How Do Standby Generators Work?
A power outage is a common thing if you live in an area where there are frequent natural disasters like a tornado or a hurricane. The power will take a few days to weeks to get restored.
If after such kind of natural disaster power comes back in a day, then you are fortunate, and if it doesn’t, then you are not so, but you can be if you have a standby generator. They provide you with safety and peace of mind, but how do they work?
A standby generator is a device that will power all your appliances in the house, and it is permanently connected to the electrical circuits of your home through a transfer switch.
A generator simply has an engine that uses natural gas or propane, and sometimes for large power output diesel as a fuel to generate electricity.
When the engine generates the power, it gets hot, and to cool it down, a pump is provided to circulate the coolant through the engine, which will then flow into the radiator. A fan will blow the air over the radiator, releasing the heat outside and cooling the coolant.
The main component for a standby generator is a transfer switch, and it is a smart controller that does the coordination. When a power outage occurs the transfer switch senses the outage and gives the signal to the generator engine to start.
After giving it a few seconds to stabilize, the connection is made with the circuits of the house, which need to be powered. Note this, before making a connection, it disconnects the utility line to prevent problems arising due to back feeding.
The same goes for when the power returns, the transfer switch senses that the power has come back, it will disconnect the generator from the home and will connect the utility supply.
After giving some time to the generator for cooling down, it will be turned off. This cycle will repeat in every power outage condition.
Some sophisticated transfer switches in the market come with a power management feature to supply power only to priority circuits when the power goes out. If two power-consuming appliances are connected, then it will keep one waiting until its turn comes.
What is the Difference Between Standby Generator and a Portable Generator?
Portable generators and standby generators are significantly different from each other. One obvious difference resides in their name; a portable generator can be carried along wherever you require power, whether it is a campsite or a job site.
On the other hand, the standby generators are made to sit in one place, and they don’t have any handles or wheels to move them. They are hardwired to the electric circuits of the house.
A portable generator will be small and will have a small engine that can supply power for a brief period of time, and they are suitable to run only essentials during a power outage. The standby generator is designed to power for an extended period of time and can supply power to almost all house appliances.
Another difference is that you will have to manually turn on and turn off the portable generator when you need power, and they need to be regularly checked for any faults and need to be periodically maintained to ensure long life.
But if we talk about the standby generators, then because they are connected forever to the electrical circuits of the house, they sense the power condition on the utility line.
If the power goes out, then the standby generator automatically starts, and when it comes back, the generator will automatically shut off.
Moreover, automatic generators run the automatic test on them and notify the user if there is anything wrong with the system, so no manual checkup is required.
When it comes to portable generators, then they need to be run outside. If used inside, then the accumulation of the exhaust from these generators can turn out to be fatal if breathed in.
If they are outside, there is a risk of theft. But for the standby generators, due to their heavy weight, they don’t appeal to thieves much.
Other than that, if you want to run the portable generator as a backup generator, then you will have to first accumulate the fuel, and the fuel tends to evaporate.
This doesn’t always make it possible to have fresh fuel. While for the standby generator, you can directly connect them to the existing propane or natural gas supply to your house, and it will be ready anytime you want it to work.
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What Size Standby Generator is Best for My House?
It is important to determine the size of a generator before making any decisions. If the generator can’t supply enough power, then a few of your appliances won’t start when you need them. If it is too large, then the initial investment and maintenance cost will be high.
The generator can be small or large, their price increases proportionally to their size and the features with which they are equipped.
If you only want to power the essentials during a power outage, then you can go for a small generator; it will be light on the pocket. Generally, the size of standby generators is defined by their power output rating in kilowatts.
If you want to get a fairly good idea about the size of the generator you are going to need, then first calculate the number of appliances you will be running with this generator in a power outage condition.
It can be a refrigerator, lights, a TV maybe, an oven, etc. Once you decide on the appliances you want to power up, keep the margin of 15% for future needs, and if such a need arises, then you can do so without any compromise on existing running appliances.
Once that is done, note down the wattage requirement of each appliance. You will mostly find it on the data label of the appliances. If not, and if the voltage and amperage are given, then by multiplying them, you will get the wattage.
After that, sum up all the wattage of each appliance that you chose to power in an outage.
Whatever the result of that summation is, the generator should have a minimum power rating to run all the appliances satisfactorily. When making a final decision, always choose a generator whose power rating is 25% more than your actual requirement. This will ensure reliability over the upcoming years to come.
If you live in a moderate-size house, then a generator of 20kW rating should satisfy your power needs. And for bigger houses, you can always go for the bigger-size generators.
Fuel Options for Standby Generators
Different standby generators have different designs to run on different fuels. The main fuel choices available for standby generators are natural gas, diesel, propane, and bi-fuel. This makes them highly versatile to use for a variety of applications in various places.
Diesel
Diesel is the fuel that is conveniently available in every place, you can’t find liquid propane, but you can always find diesel. Besides, they are highly efficient and provide much power from a small quantity, and when the application is big, the cost-effectiveness can be seen.
Those are the two main reasons why you will find most of the standby generators on the market runs on diesel.
Diesel is easy to store and becomes extremely reliable in emergencies due to its fast kick-in time. The generator will start supplying power in no time, and that’s why you will find them as a backup at every hospital for critical applications.
But the limitation is you can’t store them for longer periods, so there will always be a need for extra measures to ensure a long lifetime. The main problem with the diesel standby generator is their high emissions in the exhaust; this gives them a hard time passing the EPA standards and getting approval.
Natural Gas
It is not that in just recent years, the attempt has been made to use natural gas as a fuel; in the past, there were many tries for that as well. But due to the limitations of the technology, it wasn’t that suitable to use it as a fuel compared to gasoline, and that’s why it was avoided. But with the recent development, it became possible to generate energy and that too efficiently.
The gaseous generators work the same as the liquid ones; a gas and mixture of air are burned to produce the power. The main advantage of natural gas is its low level of emission, it burns really clean compared to conventional fuels and releases very less harmful emissions into the environment.
Another thing that should be pointed out is that it is really cost-efficient, and it doesn’t need to be stored. You can connect the standby generator directly to the existing gas supply. This makes them highly reliable, whereas the faster kick-in time is not so important because it may create some interruptions while starting during an outage.
Propane
Another fuel that is used to power the standby generator is liquid propane which is also known as propane or butane. Propane is available in a liquid form in a compressed propane tank.
This makes it an alternative to using it on-site. The main benefit of using propane is that it won’t go bad even when 8 to 10 years have passed. This makes it a useful option in any situation. If there is a natural disaster, then you may not get your hand on diesel because all might have been sold, but if you have propane stored, then it will supply the power in an instant.
The generators which run on propane are generally small in size, and if you need a large generator, then they are costly to get and also to run. They run on the same type of engine used for automotive purposes.
Bi-fuel
There are generators in the market that work on two fuels. Note that these aren’t the standard unit type, and most of the manufacturers don’t even make them. This is the solution to problems that are faced when you use on-site fuel and utility fuel.
In certain situations, these generators are extremely helpful. Because you can switch between two fuels whenever you feel like it, or the need arises. Most dual-fuel generators can use either natural gas or diesel to produce power.
The ability to select the fuel equips you with higher flexibility; if one is not available, you can always use another.
Generally, not both fuels are simultaneously used to produce power, but in some generators, it is possible. And those types of generators are started with diesel as a primary fuel, and then gradually, propane is introduced until the most suitable mixture is achieved, which will be cost-effective and will release fewer emissions into the environment. This is why this type of generator can easily meet EPA standards and can be easily used in any state.
The discussion on different fuel types ends here, with this information you can select the generator which suits your needs based on the fuel availability and the ups and downs of individual fuels.
FAQs
Q. Where Should I Install a Standby Generator for Convenience?
You are not going to go near your generator unless it requires refueling or repair, so for that purpose, it should not be located in such a way that it doesn’t become a task to reach for refueling. It should be easy to access. The convenience can be increased if you place it near the fuel supply and the transfer switch and you will require a small cable for connection.
If you are planning to install it outside, then make sure you are properly following the code guidelines for minimum distance. Also, it should be out in such a way that exhaust can be easily released and it has enough airflow to cool down. And, also makes sure that it is kept a little higher than the earth on some support so that water can’t reach it.
Keep it in such a way that the noise coming out of it doesn’t disturb you or your neighbors.
Q. What Are the Installation and Permit Requirements for The Connection of the Standby Generator?
If you want to install the standby generator as a backup on your premises, then you will need a permit from the local building authority to commence the work without a permit, and if they catch wind of this, you will have to demolish all things.
Another thing is the standby generator needs to be placed on concrete for some local codes, but for some, it is not. It is good to have the generator placed on a block of concrete.
So, before you do anything, choose an installation location and then request a code inspector to assess and approve the installation. Once it is approved, you can start the installation without any worry. If all the regulations are properly followed, then in case of accidents, your insurance provider will also honor the policy.
Q. Which Type of Transfer Switch Should Be Used for A Standby Generator?
A transfer switch will be available in two types, manual or automatic. An automatic transfer switch will restore the power when the utility power goes out automatically without any kind of support from your side. While on the manual transfer switch, you will have to do the switching manually. Note that you won’t get the benefit of a low price when you go with the manual transfer switch.
A transfer switch also depends on the power output of your generator and the appliances it needs to power. If the whole house needs to be powered, then a transfer switch needed will be rated for the service entrance. It should be installed by a seasoned electrician who decided the location and size you will need. If the installation is for a commercial or industrial setting, then bypass isolation, closed transition, and the programmed transition type transfer switch is used.
Q. Do I Need an Electrician for The Installation of The System?
Yes, the installation should only be performed by a licensed electrician or a plumber because they know the system and have all the experience to do the job. This is highly risky if you do it yourself, and it poses a great danger to your equipment, generator, and people around you too. Or you can hire a reputed company to do the installation.
