10 Best Generac Generators 2025 in the United States

The Generac 7290 26kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator offers robust and reliable power for home use, making it an excellent choice for residential backup power. The standout feature is its substantial 26kW power output, which ensures it can handle significant electrical loads. It operates on natural gas or LP gas, giving you flexibility depending on fuel availability.

Additionally, the generator includes a Quiet-Test self-test mode that runs at a lower RPM to reduce noise and save fuel, which is a significant plus for maintaining peace and quiet around your home. The electric start system enhances ease of use, and the mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor the generator remotely, adding convenience and peace of mind. The 5-year limited warranty underscores its long-term reliability, and the unit is designed for easy installation by a certified and licensed electrician.

On the downside, its hefty weight of 518 pounds makes it less portable, so it's best suited for stationary home use rather than for those needing a mobile generator. Also, while it’s engineered to be quiet during tests, its noise level during regular operation may still be a consideration for some users. The maintenance and service alerts provided via Wi-Fi are helpful, but the initial setup may require professional assistance. Despite these minor drawbacks, its high output, reliable performance, and convenient features make it a solid investment for comprehensive home backup power.

The Generac 8917 GP18000EFI is a robust gas-powered generator suitable for residential use, especially for whole-home backup. With a powerful 18,000-watt output and 22,500-watt starting wattage, it can handle heavy loads and multiple appliances simultaneously. The electric start feature is convenient and user-friendly, eliminating the need for manual pulling.

One of its standout features is the COsense technology, which provides crucial protection against carbon monoxide, enhancing safety during use. Additionally, the generator includes TruePower Technology, which ensures a stable power supply for sensitive electronics, making it versatile for various applications. The large capacity fuel tank offers up to 9 hours of runtime, reducing the frequency of refueling during extended power outages.

The Generac 816cc EFI engine is designed for efficiency and performance, but being a fuel-powered engine, it requires regular maintenance like oil checks and changes to keep it in top condition. Portability is a significant plus, thanks to the heavy-duty, never-flat wheels and durable steel tube cradle, although the generator's substantial weight of 443 pounds might still make it a bit challenging to move around. Some drawbacks include its noise level common to gas generators, which can be quite loud, and the initial cost, which might be on the higher side. A point of note is its compatibility with a Homelink Manual Transfer Switch, making it an effective alternative to a permanent home standby generator. Ideal for homeowners needing reliable power backup, the Generac 8917 GP18000EFI offers a blend of power, safety, and portability, albeit with the usual maintenance requirements and noise levels associated with gas generators.

The Generac 7043 22kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator is a robust option for residential use, delivering high-quality 22,000 watts of power. It features True Power Technology, ensuring clean and stable power with less than 5% total harmonic distortion, making it safe for sensitive electronics. The generator operates on either natural gas or LP gas, providing flexibility depending on fuel availability.

The 200-amp NEMA 3R smart switch ensures whole-house protection, making it ideal for comprehensive coverage during power outages. Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring, so you can keep track of its performance and maintenance needs from anywhere, offering peace of mind even when you're not home. The electric start is user-friendly, and its fully enclosed design with automatic voltage regulation and overload protection enhances safety.

However, it's important to note that the unit is quite heavy, weighing 466 pounds, which affects portability. Installation should be handled by a licensed electrician, adding to the setup cost. Maintenance is somewhat simplified by the G-Force Engine, designed to reduce upkeep needs. The 5-year limited warranty offers long-term assurance. This generator is a strong contender for those seeking reliable, high-power output for their home.