With everyone needing constant power, it’s no surprise more people are investing in house generators. Read below to see which ones are on top and worth it.
Whole House Generator Buying Guide
So you’re looking for a generator for your entire house, but have no idea where to start?
Then you are right where you need to be, my friend.
We are here to help you land on the best model that will suit you and your home’s needs in case of an emergency or a power interruption. After all, nobody enjoys blackouts, right?
To make things a whole lot easier for you, here’s a round-up of the best standby generator and portable generators for home use you should consider buying today.
Generac 7043 Standby Generator Review
Suits Even Large Homes
This standby whole-house generator from Generac is a capable unit that runs 22000 watts. This model features one of the largest air-cooled generators you can find in the market today. It can power up a considerable household, including major appliances such as television, air conditioning, and so much more.
The Smart Generator
The Generac 7043 is not only powerful, but it’s also smart. With user-friendly controllers and a multilingual LCD, you can monitor your battery’s status conveniently and with ease.
It even tracks maintenance intervals. The 7043 also has remote monitoring so you can check on it wherever you are.
How to use it?
Press the AUTO button to start the generator and press the OFF button to stop operation. For more instructions, see the owner’s manual.
PROS AND CONS
Generac 7043 Standby Generator Verdict:
If you have a pretty big home and need a capable generator, you can’t go wrong with the Generac 7043. It’s got a massive power capacity, and it can even withstand hurricane-strong winds.
Westinghouse WPro8500 Super Duty Industrial Portable Generator Review
Portable Power
For a portable generator that can work for an entire house, the Westinghouse WPro8500 is an excellent choice. It peaks at 11500 watts and runs up to 16 hours at 25% load. It features an OHV 457cc 4-stroke engine and a decent 6.6-gallon tank. This gas-powered generator is an ideal choice for a portable but capable generator for your home.
Smart Functions
The WPro8500 includes a smart idle feature that reduces fuel consumption when there is no load.
It also has an electric start function through a remote start key fob that you can use from up to 300 feet away.
How to use it?
For an electric start, push the START engine control until it starts. Once it starts, release the switch and move into the RUN position. See the product manual for more operation details.
PROS AND CONS
Westinghouse WPro8500 Super Duty Industrial Portable Generator Verdict:
For an average mid-size household, the WPro8500 from Westinghouse is a reliable alternative to standby generators. While it’s quite hefty, it’s still movable, so you can also bring it to use it for outdoor activities.
DuroMax XP1200EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review
Dual Fuel Technology
With the DuroMax XP1200EH, you can get the best of both worlds in a portable generator. You can run it on propane and gasoline and can run for more than 7 hours and 8 hours at 50% load, respectively. It features an 18-HP 457cc DuroMax Engine and has 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts. It’s pretty powerful for a portable model.
Right-Sized Back-up Power
The XP1200EH is decent in size for a home power back-up. It has five different outlets available and a wheel kit for easy transport.
You can power a lot of things, no matter where you are.
How to use it?
To operate, turn the key to the ON position. Pull the starter grip lightly until there is resistance and then pull again briskly. For more details, check the product manual.
PROS AND CONS
DuroMax XP1200EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator Verdict:
The XP1200EH is a reliable back-up power supply for any situation. It works excellent for home use or for working outdoors. While the wheels help, bear in mind that it is still quite heavy to lug around.
Generally, we can classify generators into two types – the stationary and the portable ones.
Stationary generators are usually the large, often more expensive units that stay put somewhere near your house. It requires a connection to your home’s wiring and fuel source, and it needs a professional installation. Some variations can also run on gas or diesel for emergencies that end up cutting off your gas supply.
Portable generators, on the other hand, are quite self-explanatory. These are usually a tad smaller in size but can still run your entire home. They are also relatively cheaper, and hooking it up is quicker and more manageable. However, they’re dependent on constant refueling.
Both have advantages and disadvantages, and it all boils down to personal preference. So, what your needs are. We have both options for you in this review so that you can make a thorough decision by the end of this article.
Now when it comes to choosing the right model for you, there are three steps to pick the ideal generator for your home.
For starters, you need to decide on a fuel source. Depending on where you live and the resources you have, you might benefit from one fuel source than another. It’s also important to note that, unlike portable generators, whole-house generators tend to have a diesel option, making it a more accessible choice.
Another factor you must consider is the size, and it varies from household to household. If you’re not too savvy when it comes to electricity, you might want to consider consulting with a professional before you go shopping.
Finally, choose a transfer switch that’ll turn on the generator the moment there is a power failure. It’s also best to seek expert opinion when picking an automatic transfer switch.
A whole house generator cost can be quite steep, so it’s crucial to do your research before making a decision.
Bottom Line
Having a home generator is almost a necessity nowadays. Whether it’s an emergency power interruption or an unfortunate environmental incident, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices above.
Consider which whole house generator will suit your needs, so you end up with the right model for you.
