5 Best Whole House Generators of 2024 for Power Outages

When the power goes out, a whole house generator ensures your lights stay on, appliances keep running, and life continues as normal. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best whole house generators of 2024, considering key factors such as cooling system, fuel type, power output, noise levels, price, installation, and warranty.

With extreme weather and environmental changes driving longer and more frequent blackouts, investing in a standby generator is one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make. These permanent backup power solutions can start automatically and power your entire home without interruption.

If you’re looking for something more portable yet powerful, check out 50 amp generators, which are great alternatives. But for comprehensive home coverage, standby units are the way to go.

🔧 Editor’s Picks for 2024

Model	Score	Best For
Generac Guardian 24KW	⭐ 9.7	Top Overall Pick
Generac Guardian 22KW	⭐ 9.6	Best Generac Generator
Champion 8.5KW	⭐ 9.5	Best Budget Option

What Is a Whole House Generator?

A whole house generator is a permanent, standby power source designed to automatically provide electricity to your entire home during outages. These units are typically powered by propane or natural gas and can run large appliances and HVAC systems seamlessly. Once installed, they require minimal maintenance and activate automatically when utility power fails.

🏆 Best Standby Generators of 2024

1. Generac Guardian 24KW – Top Pick

Specs:

• Power Output: 24KW (Propane), 21KW (Natural Gas)
  
• Engine: Generac G-Force
  
• Enclosure: All-aluminum
  
• Warranty: 5 Years
  
• Weight: 514 lbs
  
• Dimensions: 48″ x 25″ x 29″
  
• Noise: 67–72 dB (Quiet Test Mode)
  

Why We Like It:
The largest air-cooled standby generator available today, the Generac Guardian 24KW delivers premium performance with clean power output (<5% harmonic distortion), making it ideal for sensitive electronics. The Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring, and its Quiet Test Mode reduces noise and fuel use during weekly maintenance runs.

✅ Pros:

• Utility-grade clean power
  
• Excellent fuel efficiency
  
• Strong enclosure and build quality
  
• Reliable performance under high loads
  

❌ Cons:

• Transfer switch sold separately
  
• Lower output on natural gas
  

2. Champion 8.5KW – Best Budget Whole House Generator

Specs:

• Power Output: 8.5KW (Propane), 7.5KW (Natural Gas)
  
• Noise: 60–65 dB
  
• Engine: 439cc OHV
  
• Enclosure: Weatherproof steel
  
• Warranty: 10 Years
  
• Transfer Switch: 50 Amp NEMA 3R
  

Why We Like It:
Affordable yet powerful, the Champion 8.5KW is perfect for smaller homes. It includes an auto-start feature, low-oil shutoff, and weatherproof casing. The generator runs clean and quiet, and it performed flawlessly during our load test. We particularly liked its 24V cold-weather start system and the long 10-year warranty.

✅ Pros:

• Excellent value
  
• Durable, weather-protected design
  
• Low harmonic distortion
  
• Cold weather ready
  

❌ Cons:

• Installation requires professional help
  

3. Generac Guardian 22KW – Best Generac Model

Specs:

• Power Output: 22KW (Propane), 19.5KW (Natural Gas)
  
• Engine: G-Force with pressure lubrication
  
• Enclosure: All-aluminum
  
• Warranty: 5 Years
  
• Includes Mobile Link remote monitoring
  

Why We Like It:
The best-selling standby generator in the U.S., the Generac Guardian 22KW features True Power™ Technology for clean electricity and a rugged G-force engine for reliable performance. The Evolution Controller LCD display provides real-time status, battery condition, and maintenance alerts.

✅ Pros:

• Industry-best power output
  
• Remote monitoring via smartphone
  
• Excellent build quality
  
• Clean, consistent power
  

❌ Cons:

• Pricey
  
• Higher maintenance cost
  

4. Champion 12.5KW – Best for Small to Medium Homes

Specs:

• Power Output: 12.5KW (Propane), 11KW (Natural Gas)
  
• Enclosure: High-grade steel
  
• Noise: Low decibel level
  
• Warranty: 10 Years
  
• Includes: 100 Amp Transfer Switch, Battery Tender
  

Why We Like It:
This model packs enough power to support a 4-ton AC system and more, while maintaining low noise and fuel efficiency. Its battery tender system ensures you never face startup issues, even after prolonged inactivity.

✅ Pros:

• Excellent power delivery
  
• Smart battery maintenance
  
• Weather-resistant housing
  
• Smooth cold starts
  

❌ Cons:

• Battery not included
  

5. Briggs & Stratton 12KW – Quiet & Compact Performer

Specs:

• Power Output: 12KW (Propane), 10.8KW (Natural Gas)
  
• Weight: 361 lbs
  
• Dimensions: 37.2″ x 28″ x 24.5″
  
• Enclosure: Compact steel design
  
• Harmonic Distortion: <5%
  
• Includes Wi-Fi monitoring
  

Why We Like It:
Ideal for smaller homes, the Briggs & Stratton 12KW offers quiet operation, low fuel consumption, and 25% smaller footprint compared to competitors. Its weekly quiet mode ensures minimal disruption during testing, while still keeping the battery and engine in good shape.

✅ Pros:

• Compact and space-saving
  
• Remote monitoring via app
  
• Runs quietly and efficiently
  
• Strong performance in load testing
  

❌ Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than similar models
  

🔍 How to Choose the Best Whole House Generator

When buying a standby generator, consider these key factors:

1. Power Requirements

• Calculate the starting (surge) and running watts for essential appliances.
  
• Make sure your generator can handle peak loads during startup.
  

2. Engine Type

• Air-cooled: Less expensive, ideal for small to medium homes.
  
• Liquid-cooled: Quieter, more efficient, and ideal for larger homes or commercial use.
  

3. Fuel Type

• Choose between natural gas and propane (LPG) depending on availability and cost.
  
• Natural gas is more convenient but may offer slightly lower wattage.
  

4. Noise Levels

• Look for units with quiet test modes or low RPM operation.
  
• Anything under 70 dB is considered relatively quiet for standby units.
  

5. Warranty & Support

• A 5–10 year limited warranty is standard. Make sure support is available in your area.
  

❌ Drawbacks of Whole House Generators

• High upfront cost (unit + installation)
  
• Requires professional setup
  
• Maintenance costs (oil changes, battery checks, etc.)
  
• May need a dedicated fuel source (natural gas line or propane tank)
  

🤔 FAQs

Q: Can a whole house generator run the entire home?
Yes, if properly sized, a whole house generator can power all your major appliances, HVAC systems, and lighting.

Q: How long can it run continuously?
With a constant fuel supply, many models can run for days, especially when using natural gas.

Q: Do I need permits to install one?
Yes, local regulations often require electrical and fuel line permits. Always consult a certified installer.

Q: Can I install it myself?
Installation must be done by licensed professionals due to electrical and fuel system complexity.

If you’re preparing for the unexpected, a whole house generator is a wise investment. The Generac Guardian 24KW is our top pick for its unmatched performance and reliability, while Champion’s 8.5KW is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality.

Ready to invest in peace of mind? Choose the generator that fits your power needs, home size, and budget — and never worry about blackouts again.