10 Best Gen Generators 2026 in the United States

The Generac Guardian 14kW Home Standby Generator is a robust and reliable solution for whole-house power backup. It delivers 14,000 watts of power, making it capable of handling substantial household energy needs. This generator runs on natural gas or LP gas, which offers flexibility depending on what is available to you. Its durable aluminum enclosure ensures it can withstand outdoor conditions, and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty, giving you long-term peace of mind about your investment. Additionally, the G-Force Engine is designed for reliability and reduced maintenance, which can be a huge plus for homeowners who want a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

The inclusion of a 100 Amp transfer switch simplifies the integration with your home’s electrical system, providing seamless backup during outages. One notable feature is the Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the generator's performance remotely, which can be very convenient when you’re away from home. The generator is quite large and heavy, weighing 385 pounds, which might pose challenges during installation, so professional installation by a certified electrician is recommended. It operates relatively quietly compared to some other standby generators, thanks to the low-maintenance engines.

This generator is primarily suited for residential use and might be overkill for smaller homes or less demanding power needs. If you’re looking for a reliable, powerful, and easy-to-use standby generator for whole-house protection, the Generac Guardian 14kW stands out with its impressive features and robust construction.

The WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a solid choice if you need a lightweight and quiet generator, especially suited for camping, RV trips, or home backup. It delivers up to 3600 surge watts and 2900 running watts, enough to power most small appliances and electronics safely thanks to its clean power output that protects sensitive devices like smartphones and laptops. Weighing just 46 pounds, it’s easy to carry and store compared to heavier models. The gasoline-fueled 149cc 4-stroke engine runs on a 1.6-gallon tank, which provides a reasonable runtime but may require refueling during extended use. It uses a recoil start, which means you’ll need to manually pull a cord to start it—this is straightforward but less convenient than electric start options.

You’ll find multiple outlets, including two standard 120V sockets, an RV-ready outlet, a 12V DC port, and USB ports, giving you flexible ways to connect devices. The generator is designed with a fuel shutoff feature that helps extend its life by draining leftover fuel. It’s also praised for operating quietly compared to many portable generators, making it less disruptive in campsites or neighborhoods. However, if you need longer runtime without refueling or prefer push-button start, this model might fall short. Its power output is good for light to medium loads but may not be enough for larger or multiple heavy appliances running simultaneously.

In summary, the WEN 3600-Watt offers a good balance of portability, quietness, and clean power for users who want a dependable, easy-to-transport generator suitable for recreational and light residential use.

The WEN DF451i is a versatile dual-fuel generator that runs on both gasoline and propane, offering up to 4500 surge watts and 3150-3500 running watts depending on the fuel used. This makes it powerful enough to handle a variety of devices, including RV appliances and sensitive electronics like smartphones and laptops, thanks to its clean power output. Its standout feature is the Auto Fuel Selection Technology, which switches between propane and gasoline to extend runtime, providing up to 9 hours of continuous use.

The generator is designed with quiet operation in mind, running at 58 dBA at quarter load—noticeably quieter than many generators—making it suitable for camping or residential areas. Starting the unit is hassle-free with a keyless electric start plus a backup recoil starter, and a fuel shut-off feature simplifies maintenance. Portability is decent with onboard wheels and a carrying handle, though at 100 pounds it’s somewhat heavy for frequent transport.

Connectivity options are solid, offering two standard 120V outlets, an RV-ready 120V outlet, a 12V DC outlet, and a USB port for charging smaller devices. On the downside, its fuel tank holds 2.2 gallons, which limits runtime when running on gasoline alone, and the weight might be cumbersome for some users. While quiet, it may not be the best fit if you need ultra-lightweight or ultra-compact gear. This generator suits RV owners and anyone needing reliable, quiet power with flexible fuel options and convenient features, balancing power, quietness, and usability well.