Whole House Generator Comparison: Portable vs Standby (2026)
Quick answer: for whole house generators, the Generac Guardian 22kW is the default pick, Kohler 20kW+ for coastal homes, and Champion's 14kW the value pick. This table compares those whole house generators spec by spec, plus the portable whole house generators worth buying.
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The table below compares the models we reference most often in our guides, from small inverter portables to whole-house standby units. Specs are from manufacturer spec sheets; prices are intentionally omitted because they move weekly. Use the generator size calculator first, then come back and compare models in your size class.
Portable generators
| Model | Running W | Starting W | Fuel | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | 2,200 | 2,200 | Gas | Inverter | Quiet essentials: fridge + internet + lights |
| WEN 56200i | 2,000 | 2,000 | Gas | Inverter | Budget version of the above |
| Westinghouse iGen4500 | 3,700 | 4,500 | Gas/Propane | Inverter | Essentials plus window AC, quiet operation |
| DuroMax XP5500EH | 5,500 | 7,250 | Gas/Propane | Conventional | Budget whole-essentials backup |
| Westinghouse WGen7500DF | 7,500 | 9,500 | Gas/Propane | Conventional | Most of a small gas-heated home |
| Generac XD5000E | 5,000 | 6,250 | Diesel | Conventional | Durability-focused, fuel-stable |
| DuroMax XP13000HXT | 13,000 | 17,000 | Gas/Propane/NG | Tri-fuel | Large home via transfer switch, central AC possible |
Whole house generators: standby units (installed)
| Model | Output | Fuel | Transfer switch | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generac PowerPact 7.5kW | 7.5 kW | NG/Propane | 8-circuit ATS included | Essentials circuits in small homes |
| Generac 7172 10kW | 10 kW | NG/Propane | ATS required | Small homes, small central AC |
| Generac 7210 16kW | 16 kW | NG/Propane | ATS required | Medium homes with central AC |
| Generac 7043 22kW | 22 kW | NG/Propane | ATS required | Best-seller; large homes |
| Briggs & Stratton 15kW | 15 kW | NG/Propane | ATS required | Alternative to Generac 16kW |
Standby units require professional installation; budget an additional $2,000-$5,000 for the transfer switch, electrical work, and gas connection. Our cost guide breaks this down line by line.
How to read this table
Running watts is what the unit supplies continuously; starting watts is the momentary surge available for motor startup. If your largest motor (usually a well pump or AC compressor) needs more starting watts than the unit provides, its breaker trips. This is the single most common sizing mistake; the calculator exists to prevent it.
Inverter units produce cleaner power (safe for electronics) and run quieter (roughly 50-60 dB vs 70+ dB), at a higher cost per watt. Conventional portables cost less and handle rough treatment, at the price of noise and dirtier power.
Dual fuel / tri-fuel capability matters more than most buyers expect: propane stores indefinitely while gasoline degrades within months. In storm country, fuel flexibility is resilience.
Where these whole house generators picks come from
Selection criteria: units that appear consistently in independent testing (Consumer Reports, Popular Mechanics), have established service networks, and match the size classes our calculator recommends. We have not lab-tested every unit here; where independent test data exists we cite it in the individual guides. Specs can change by model year, so verify the spec sheet of the exact unit you are buying.
Where to buy
Every model in the tables above, at current prices: Generac Guardian 22kW, Generac 7210 16kW, Westinghouse WGen7500DF, or browse all whole house generators.
FAQ
What is the best rated whole house generator? The best rated whole house generator across owner and dealer reviews is the Generac Guardian 22kW - it has the largest install base, the densest dealer network, and the most reviewed track record in the class. For smaller budgets, the Champion 14kW standby is the best rated value pick.
Why no prices in the table? Generator pricing swings with storm seasons, and hardcoded prices go stale fast. Every link leads to a current listing.
Which brands have the best warranty? Typical coverage: Generac 5 years, Briggs & Stratton 3-5 years, Honda 3 years, DuroMax 3-5 years depending on series. Register the unit promptly; warranty clocks usually start at purchase, not installation.
Should I buy a standby unit online? The unit, yes, if local pricing is worse. The installation is a local contractor decision; get three quotes and compare line items, not totals.
Next steps
- Run your appliance list through the size calculator.
- Read standby vs portable to pick a category.
- If going standby, understand transfer switches before talking to installers.