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Best Whole House Generators Consumer Reports

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If you’re looking for a simple way to get power when and where you need it, an inverter generator is a great way to start. These generators really offer clean electricity and work great for sensitive electronic equipment like air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more.

We have compiled a list of the 5 best whole house generators that offer tons of power with the ability to connect multiple devices operating at different voltages simultaneously.

Whole house generators may give an impression as if these devices are huge, bulky machines, but in reality, these generators are quite portable and very easy to use.

Go through the reviews of the best whole house generators by consumer reports in the section below followed by a comprehensive buying guide to make an informed decision.

Reviews Of Top 5 Whole House Generators
1. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

If you are looking for a whole house generator that runs on two different types of fuels, then you can consider Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator, which runs on gasoline as well as propane.

In gasoline, the generator produces running power of 9,500 watts whereas the peak power goes up to 12,500 watts.

While using propane, the running power is 8,500 watts whereas the peak power is 11,200 watts.

You can turn on this generator in different ways, as it supports recoil and electric start.

Moreover, it supports remote start as well, and it features a key fob for it. The generator has a fuel tank of 6.6 gallons, which helps it deliver 12 hours of runtime.

There is a fuel gauge integrated into the generator that lets you know about the fuel level.

The generator is equipped with multiple outlets, which include one RV ready 120/240 14-50R, Transfer Switch Ready 120 volts L14-30R, and a couple of GFCI 120 volts 5-20R Standard Household Receptacle.

All the outlets have rubber covers for added safety. The generator gets the power from its heavy-duty 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine that comes with a durable cast iron sleeve.

It also features a digital hour meter and automatic low oil shutdown features that make it a user-friendly product.

The generator incorporates a VFT display that provides you with real-time updates on the frequency, voltage output, and lifetime hours.

You will get several things in the package that include oil, an oil funnel, a 12-volt battery charger, a tool kit, a remote start key fob, and a user manual, thus letting you use the product just after taking it out of the box.

The best thing about this generator or any other model manufactured by Westinghouse is that they are functionally tested before being rolled out into the market.

You will get minimum residual oil and fuel odor from this generator. Moreover, the company offers a 3-year limited service, part coverage, and labor on the product.

2. DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator

DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator

DuroMax is another top-rated generator, which comes with a powerful 439cc OHV Engine that generates immense power to lighten up the entire house.

The peak wattage of this generator is 10,000 watts whereas the running wattage is around 8,000 watts.

Such huge power allows it to handle heavy loads of refrigerators, lights, home conditioners, and high-amperage power tools.

This generator runs on gasoline but is very quiet and also lasts long. The generator features DuroMax MX2 technology, which gives maximum power from each of its 120-volt receptacles.

You can also operate the generator at both 120 as well as 240 volts at once, or you can operate at 120 volts with full power.

The generator is CARB and EPA-approved, which assures customers of its safety and reliability.

3. Champion Power Equipment 100573 4000-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter

Champion Power Equipment 100573 4000-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter

This is a highly efficient inverter generator from Champion Power, which sports an Open Frame Inverter Design that allows it to be 50% quieter and 20% lighter than its traditional sibling.

Not only that, but this generator produces only clean power and it has an ‘Economy Mode’ which helps it save fuel without compromising on performance.

The generator features a wireless remote key fob, which gives you the power to start and stop the unit from up to 80 feet away.

The electric push-button start features a battery, so you don’t need to buy one separately.

This is a powerful generator that has 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts. When it comes to runtime, then that is around 17 hours on gasoline.

Despite being powerful, the generator doesn’t make too much noise, just 64dBa, which makes it ideal for tailgating, RVs, or home backup.

You will get a parallel kit in the package that further increases your power output, as you can connect a couple of 2800 watts or higher inverters or digital hybrids.

The company provides a 3-year limited warranty on the product along with free lifetime technical support.

4. Durostar DS10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator

Durostar DS10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator

Here is another top-class portable generator, which comes from the house of Durostar.

The generator features a 440cc OHV Durostar engine, which produces 18HP of power to handle multiple jobs efficiently.

The generator can do a wide range of tasks, from powering high-voltage appliances to heavy-duty power tools.

When not in use, you can lower the RPMs of this generator to save fuel and reduce noise. This feature makes this generator ideal for job sites where power is used intermittently.

Equipped with multiple 120-volt receptacles, this generator delivers maximum power from each of those receptacles with the functionality to use both 120 and 240-volt receptacles simultaneously.

Or, you can use a 120-volt receptacle with full power. The generator is ideal for use in RVs.

The generator features a full-featured power panel that consists of a broad range of outlets such as 1 120-volt 30A twist lock outlet, 2 120-volt household GFCI outlets, and 1 240-volt 50A outlet.

You will also get 12-volt DC charging ports for charging external batteries.

5. WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator With Wheel Kit And Electric Start

WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator

WEN brings to you a highly capable generator that operates on both propane as well as gasoline.

When working on gasoline, the generator produces 11,000 surge watts and 8,300 running watts, whereas, in propane, the generator produces 9,500 surge watts and 7,500 running watts.

You can change the wattage with a simple turn of the selection dial. You can easily switch voltage from 120 volts to 240 volts, which makes it ideal for transfer switches and emergency backup.

The generator boasts a powerful design that features a 457cc, 4-stroke OHV engine along with an electric start.

The engine starts with the turn of a key, thus making it easier for you to operate. Equipped with a 6.6-gallon tank, this generator offers 8.5 hours of half-load run time.

As far as the outlets are concerned, then the generator features 4 120-volt GFCI outlets, a 120/240-volt 50A outlet, a 120-volt 30A twist-lock outlet, a 47-inch LP connection hose, a bottle of oil, and a 12-volt DC cigarette-lighter style plug.

The company provides a 2-year warranty on the product that covers all manufacturing defects.

How To Buy The Best Whole House Generator?

Size

The size will have an impact on where it is possible to save your device and the precise distance it will take when you keep it turned off.

If you are looking for something small that you leave in your car or truck, you will need something quite small. If you are looking for something that will suit your RV, you might have a little more space available.

Make sure you understand exactly what you have the space for and start there (but you will also need to check the energy you need).

Power

The overall size of this unit will directly interact with the amount of energy it provides. The larger the unit, the more electricity, the more ability you’ll have to escape it and they range from streamlined to moderate, with over 2000 watts of electricity, enough to power an air conditioner, and more specifically at the same time.

The compact models will give you 800 watts, enough to keep some of your devices moving at exactly the same time. So, choose something that matches your height and energy needs.

Remote Start

While not required, it could be a great alternative as you can actually start the device without needing to be next to it.

If you understand that your power is off or you try to start this kettle on vacation, you can plug it in all the time and turn the device on when you want, and turn it off when you don’t.

Just like that, it is possible to save the energy that it has on your own, but still, keep it ready and wait until the next time you want to use it.

Parallel Operation

Another big advantage of these types of generators (or most of them) is that you will have the option of connecting them together to find a little more power.

Keep in mind that you will likely only have two connected together at a time and that they will provide you with a small amount in addition to additional power.

This means that you are going to power everything you need and you won’t have to give up the distance you seek to receive it.

CARB compliant

Check if the generator you are buying is CARB compliant or not, where CARB stands for California Air Resources Board.

A CARB-compliant generator will create a few pollutants, but the air pollutants will be considerably lower and this is definitely great for you and your loved ones besides being great for your surroundings.

If you are interested in something that is going to help you under all circumstances, but you weren’t sure to use that designation, then make sure that the generator is at least EPA compliant.

Final Verdict

Having a whole house generator is very crucial to keep your home appliances up and running whenever there is a power outage. These generators provide stable voltage to prevent any damage to your sophisticated electronic appliances.

 

Now that you have read the reviews of the best whole house generators consumer reports, you can choose the right product at the right price. So, don’t delay your decision and place your order right away!