10 Best Generac Generators 2026 in the United States

The Generac 7290 26kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator offers robust and reliable power for home use, making it an excellent choice for residential backup power. The standout feature is its substantial 26kW power output, which ensures it can handle significant electrical loads. It operates on natural gas or LP gas, giving you flexibility depending on fuel availability.

Additionally, the generator includes a Quiet-Test self-test mode that runs at a lower RPM to reduce noise and save fuel, which is a significant plus for maintaining peace and quiet around your home. The electric start system enhances ease of use, and the mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor the generator remotely, adding convenience and peace of mind. The 5-year limited warranty underscores its long-term reliability, and the unit is designed for easy installation by a certified and licensed electrician.

On the downside, its hefty weight of 518 pounds makes it less portable, so it's best suited for stationary home use rather than for those needing a mobile generator. Also, while it’s engineered to be quiet during tests, its noise level during regular operation may still be a consideration for some users. The maintenance and service alerts provided via Wi-Fi are helpful, but the initial setup may require professional assistance. Despite these minor drawbacks, its high output, reliable performance, and convenient features make it a solid investment for comprehensive home backup power.

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a solid choice for homeowners needing reliable whole-house backup power during outages. It delivers a strong 26,000 watts, enough to keep most household systems running smoothly. The generator runs on natural gas or propane, which are convenient and commonly available fuel options. It features a durable all-aluminum housing designed to withstand outdoor conditions and operates quietly, making it less disruptive in residential areas. Starting is electronic and automatic, so it powers up quickly and without manual effort during power failures.

One standout feature is its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor performance and receive maintenance alerts remotely, which is helpful for peace of mind. The generator includes a 200-amp transfer switch, enabling seamless and safe power transfer to your home’s electrical system. However, it weighs 518 pounds and is not portable, meaning it needs professional installation and a fixed outdoor location.

The runtime listed as 12 minutes likely refers to a default test or limited load condition, so actual runtime depends on fuel availability and usage. Maintenance is simplified by the G-Force engine design, known for durability and lower upkeep needs, plus a low oil shutdown feature protects the engine. While it’s on the higher end in terms of size and investment, the 5-year limited warranty adds assurance. This generator is suited for homeowners who want an automated, whole-house backup system rather than a portable or temporary generator. For those seeking a dependable, quiet, and smartly connected standby generator that handles all essential home power needs, the Generac Guardian is a strong contender.

The Generac 7210 24kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator is a robust solution for ensuring your home stays powered during outages. With a power output of 24,000 watts, it's capable of handling substantial energy needs. It runs on either natural gas or LP gas, giving you flexibility depending on your available resources. The generator's runtime will vary based on fuel type and load, but it's designed for long-term use with an efficient engine. One of its standout features is the Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the generator's performance and receive maintenance alerts remotely. This feature is particularly useful for peace of mind when you're not at home.

The inclusion of a 200-amp transfer switch means it offers comprehensive whole-house protection, seamlessly switching power sources during an outage. Installation should be done by a certified electrician, ensuring proper setup and safety. The start type is electronic, simplifying the process of getting the generator running. Maintenance is made easier with the 5-year limited warranty and reduced maintenance needs of the purpose-built G-Force engine. However, the generator is quite heavy at 455 pounds, making it less portable and more of a permanent installation.

This generator is built with high-quality materials and assembled in the USA, which speaks to its durability and craftsmanship. For those needing reliable, high-capacity backup power for their homes, this generator is a strong contender, though it requires professional installation and is not designed for portability.