Our Picks
"The best generator is the one you don't hear running at 2am during a storm. This is that generator."
We're putting this at the top because for a lot of homeowners, this is genuinely the last generator purchase they'll need to think about. No gas runs, no carbon monoxide risk, no engine maintenance. It costs what it costs, but it's solving the problem completely rather than partially.
If you want maximum output for the money and you're fine with the noise and the fuel runs, this is the pick. Nearly 3,900 ratings at 4.5 stars is a track record most generators never come close to, and 13,000 watts covers a genuinely large home setup.
This isn't the generator that runs your whole home, but it might be the one you actually reach for. It's quiet enough to run near the house, clean enough to charge laptops safely, and reliable enough that Honda owners tend to become Honda owners for life.
If the Ultra above feels like more than you need, this is the sensible step down. It still runs real appliances, still charges fast, and 597 ratings at 4.6 stars says owners are getting what they paid for.
This is the practical middle ground for a lot of households, enough output to matter, dual fuel flexibility, and a price that doesn't require the same conversation as the units above it. Good option if you want real backup power without going all in.
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Rating | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra | $3,999.00 | 4.3 (145) | Battery | Whole-home silent backup |
| DuroMax XP13000EH | $1,299.00 | 4.5 (3,900) | Dual fuel | Maximum output for the money |
| Honda EU2200i | $1,199.00 | 4.7 (3,200) | Gas inverter | Quiet essentials backup |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro | $1,599.00 | 4.6 (597) | Battery | Mid-range battery backup |
| Westinghouse 7600W | $1,199.99 | 4.3 (2,300) | Dual fuel | Practical mid-size backup |
Buying Advice
Battery Backup vs. Gas Generator
Gas and dual-fuel generators give you more raw power per dollar and can run indefinitely as long as you have fuel. Battery systems like the EcoFlow units are silent, require zero maintenance, and are safe to use indoors or in a garage, but they're limited by their battery capacity once you're off the grid. A lot of households end up choosing based on how long their outages typically last, and how much they value quiet.
How Many Watts Do You Actually Need?
A fridge, some lights, and a WiFi router can run comfortably on 2,000 to 2,500 watts, which is why the Honda EU2200i covers more households than people expect. If you want to run a well pump, central air, or multiple large appliances at once, you're looking at the 7,000 watt-plus range or higher.
Do You Need a Transfer Switch?
If you want a generator to power circuits in your home directly rather than running extension cords to individual devices, you'll want a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. It's an added cost, but it's the difference between plugging in a lamp and actually keeping your fridge and furnace running during an outage.
Our Verdict
Most households don't need the DELTA Pro Ultra, as tempting as silent whole-home backup is. The Honda EU2200i covers real essentials for most people without asking for a huge budget, and the DuroMax is the pick if raw output per dollar is what matters most. If you can swing it though, battery backup is genuinely a better long-term experience than another gas can in the garage.