The Best Generator Brands of 2022

A reliable generator can keep appliances like fridges, toasters, and ovens running during power outages. You can also use it to run appliances and power tools while traveling or working off-grid.

However, getting the right generator for your home or business is easier said than done. With so many brands on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’ve never bought a generator before. 

That’s why we’ve written this comprehensive guide about the best generator brands of 2022. Read on to learn what makes a generator brand notable and what are the best generator brands. We’ll also cover which brand is best known for its inverter generators, gas-powered generators, and durable generators. 

What Makes a Generator Brand Notable?

Before we compare and contrast the top generator brands of 2022, let’s explore what makes a generator brand stand out. 

Overload Protection

Also known as overcurrent protection, overload protection is a safety mechanism that prevents and minimizes damage caused by electric malfunctions. 

Nearly all modern generators have built-in overload protection systems. When something goes wrong in the circuitry, these systems will automatically cut off electrical power to reduce the risk of fire damage, shock, and overheating.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

You should also look at your generator brands’ customer ratings and feedback. Pay attention to the following:

Average Rating

The average rating should be at least four out of five stars. The higher the better, especially if there are a lot of reviews. If a particular vendor has fewer than 10 ratings and reviews, consider looking at another vendor that has more reviews and ratings. This will give you a fuller understanding of a brand’s pros and cons.

What the Best Reviews are Saying

What are consumers praising the brand for? What do they like the most about the brand’s models and functionalities? Are the models durable? What kind of appliances can they charge? Can they charge laptops and computers? Did reviewers like the brand’s customer service and maintenance service?

Make a list of the most appealing features. Then, look at each feature and ask yourself if that’s something you want in a potential generator. Create a list of “must have” versus “nice-to-have” features — this will help you narrow down the best pick.

Here’s what your list could look like:

What the Worst Reviews are Saying

Many users often write negative reviews about a brand’s customer service. They may complain about:

• The brand’s mediocre quality assurance
• The generators’ loudness, lack of durability, and inability to power certain tools and appliances
• The difficulty of finding and buying spare or replacement parts from the manufacturer

Once you’ve noted the most common complaints, ask yourself if you’re willing to accept most or all of them. While you may not necessarily experience what those reviewers went through, there’s always a possibility your chosen generator may have those issues.

Wide Range of Options

Last but not least, a top generator brand should have plenty of options. They should offer generators that run the gamut of:

Power Ratings

Measured in watts (W), a generator’s wattage shows you how many appliances it can power simultaneously. Most brands offer a range of power ratings for their models, but some only have generators with certain power ratings.

Portability

Most generators are well over 100 lbs. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t portable. Many brands sell generators that come with ergonomic handles, open-frame designs, and never-flat wheel kits for maximum portability.

Inverter Technology Options

You should also consider whether a brand has inverter options. 

Although they’re usually associated with power stations, traditional gas generators can also have inverter technology. Gas generators with inverters have rectifiers that turn AC electricity into DC power, which is used in batteries. 

Accordingly, inverter generators can be used to power battery-operated devices. Inverter generators that produce clean power in a pure sine wave can also run sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, and laser printers.

Prices

Top brands should also offer a broad range of prices. Ideally, they should have budget-friendly generators with basic features and more expensive generators with “nice-to-have” leading-edge features like Bluetooth connectivity.

Top 5 Brands of Generators

1. Champion Generators

Champion 200915 1200W Gas Portable Generator

About the Brand

Since 2003, Champion has earned a reputation for creating some of the finest generators on the market. From its original headquarters in California, Champion has expanded its footprint in North America to include facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jackson, Tennessee, and Toronto, Canada. 

As of 2022, Champion is a market leader in power generation equipment. It boasts a varied portfolio of generators, including:

• Heavy-duty 10,000-watt beasts
• Small inverters
• Portable gas generators
• Home standby generators

Champion also sells other power equipment, such as:

• Engines
• Log splitters
• Winches
• Water pumps

Why Customers Love Champion Power Equipment

Many customers have written glowing reviews for Champion’s products. They were particularly impressed by Champion generators’ power and durability. They were also blown away by the brand’s diverse offerings. 

However, some users weren’t impressed by Champion’s mediocre quality assurance and customer service. Buying replacement and spare parts for certain generators was also a chore.

Here’s a summary of Champion’s pros and cons:

2. DeWalt Generators

DeWalt DXGN14000 14000W Gas Commercial Generator

About the Brand

Also known as DeWalt Industrial Tool Company, DeWalt is one of the most recognizable brands in the home improvement industry. The brand was founded in 1923 by the inventor of the radial arm saw, Raymond E. DeWalt. The company saw rapid growth in the next few decades until it was bought by American Machine & Foundry Co., Inc. in 1949. In 1960, DeWalt was sold to Stanley Black + Decker, the parent company of Black + Decker, another big name in the power tool business. 

In the 1990s, Stanley Black + Decker decided to rebrand Black + Decker for hobbyists and DIYers, while DeWalt became the to-go brand for professionals. Currently, DeWalt sells over 800 accessories and 200 power tools, including 14 generators and inverters.

DeWalt sells the following types of generators:

• Professional portable generators that go up to 14,000 watts
• Traditional gas generators
• Battery-powered generators

Why Customers Love DeWalt Generators

Many customers love DeWalt generators for their power, durability, and reliability. They were particularly impressed by DeWalt’s high-wattage models. 

However, some users have noted that DeWalt generators have fewer high-tech features than comparable models. They also found certain models too heavy and noisy.

Here are the pros and cons of DeWalt generators:

3. Honda Generators

Honda EB2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator

About the Brand

Founded by Soichiro Honda in 1948, Honda has been manufacturing power products, automobiles, radios, and more for over 70 years. 

Honda is primarily known for its automobiles, but it also manufactures state-of-the-art generators for home, commercial, and recreational use. It’s widely considered to be one of the best home generator brands.

Honda generators are known for being:

• Quiet: Honda generators are widely known for their low noise levels. Honda even has a line of Super Quiet generators, which offer totally enclosed bodies for noticeably quieter performances. 
• Fuel-efficient: Honda generators are more fuel-efficient than comparable models. Most traditional generators need to run at 3,600 revolutions per minute (RPM) to generate 60-hertz electricity, but Honda inverter generators can run at much slower RPMs while maintaining frequency and power. As a result, they can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%.
• Safe and easy to use: Like many other brands, Honda equips its generators with circuit breaker protection to prevent overload issues. Honda generators also come with low oil shutoff.

Why Customers Love Honda Generators

Honda is one of the most popular generator brands for a reason. Reviewers have been raving about Honda generators’ quietness, durability, and reliability. They were also impressed by Honda’s diverse product lines, which offer something for everyone. For instance, the EM and EG series are for extended home use, while the EB and EU-i series are for commercial and recreation applications, respectively.

The main downside of Honda generators is their higher price tag. Many Honda generators cost nearly twice the price of comparable models.

Here’s a summary of what reviewers had to say about Honda generators:

4. Westinghouse Generators

Westinghouse WGen20000 20000W Gas Generator

About the Brand

Founded in 1886, Westinghouse is one of the U.S.’s leading power tool brands. Originally named Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, it was later renamed Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945.

Throughout the 20th century, Westinghouse was — and still is — a hotbed of innovation. Westinghouse’s proudest moments include:

• 1891: Westinghouse built Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant, the world’s first industrial AC system.
• 1896: The company installed hydropower AC generators at Adams Power Plant, Niagara Falls, to provide power to Buffalo, New York.
• 1921: Westinghouse created the first factory-built radio receiver.
• 1937: Westinghouse built the first atom smasher to explore the possibility of using nuclear energy as a power source.
• 1947: Westinghouse installed the first all-weather airport approach lighting in New York City’s Idlewild International Airport (now known as John F. Kennedy International Airport).
• 1969: Westinghouse cameras captured the first moonwalk.
• 1977: The company introduced the first aerial surveillance radar system.

As you can see, Westinghouse has a very diverse portfolio. Besides cameras, lights, and engines, they offer a broad range of generators, including:

• Home backup generators
• Business generators
• Inverters
• Generators for traveling
• Traditional gas generators
• Solar generators

Why Customers Love Westinghouse

Customers love Westinghouse for its wide range of generators, solid prices, and unique functions. They were particularly impressed by Westinghouse’s carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, which prevents CO poisoning by immediately shutting down the generator when there’s too much CO. 

On the other hand, some users were frustrated by how heavy some of the models were. They also found Westinghouse customer service unhelpful and hard to reach.

Here’s a summary of Westinghouse generator reviews:

5. DuroMax Generators

DuroMax XP13000HXT 13000W Tri Fuel Portable HXT Generator

About the Brand

Founded in 2003, DuroMax is one of the U.S.’s leading generator brands. DuroMax sells many different types of generators, including:

• Digital inverters
• Home backup generators
• Dual fuel inverters that can run on gasoline or propane
• Tri fuel generators that can run on gasoline, natural gas, or propane
• Generators for powering equipment like work lights and table saws
• Generators for traveling off-grid

The company also produces other products, such as engines, accessories, and water pumps.

Why Customers Love DuroMax Generators

Customers love DuroMax generators for their durability and longevity. They appreciated how the company offers a wide range of prices and features. 

However, some users didn’t like the weight and size of certain models. They also found some of the larger models too loud, despite the built-in noise silencer.

Here’s a summary of DuroMax’s pros and cons:

Which Brand Has the Best Portable Generators?

DuroMax has the best portable generators. The company offers a broad range of portable generators for work, play, and home backup. Many of these generators have great features, including:

• Dual fuel technology, which means they can run on propane and gasoline
• Power ratings ranging from 4,000W to 15,000W
• Never-flat wheel kits for maximum portability
• Inverter technology

What’s more, DuroMax has something for everyone. Their portable generators come in all shapes and sizes, from large and heavy to small and lightweight. 

If you’re looking for a light, portable inverter for powering small electronics, consider getting a smaller model like the DuroMax XP2300iH 2300W Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator. With 2,300 peak watts, this beast can power a host of tools and appliances, including fans and lights. It has a digital control center for monitoring fuel levels, power outputs, and running hours. You can also connect a second DuroMax XP2300iH 2300W Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator to double your power.

On the other hand, if you need a powerful standby inverter to power your house, office, or RV, consider getting the DuroMax XP14000EH 15000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator. This portable generator provides a whopping 15,000 watts of power, which is more than enough to simultaneously run several large appliances. You can use gas or propane for this generator.

Which Brand Is Known for Its Inverter Generators?

The brand with the best inverter generators is Honda. Honda’s recreational inverter generators combine power with portability and fuel efficiency. They’re also extraordinarily quiet.

To illustrate, the Honda EU1000i 1000W Inverter Generator has enough power to run power tools and appliances. Its advanced inverter technology produces clean power for running sensitive electronics like:

• Microwaves
• TVs
• Radios
• Computers
• Laptops

It’s also highly fuel-efficient. Thanks to Honda’s Eco-Throttle System, this beast can run three to 6.8 hours on a single tank, depending on the load.

Other great Honda inverter generators include the Honda EU2200i 2200W Inverter Generator. Designed for traveling off-grid, this baby can power TVs, satellites, fridges, and more. Like other Honda inverter generators, it’s super quiet and lightweight. Most generators are as loud as a lawnmower or a busy street, but this model is quieter than a normal conversation. 

It also boasts the following:

• Bluetooth and Honda My Generator app compatibility
• Advanced CO-MINDER CO detection system
• Realtree Edge camouflage exterior that complements all your outdoor adventures
• A cutting-edge 121cc engine that always delivers the power you need

Which Brand Is Known for Its Gas Powered Generators?

Honda is known for its gas-powered generators. Like other Honda generators, Honda gas generators combine power with fuel efficiency and convenience. Honda offers three types of gas-powered generators:

• EU Super Quiet: These generators are quiet without sacrificing power and reliability.
• EM Deluxe Series: These generators are a great choice for home and office backup power due to convenient features like remote and electric start, wheels for easy transportation, 120 and 240-volt power, and wide handles. 
• EG Economy: Equipped with Honda’s four-stroke GX Series engines, EG Economy Generators provide efficient, quiet, and reliable performance. For instance, the Honda EG4000 4000W Gas Generator provides up to 14.8 hours of runtime.

Which Brand Is Known for Having Durable Generators?

Westinghouse offers some of the most durable generators on the market, with Honda coming a close second. Both brands: 

• Use premium plastic and metal for their generators
• Feature top-notch overload protection and CO detection
• Use powerful engines for optimal efficiency and output

Shop High-Quality Generators From Notable Brands

Every homeowner, business owner, and traveler should have a generator. A high-quality, durable generator can power your tools, appliances, and devices during extended blackouts and camping trips. 

Unfortunately, picking the best generator can be challenging, especially if you aren’t familiar with generator brands. That’s why you need to read our guide and conduct independent research on high-quality generator brands. You also need to identify your budget, goals, preferences, and priorities before getting a generator.

If you’re a homeowner or business owner who wants a reliable generator for backup, consider getting a Westinghouse or Honda home backup gas generator. These generators have high power ratings for running multiple large appliances at the same time. Models with inverter technology can also charge sensitive equipment like TVs, laptops, microwaves, and computers.

Honda is also a good pick if you’re an overnight hiker, traveler, or RV’er. Honda’s recreational inverter generators are portable, fuel-efficient, and quieter than a normal conversation, which means you can use them anywhere you want.

On the other hand, if you’re a DIYer or contractor who needs a generator for power tools, consider getting a DuroMax portable generator. Depending on the model you get, these beasts can offer up to 15,000 watts of power. They come with sturdy never-flat wheel kits and handles for maximum portability. Many DuroMax models also come with dual fuel technology, which means you can run them on gasoline or propane.