Independent generator guide Find the right generator
Find the right generator
for your home.
Size it to the appliances you actually want to keep running, see what it costs, and compare the brands worth your money — all in one place, free.
Size it rightAppliances → watts → kW
IndependentSpecs, not a sales pitch
Free & instantNo signup, runs in your browser
Three ways to decide
Whether you’re backing up the essentials or wiring in a whole-house standby, start here.
SizingWork out what size generator you need — pick your appliances to get the running and starting watts, the recommended kW class, and matching models. Best & CompareCompare the best home standby and portable generators — by kW, fuel type, transfer switch, noise and warranty — and see how the major brands stack up. BrandsThe major US generator brands at a glance — Generac, Kohler, Cummins, Champion and Westinghouse — with their standby and portable line-ups, specs and where each one fits. CostWhat a generator really costs — estimate the all-in installed price by kW, fuel and install complexity, and see typical price ranges for whole-house standby and by brand. InstallationHow a generator gets installed and what it costs — the transfer switch, the electrician’s role, permits and code, and how to line up quotes from local pros.
Why gennyguide
- Sizing first: most people buy the wrong size. The sizing calculator turns the appliances you want to keep on into the running and starting watts, then names the kW class and matching models.
- Honest comparisons: the best-and-compare guides line brands up by output, fuel, transfer switch, noise and warranty — so you can see the trade-offs, not just a badge.
- Built for backup power: from a portable that keeps the fridge cold to a whole-house standby, gennyguide covers the US market and the storm-season decisions that come with it.
gennyguide gives carefully built planning estimates for information only. A whole-house standby install needs a licensed electrician and a permit (transfer switch, NEC); never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage. Confirm sizing, cost and code with a local pro before you buy or install.