Best Home Standby & Large Portable Generators: Champion, Westinghouse, DuroMax & FIRMAN (2026)

We compare 23 whole-home backup options: Champion home standby kits (8.5–26 kW, each with a transfer switch) and large portable generators of 7,600 running watts and up from Westinghouse, Champion, DuroMax and FIRMAN. Every figure comes from the maker's product page: rated watts on each fuel, noise, natural-gas capability, transfer switch or 240V outlets, runtime and CO shutoff. A figure the maker doesn't publish shows as "Not listed" and scores as the weakest published value in the category. We don't test generators or use prices or reviews.

Updated 2026-11-1223 products compared7 scored criteriaHow this ranking works

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Top pick

Champion 26 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201614)

Score 8.1/10 · Check price

Why it wins: Largest output here: 26 kW on propane. Top running watts (best listed fuel) in this comparison (26000 W).

Also great: Champion 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with aXis Technology (201221) (7.4) · Champion 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201016) (7.4)

8.1/10

Check price at Amazon See pros, cons & specs

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe sideways on mobile. Green marks the best figure in each column.

Product	Score	Running watts (best listed fuel)	Noise	Runs on natural gas	Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Best for	Price	Buy
1 C Champion 26 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201614)	8.1/10	26000 W	68 dBA	Yes	Not listed	Largest output here: 26 kW on propane	Check price	View deal
2 C Champion 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with aXis Technology (201221)	7.4/10	22000 W	67 dBA	Yes	Not listed	22 kW whole-house kit with a 200A switch (aXis)	Check price	View deal
3 C Champion 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201016)	7.4/10	22000 W	67 dBA	Yes	Not listed	22 kW whole-house kit with a 200A switch (fleX)	Check price	View deal
4 C Champion 18 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201566)	6.6/10	18000 W	67 dBA	Yes	Not listed	18 kW whole-house kit at 67 dB(A)	Check price	View deal
5 C Champion 14 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with aXis Technology (100839)	6.1/10	14000 W	62 dBA	Yes	Not listed	14 kW whole-house kit at 62 dB(A)	Check price	View deal
6 C Champion 12.5 kW Select Circuit Home Standby Generator and 100A Switch 10 Year Warran (100179)	5.7/10	12500 W	63 dBA	Yes	Not listed	12.5 kW select-circuit kit at 63 dB(A)	Check price	View deal
7 C Champion 10 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201597)	5.3/10	10000 W	61 dBA	Yes	Not listed	10 kW whole-house kit at 61 dB(A)	Check price	View deal
8 C Champion 13,500W Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator (201241)	5.1/10	13500 W	79 dBA	Yes	8 h	13,500 W tri fuel with CO Shield	Check price	View deal
9 C Champion 8.5 kW Select Circuit Home Standby Generator and 50A Switch (100177)	5.1/10	8500 W	59.5 dBA	Yes	Not listed	Quietest here: 8.5 kW select-circuit kit at 59.5 dB(A)	Check price	View deal
10 F FIRMAN WT12579	4.9/10	10000 W	69 dBA	Yes	Not listed	10,000 W tri-fuel inverter at 69 dB	Check price	View deal
11 D DuroMax XP13000HXT	4.8/10	10500 W	74 dBA	Yes	8.5 h	Tri fuel 10,500 W with CO alert	Check price	View deal
12 W Westinghouse WGen20000c	4.8/10	20000 W	Not listed	No	8 h	Most portable output here: 20,000 W with CO sensor	Check price	View deal
13 C Champion 10,000W Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator (201438)	4.7/10	10000 W	74 dBA	Yes	8 h	10,000 W tri fuel with 14-50R	Check price	View deal
14 F FIRMAN T09376	4.6/10	9200 W	80 dBA	Yes	11 h	9,200 W tri fuel with 11 h at half load	Check price	View deal
15 D DuroMax XP15000HX	3.8/10	12000 W	Not listed	No	12 h	12,000 W dual fuel with CO alert	Check price	View deal
16 W Westinghouse WGen14500DFc	3.8/10	14500 W	Not listed	No	Not listed	14,500 W dual fuel with CO sensor	Check price	View deal
17 D DuroMax DS14000iX	3.6/10	11000 W	Not listed	No	12.5 h	11,000 W open-frame inverter with 23.3 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
18 C Champion 11,000W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter (201417)	3.5/10	9000 W	64 dBA	No	Not listed	9,000 W dual-fuel inverter at 64 dB(A)	Check price	View deal
19 D DuroMax XP13000EH	3.3/10	10500 W	74 dBA	No	8 h	10,500 W dual fuel with CO alert	Check price	View deal
20 C Champion 11,000W Wireless Start Dual Fuel Generator (201544)	3.3/10	11000 W	76 dBA	No	8.5 h	11,000 W dual fuel with wireless start	Check price	View deal
21 W Westinghouse iGen12000DFc	3.1/10	9000 W	Not listed	No	11 h	9,000 W dual-fuel inverter, 19 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
22 D DuroMax XP11000iH	2.8/10	9000 W	Not listed	No	9 h	9,000 W dual-fuel inverter	Check price	View deal
23 W Westinghouse ecoGen10000	2.6/10	7600 W	79 dBA	No	Not listed	7,600 W inverter with 14-50R and L14-30R	Check price	View deal

"Not listed" means the manufacturer page we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.

Every home standby or large portable generator, ranked

#1 · Top pick

Champion 26 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201614)

Best for: Largest output here: 26 kW on propane

8.1/10

What we like

Top running watts (best listed fuel) in this comparison (26000 W)

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	26000 W
Noise	68 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 200A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	26,000 W
Rated watts on natural gas	23,400 W
Engine	999cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 26 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology

Champion 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with aXis Technology (201221)

Best for: 22 kW whole-house kit with a 200A switch (aXis)

7.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	22000 W
Noise	67 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 200A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	22,000 W
Rated watts on natural gas	19,800 W
Engine	999cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with aXis Technology

Champion 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201016)

Best for: 22 kW whole-house kit with a 200A switch (fleX)

7.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	22000 W
Noise	67 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 200A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	22,000 W
Rated watts on natural gas	19,800 W
Engine	999cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 22 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology

Champion 18 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201566)

Best for: 18 kW whole-house kit at 67 dB(A)

6.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	18000 W
Noise	67 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 200A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	18,000 W
Rated watts on natural gas	16,200 W
Engine	999cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 18 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology

Champion 14 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with aXis Technology (100839)

Best for: 14 kW whole-house kit at 62 dB(A)

6.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	14000 W
Noise	62 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 200A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	14,000 W
Rated watts on natural gas	12,500 W
Engine	754cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 14 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with aXis Technology

Champion 12.5 kW Select Circuit Home Standby Generator and 100A Switch 10 Year Warran (100179)

Best for: 12.5 kW select-circuit kit at 63 dB(A)

5.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	12500 W
Noise	63 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 100A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	12,500 W
Rated watts on natural gas	11,000 W
Engine	717cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 12.5 kW Select Circuit Home Standby Generator and 100A Switch 10 Year Warran

Champion 10 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201597)

Best for: 10 kW whole-house kit at 61 dB(A)

5.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	10000 W
Noise	61 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 200A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	10,000 W
Rated watts on natural gas	9,000 W
Engine	500cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 10 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology

Champion 13,500W Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator (201241)

Best for: 13,500 W tri fuel with CO Shield

5.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	13500 W
Noise	79 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	8 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	16,875 W
Running watts on propane	12,000 W
Running watts on natural gas	11,000 W
Fuel tank	11 gal
Outlets	(1) 120/240V 50A (14-50R), (1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), (1) 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R), (2) 120V 20A Duplex GFCI (5-20R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 13,500W Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator

Champion 8.5 kW Select Circuit Home Standby Generator and 50A Switch (100177)

Best for: Quietest here: 8.5 kW select-circuit kit at 59.5 dB(A)

5.1/10

What we like

Lowest noise in this comparison (59.5 dBA)

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff * 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	8500 W
Noise	59.5 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB compliant	Not listed
Fuel tank	Not applicable (piped natural gas or a propane tank)
Outlets	Home standby: includes a 50A automatic transfer switch
CO shutoff	Not published by the maker
CARB	Not published by the maker
Rated watts on propane	8,500 W
Rated watts on natural gas	7,500 W
Engine	439cc
Install	Permanent outdoor installation by a licensed installer
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 8.5 kW Select Circuit Home Standby Generator and 50A Switch

#10

FIRMAN WT12579

Best for: 10,000 W tri-fuel inverter at 69 dB

4.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Firman

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	10000 W
Noise	69 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	12,500 W
Running watts on propane	9,000 W
Running watts on natural gas	7,500 W
Fuel tank	7.1 gal
Outlets	Includes 120/240V L14-30R
Noise basis	69 dB at 25% load
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

FIRMAN: WT12579

#11

DuroMax XP13000HXT

Best for: Tri fuel 10,500 W with CO alert

4.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Running watts (best listed fuel)	10500 W
Noise	74 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	8.5 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	13,000 W
Running watts on propane	10,000 W
Running watts on natural gas	9,000 W
Fuel tank	8.3 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R, (1) 14-50R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

DuroMax: XP13000HXT

#12

Westinghouse WGen20000c

Best for: Most portable output here: 20,000 W with CO sensor

4.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Noise not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise * 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	20000 W
Noise	Not listed
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	8 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	28,000 W
Fuel tank	17.2 gal
Outlets	Two Duplex 120V 5-20R, One 120V L5-30, Two 120/240V L14-30R, Two 120/240V 14-50R
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Westinghouse: WGen20000c

#13

Champion 10,000W Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator (201438)

Best for: 10,000 W tri fuel with 14-50R

4.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	10000 W
Noise	74 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	8 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	12,500 W
Running watts on propane	9,000 W
Running watts on natural gas	8,000 W
Fuel tank	7.7 gal
Outlets	(1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), (1) 120/240V 42A (14-50R), (2) 120V AC 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 10,000W Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator

#14

FIRMAN T09376

Best for: 9,200 W tri fuel with 11 h at half load

4.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Highest noise in this comparison (80 dBA)

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	9200 W
Noise	80 dBA
Runs on natural gas	Yes
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	11 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	11,600 W
Running watts on propane	8,300 W
Running watts on natural gas	6,900 W
Fuel tank	9 gal
Outlets	Includes 120/240V L14-30R and 14-50R
Noise basis	80 dB as listed
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

FIRMAN: T09376

#15

DuroMax XP15000HX

Best for: 12,000 W dual fuel with CO alert

3.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Noise not published by DuroMax

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise * 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	12000 W
Noise	Not listed
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	12 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	15,000 W
Running watts on propane	11,400 W
Fuel tank	13.2 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R, (1) 14-50R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

DuroMax: XP15000HX

#16

Westinghouse WGen14500DFc

Best for: 14,500 W dual fuel with CO sensor

3.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Noise not published by Westinghouse
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise * 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready * 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	14500 W
Noise	Not listed
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Not listed
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	18,000 W
Running watts on propane	13,000 W
Fuel tank	10.5 gal
Outlets	(2) AC 120V 5-20R
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Westinghouse: WGen14500DFc

#17

DuroMax DS14000iX

Best for: 11,000 W open-frame inverter with 23.3 h at quarter load

3.6/10

What we like

Top runtime at 50% load (gasoline) in this comparison (12.5 h)

Watch out for

Noise not published by DuroMax

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise * 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	11000 W
Noise	Not listed
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	12.5 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	14,000 W
Running watts on propane	10,500 W
Fuel tank	10.6 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R, (1) 14-50R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: DS14000iX

#18

Champion 11,000W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter (201417)

Best for: 9,000 W dual-fuel inverter at 64 dB(A)

3.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	9000 W
Noise	64 dBA
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	11,000 W
Running watts on propane	8,100 W
Fuel tank	6.08 gal
Outlets	(2) 120V 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), (1) 120/240V 37.5A (14-50R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 11,000W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter

#19

DuroMax XP13000EH

Best for: 10,500 W dual fuel with CO alert

3.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Running watts (best listed fuel)	10500 W
Noise	74 dBA
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	8 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	13,000 W
Running watts on propane	10,000 W
Fuel tank	8.3 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R, (1) 14-50R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: XP13000EH

#20

Champion 11,000W Wireless Start Dual Fuel Generator (201544)

Best for: 11,000 W dual fuel with wireless start

3.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	11000 W
Noise	76 dBA
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	8.5 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	14,000 W
Running watts on propane	10,000 W
Fuel tank	8.5 gal
Outlets	(2) 120V 20A GFCI Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R), (1) 120/240V 45.8A (14-50R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 11,000W Wireless Start Dual Fuel Generator

#21

Westinghouse iGen12000DFc

Best for: 9,000 W dual-fuel inverter, 19 h at quarter load

3.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Noise not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise * 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	9000 W
Noise	Not listed
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	11 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	12,000 W
Running watts on propane	8,100 W
Fuel tank	7.9 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen12000DFc

#22

DuroMax XP11000iH

Best for: 9,000 W dual-fuel inverter

2.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Noise not published by DuroMax

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise * 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	9000 W
Noise	Not listed
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	9 h
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	11,000 W
Running watts on propane	8,550 W
Fuel tank	7.1 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R, (1) 14-50R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: XP11000iH

#23

Westinghouse ecoGen10000

Best for: 7,600 W inverter with 14-50R and L14-30R

2.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Lowest running watts (best listed fuel) in this comparison (7600 W)
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (best listed fuel) 35%

Noise 15%

Runs on natural gas 15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline) * 10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready 10%

CO shutoff 10%

CARB compliant 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (best listed fuel)	7600 W
Noise	79 dBA
Runs on natural gas	No
Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)	Not listed
Transfer switch / transfer-switch ready	Yes
CO shutoff	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	10,000 W
Fuel tank	5.28 gal
Outlets	2 Duplex 120V 5-20R, 1 120/240V 14-50R, 1 120/240V L14-30R, ST Switch
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: ecoGen10000

Buying guide: how to choose the right home standby or large portable generator

Standby vs large portable

A home standby generator is installed permanently, runs on natural gas or a propane tank, and starts by itself through an automatic transfer switch. A large portable is cheaper and movable but needs refueling, manual setup and its own transfer switch or interlock.

Sizing

Whole-house kits with 200A switches suit homes with central AC and electric appliances; select-circuit kits (50–100A) back up chosen circuits. Natural gas output is lower than propane output: the Champion 22 kW lists 22,000 W on propane and 19,800 W on natural gas.

Runtime on piped gas

Standby units on natural gas run as long as the utility supply holds, so they don't have a tank runtime. Propane runtime depends on tank size; Champion lists propane consumption on each page.

Carbon monoxide safety (not legal advice)

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can kill in minutes. Never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage (even with the door open), a basement, crawlspace or shed. The CDC and CPSC advise keeping it at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. Install battery or battery-backup CO alarms inside your home. Automatic CO shutoff (Champion CO Shield, Westinghouse CO sensor, WEN Watchdog, DuroMax and Firman CO alerts) shuts the engine off when CO builds up around the generator, but it doesn't replace safe placement or CO alarms in the house. If you feel dizzy, sick or weak, get to fresh air right away and call 911.

Connecting to your home

Never plug a generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding). It can electrocute utility workers and neighbors. Use a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician, or run appliances directly from the generator with outdoor-rated cords. Home standby generators must be installed to code with permits where required. Check local rules on emissions (CARB in California), noise and fuel storage. This is general information, not legal advice.

How this ranking is calculated

Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method

Running watts (best listed fuel)The highest continuous (rated) output the maker lists on any fuel: gasoline for most portables, propane for home standby units. Output on other fuels is in each product's notes. Scale: 8000 → 26000 W.

35%

NoiseThe maker's noise figure in decibels. Champion lists operational volume for its standby units; load and distance otherwise vary by maker. Scale: 85 → 55 dBA.

15%

Runs on natural gasYes for home standby and tri-fuel models that can run on piped natural gas, which avoids refueling in a long outage.

15%

Runtime at 50% load (gasoline)Hours on a full gasoline tank at half load. Home standby units run on piped gas or a propane tank, so they show Not listed and score the category minimum on this criterion; their strength shows in the other criteria. Scale: 6 → 14 h.

10%

Transfer switch / transfer-switch readyYes for home standby kits that include an automatic transfer switch, and portables with a 120/240V L14-30R or 14-50R outlet or a maker 'transfer switch ready' listing.

10%

CO shutoffYes when the maker lists automatic carbon monoxide shutoff. Champion's standby pages don't list one, so it shows as Not listed.

10%

CARB compliantYes when the maker lists CARB compliance. Not listed counts as no.

Frequently asked questions

Why aren't Generac, Kohler or Briggs & Stratton standby generators ranked?

We didn't cover them. Generac's product pages didn't load for us, and we didn't fetch Kohler or Briggs & Stratton. Honda wasn't covered either (its site blocked our requests).

Why do standby units score low on runtime?

They don't have a gasoline tank, so there's no tank runtime to list. A missing figure scores as the category minimum, and that criterion carries only 10% of the score.

Do standby generators have CO shutoff?

Champion's standby pages don't list one. Standby units are installed outdoors at a set distance from the house, but CO alarms indoors are still essential.

Top pick · 8.1/10Champion 26 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201614)

Check price

Champion 26 kW Whole House Home Standby Generator and 200A Switch with fleX Technology (201614)

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Buying guide: how to choose the right home standby or large portable generator

Standby vs large portable

Sizing

Runtime on piped gas

Carbon monoxide safety (not legal advice)

Connecting to your home

How this ranking is calculated

Buying guides