7 Best Generac Generators: The Leaders of the Empire

Packing a range of features that make alternative power a breeze, the Generac 6433 XT8000E is our top choice from the brand. This specific model boasts excellent performance, packed in an efficient body that simplifies use.

For starters, the machine comes equipped with a one-touch electric start that brings the generator to life with minimal effort and hassle. The electric start feature also works well in cold weather, allowing seamless operation even in the most demanding situations.

Delivering up to 8,000 running watts of power, the 6433 XT8000E helps to minimize fuel consumption with its automatic Idle-Control feature that works to reduce noise and optimizes energy use for extended hours of operation. At 1/2 of its maximum load, the 6433 can sustain up to 11 hours of run-time on a full tank, which can be more than enough for those moments when alternative power might be a necessity.

Its lighted power bar, low-oil level automatic shutdown, hour meter, and intuitive control panel make the Generac 6433 XT8000E a dream to use even in the direst situations. Of course, with such impressive performance, you would expect the machine to come at a pretty steep cost – and it does. And with such power, you might say that it generates quite a bit of noise – and it does.

Living in an area where unpredictable weather conditions typically cause power interruptions can be a total downer. That’s why being ready for those emergencies can keep you from having to put your life on hold while you wait for energy to be restored. The Generac 5939 GP5500 makes a suitable emergency generator, sustaining household operations in the face of the worst weather conditions.

The 180-pound machine features a durable steel-tube frame that protects a 389cc engine that delivers 5500 watts of power. On a single full tank, the generator can sustain up to 10 hours of run time at half load, giving you substantial power over an extended period of time. On its intuitive control panel, the generator features an hour meter that delivers maintenance alerts so you know exactly what you need to do to keep your generator up and running.

Its folding handle and never-flat tires make the Generac 5939 particularly easy to move to and from storage – another feature that makes it suitable for emergency use. Why didn’t it rank higher? Well, it produces quite a lot of noise at 76 dB. On top of that, it only has 5 outlets which can be limited for most users.

The beauty of a portable generator is that it enables you to bring the conveniences of civilized life into the deepest parts of the wilderness. And in effect, you get the best of both worlds. The Generac 7117 GP2200i is our top choice for the best generator for camping, giving you just enough power to make the great outdoors even greater.

This powerful machine features a compact body at just 46lbs, but packs 1,700 running watts of power – more than enough to keep your little camp operational throughout the night.
The model boasts a premium inverter engine that produce cleaner, gentler energy that’s perfect for sustaining more sensitive electronics and devices. Its humble fuel tank offers a modest 1.2-gallon capacity, but promises to keep your machine running for up to 10.75 hours at 1/4 of the load. To extend operation even further, the 7117 features an intuitive economy mode that helps to lengthen run-time and save fuel.

Simple, compact, and easy to operate, the Generac 7117 GP2200i can make the outdoors feel even more restful and relaxing. It helps to know though that it might take a few pulls to get the machine started. Plus, its relatively thin plastic casing might not work well to keep out the cold, making operations even harder in winter.

What could be more convenient than a standby generator that will breathe life into your home the moment it senses a power interruption? The Generac 7043 is a powerful standby generator design that offers truly reliable energy that responds to a shortage without your intervention.

This powerful generator hooks up to your home via a whole-home transfer switch. So, as it senses a power shortage, it automatically switches on, supplying your home instantly. No need to walk outside, lug a machine on its wheels, and hook up your appliances. And with its supreme 19,500 running watt rating, this machine can easily keep your entire home fully operational, including your most demanding appliances and electronics.

As a standby generator, you should expect the 7043 to stand the onslaught of outdoor conditions without sustaining damage, and that’s precisely what it does. Now the only question – why did such a powerful monster of a machine rank 4th on our list? Aside from the fact that it produces an insane 80 dB of noise, the 7043 is also sold at a high price. And if you think the expenses end there, keep in mind that installation and maintenance can also cost a very pretty penny.

Inverter engines were first introduced in the 1980’s, hoping to revolutionize the way that air conditioners work. Today, inverter tech is used for most appliances and machines, offering cleaner, quieter operation that’s also far more efficient with fuel consumption. The Generac 7127 is our choice for the best inverter generator from the brand, offering ultra-quiet performance and best-in-class efficiency that’s adaptable to a range of applications.

Its durable steel shell makes it especially rugged, able to survive demanding conditions at home or on a job site. At just 109.1 lbs, this machine brings 3,000 watts of running power, which can sustain most of the bare essentials you need to see your home through an energy interruption. And to make operations even more intuitive, the machine lets you select between two different engine speeds, enabling you to fine-tune your engine to meet your energy needs.

Stripped down of all the fancy bells and whistles, the 7127’s control panel can be effortlessly mastered even by first time generator owners. Now, there is no such thing as a perfect generator. Despite being lighter than other picks, the lack of wheels makes the 7127 a bit of a hassle to lug around. Plus, a bunch of plastic inlays that cover the exterior steel can make the machine feel flimsy.

If you’re looking for a gasoline generator that can keep a larger home or even a humble business operational through a power interruption, there’s no way you can go wrong with the Generac 5743. This machine delivers a whopping 15,000 running watts – more than enough to power two or even three entire homes. In effect, you get power that lets you keep your whole household in working order without having to worry about cutting back or rationing the energy you have.

The monstrous machine runs on 16 gallons of gasoline, and promises to run for up to 10 hours on a half load. This is made possible by a 992cc engine that’s contained in an ultra-durable steel-tube frame. Its automotive oil filter works in combination with the robust frame, helping to protect the internal parts of the engine to add years to your new investment’s lifespan.

Supremely powerful, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Generac 5743. But at 373 pounds and with a price that is pretty high, this generator still isn’t a one-size-fits all.

Maybe you haven’t got a shed to keep your generator in, or maybe you’re planning to use your new machine at a demanding job site. Whatever the case, if durability is a major concern, there’s the Generac 5802. Reinforced, robust, and heavily structured, the 5802 promises to survive aggressive abuse, giving you a machine that you can rely on through thick and thin.

But more than its durable build, the 5802 brings you all the basics that you would expect from a Generac model. These include a single touch electric start, a PowerBar feature for operation monitoring, an hour meter, and a reinforced steel fuel tank that holds up to 10 gallons of gasoline. If you’re wondering about power, the 5802 delivers a whopping 12,500 running watts that can sustain up to two entire households.

So why didn’t it rank any higher? While we do love the 5802 for several reasons, there are a few downsides that make it a little less impressive than the rest. The machine tends to vibrate during operation which can be unsettling if your concerned about nuts and bolts coming loose after a while. And at 300 pounds, this monster can be a pain to move around.