The mid-size class is the usual home-backup generator: through a transfer switch or inlet box it runs a fridge, a freezer, a gas furnace, a well pump, lights and a few outlets at once. Look for an L14-30 outlet, which feeds both legs of the panel at 240 V, and electric start, since a pull cord on a 400 cc engine is hard work in the cold.
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 14
- WEN DF8000X#1 of 14Full review
A mid-size dual-fuel generator for RV owners and homes with a 30 A transfer switch who want CO shutoff and electric start at a low price.
Amazon $623.17$623.176,50010.5Dual$0.10 - Champion 8125-Watt Tri Fuel#2 of 14Full review
A mid-size tri-fuel generator for homes with a natural gas line and a transfer switch. It covers a furnace, well pump and fridge with fuel that never runs out.
Amazon $999$9996,50012Tri$0.15 - Westinghouse WGen5300DFc#3 of 14Full review
A mid-size dual-fuel generator with remote start and a 240 V outlet for a transfer switch. Good for home backup of the essentials, as long as it can stay put or be carried by two people.
Amazon $649$6495,30011Dual$0.12 - Champion 9375-Watt Dual Fuel#4 of 14Full review
A mid-size dual-fuel generator for running most of a home’s essentials through a transfer switch at a low price per watt.
Amazon $874.99$874.997,50010Dual$0.12 - Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv#5 of 14Full review
A mid-size dual-fuel generator that can run a fridge, furnace and well pump through a transfer switch. Best for buyers who want 240 V home backup at a low price and don’t mind a pull start.
Amazon $579$5795,30011Dual$0.11 - Generac GP6700E Dual Fuel#6 of 14Full review
A mid-size dual-fuel generator for home backup at a low price, for buyers who want propane as a fallback. The 50-state fuel-injected model costs more.
Amazon $899$8996,70011Dual$0.13 - Champion 6875-Watt Dual Fuel#7 of 14Full review
A mid-size dual-fuel generator for running a house’s essentials through a transfer switch at a modest price. Best for buyers who don’t mind a pull start.
Amazon $899$8995,50011Dual$0.16 - Generac GP6500E#8 of 14Full review
A mid-size gasoline generator for running a home’s essentials through a transfer switch at a low price. A good fit for buyers who don’t need propane.
Amazon $899$8996,50011.5Gas$0.14 - Westinghouse WGen7500c#9 of 14Full review
A gasoline generator big enough for most essentials through a transfer switch, with remote start. Best for homeowners who don’t need propane and want simple 240 V backup.
Amazon $849$8497,5008.4Gas$0.11 - Generac GP8000E#10 of 14Full review
A gasoline generator for backing up most of a home’s essentials through a 30 A transfer switch at a low price. Buyers who want propane should look at a dual-fuel model.
Amazon $1,049$1,0498,00010Gas$0.13 - WEN DF1100T#11 of 14Full review
A mid-size dual-fuel generator for feeding a 50 A transfer switch on a budget, though the CO-sensing DF1100X is the safer pick.
Amazon $849$8498,3008.5Dual$0.10 - Generac GP8000E EFI#12 of 14Full review
A fuel-injected gasoline generator for backing up a home’s essentials through a 30 A transfer switch, and the GP8000E to buy in California. Elsewhere the carbureted GP8000E does the same job for less.
Amazon $1,299$1,2998,00012Gas$0.16 - Generac GP5500E EFI#13 of 14Full review
A mid-size gasoline generator with fuel injection for buyers who want an easy start after months in storage, and the pick for California. Others get more watts per dollar.
Amazon $1,099$1,0995,50010.5Gas$0.20 - Honda EB6500#14 of 14Full review
A contractor-grade generator for daily job-site use where durability and OSHA compliance matter more than price. Home backup buyers get far more watts per dollar elsewhere.
Amazon $2,999$2,9995,5009.8Gas$0.55
