7 Best Websites to Buy Standby Generators (2026)
A standby generator is a major investment that keeps your home running through outages. Buying from the right retailer gets you the correct size, a real warranty, and access to certified installation.
We compared the best places to buy standby generators in the United States and ranked them on the four things that matter most: price, trust, shipping, and selection.
Whatever your budget, this guide points you to the right store. For related options, see our guide to the best websites to buy generators.
Independently researched and fact-checked. We checked live inventory, pricing, and policies on each store. Prices and stock change often, so confirm details on the store before buying.
Electric Generators Direct is the best overall site to buy a standby generator, with deep selection and free shipping. The Home Depot and Lowe’s are best for buying Generac and Kohler with in-store support, and Norwall is best for fast-shipping Kohler stock.
Key takeaways
- Electric Generators Direct is best for specialist selection.
- The Home Depot is best for generac & kohler with support.
- Lowe’s is best for generac home standby.
- Norwall PowerSystems is best for fast-shipping kohler.
- Generac (official) is best for direct from the brand.
- Always check price, warranty, shipping, and return policy before buying.
Best websites to buy standby generators at a glance
| Rank | Website | Best for | Price level | Shipping | Trust |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electric Generators Direct | Specialist selection | $$$ to $$$$ | Free | Excellent |
| 2 | The Home Depot | Generac & Kohler with support | $$$ to $$$$ | Free | Excellent |
| 3 | Lowe’s | Generac home standby | $$$ to $$$$ | Free | Excellent |
| 4 | Norwall PowerSystems | Fast-shipping Kohler | $$$ to $$$$ | Free | Very good |
| 5 | Generac (official) | Direct from the brand | $$$ to $$$$ | Dealer | Excellent |
| 6 | Kohler (official) | Premium home standby | $$$ to $$$$ | Dealer | Excellent |
| 7 | Briggs & Stratton at Lowe’s | Value standby units | $$ to $$$ | Free | Very good |
Below we break down each website, who it is best for, and the pros and cons you should know before you buy.
Top picks at these stores
To give you a real starting point, here is what each top store is known for and where to find it.
What each top store is best known for
| Store | Popular pick | Price | Spec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <br /> | ||||
| Specialist selection | $$$ to $$$$ | Excellent trust | View | |
| Generac & Kohler with support | $$$ to $$$$ | Excellent trust | View | |
| Generac home standby | $$$ to $$$$ | Excellent trust | View | |
| Fast-shipping Kohler | $$$ to $$$$ | Very good trust | View | |
| Direct from the brand | $$$ to $$$$ | Excellent trust | View | |
| Premium home standby | $$$ to $$$$ | Excellent trust | View | |
| Value standby units | $$ to $$$ | Very good trust | View |
Popular models and prices change often. Check the store for the latest pricing and availability.
The best websites to buy standby generators in 2026
1. Electric Generators Direct
Rated 9.3 (5 out of 5). Electric Generators Direct is our top pick because generators are all it sells. You get a deep selection of Generac, Kohler, and other standby units, free shipping with lift gate service, and expert help sizing the right unit.
Installation is handled separately by a certified electrician, but for choosing and buying the generator itself with specialist support, this is the best place to start.
Pros
- Generator specialist
- Free shipping & lift gate
- Sizing help & experts
- Generac, Kohler & more
Cons
- Installation is separate
- Big-ticket pricing
2. The Home Depot
Rated 9.1 (5 out of 5). The Home Depot is a top choice for standby generators, carrying both Generac and Kohler with free shipping on qualified units and the option to buy online and pick up in store. It can also arrange installation.
Stock varies locally and installation is quoted separately, but the combination of selection, trust, and nationwide support makes The Home Depot one of the best places to buy a whole-home generator.
Pros
- Free shipping on qualified units
- Generac & Kohler in stock
- Buy online, pickup in store
- Installation services available
Cons
- Stock varies by area
- Install quoted separately
3. Lowe's
Rated 9.0 (5 out of 5). Lowe’s carries a strong lineup of Generac and Kohler home standby generators, including popular larger units like 26,000-watt models. Financing and installation coordination round out the offer.
As with any standby unit, installation is a separate certified job, but Lowe’s pairs good selection with the trust and support of a national retailer. It is an excellent mainstream option.
Pros
- Strong Generac & Kohler lineup
- 26kW and larger units
- Financing available
- Install coordination
Cons
- Stock varies
- Installation extra
4. Norwall PowerSystems
Rated 8.8 (4 out of 5). Norwall PowerSystems specializes in standby generators and stocks most Kohler home standby models for immediate shipment, which is a big advantage when you need power restored fast.
It is a niche retailer and installation is separate, but for fast access to Kohler stock with specialist knowledge, Norwall is a strong pick.
Pros
- Stocks most Kohler models
- Immediate shipment
- Generator specialist
- Knowledgeable support
Cons
- Niche retailer
- Install separate
5. Generac (official)
Rated 9.0 (5 out of 5). Generac is the best-selling home standby brand, and buying through its official dealer network gets you the full model range, professional sizing, and a strong warranty. The site’s dealer locator connects you to local certified installers.
You buy and install through a dealer rather than checking out online, but you get factory backing and expert installation. For the category leader done right, Generac direct is excellent.
Pros
- Market-leading brand
- Full model range
- Dealer locator & quotes
- Strong warranty
Cons
- Buy through dealers
- Pricing via quote
6. Kohler (official)
Rated 8.9 (4 out of 5). Kohler is a premium standby generator brand known for build quality and reliability. Its official channel points you to online retailers for the unit and certified dealers for installation.
Pricing is premium and installation is dealer-handled, but the quality and warranty are excellent. For a premium whole-home generator from a trusted name, Kohler is a top option.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Full standby lineup
- Certified dealer install
- Strong warranty
Cons
- Buy through dealers
- Premium pricing
7. Briggs & Stratton at Lowe's
Rated 8.4 (4 out of 5). Briggs & Stratton home standby generators, available at Lowe’s, are a more affordable way into whole-home backup, especially for smaller homes that do not need a 26kW unit.
The lineup is smaller and tops out lower than Generac or Kohler, but for a value standby generator from a known brand with national retail support, Briggs & Stratton is a sensible choice.
Pros
- More affordable standby option
- Available at Lowe's
- Solid for smaller homes
- National retailer support
Cons
- Smaller lineup
- Fewer large units
What to look for when buying standby generators
Standby generators buying checklist
- Sizing: match the generator wattage to the circuits you must run.
- Fuel: natural gas, propane, or dual-fuel based on what your home has.
- Transfer switch: an automatic transfer switch is essential for true standby.
- Installation: always use a certified electrician, never DIY.
- Warranty: longer warranties protect a major investment.
- Noise & placement: check decibel ratings and local placement codes.
How much should you spend on standby generators?
- $2,000 to $4,000: smaller home standby units (Briggs & Stratton, small Generac).
- $4,000 to $7,000: mainstream 18kW to 24kW whole-home units.
- $7,000 to $10,000: large 26kW+ Generac and Kohler units.
- $10,000 and up: premium and commercial-grade standby plus installation.
Which standby generators website should you choose?
- Best overall: go with Electric Generators Direct.
- Best value: choose Briggs & Stratton at Lowe’s.
- Premium pick: pick Kohler.
Want to explore more? See our related guides: best websites for solar generators, best places to buy portable generators. Or browse our full Store Finder directory to compare every store we review.
For independent guidance, see Consumer Reports whole-house generators.
Final verdict
The right store gets you a fair price, real support, and a standby generator you can trust. Whether you want the best overall option, the best value, or a premium pick, one of the stores above will fit your needs and budget.
Our advice: start with Electric Generators Direct for the best overall experience, choose Briggs & Stratton at Lowe’s if value matters most, and step up to Kohler for a premium choice. Always confirm price, warranty, and shipping before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best website to buy standby generators?
Electric Generators Direct is the best overall website to buy standby generators, thanks to its specialist selection. For the best value, consider Briggs & Stratton at Lowe’s, and for a premium option look at Kohler.
What is the cheapest place to buy standby generators?
Briggs & Stratton at Lowe’s is one of the most budget-friendly options for standby generators. Always compare the total cost including shipping, and check for sales or financing before buying.
How much do standby generators cost?
Prices vary widely by type and quality. See the budget breakdown above for typical ranges, from entry-level options to premium picks, and confirm current pricing on each store.
Is it safe to buy standby generators online?
Yes, when you buy from reputable stores like the ones ranked above. Check the return policy, warranty, and customer reviews, and pay with a method that offers buyer protection.
Which store has the best warranty for standby generators?
Warranty terms vary by store and brand. The stores ranked highest above generally offer the strongest support and clearest warranties, so check each one’s policy before you buy.
Do these stores offer free shipping on standby generators?
Many do, either outright or above a minimum order. The comparison table above shows each store’s shipping at a glance, but always confirm on the store since policies change.
Prices, ratings, and shipping policies change over time. Always confirm the latest details on each website before purchasing.
