Since the 1970s, I have only owned station wagons or SUVs, and I don’t mess with the looks of my cars.
However, I am guilty of adding factory accessories that negatively affect fuel mileage, such as roof rack cross rails, mud flaps, running boards, wind deflectors, and towing packages. All these accessories alter aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance and load-lessening MPG. But adding a little pizzazz to my cars—sort of like jewelry, giving them a polished look. And I’m not the only one.
According to Specialty the Equipment Market Association (SEMA), in 2024 “U.S. consumers spent over $52 billion dollars accessorizing and modifying their vehicles.” In addition, Research and Markets forecast the Car Modification Market will grow to over $80 billion dollars by 2034.
Custom car enthusiasts want to build something that reflects their style and taste. People customize their cars to express personality, increase performance, driving pleasure, or sometimes even to solve problems.
Unfortunately, adding accessories, even original equipment manufacturers (OEM) approved, and dealer-installed add-ons destroy gas mileage. Here, experts explain how common accessories quietly diminish MPG.
How Car Accessories Affect Fuel Economy
Manufacturers design and build cars to squeeze every mile out of a drop of gasoline to achieve maximum fuel economy. Everything from the headlights, hood, windshield angle, door handles, to the antenna is mounted in such a way to increase cars’ aerodynamics.
Anything that adds drag or forces the engine to work harder eats away at MPG. “Body kits and rear wings that state your car will become more aerodynamic, so you get better MPG,” says Auto expert Chris Pyle. “They actually grab more wind because anything that sticks out into the airflow increases drag, forcing you to apply more throttle, and making the engine work harder just to maintain the same speed as without these add-ons.”
Even glue on hood scopes causes turbulence that affects MPG.
“Mounted equipment can hinder vehicles from having a streamlined airflow over the vehicle cabin,” said Eliot Vancil at Fuel Logic LLC. Even small items such as window deflectors to deter wind buffeting or light bars affect fuel economy.
“While the effect of most add-ons is usually small, adding multiple accessories can quickly lower MPG,” said Vancil.
The Impact of Roof Racks
Because it sits in the cleanest, highest‑pressure airflow [area] on the vehicle, “even when not carrying cargo, car roof racks cause aerodynamic drag and reduce your gas mileage,” said Vancil. Even though I am a fan of roof racks, the increased head-on mass creates turbulence over the roof, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed, especially above 55 MPH.
To enhance my 1978 Pontiac LeMans station wagon, I added a factory rear wind deflector, even though I knew it would cut the fuel economy by one MPG. “Roof racks can reduce fuel economy up to five MPG,” added Vancil. He suggests removing the crossbars when you are not using them. Always observe the roof rack’s weight limits and properly tie down the load.
Lift Kits and Vehicle Modifications
By raising the suspension, lift kits expose the body’s undercarriage, which creates more underbody turbulence. “If the vehicle frame geometry is changed due to a modification, the altered suspension angles increase rolling resistance and rotational mass,” said Vancil. Why do you think racing cars are so low to the ground? Being lower reduces air flow under the car, lowering turbulence and drag while increasing stability at high speed.
Although they add visual appeal, as well as functionality, a custom truck bed storage system can weigh between 200 and 250 pounds, empty. Other weighty items, such as steel (chrome) bumpers, winches, skid plates, rock sliders, rollbars, cab covers, bull bars or cargo organizers increase a vehicle’s weight.
Adding significant weight hurts fuel economy, particularly during city stop‑and‑go driving. “Every extra 100 pounds will lower MPG by one to two percent, or more,” said Pyle. He added, a full coverage package that protects the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank of “off‑road armor easily can add 200 to 400 pounds [additional weight] before you even load gear.”
The added weight forces your engine to work harder, which means you’ll need to push the throttle harder [using more gas] to reach and hold the same speed you’d get without the added accessories. Like racing cars, less weight equals more speed with better fuel economy.
FAQ
Are larger tires always worse for fuel economy?
It depends. Yes, heavier wheels coupled with larger tires are almost always worse for fuel economy. Larger tires increase rotational mass, rolling resistance, and often have more aggressive tread, which reduces MPG. The biggest MPG losses come from wider, heavier, or off-road pattern tires. “A wider tread requires a greater amount of power to keep it moving at highway speed, potentially increasing fuel usage 10 percent,” said Vanci.
Although some factory wheels may lack visual appeal, OEM wheel designs are made to help achieve greater efficiency and safety. On the other hand, if tires with an overall larger diameter made from low rolling resistance compounds and are fitted correctly (called tire fitment—a tricky set of calculations that do not affect the delicate balance between tire performance and safety), this can increase MPG.
Is a hitch-mounted cargo carrier more efficient than a roof box?
Although a hitch-mounted cargo carrier may lower MPG up to two percent, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is practically always more efficient than a roof box. Depending on the speed, size and shape of the roof box, expect to see a 10 to 25 percent MPG drop. Even modern aerodynamic rooftop cargo shells can cause five MPG loss. A hitch carrier sits in the vehicle’s aerodynamic slipstream, causing minimal drag.
Again, as in car racing, called “drafting,” drivers often “sit” on the rear bumper of the car in front of them—the same place a hitch-mounted cargo carrier would sit—because there is less turbulence. “A roof box is a large, blunt obstruction that just grab more wind, causing resistance,” said Pyle. He added, “Mounted equipment hampers vehicles from maintaining a smooth, streamlined airflow over the vehicle.”
About the Experts
Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006, where he answered hundreds of car maintenance and repair questions a day. (Electronic communications June 16, 2026)
Eliot Vancil is CEO of Fuel Logic LLC, a Dallas, Texas-based company specializing in comprehensive fuel management solutions, including delivery of various diesel types and gasoline nationwide. His diverse professional path includes roles CEO of Network Logic, where he oversaw IT support and services for Texas businesses. (Electronic communications June 16, 2026)
Research and Markets: “Car Modification Market Outlook 2025-2034: Market Share, and Growth Analysis By Type (Overall Modification, Local Modification), By Category (Performance, Cosmetic), By Vehicle, By Sales Channel Type” (Published Aug 2025)
A few years ago, I got a call from clients who had bought an original Sea Ranch condominium designed by renowned architect Charles Moore. They asked me to rebuild a twin Murphy bed closet to fit a full-size bed—without changing the footprint or straying from Moore’s original design.
I demoed the closet’s original 2×4 framing and replaced the sides with 3/4-in. plywood, but I was worried about structural integrity, so I came up with a few methods of reinforcement. I installed a 3/4-in. plywood floor, toe-kick, 2×4 bracing and a small header box to conceal lighting.
Black powder–coated aluminum L-brackets along the bottom of the cabinet strengthened the sides. Adding felt feet on the doors allowed the floor to support their weight, alleviating stress on the left wall. I also glued solid wood edging on the doors and closet sides to provide a strong connection for the brass screws that hold the piano hinges.
Given the room’s high sun exposure, I rubbed Osmo UV-Protection Oil on all the panels before installation. The warm, natural finish matched the rest of the Douglas fir millwork in the house.
When we published our first issue in 1951, a postwar suburban boom was reshaping American homeownership. Home centers as we know them didn’t exist, online tutorials and home improvement networks were still decades away, and the very idea of a DIY magazine was new. As our first editor, Paul de Fur, wrote in his inaugural letter to readers, “Here, for the first time, is a magazine devoted exclusively to do-it-yourself home repair, maintenance and improvement.”
Seventy-five years later, a lot has changed. Materials cost more, tools are smarter, houses are larger and inspiration is constantly at our fingertips. But savvy homeowners still turn to DIY to save money, learn new skills, become more self-sufficient and enjoy the satisfaction of building or fixing something themselves. They still need the same advice that filled Family Handyman’s early pages, from plumbing tips to tool recommendations and rewarding weekend builds.
One project from that first issue still feels surprisingly modern: a compact storage console built from a single sheet of plywood. It checked all the boxes of a great DIY shop project: affordable materials, manageable scope, practical function and a finished piece you could feel proud of. The single-sheet constraint also encouraged the kind of creative problem-solving that builds lifelong shop skills. That console got us thinking: What could today’s builders create under the same conditions? So, in celebration of our 75th anniversary, we issued the One-Sheet Plywood Challenge to our editors and our audience.
Plywood has stayed popular among DIYers for good reason. Made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer with alternating grain directions, it’s strong, stable and resistant to warping, shrinking and splitting. It holds screws well, comes in a wide range of thicknesses and grades, and is available at virtually every home center. A standard 4 x 8-ft. sheet can become furniture, shelving, cabinetry, decor or countless other projects. That versatility made plywood a DIY staple in the ’50s, and it’s why we think it still deserves a place in the shop spotlight today.
Getting the most out of a single sheet starts with careful planning. Sketch your design on graph paper, or use a 3D modeling program such as SketchUp or a cut-optimizer app to nest pieces efficiently. When you lay out cuts, you have to account for the blade kerf— the roughly 1/8 in. of material the saw blade removes. Cut the largest pieces first, and properly support the sheet while you cut to prevent flexing, binding and splintering. If you need a thicker or stronger panel, layer and glue portions of the sheet together.
Don’t toss offcuts, either. Even small scraps find new life as edge banding, cleats, shims, push sticks, garden-bed edging and drawer dividers. One sheet goes a lot further than you think—here’s the proof!
Here on Tool Trials, we’re always looking for the latest and greatest tools so we can put them to the test. I’ve tried electric screwdrivers before— in my experience, they’re usually flimsy tools that are more of a novelty than a necessity. So when I saw that Bosch offers a premium electric screwdriver with plenty of features and a hefty price tag, I knew it was the perfect candidate for some further testing.
The appeal of an electric screwdriver is easy to understand- the power of a drill in the palm of your hand. Sure, you’re never going to assemble a deck with one, but for small, quick household applications, a hand tool like the Bosch Go electric screwdriver could quickly become a go-to. At the same time, though, traditional screwdrivers are a classic for a reason, which begs the question: Do you really need an automatic version of a tool you probably already have three too many of?
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Tool Trials
Bosch GO 3 Professional
A compact cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque and push-and-go operation for fast, precise screwdriving in wood, metal, and plastic.
The Tool On Trial
So what’s so special about the Bosch GO 3? Well, as I mentioned above, I’ve tried out a few electric screwdrivers in my life. Most of the time, they’ve felt cheap and haven’t held up to repeated use.
That is not a problem for this electric screwdriver from Bosch. It’s a quality tool with a sturdy build that feels good in your hand. It comes in a simple case with a small selection of screwdriver tips, an extender bit and a USB-C cord for charging. Basically, it’s an 8-in-1 screwdriver and comes with everything you’d get buying one of those.
The difference, of course, is that this screwdriver comes with a motor. It’s got seven torque settings, so you can theoretically use it in a wide range of applications without worrying about stripping out a screw.
The Trial: How I Tested It
But here’s the question: do all those features actually make this electric screwdriver better than the standard version? To answer, I decided to put two tools to a head-to-head test so I could see just how much of an advantage this $80 screwdriver could give.
Here’s what I did. First, I needed to find something with a lot of screws in it. I had an old TV lying around that I’d been meaning to take apart and recycle. And this thing was covered in screws, making it perfect for my purposes.
So, I laid the TV down on my coffee table and set up the test. I’d use a normal screwdriver on one side of the TV, and the BOSCH electric screwdriver on the other. By comparing how much time it took to remove each set of screws, I’d have a direct comparison point between the two tools… and a clear look at whether or not electric is actually worth it.
The results were clear. While the traditional screwdriver held up fine and did its job, the electric screwdriver clearly offers an advantage. I was able to remove the screws from that side of the TV in a fraction of the time it took me to do it manually— just over 10 seconds compared to 20 seconds with the traditional tool.
It wasn’t just about the lack of elbow grease required, though. The entire operation was smoother: you just press the drill bit into the screw and it does all the work for you, and the magnetic tip makes it easy to pick up screws as you remove them.
So it’s clearly just flat-out faster than the standard screwdriver. But what about the convenience factor? Well, I spent some time using the tool outside of the TV test, and I can attest that the BOSCH 3 is everything you want in a screwdriver. It’s small enough that you can carry it around without any issues. It fits in a tool bag better than a drill while handling many of the same applications. I recently moved, and having this tool on hand made disassembling and reassembling furniture way easier than it had any right to be.
The only cons I ran into are the need to charge the battery, which can be hard to monitor. Also, the included USB-C cable is a bit small, making it a little inconvenient to use. Other than those small gripes, I’ve had a great experience testing this BOSCH GO 3 screwdriver and definitely give it the Tool Trials stamp of approval.
Where to Buy the Bosch GO 3 Professional
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Tool Trials
Bosch GO 3 Professional
A compact cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque and push-and-go operation for fast, precise screwdriving in wood, metal, and plastic.
The BOSCH GO 3 Professional Screwdriver costs around $80-90 and can be purchased through Amazon or wherever BOSCH tools are sold.
Tool Trials
Bosch GO 3 Professional
A compact cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque and push-and-go operation for fast, precise screwdriving in wood, metal, and plastic.
A blistering heat wave can quickly turn a parked car, even one in shade, into your own personal sauna in minutes. A vehicle can reach temperatures 40°F warmer than outside, with cabin temperatures often exceeding 140°F or higher during a heat wave. Also, surfaces like the dashboard can reach 185°F.
Many drivers know not to leave children or pets in their cars, but the list doesn’t stop there. During extreme heat temperatures, a quick tidy and scan of your vehicle before exiting can prevent expensive replacements and even stop potential dangers.
Learn which items should always be removed from your car during a heat wave, why those items pose a risk, and other ways to keep you and your vehicle safe.
Medications
It’s never a good idea to leave medication unattended in a car due to the risks of theft, accidental access by children or pets, invasion of medical privacy, etc. However, that risk is even more severe in a hot vehicle for long periods.
Many prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications, and even medical devices require storage at controlled room temperatures as excessive heat can affect their effectiveness. Your prescriptions should note storage instructions, or you can confirm with a medical professional.
Electronics And Battery-Powered Devices
Electronic devices like phones, computers, tablets, digital cameras, power banks, hand-held gaming consoles, rechargeable tools, and other battery-powered devices are vulnerable to extreme temperatures like the inside of a vehicle during a heat wave.
These extreme temperatures can shorten battery life, damage internal components, reduce the device’s life expectancy, and cause unexpected shutdowns or performance issues. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are at risk of swelling, leaking, or malfunctioning in extreme conditions.
Even outside of a heat wave, if these devices are left in an unattended vehicle, they should be stored in a secure, non-visible location to help reduce the risk of theft or damage.
Aerosol Cans
Common aerosol products like deodorant, hairspray, spray paint, sunscreens, and air fresheners should not be left in a hot vehicle. Increased heat will impact the pressure of the sealed aerosol can, posing a safety hazard.
Check cans for printed temperature limits. But to be safe, remove any items that could potentially pose a risk. Extreme heat can cause leaks, ruptures, damaged containers, and even explosions.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important part of personal protection during the summer. But it’s important you protect it, too.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can break down sunscreen, impacting potency and potentially causing leaks and other damage to the bottle.
Eyeglasses And Sunglasses
Another summertime staple is your sturdy pair of sunglasses.
Eyewear can be warped or damaged if left in extreme temperatures for too long. Plastic frames and lens coatings are particularly vulnerable to damage, and metal frames can become too hot to touch, potentially causing burns.
Glasses and sunglasses should be left in their protective cases, not on a dashboard or elsewhere in the car, and ideally removed when you leave the vehicle.
Plastic Water and Soda Bottles
Plastic bottles, when exposed to extreme temperatures like a hot vehicle, can experience a change in water quality and taste. Clear plastic bottles with concentrated sunlight can also pose a fire hazard. Reusable bottles hold up better during hot weather, however the liquid inside can still reach dangerous temperatures to drink.
Food, Groceries and Other Perishables
Groceries and other perishable items spoil rapidly in extreme temperatures. Items like chocolate, ice cream, and frozen foods can become a huge mess. Consider using insulated coolers for temperature-sensitive items if you’re planning on making additional stops after your grocery run.
The first time I remember having sticker shock at a grocery store was just after we’d gotten back from a weeks-long trip out of the country. My partner had been dreaming of a ribeye steak, but once he saw the price — $4 more a pound than before we left — he put it back on the shelf.
A few months later, after discovering it on sale for half the price, he bought a 13-pound slab of it to cut into steaks. He also found a solution for how to preserve it without fear of freezer burn: enter the vacuum sealer.
Previously, a vacuum sealer was an appliance we’d only vaguely heard of. Now, it’s one of our most cherished tools. Thanks to it, we not only save money through buying items in bulk, but also through reducing food waste, since we can seal leftovers and unused ingredients.
We also save time by batch cooking meals to thaw out on nights when time is tight — a strategy which also helps us eat healthier by avoiding fast food.
How a Vacuum Sealer Works
Vacuum sealers suck the air out of specialized bags, jars and other containers, then create an airtight seal to keep it out. With the oxygen gone, the food lasts an estimated five times longer, being protected from freezer burn and bacterial growth.
Good food candidates for vacuum sealing include:
Dry goods, like flour, sugar and pantry snacks.
Anything freezable, like meats, soups, cooked meals, berries, peaches, blanched/cooked vegetables and even wine.
Refrigerated goods that you want to last longer without freezing.
Foods that don’t take well to vacuum sealing:
Fruits like bananas, avocados and whole apples.
Veggies like mushrooms, raw onions, potatoes, cucumbers and uncooked leafy greens.
Soft cheeses.
How Much Money Our Vacuum Sealer Has Saved Us
We used to waste the typical amount of food for an American household, roughly $1,500 a year. Now, that number is probably closer to $300. We almost never have spoiled food, partly because we vac seal it, but also because the appliance helped us become more aware of our eating habits. Now we’re better about gobbling up what needs to be eaten and not overbuying at the grocery store. On top of that, we save at least another $500 a year by buying meat on sale, plus items in bulk.
Subtract from that the money we’ve spent on vac sealers and bags during that time, which is about $230 on machines and $130 for bags, and the total amount we’ve saved since we bought our first vacuum sealer in 2019 comes to more than $9,600.
That doesn’t even include the environmental benefits of not wasting food, which are pretty significant when you factor in the water used to grow crops and feed animals, ecosystem contamination from fertilizers and pesticides, and greenhouse gas emissions, which are created from land cleared for farming and grazing, plastics in packaging, pollution from transportation and the creation of methane as food decomposes in landfills.
A Few More Benefits of Vac Sealers
Save space. We also vac seal meals for camping, where we have limited cooler space.
Speed up marinating meats and veggies.
Seal household items to keep dust and moisture out, like decorations and first-aid supplies.
Seal items to keep them from getting lost, like small parts and hardware.
What We Don’t Love About Our Vacuum Sealer
The obvious downside is an overload of plastic, which is likely adding microplastics and chemicals to our food, plus certainly contributing to land, air and water pollution. We at least try to buy BPA-free bags.
Also, keep in mind that vac-sealed food can still spoil, and the bacteria that cause botulism can still live within the anaerobic conditions created in a vac-sealed environment.
Vacuum Sealers We Recommend
We started out with a hand-held model, which just didn’t have enough oomph for most of our applications. Next, we tried the smallest-size edge sealer, which was okay, but still lacking for our needs.
We finally settled on this one by Potane, which has been a workhorse for years. Granted, we have had to do a few repairs to it, but they were simple to figure out and DIY. If that one finally wears out, we’re considering this one by Fresko.
Professional installation adds to the overall cost
When it comes to residential standby generators, Generac is arguably the most recognizable name in the industry. The Wisconsin-based manufacturer has spent decades building backup power solutions for both homeowners and businesses, earning a reputation for dependable performance, an extensive product lineup and one of the largest dealer networks in North America.
That dealer network came up in conversations with every expert we spoke to. Brian Henriquez, founder of Suncoast Power Solutions, says Generac’s widespread adoption has helped it build an unmatched service infrastructure, making certified installers, replacement parts and warranty support easier to find than many competing brands. Matt Kovalik, licensed electrician and founder of NailThePrice, echoed that sentiment, noting that quick access to parts can make all the difference during an extended power outage.
Generac has also continued to modernize its standby generators with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, remote monitoring and automatic self-testing. Brian Northway, vice president and co-founder of Power Solutions Specialist, says the company has invested heavily in improving its controls and overall ownership experience, allowing homeowners (and in many cases their service providers) to monitor generator health and receive fault notifications before small issues become major problems.
Like any standby generator, a Generac system still depends on proper sizing, professional installation and routine maintenance to give you reliable performance over the long term. But with broad nationwide support, readily available parts and a wide selection of models for homes of all sizes, Generac holds its spot as one of the most trusted generator brands on the market.
For most homeowners, we recommend the Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator. It’s one of the company’s flagship residential models, providing enough power to run most essential household systems—and often an average-sized home—during an outage. It also includes automatic operation, Wi-Fi monitoring through Mobile Link and compatibility with natural gas or liquid propane, making it a fitting example of the reliability and convenience that have helped make Generac a household name.
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Kohler
Kohler 20RCA 20kW Home Standby Generator
Pros:
Exceptionally quiet operation
Premium build quality
Clean, stable power output
Excellent long-term reliability
Cons:
Smaller dealer network than Generac
Typically costs more upfront
If you’re willing to invest in a premium standby generator, Kohler has earned a reputation for exceptional build quality, quiet operation and dependable performance. While it doesn’t have the same market share as Generac, Kohler has built a loyal following among installers who value its engineering and long-term reliability.
Henriquez was particularly enthusiastic about the brand, describing Kohler as his preferred choice for larger residential standby systems. “From 20kW to 48kW, I go with Kohler,” he says. He also praised the brand’s “quiet performance, clean power, excellent monitoring and solid, durable construction,” adding that it has been his preferred choice for years.
Kovalik also pointed to Kohler’s quieter operation as one of its biggest strengths. “If a homeowner is fussy about noise, I point them at Kohler,” he says. “It runs quieter and kicks on fast.” Those qualities can make a noticeable difference in neighborhoods where generators may run for days following a major storm.
Henriquez believes Kohler’s long-standing focus on engineering has helped cement its reputation for reliability, noting that the company has historically invested more heavily in research and development than marketing. He also points out that Kohler generators are commonly trusted in demanding environments like hospitals, assisted living facilities and surgery centers, which is a great endorsement of the brand’s reputation for dependable backup power.
The Kohler 20RCA 20kW Home Standby Generator brings those qualities home. Built to restore power automatically during an outage, it delivers enough capacity for many whole-home applications along with the quiet operation, robust construction and premium engineering that have made Kohler one of the most respected names in standby power.
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Cummins
Cummins RS17A 17kW Home Standby Generator
Pros:
Excellent long-term reliability
Great value for the price
Commercial-grade engineering
Durable, well-built design
Cons:
Smaller residential lineup
Fewer dealers than Generac
For more than a century, Cummins has been synonymous with dependable engines. While the company is perhaps best known for powering commercial trucks and industrial equipment, its residential standby generators bring that same engineering expertise to homeowners looking for reliable backup power.
Among the experts we consulted, Cummins stood out as a top value pick. Henriquez says it’s his preferred brand for standby generators in the 10kW to 17kW range, citing its combination of quality and affordability. “They’ve maintained a high-quality product at a lower price point than the competition,” he says. For many homeowners, that makes Cummins an attractive alternative to more expensive premium brands.
Kovalik also ranked Cummins among the brands he trusts most, noting that the generators he maintains continue to perform well year after year with proper care. In his experience, reliability comes down to regular maintenance as much as the badge on the enclosure. “A maintained Generac or Cummins will outlast a fancy unit that got ignored, every time,” he says.
Like the other leading manufacturers, Cummins offers automatic standby generators with features like remote monitoring, automatic exercise cycles and compatibility with natural gas or liquid propane. While its residential lineup isn’t as extensive as some competitors, the brand has earned a reputation for durable construction and dependable performance when it matters most.
The Cummins RS17A 17kW Home Standby Generator is a great showcase for the brand’s strengths. Sized for many mid-sized homes, it provides automatic backup power in a compact package while reflecting the durability and engineering expertise that have made Cummins a trusted name across residential, commercial and industrial applications.
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Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW Home Standby Generator
Pros:
Continually improving technology
Smart diagnostics and remote monitoring
Strong warranty and dealer support
Reliable whole-home backup
Cons:
Smaller market presence than Generac
Fewer long-term track records than some competitors
Best known for its small engines and outdoor power equipment, Briggs & Stratton has also become a serious contender in the home standby generator market. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in refining its generators, improving everything from cooling systems and diagnostics to serviceability and dealer support.
Northway has witnessed that evolution firsthand. “Having worked with earlier generations of their equipment, I’ve seen firsthand how much engineering has gone into the current product line,” he says. “Today’s generators are substantially more refined than they were several years ago.” He also points to improvements in airflow, thermal management and onboard diagnostics that make the latest models easier to own and maintain.
Another area where Briggs & Stratton has made strides is dealer and parts support. Northway says the company has invested significantly in expanding its service network and improving replacement parts availability, resulting in a smoother ownership experience. Still, he encourages homeowners to look beyond the warranty itself. “Ask who will actually perform the warranty work, how quickly service is available and whether replacement parts are readily stocked,” he says. “Those factors often have a greater impact on ownership than an extra year of warranty coverage.”
As with any standby generator, proper sizing, installation and routine maintenance are key to long-term reliability. Northway emphasizes that homeowners should spend as much time evaluating their local installer as they do the brand itself, since the quality of the installation can have just as much impact on long-term performance.
The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW Home Standby Generator is a prime example of the company’s latest advancements with automatic backup power, smart monitoring capabilities and a modern design built for reliable whole-home protection during outages.
While the experts we interviewed focused primarily on whole-home standby generators, one brand consistently stood out for portable backup power: Honda. “For portable and inverter generators, Honda continues to set the benchmark for reliability, fuel efficiency and overall build quality,” says Northway.
That reputation has made Honda a favorite among homeowners, contractors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its portable generators are known for their quiet operation, dependable engines and clean inverter power that’s safe for sensitive electronics. Although they require manual setup and refueling during an outage, portable generators are often a more affordable option for homeowners who don’t need whole-home backup.
The Honda EU2200i Companion Portable Inverter Generator is one of the brand’s most popular models. Lightweight and easy to transport, it delivers clean, efficient power for essentials like refrigerators, lights and electronics during an outage while remaining versatile enough for camping, RV trips and tailgating.
A Battery Brand Expanding Into Backup Power
On Sale
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Lowest Price in 30 daysAnker
Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)
Pros:
Runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas
Smart app monitoring
Integrates with Anker batteries
Electric and remote start
Cons:
New to the generator market
Limited long-term track record
Known for its portable solar power stations and home battery systems, Anker has recently entered the generator market with a tri-fuel portable generator that runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas. While it’s too new for us to make a formal recommendation, it represents a growing trend of battery-focused companies expanding into traditional backup power.
Kovalik is particularly interested in the natural gas capability. “The idea of being able to plumb right into your home’s existing gas line and not have to worry about keeping tanks full is where I think the value of these units is,” he says. However, he notes that connecting a generator to a home’s gas supply isn’t a DIY project and requires professional installation.
Northway adds that portable generators like these are best suited for homeowners who only need to power a handful of essential appliances and don’t mind setting up the generator manually. For those who want automatic backup power with minimal effort during an outage, he says a standby generator remains the better long-term solution.
Types of Generators
Different generators are built for a range of purposes. Understanding the three main types can help narrow your search before comparing brands.
Standby generators
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical system. When the power goes out, they automatically start within seconds, restoring electricity without you needing to do anything.
Henriquez says one of the biggest mistakes he sees is homeowners expecting a portable generator to deliver the same experience. “Standby generators cost more, but for good reason. Fully automatic operation is something no portable unit offers,” he says.
Portable generators
Portable generators provide a more affordable backup power solution for essentials like refrigerators, sump pumps and lights. Because they require manual setup, fueling and connection, they’re best suited for occasional outages rather than seamless whole-home protection.
Traditional models typically run on gasoline, while dual-fuel and tri-fuel generators add propane and, in some cases, natural gas (like the Anker model we mentioned earlier). These options give you more flexibility during an outage, although connecting a generator to a home’s electrical panel or natural gas line requires the proper equipment and professional installation.
Northway notes that portable generators continue to improve, especially when paired with modern inverter technology, making them a practical option for many homeowners.
Inverter generators
Inverter generators are designed to produce cleaner, more stable electricity that’s safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, televisions and medical equipment. They’re also generally quieter and more fuel-efficient than traditional portable generators.
That combination of clean power and efficiency is where Honda’s portable lineup stands out, which is why Northway points to the brand for homeowners who need reliable power for a handful of essentials rather than whole-home backup.
Bigger isn’t always better. Henriquez says many homeowners assume they need the largest generator they can afford, but that’s rarely the case. In his experience, a properly sized system with effective load management often performs better than simply installing an oversized unit.
Kovalik agrees, warning that skipping a proper load calculation is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. “They buy way too much generator and waste money, or too little and it can’t carry the house,” he says.
Think Beyond the Generator Itself
A standby generator is only part of the equation. “Staring at the generator and forgetting the transfer switch and load management” is another common mistake Kovalik encounters. Those components determine how safely and effectively your home receives backup power during an outage.
Research Your Local Dealer
Every expert emphasized the importance of choosing the right installer. “I usually tell them to spend as much time evaluating the local dealer as they do evaluating the manufacturer,” says Northway. He recommends asking who will perform warranty repairs, how quickly service is available and whether replacement parts are readily stocked before committing to any brand.
Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Even the best generator won’t perform reliably without routine care. “The number one reason a standby generator won’t start when you need it is a dead or dried-out battery,” says Kovalik. Regular oil changes, exercise cycles and annual inspections all play an important role in long-term reliability.
Generator Trends in 2026
Generator manufacturers are focusing on smarter controls, improved durability and more flexible ways to keep homes powered during extended outages.
Remote monitoring is now common on many standby generators, allowing homeowners and service providers to receive exercise reports, maintenance reminders and fault notifications. Northway says manufacturers are also investing more heavily in engineering validation, testing and long-term durability.
“Those investments aren’t always visible to homeowners, but they contribute directly to reliability over the life of the generator,” he says.
At the same time, manufacturers are increasing output while reducing the physical size of their generators. However, Henriquez cautions against assuming that a higher-capacity air-cooled model is always the best choice.
“In my opinion, 26kW is the largest air-cooled product manufacturers should be producing,” he says. “Beyond that, homeowners should be looking at liquid-cooled units instead.”
Another notable shift is the move toward more flexible backup systems. Battery-and-generator combinations can provide quiet, instant battery power while reserving the generator for longer outages. Dual- and tri-fuel portable models also give homeowners more options when gasoline is scarce or difficult to store.
“Going into 2026, I’m watching battery-and-generator combos and natural gas or bi-fuel setups, since outages keep dragging on longer,” Kovalik says.
How We Found the Best Generator Brands
To identify the best generator brands, we interviewed three experts who shared their insights and experience with installing, servicing and maintaining residential standby generators.
Rather than evaluating brands solely on specifications, we focused on the factors homeowners care about most: long-term reliability, engineering, customer support, dealer networks, replacement-parts availability, warranties and overall ownership experience.
One theme emerged consistently throughout every interview: the brand matters, but so does everything that comes after the purchase.
As Northway puts it, “A standby generator is often a twenty-year investment. The relationship with the servicing dealer is just as important as the equipment itself.”
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best generator brand.
Generac impressed our experts with its nationwide dealer network, extensive parts availability and smart monitoring features. Kohler earned praise for its quiet operation and premium engineering, while Cummins stood out for delivering commercial-grade reliability at a competitive price. Northway also highlighted Briggs & Stratton’s significant engineering improvements in recent years, and Honda is the benchmark for portable and inverter generators.
Ultimately, the biggest takeaway from our interviews wasn’t about choosing one logo over another.
“The generators that consistently perform the best are installed correctly, properly sized for the home, exercised regularly and maintained every year,” says Northway.
That’s advice worth remembering long after you’ve picked your generator.
FAQ
Which brand of generator is best?
There’s no single best generator brand for everyone. Generac is a strong all-around choice for standby power because of its extensive dealer network and parts availability, while Kohler stands out for quiet operation and premium construction. Cummins offers excellent value in smaller standby systems, and Honda remains a leader in portable and inverter generators. The right choice ultimately depends on what you need to power, your budget and the quality of local service available.
Which company is best for generators?
For many homeowners, Generac is often one of the easiest standby generator brands to own because its products, replacement parts and certified technicians are widely available. However, the installer may matter just as much as the manufacturer. As Northway explains, “The relationship with the servicing dealer is just as important as the equipment itself.”
What’s the longest lasting generator?
A properly installed and maintained standby generator can last for decades, but no one brand is guaranteed to outlast every other. Climate, operating hours, installation quality and routine maintenance all affect its lifespan. Annual servicing, regular exercise cycles and timely battery replacement can help keep a generator reliable for as long as possible.
What brand of generator is the most reliable?
Generac, Kohler and Cummins are all widely trusted for residential standby generators, while Honda is known for reliable portable and inverter models. Still, reliability depends heavily on correct sizing, professional installation and ongoing care. “A maintained Generac or Cummins will outlast a fancy unit that got ignored, every time,” Kovalik says.
What is the 80% rule for generators?
In generator sizing, the 80% rule means planning for your normal running load to use no more than about 80% of the generator’s rated output. That leaves extra capacity for appliances with high startup demands, such as air conditioners, refrigerators and well pumps. For example, you would generally aim to keep the continuous load on a 10,000-watt generator around 8,000 watts or less. It’s a useful guideline, but it shouldn’t replace a professional load calculation. Generac’s technical guidance recommends a target load range of approximately 60% to 80% for standby applications.
Why You Should Trust Us
For this guide, we researched leading generator brands and compared their product ranges, reliability, availability, warranties, dealer networks and access to replacement parts. We also looked beyond product specifications to consider the factors that shape the long-term ownership experience, including installation, maintenance and service support.
To inform our recommendations, we interviewed three professionals who work directly with generators and residential backup power systems: Brian Henriquez, founder of Suncoast Power Solutions; Matt Kovalik, a licensed electrician and founder of NailThePrice; and Brian Northway, vice president and co-founder of Power Solutions Specialist.
Their firsthand experience installing, servicing and maintaining generators helped us identify where each brand excels, what commonly goes wrong and what homeowners should consider before investing in backup power.
