How We Rate & Rank Standby Generators
Never Lose Power Again:
Your complete guide to Home Backup Generators
Tired of losing power during storms? Worried about spoiled food, no air conditioning, and being left in the dark?
At Benchmark Electric, we help Memphis-area homeowners take control of their power needs with reliable standby generators. When the lights go out in your neighborhood, your home stays comfortable, safe, and fully powered.
Which Generator Solution Is Right for Your Home?
We've simplified generator selection into three clear categories based on your home's needs and budget:
At Benchmark Electric, we keep things simple and will simply rank the three available generator types as:
Below we rank and rate three categories of standby power:
- Air-Cooled - Natural Gas/Liquid Propane
- Liquid-Cooled - Natural Gas/Liquid Propane
- Liquid-Cooled - Diesel
Air-Cooled Generators
Perfect for budget-conscious homeowners with homes up to 3,000 square feet
Why homeowners love air-cooled generators:
- Most affordable option - Get whole-house backup power without breaking the bank
- Whisper-quiet operation - Your neighbors will barely notice it's running
- Compact design - Fits easily beside most homes
- Smart load management - Automatically manages your high-energy appliances so you never overload the system
- Unlimited fuel supply - Connects directly to your natural gas line (no refueling ever!)
- Complete automation - Tests itself monthly and kicks on automatically during outages
Perfect for homes that need:
- Whole house coverage (up to 2,000 sq ft)
- Managed whole house coverage (up to 3,000 sq ft)
- Protection during typical 1-3 day outages
- Budget-friendly reliability
Important to know: Air-cooled generators work best for shorter outages and aren't ideal if you need to charge electric vehicles regularly.
Learn more about how the Cummins RS20A compares to Generac Home Generators.
Natural Gas or Propane Generators - Liquid-Cooled
The smart choice for larger homes and homeowners who want it all
Why this is our most popular upgrade:
- True whole-house power - Run everything in your home simultaneously, exactly like normal
- Ultra-quiet operation - Even quieter than air-cooled models
- Built for the long haul - Handles week-long outages with ease
- Lower fuel costs - More efficient engine saves money over time
- EV charging ready - Perfect if you drive electric
- Extreme weather tested - Starts reliably even at -40°F
This solution is ideal if you:
- Have a larger home (over 3,000 sq ft)
- Want to run all appliances without restrictions
- Experience frequent or long-duration outages
- Own or plan to buy an electric vehicle
- Want the ultimate in home comfort and convenience
Cummins Diesel Standby Generators
The ultimate choice for homeowners who want decades of reliable power.
Why diesel is the premium choice:
- Built to last decades - This is likely the last generator you'll ever buy
- Unmatched reliability - Operates flawlessly in extreme weather conditions
- Superior fuel efficiency - 30-50% lower fuel costs than gas generators
- Earthquake protection - Critical for Memphis area (New Madrid Fault Zone) - when gas lines shut down, your diesel generator keeps running
- Minimal maintenance - No spark plugs or carburetors to worry about
- Maximum power output - Handles the heaviest electrical loads including multiple A/Cs
Perfect for homeowners who:
- Want a "buy once, use forever" solution
- Live in earthquake-prone areas (like Memphis)
- Have high power demands
- Want the absolute best performance and reliability
- Don't mind the higher upfront investment for long-term savings
Don't Let Another Storm Catch You Unprepared
Every day you wait is another day you're at risk. Weather doesn't give advance notice, and when disaster strikes, generator installers get booked up fast.
Here's what happens when you choose Benchmark Electric:
Free, no-obligation consultation - We'll assess your home and recommend the perfect solution
Professional sizing - Get exactly the right generator for your needs (not too small, not oversized)
Expert turnkey installation - Our certified technicians handle everything
Ongoing support - We're here for routine maintenance and service when you need us
Two Coverage Options to Fit Any Budget:
"Just the Essentials" Package - Keep your lights, refrigerator, heating/cooling, and key outlets running
"Whole House" Package - Power everything in your home exactly like normal
Ready to Take Control of Your Power?
Don't spend another stormy night in the dark. Memphis-area homeowners trust Benchmark Electric for reliable, professional generator installation.
Get Your Free Estimate Today!
Call us at 901-590-4968 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM) Or click below for your free onsite consultation.
When your family's comfort and safety are on the line, choose the generator experts Memphis homeowners trust. Choose Benchmark Electric.
Remember: The best time to install a generator is before you need it. Don't wait for the next storm - secure your family's comfort and safety today.