Champion 8.5kW Home Standby
#3 in Under 15 kWFull review
For small homes or cabins that need a few essential circuits backed up automatically on a tight budget.
Norwall $3,299$3,299
The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby is the better standby generator overall, rated 4.2 to 3.1. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby leads on transfer switch, noise and warranty. The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW wins on value. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby costs $1,161 less ($3,299 vs $4,460).
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW
#7 in Under 15 kWFull review
For buyers covering essentials who already have, or will buy, a separate transfer switch and want a long warranty.
Norwall $4,460$4,460
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Champion 8.5kW Home Standby for transfer switch (includes a 50 A transfer switch vs transfer switch bought separately), noise (59.5 dBA rated in normal operation vs 69 dBA rated in normal operation) and warranty (10-year warranty vs 7-year warranty).
- Choose the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW for value ($343 per kW ($4,460, 13 kW on propane) vs $388 per kW ($3,299 with transfer switch, 8.5 kW on propane)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 15 kw standby generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Champion 8.5kW Home Standby | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 35% | 37 $388 per kW ($3,299 with transfer switch, 8.5 kW on propane) | 54 $343 per kW ($4,460, 13 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 100 includes a 50 A transfer switch | 0 transfer switch bought separately |
| Noise 15% | 100 59.5 dBA rated in normal operation | 25 69 dBA rated in normal operation |
| Power quality 10% | 83 under 5% THD | 83 under 5% THD |
| Warranty 25% | 100 10-year warranty | 57 7-year warranty |
Specifications
| Champion 8.5kW Home Standby | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 8.5 kW | 13 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 7.5 kW | 11.5 kW |
| THD | Under 5% | Under 5% |
| Engine | 439 cc | 627 cc |
| Engine speed | 3,600 rpm | 3,600 rpm |
| Install | ||
| Transfer switch | Included, 50 A | Sold separately |
| Load management | No | No |
| Remote monitoring | No | - |
| Enclosure | Steel | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 49 x 28 x 28 in | 28.5 x 25.5 x 37.6 in |
| Weight | 374.9 lb | 315 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 59.5 dBA | 69 dBA |
| Noise, weekly self-test | - | 65 dBA |
| Warranty | 10 years | 7 years |