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
The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW and the Kohler 12RESVL 12kW are evenly matched, rated 3.1 and 3.0. The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW leads on warranty, value and noise. The Kohler 12RESVL 12kW wins on transfer switch. The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW costs $268 less ($4,460 vs $4,728).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Kohler 12RESVL 12kW
#8 in Under 15 kWFull review
For smaller homes that want a well pump or a small air conditioner on top of the essentials, with Kohler’s full-coverage warranty.
Norwall $4,728$4,728
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW for warranty (7-year warranty vs 5-year warranty), value ($343 per kW ($4,460, 13 kW on propane) vs $394 per kW ($4,728 with transfer switch, 12 kW on propane)) and noise (69 dBA rated in normal operation vs 71 dBA rated in normal operation).
- Choose the Kohler 12RESVL 12kW for transfer switch (includes a 100 A transfer switch vs transfer switch bought separately).
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 | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW | Kohler 12RESVL 12kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 54 $343 per kW ($4,460, 13 kW on propane) | 34 $394 per kW ($4,728 with transfer switch, 12 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 0 transfer switch bought separately | 100 includes a 100 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 25 69 dBA rated in normal operation | 8 71 dBA rated in normal operation |
| Power quality 10% | 83 under 5% THD | 83 under 5% THD |
| Warranty 25% | 57 7-year warranty | 29 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW | Kohler 12RESVL 12kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 13 kW | 12 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 11.5 kW | 11 kW |
| THD | Under 5% | Under 5% |
| Engine | 627 cc | 725 cc |
| Engine speed | 3,600 rpm | 3,600 rpm |
| Install | ||
| Transfer switch | Sold separately | Included, 100 A |
| Load management | No | No |
| Remote monitoring | - | Yes |
| Enclosure | Aluminum | Steel |
| Dimensions | 28.5 x 25.5 x 37.6 in | 30.6 x 28 x 32.4 in |
| Weight | 315 lb | 433 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 69 dBA | 71 dBA |
| Noise, weekly self-test | 65 dBA | 67 dBA |
| Warranty | 7 years | 5 years |