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 is the better standby generator overall, rated 3.1 to 3.0. The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW leads on value and warranty. The Kohler 14RCAL 14kW wins on transfer switch. The Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW costs $1,439 less ($4,460 vs $5,899).
Kohler 14RCAL 14kW
#8 in Under 15 kWFull review
For homes that want essentials plus one air conditioner managed automatically, with a full parts and labor warranty.
Norwall $5,899$5,899
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 Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW for value ($343 per kW ($4,460, 13 kW on propane) vs $421 per kW ($5,899 with transfer switch, 14 kW on propane)) and warranty (7-year warranty vs 5-year warranty).
- Choose the Kohler 14RCAL 14kW for transfer switch (includes a 200 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 14RCAL 14kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 54 $343 per kW ($4,460, 13 kW on propane) | 25 $421 per kW ($5,899 with transfer switch, 14 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 0 transfer switch bought separately | 100 includes a 200 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 25 69 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% | 57 7-year warranty | 29 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW | Kohler 14RCAL 14kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 13 kW | 14 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 11.5 kW | 12 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, 200 A |
| Load management | No | Yes |
| Remote monitoring | - | Yes |
| Enclosure | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 28.5 x 25.5 x 37.6 in | 47 x 26.0 x 32.3 in |
| Weight | 315 lb | 490 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 69 dBA | 69 dBA |
| Noise, weekly self-test | 65 dBA | 63 dBA |
| Warranty | 7 years | 5 years |