Champion 12.5kW Home Standby
#1 in Under 15 kWFull review
For homes that want essentials backed up automatically at a low price and a long parts warranty.
Norwall $4,199$4,199
The Champion 12.5kW Home Standby is the better standby generator overall, rated 4.3 to 4.2. The Champion 12.5kW Home Standby leads on value. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby wins on noise. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby costs $900 less ($3,299 vs $4,199).
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
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 12.5kW Home Standby for value ($336 per kW ($4,199 with transfer switch, 12.5 kW on propane) vs $388 per kW ($3,299 with transfer switch, 8.5 kW on propane)).
- Choose the Champion 8.5kW Home Standby for noise (59.5 dBA rated in normal operation vs 63 dBA rated in normal operation).
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 12.5kW Home Standby | Champion 8.5kW Home Standby |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Value 35% | 57 $336 per kW ($4,199 with transfer switch, 12.5 kW on propane) | 37 $388 per kW ($3,299 with transfer switch, 8.5 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 100 includes a 100 A transfer switch | 100 includes a 50 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 75 63 dBA rated in normal operation | 100 59.5 dBA rated in normal operation |
| Power quality 10% | 83 under 5% THD | 83 under 5% THD |
| Warranty 25% | 100 10-year warranty | 100 10-year warranty |
Specifications
| Champion 12.5kW Home Standby | Champion 8.5kW Home Standby | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 12.5 kW | 8.5 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 11 kW | 7.5 kW |
| THD | Under 5% | Under 5% |
| Engine | 717 cc | 439 cc |
| Engine speed | 3,600 rpm | 3,600 rpm |
| Install | ||
| Transfer switch | Included, 100 A | Included, 50 A |
| Load management | No | No |
| Remote monitoring | No | No |
| Enclosure | Steel | Steel |
| Dimensions | 49 x 28 x 28 in | 49 x 28 x 28 in |
| Weight | 425.5 lb | 374.9 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 63 dBA | 59.5 dBA |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years |