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 3.0. The Champion 12.5kW Home Standby leads on warranty, noise and value. The Champion 12.5kW Home Standby costs $529 less ($4,199 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 Champion 12.5kW Home Standby for warranty (10-year warranty vs 5-year warranty), noise (63 dBA rated in normal operation vs 71 dBA rated in normal operation) and value ($336 per kW ($4,199 with transfer switch, 12.5 kW on propane) vs $394 per kW ($4,728 with transfer switch, 12 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 12.5kW Home Standby | Kohler 12RESVL 12kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 57 $336 per kW ($4,199 with transfer switch, 12.5 kW on propane) | 34 $394 per kW ($4,728 with transfer switch, 12 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 100 includes a 100 A transfer switch | 100 includes a 100 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 75 63 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% | 100 10-year warranty | 29 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Champion 12.5kW Home Standby | Kohler 12RESVL 12kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 12.5 kW | 12 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| THD | Under 5% | Under 5% |
| Engine | 717 cc | 725 cc |
| Engine speed | 3,600 rpm | 3,600 rpm |
| Install | ||
| Transfer switch | Included, 100 A | Included, 100 A |
| Load management | No | No |
| Remote monitoring | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | Steel | Steel |
| Dimensions | 49 x 28 x 28 in | 30.6 x 28 x 32.4 in |
| Weight | 425.5 lb | 433 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 63 dBA | 71 dBA |
| Noise, weekly self-test | - | 67 dBA |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |