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, value and noise. The Champion 12.5kW Home Standby costs $1,700 less ($4,199 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 Champion 12.5kW Home Standby for warranty (10-year warranty vs 5-year warranty), value ($336 per kW ($4,199 with transfer switch, 12.5 kW on propane) vs $421 per kW ($5,899 with transfer switch, 14 kW on propane)) and noise (63 dBA rated in normal operation vs 69 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 | Kohler 14RCAL 14kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 57 $336 per kW ($4,199 with transfer switch, 12.5 kW on propane) | 25 $421 per kW ($5,899 with transfer switch, 14 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 100 includes a 100 A transfer switch | 100 includes a 200 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 75 63 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 | 29 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| Champion 12.5kW Home Standby | Kohler 14RCAL 14kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 12.5 kW | 14 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 11 kW | 12 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, 200 A |
| Load management | No | Yes |
| Remote monitoring | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | Steel | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 49 x 28 x 28 in | 47 x 26.0 x 32.3 in |
| Weight | 425.5 lb | 490 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 63 dBA | 69 dBA |
| Noise, weekly self-test | - | 63 dBA |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |