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
The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby is the better standby generator overall, rated 4.2 to 3.2. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby leads on warranty, noise and value. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby costs $2,085.39 less ($3,299 vs $5,384.39).
Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW
#6 in Under 15 kWFull review
For homes on natural gas that want essentials covered by a quiet, well supported brand with monitoring included.
Norwall $5,384.39$5,384.39
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 8.5kW Home Standby for warranty (10-year warranty vs 5-year warranty), noise (59.5 dBA rated in normal operation vs 65 dBA rated in normal operation) and value ($388 per kW ($3,299 with transfer switch, 8.5 kW on propane) vs $414 per kW ($5,384 with transfer switch, 13 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 8.5kW Home Standby | Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 35% | 37 $388 per kW ($3,299 with transfer switch, 8.5 kW on propane) | 27 $414 per kW ($5,384 with transfer switch, 13 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 100 includes a 50 A transfer switch | 100 includes a 200 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 100 59.5 dBA rated in normal operation | 58 65 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 8.5kW Home Standby | Cummins Quiet Connect RS13A 13kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 8.5 kW | 13 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 7.5 kW | 13 kW |
| THD | Under 5% | Under 5% |
| Engine | 439 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine speed | 3,600 rpm | 3,600 rpm |
| Install | ||
| Transfer switch | Included, 50 A | Included, 200 A |
| Load management | No | No |
| Remote monitoring | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | Steel | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 49 x 28 x 28 in | 34.1 x 36.0 x 27.3 in |
| Weight | 374.9 lb | 479 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 59.5 dBA | 65 dBA |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |