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 3.0. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby leads on warranty and noise. The Champion 8.5kW Home Standby costs $1,429 less ($3,299 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 8.5kW Home Standby for warranty (10-year warranty vs 5-year warranty) and noise (59.5 dBA rated in normal operation vs 71 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 8.5kW Home Standby | Kohler 12RESVL 12kW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 37 $388 per kW ($3,299 with transfer switch, 8.5 kW on propane) | 34 $394 per kW ($4,728 with transfer switch, 12 kW on propane) |
| Transfer switch 15% | 100 includes a 50 A transfer switch | 100 includes a 100 A transfer switch |
| Noise 15% | 100 59.5 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 8.5kW Home Standby | Kohler 12RESVL 12kW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Rated output, propane | 8.5 kW | 12 kW |
| Rated output, natural gas | 7.5 kW | 11 kW |
| THD | Under 5% | Under 5% |
| Engine | 439 cc | 725 cc |
| Engine speed | 3,600 rpm | 3,600 rpm |
| Install | ||
| Transfer switch | Included, 50 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 | 374.9 lb | 433 lb |
| Noise and warranty | ||
| Noise, normal operation | 59.5 dBA | 71 dBA |
| Noise, weekly self-test | - | 67 dBA |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |