Best 15 to 22 kW Home Standby Generators Ranked

9 standby generators from 15 to 22 kW, the most common size for whole-house backup.

Last updated: November 1, 2026

From 15 to 22 kW is where most whole-house standby generators sit. On a 200 A transfer switch, a unit at the top of this range runs a typical house with one central air conditioner, and load management stretches a smaller one further.

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.

Full ranking 9

  1. Champion 22kW aXis
    #1 of 94.2Full review

    For homes with central air that want whole-house backup for the least money and a long parts warranty.

    Norwall $5,699
    $5,699
    22 kW19.8 kW67 dBA
  2. Champion 22kW fleX
    #2 of 94.0Full review

    For coastal or wet climates that want Champion’s 22 kW and long warranty in a rust-proof aluminum housing.

    Amazon $6,399
    $6,399
    22 kW19.8 kW67 dBA
  3. Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect+ 22kW
    #3 of 93.4Full review

    For homes with central air on natural gas that want full output, built-in monitoring and seven years of full cover.

    Norwall $7,289 Signature Solar $7,289
    $7,289
    22 kW22 kW66 dBA
  4. Generac 22kW Standby 7325
    #4 of 93.4Full review

    For typical homes with central air that want the best known brand and a whole-house switch in the box.

    Amazon $6,506.10
    $6,506.10
    22 kW21 kW67 dBA
  5. Generac 18kW Standby 7324
    #5 of 93.2Full review

    For average homes with one central air conditioner that want a whole-house switch included.

    Amazon $5,975.10
    $5,975.10
    18 kW17 kW65 dBA
  6. Cummins Quiet Connect RS20AC 20kW
    #6 of 93.2Full review

    For homes with central air that want a quiet 20 kW unit with monitoring included and a service-entrance switch in the box.

    Norwall $6,662.42
    $6,662.42
    20 kW18 kW65 dBA
  7. Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect+ 18kW
    #7 of 93.2Full review

    For average homes on natural gas that want full rated output and a long warranty with service included.

    Norwall $6,899
    $6,899
    18 kW18 kW66 dBA
  8. Cummins Quiet Connect RS17A 17kW
    #8 of 93.0Full review

    For average homes on natural gas that want full rated output and built-in monitoring from a commercial power brand.

    Norwall $6,264.97
    $6,264.97
    17 kW17 kW65 dBA
  9. Kohler 20RCAL 20kW
    #9 of 92.9Full review

    For average homes with central air that want load management in the box and Kohler’s full coverage warranty.

    Norwall $6,848
    $6,848
    20 kW18 kW70 dBA