Generac vs Kohler Whole House Generator – We compare the 2!

Last updated on October 15th, 2024

In this article, we will compare two generators – Generac vs Kohler Whole House Generator.

A home backup generator is essential in cases of shortages, blackouts, or natural disasters. Although there are several brands out there, Generac and Kohler have been leading the market for a long time. Kohler and Generac generators are reliable and durable machines that can provide you with reliable power.

Check Our Quick Comparison Chart – Generac vs Kohler Whole House Generator

Contents

Preview
Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS 20, 000W Air-Cooled Standby Generator with 200 Amp Whole-House, Service Entrance Rated,...
Title
Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS 20, 000W Air-Cooled Standby Generator with 200 Amp Whole-House, Service Entrance Rated,...
Rated Power (LP)
22,000 W
Rated Power (NG)
18,000 W
Max Current (LP/NG)
83 / 75 amps
Voltage
240 V
Fuel Consumption (LP)
82 cfh @ 50% load
Fuel Consumption (NG)
161 cfh @ 50% load
Response Time
10 seconds
Transfer Switch
200 Amp
Exercise
Weekly
Noise (Exercise)
64 dBA
Noise (Full-speed)
69 dBA
Warranty
5-Year / 2000-hour
Price
$5,999.00
Details
Preview
Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS 20, 000W Air-Cooled Standby Generator with 200 Amp Whole-House, Service Entrance Rated,...
Title
Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS 20, 000W Air-Cooled Standby Generator with 200 Amp Whole-House, Service Entrance Rated,...
Rated Power (LP)
22,000 W
Rated Power (NG)
18,000 W
Max Current (LP/NG)
83 / 75 amps
Voltage
240 V
Fuel Consumption (LP)
82 cfh @ 50% load
Fuel Consumption (NG)
161 cfh @ 50% load
Response Time
10 seconds
Transfer Switch
200 Amp
Exercise
Weekly
Noise (Exercise)
64 dBA
Noise (Full-speed)
69 dBA
Warranty
5-Year / 2000-hour
Price
$5,999.00
Details

These two generator brands offer many outstanding features, but which generator would be best for you? By comparing Generac and Kohler whole house generators, we make it easier for you to decide. Generac 7043 and Kohler 20kw generator reviews will be provided in this article for comparison.

Before we compare Kohler and Generac whole house generators, let’s briefly explain each generator.

Generac Whole House Generators

Compare Kohler and Generac whole house generators

As the leading manufacturer of home backup generators, Generac has a long history. The company has been manufacturing generators, including portable and residential ones, as well as industrial and commercial ones, since 1959. Generators from Generac are of the best quality, are usually more affordable than other brands, and are the most diverse.  

Powered by powerful engines, they can run on either liquid propane or natural gas. They have a wide range of home power backup options so you can find one that fits your needs. Moreover, the standby home generators they offer have outputs between 6kW and 50kW and you can choose from a standalone generator or a portable model. Their engines use G-Flex technology to make them quieter when they are turned on, and they have a low fuel shut-off feature to prevent damage from low fuel levels.

Check out our review – 8 Best Generac Whole House Generator Reviews

Kohler Whole House Generators

Kohler 12 kw standby

Since 1873, KOHLER has been making generators, engines, and UPS systems. The generators they manufacture are known for their reliability and durability. Each generator undergoes rigorous testing both during and after the manufacturing process. Generators such as these are built to last and can deliver low power outputs of 6 kW and high power outputs of 150 kW. They have corrosion-proof housing on all their models. However, their prices are higher than Generac’s. With these engines, you don’t have to change the oil frequently, the air filters keep debris away, as well as the extra-large sleeve bearings ensure longer service intervals.

In-Depth Comparison: Generac vs Kohler Whole House Generator  

Lets take a closer look – we compare Kohler vs Generac generators further so you can see the big picture of both big companies.

1- Engine 

Generators from both companies have powerful engines. Depending on the size of the generator you want, the quality of the engine will differ. Generac G-Force 1000 Series and Kohler Command PRO engines are both air-cooled and engineered for reduced maintenance and durability. Furthermore, they feature 200-amp load-shedding transfer switches to protect an entire house from power outages.

2- Power

When running on liquid propane, Generac’s largest model can deliver 22,000 Watts of power, while Kohler’s largest model can deliver 20,000 Watts. If you are using natural gas, each generator generates 19,500 Watts and 18,000 Watts of power respectively. In either case, the Generac generator will provide you with more power than a Kohler generator, which is crucial if your home has several large appliances. Kohler generators, however, are more fuel-efficient than Generac generators, as they require less fuel to deliver power.

3- Warranty

The Generac generator comes with a 5-year warranty. Kohler generators come with a 5-year, 2,000-hour warranty as well. In addition, both are available with a 10-year extended warranty.

4- Enclosures

Generac generators are available with steel or aluminum enclosures. You are probably aware that these materials are inflammable. Therefore, they are a wise choice if you have to put them closer to non-combustible surfaces. However, you should select an aluminum enclosure if you live near saltwater because a steel enclosure will rust there.

Kohler offers a greater variety of enclosures than Generac. You may choose between an aluminum, plastic, or steel enclosure. If not specified otherwise, the standard enclosure material provided by Kohler is plastic. Because plastic can easily burn, it can’t be placed as close to your home as a Generac generator could. (You could always opt for a different material.) Plastic, however, is corrosion-resistant. Therefore, if you live in an area where salt is abundant, the Kohler generator may be a better choice for you.

5- Noise

Compared to Kohler and other generators on the market, Generac generators are designed to be much quieter, and they also have a quiet-test mode. It produces only 61dB when running at full power, while the Kohler generator produces 67dB, which is quite loud.

6- Pricing

Generac’s standby generators cost approximately $6100 with a wifi-enabled transfer switch, while Kohler’s generators cost approximately $8800. It is, therefore, less expensive to buy a Generac generator.

7- Features

Generac adapts mobile technology a little bit more than Kohler with its Guardian Series generators that have remote monitoring. With Generac’s Mobile Link technology, users can check the status of their generator from anywhere, using any mobile device. Thus, they can always stay prepared for outages by viewing maintenance alerts and operational status. Additionally, Generac’s Evolution Controller is equipped with an LCD screen that displays the battery condition and maintenance schedules so you or your service technician can check them easily.

Check out our 8 Best Generac Whole House Generator Reviews

Also our Guide – How Do You Hook A Generator Up To Your House? Step By Step Guide

See This YouTube Video That Compares Generac & Kohler Whole House Generators

FAQ’s – Generac vs Kohler whole house generators

1- Where are generac generators manufactured? 

Generac generators are manufactured in Wisconsin, the United States. Moreover, the manufacturing sectors of this company are located in Berlin, Jefferson, Eagle, Oshkosh, and Whitewater. This company was founded in 1959 and played a major role in manufacturing portable generators in the US.

2- Where are Kohler generators made?

Kohler generators are manufactured near Saukville, Wisconsin, in the United States. To cover the different regions of the world, they also have production plants in France and China.

3- Will a whole-house generator be worth it?

Generators can be expensive, but if you operate a business from home, experience frequent or extended power outages, store a lot of cold food or live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, a whole-house generator can be worth your investment. Moreover, when properly maintained and supplied with enough fuel, generators can run for weeks.

Final Thoughts

Compared to Kohler generators, Generac generators are cheaper, quieter, technologically more advanced, and affordable. However, for those looking for fuel savings, the Kohler 20 kW Generator will require far less fuel while providing comparable power over time. It also runs weekly exercises to keep costs low, and the 20-kilowatt capacity should be enough for running the essential appliances in most middle-sized and larger homes. The Kohler 12 kW standby generator is also a great option to consider. You can check this out here.

We hope you have enjoyed our article; Generac vs Kohler whole house generators. Now you have all the information you need from our Kohler vs Generac generators reviews, so you can work out which one suits your needs!

Best Deals for Generac & Kohler whole house generators

Generac 7043 Air Cooled Whole House Home Standby Generator 22kW/19.5kW with 200 Amp Transfer Switch

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Kohler Air-Cooled Standby Generator 20kW with 200 Amp Transfer Switch

Generac 70432 Air Cooled Home Standby Generator 22kW/19.5kW with Wi-Fi & Transfer Switch

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