When you’re investing in a generator for home or business backup, two names almost always come up — Generac and Kohler. Both brands have decades of experience, strong reputations, and loyal customer bases. But which one is right for your needs? That depends on your priorities: budget, features, noise, fuel options, and long-term reliability.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll look at how Generac and Kohler stack up in terms of product range, performance, pros/cons, and real-world considerations. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which brand best fits your backup power plan.
Brand Background
Generac
Founded in 1959, Generac is the largest generator manufacturer in North America and is known for popularizing the home standby generator. They offer a wide range of products from small inverters to massive commercial units, and have one of the largest service dealer networks in the industry.
Kohler
Kohler has been in the power generation business for over 100 years. While they’re perhaps better known for plumbing products, Kohler’s generators are engineered for commercial-grade durability. Their standby units are favored by those who want premium build quality and longevity, often at a higher price point.
Product Range
Generac
- Home standby generators (7.5 kW to 48 kW)
- Portable generators (2 kW to 17.5 kW)
- Inverter generators for clean, quiet power
- Commercial and industrial systems
Kohler
- Home standby generators (8 kW to 150 kW)
- Commercial and industrial systems (20 kW to 4 MW)
- Fewer portable models — standby is their main focus
Popular Models
Generac Guardian 22kW Standby
Generac’s most popular residential standby unit. Runs on natural gas or propane, delivers enough power for most homes, and features automatic transfer switching and remote monitoring via Mobile Link.
Kohler 20RESCL Standby
A 20 kW home standby generator with commercial-grade engine design, known for fast startup (within 10 seconds) and high-quality voltage regulation to protect sensitive electronics.
Generac GP8000E Portable
A gasoline-powered portable generator with 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts. Great for temporary backup or job sites.
Kohler PRO9.0 Portable
A rugged 9 kW gasoline portable generator with heavy-duty construction aimed at contractors and serious home users. Less common in retail but built for durability.
Performance and Reliability
Both brands deliver reliable backup power, but there are differences:
- Generac focuses on value and accessibility, offering a wide range of models at competitive prices.
- Kohler emphasizes premium build quality and long-term durability, often using commercial-grade engines even in residential models.
Kohler engines are often rated for longer continuous use between overhauls, which can appeal to those expecting frequent or extended outages. Generac’s standby units are more affordable and easier to find in big-box retailers.
Noise Levels
Standby units from both brands operate in the mid-60 decibel range, similar to central air conditioning. Portable models vary — Kohler’s portables tend to be slightly quieter due to heavier enclosures, while Generac offers quiet inverter options for camping and residential neighborhoods.
Fuel Efficiency and Run Time
Fuel efficiency is comparable for similar-sized models. Standby units can run indefinitely on natural gas and for days on large propane tanks. Portables depend on tank size and load — Kohler’s larger portables have slightly bigger tanks for longer runtime, but Generac offers inverter models with Eco-mode for fuel savings.
Maintenance and Support
Generac has a vast dealer network, making it easier to find service quickly. Parts are widely available, and many technicians are trained specifically on Generac systems.
Kohler’s service network is smaller but more specialized. Their units are often serviced by technicians trained in both residential and commercial systems, which can mean more expertise but sometimes longer wait times in busy seasons.
Pros and Cons
Generac Pros
- More affordable across most product lines
- Wide range of models, including portables and inverters
- Strong dealer and service network
- Good balance of performance and value
Generac Cons
- Build quality slightly lower than Kohler’s premium models
- Some models louder than comparable Kohler units
Kohler Pros
- Commercial-grade engines in many residential models
- Fast startup and excellent voltage regulation
- Extremely durable construction
Kohler Cons
- Higher cost upfront
- Smaller product lineup for portables
- More limited service network compared to Generac
Who Should Choose Generac?
Generac is ideal for homeowners who want dependable backup power at a reasonable price, contractors who need rugged portables, and RV owners looking for inverter options.
Who Should Choose Kohler?
Kohler is best for homeowners who want top-tier build quality, expect frequent outages, or prioritize long-term durability over initial cost. It’s also a strong choice for small businesses needing reliable backup power.
The Common Limitation: Fuel Dependency
Both Generac and Kohler standby and portable generators depend on fuel — natural gas, propane, or gasoline. In extended outages, supply can become an issue, even for natural gas if infrastructure is damaged.
The Ultimate OFF-GRID Generator
The Ultimate OFF-GRID Generator is an untapped source of on-demand electricity that runs quietly, produces no emissions, and never needs refueling. It’s ideal for powering lights, electronics, and small appliances indefinitely, while your Generac or Kohler handles large, high-wattage loads.
Pairing them gives you a layered backup system — fuel-free essentials plus heavy-load capacity when you need it.
The Bottom Line
Generac and Kohler are both excellent brands in the standby and portable generator market. If budget and availability are your top concerns, Generac is the go-to. If you want premium build quality and can invest more upfront, Kohler is hard to beat. Either way, pairing your choice with a renewable backup like the Ultimate OFF-GRID Generator gives you true energy resilience.
Click here to see how the Ultimate OFF-GRID Generator works and create a complete power strategy for any outage scenario.