When the power goes out, you don’t want to be left in the dark—literally. A standby generator ensures that your family stays comfortable, safe, and connected no matter what. But here’s the challenge: there are dozens of brands out there, and three dominate the U.S. market—Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton.
Generac Guardian® 70432 22kW Air-Cooled Standby Generator with Wi-Fi and Transfer Switch
If you’re asking yourself:
👉 “Which standby generator brand is best for my home?”
👉 “Should I invest in a premium model, or is a budget-friendly option good enough?”
This in-depth guide will help you decide. We’ll look at power output, reliability, cost, maintenance, warranties, and smart features—all with the perspective of a savvy homeowner who values long-term peace of mind.
🏠 Why Brand Matters in Standby Generators
Unlike portable generators, whole-house standby systems are big investments—often costing $10,000–$15,000 installed. That’s not just about buying the machine; it’s about:
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Longevity: A good generator should last 20–30 years with proper maintenance.
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Reliability: Outages can last hours—or days. You want a system that starts every time.
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Support: Warranty coverage, service networks, and remote monitoring features make ownership smoother.
👉 Choosing the right brand up front ensures fewer headaches, lower costs over time, and confidence that your backup power will work when you need it most.
🔗 Consumer Reports – What to Know Before You Buy a Generator
⚡ Generac Guardian: The Market Leader
Generac is by far the most popular standby generator brand in the U.S., with nearly 75% market share. Homeowners love it for its balance of affordability, reliability, and nationwide support.
🔑 Key Strengths
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Wide range of sizes: From 9kW up to 26kW for homes.
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Mobile Link Wi-Fi monitoring: Check status, fuel usage, and maintenance needs from your phone.
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Large dealer/service network: Easier to find certified installers and service techs.
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Competitive pricing: Usually more affordable than Kohler.
⚠️ Potential Drawbacks
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Noise: Slightly louder (65–70 dB) than Kohler’s premium units.
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Maintenance frequency: Requires oil changes every 200 hours or 2 years.
Popular Model: Generac Guardian 70432 (22kW)
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Covers most U.S. homes (2,000–3,500 sq. ft.).
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Powers central AC, sump pump, kitchen appliances, and more.
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Installed cost: ~$10,000–$14,000.
🔧 Kohler: The Premium Option
Kohler has been building engines since 1920 and is known for its industrial-grade durability. Many hospitals and data centers trust Kohler—so you know it’s built tough.
🔑 Key Strengths
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Commercial-grade engines: Built to run long hours without fail.
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Quiet operation: Some models run as low as 62–67 dB.
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5-year premium warranty: Standard coverage that beats many competitors.
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Durability: Tested for thousands of hours of continuous use.
⚠️ Potential Drawbacks
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Higher upfront cost: Typically 10–20% more expensive than Generac.
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Smaller service network: Fewer dealers in rural areas.
Popular Model: Kohler 20RESCL (20kW)
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Premium build, reliable engine, quieter than Generac.
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Ideal for homeowners who want “set it and forget it” reliability.
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Installed cost: ~$12,000–$16,000.
🔗 Kohler Generators – Residential Standby
🔋 Briggs & Stratton: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Briggs & Stratton may be best known for its lawn mower engines, but it also makes dependable whole-house generators. It’s a solid option for homeowners who want reliable power without paying premium prices.
🔑 Key Strengths
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Affordability: Often the most budget-friendly of the three.
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Compact footprint: Takes up less yard space than some competitors.
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Symphony II Power Management: Smart load management prevents overloads.
⚠️ Potential Drawbacks
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Shorter warranties: Usually 3–5 years (vs. Kohler’s 5).
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Smaller service network: Fewer certified installers compared to Generac.
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Limited product lineup: Topped out around 26kW for residential use.
Popular Model: Briggs & Stratton 40645 (20kW)
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Covers essentials + HVAC for most homes.
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Lower upfront cost than Generac or Kohler.
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Installed cost: ~$9,500–$13,000.
🔗 Briggs & Stratton Standby Generators
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how the three stack up at a glance:
| Feature | Generac Guardian | Kohler | Briggs & Stratton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Range | 9kW – 26kW | 10kW – 150kW | 10kW – 26kW |
| Noise Level | ~65–70 dB | ~62–67 dB | ~65–70 dB |
| Warranty | 5 years (limited) | 5 years (premium) | 3–5 years |
| Price Range | $$ (affordable) | $$$ (premium) | $ (budget-friendly) |
| Remote Monitoring | Yes (Mobile Link) | Yes (OnCue Plus) | Limited |
| Service Network | Largest nationwide | Moderate | Smaller |
💵 Cost Comparison (2025 Estimates)
Equipment Prices
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Generac Guardian 22kW: $6,000–$7,500.
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Kohler 20kW: $7,500–$9,000.
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Briggs & Stratton 20kW: $5,500–$7,000.
Installation Costs
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Professional install: $3,000–$6,000.
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Permits + extras: $500–$2,000.
👉 Total installed cost:
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Generac: $10,000–$14,000.
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Kohler: $12,000–$16,000.
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Briggs: $9,500–$13,000.
🔗 Forbes – Whole House Generator Cost
🛠️ Maintenance & Reliability
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Generac: Oil/filter changes every 200 hours or 2 years. Parts widely available.
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Kohler: Longer service intervals; premium engines last longer.
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Briggs: Easy DIY maintenance, but shorter life expectancy than Kohler.
📱 Smart Monitoring Features
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Generac Mobile Link: Wi-Fi app for real-time status and alerts.
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Kohler OnCue Plus: Remote monitoring with notifications.
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Briggs Symphony II: Smart load management, but less advanced app features.
✅ Which Brand Fits Which Homeowner?
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Generac Guardian → Best all-around choice for most homeowners. Affordable, reliable, and easy to service.
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Kohler → Best for premium buyers who value quiet operation, longevity, and heavy-duty engines.
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Briggs & Stratton → Best for budget-conscious homeowners or smaller homes needing backup power at lower cost.
🏁 Final Verdict
There’s no single “best” standby generator—only the best match for your home and budget:
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Generac Guardian: The practical, widely trusted choice for most families.
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Kohler: The premium pick if you want industrial strength and quiet reliability.
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Briggs & Stratton: The value choice for dependable power at a lower price point.
👉 Think about your home size, heating system (electric vs. gas), and how much you want to power during an outage. That will tell you which brand—and model—is the right fit.
In the next topic we will know more about: Installation Guide: What to Expect When Installing a 22kW Standby Generator
