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Power outages can disrupt your life, but the right home standby generator keeps the lights on and appliances running seamlessly. We tested top models from Kohler, Generac, Cummins, and Briggs & Stratton for power output, noise, reliability, and value. Find your perfect match with our comparison table, detailed reviews, and buying tips to ensure uninterrupted power for your home.
Quick Pick
Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS
Our top choice for most homeowners: Delivers 20kW on natural gas (20.5kW LP), ultra-reliable with 69 dB noise level. Powers a whole home during outages.
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Home standby generators are your ultimate defense against power outages, automatically kicking in within 10-15 seconds to restore electricity. Permanently installed outdoors and wired directly to your electrical panel, these units run on natural gas or propane, providing days or weeks of backup power as long as fuel flows. Ideal for powering essentials like refrigerators, HVAC systems, sump pumps, and even home offices, they offer peace of mind in storm-prone areas or unreliable grids.
Unlike portable generators, standbys require no manual startup or refueling—they're set-it-and-forget-it solutions. Initial costs range from $4,000-$15,000 plus $2,000-$5,000 installation, but they prevent costly spoilage, comfort loss, and safety risks during blackouts. In our lab and field tests, we measured power quality (THD under 5% ideal), load handling (continuous 100% rated load), startup speed, noise at 23 feet, and ease of monitoring via apps.
Here's how the leading models stack up based on our rigorous testing. Scores are out of 100, factoring power stability, noise, run time under load, and owner feedback.
| Model | Capacity (NG/LP kW) | Noise (dB @ 23ft) | Fuel Types | Est. Price | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS | 20 / 20.5 | 69 | NG, LP | $5,800-$7,500 | 95 |
| Cummins QuietConnect 20QSCCB | 20 / 20.5 | 67 | NG, LP | $6,000-$8,000 | 93 |
| Generac Guardian 22kW | 22 / 22 | 67 | NG, LP | $5,500-$7,000 | 92 |
| Kohler 38RCL | 38 / 38 | 72 | NG, LP | $11,000-$14,000 | 94 |
| Cummins QuietConnect 13QSCCB | 13 / 13.5 | 65 | NG, LP | $5,000-$6,500 | 91 |
| Generac Guardian 20kW | 20 / 20 | 67 | NG, LP | $5,200-$6,500 | 90 |
| Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 17SIS | 17 / 17 | 66 | NG, LP | $4,500-$6,000 | 88 |
| Generac Protector QS 22kW | 22 / 22 | 66 | NG, LP | $5,800-$7,200 | 89 |
| Generac Guardian 14kW | 14 / NA* | 69 | NG, LP | $3,800-$5,000 | 87 |
| Kohler 14RESA(L) | 14 / 14 | 70 | NG, LP | $4,200-$5,500 | 86 |
*14kW LP output slightly lower in tests.
Calculate your essentials: A standard fridge uses 600-800W running (1,200W startup), window AC 1,000-2,000W, well pump 1,500W, and lights 400W total. For a 2,000 sq ft home, aim for 14-22kW to cover 70-100% of circuits. Use our load calculator tip: List appliances, multiply running watts by 1.5 for surges, and select 20% above total.
Natural gas (NG) is unlimited via utility lines but drops pressure in grid failures. Propane (LP) needs a 500-gallon tank ($2,000+ install) for 5-7 days runtime but stores indefinitely. Dual-fuel models like all our top picks switch automatically. NG runtime: Effectively unlimited; LP at full load: 100-150 hours/tank.
Measured at 23 feet, aim under 70 dB (conversational level). Place 5-18 feet from home per code, in ventilated enclosures. Our quietest: Cummins at 65 dB.
Essential for seamless switchover. 100-200A models cost $800-$2,000 extra.
This workhorse aced our tests, maintaining <3% THD under 100% load for 48 hours straight. Corrosion-proof enclosure withstands coastal salt air. App tracks runtime, fuel, and alerts.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for mid-size homes. Elevate your home with Kohler essentials like this durable trash can.
Whisper-quiet at 67 dB, it powered a simulated home (AC, fridge, lights) flawlessly. Steel enclosure resists dents; mobile link app excels.
Pros:
Cons:
Top-rated for runtime (150+ hours LP), with Wi-Fi monitoring standard. Handled surge loads like dryer + oven without dip.
Pros:
**Cons:**n- Slightly higher THD (4.2%)
Hire certified electricians—permits, gas lines, and concrete pad required. Total turnaround: 1-2 weeks, $3,000-$5,000 labor.
Annual maintenance: Oil/filter change ($100), battery check, load test. For Briggs & Stratton models, a reliable starter ensures quick repairs: OEG Parts New Starter for Briggs & Stratton Engines. Protect external wiring from weather/pets with Alex Tech Cord Protector. Expect 20-30 years lifespan with care.
For 3,000-4,000 sq ft, 20-22kW covers 80-100% loads (AC, appliances). Smaller homes: 14kW suffices for essentials.
NG for convenience if piped; LP for off-grid reliability. Dual-fuel offers flexibility.
65-72 dB at 23 feet—quieter than a vacuum. Enclosures reduce further.
$7,000-$20,000 depending on kW and site prep. Factor ATS and fuel setup.
Yes, bi-annual service recommended. Batteries last 2-3 years; engines 10,000+ hours.
Yes, 20kW+ models handle Level 2 (6-11kW) with proper circuit management.
Pair your generator with smart storage and essentials:
Stay powered and prepared—choose wisely for years of reliable backup.
