Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator: Which Is Right for You?

Reviewed by [reviewed_by]

Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator vs Honeywell Generator – With the consequences of a hurricane and other catastrophes, many families are evaluating their disaster-preparedness plans.

One of the main things to plan for is your power supply… Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator vs Honeywell Generator.

A generator will help you in the event of a hurricane, tornado, power outage, and other long- and short term situations.

Generators are invaluable for countless other reasons as well. As blackouts are continually on the rise, in the United States especially, owning a generator is a smart idea.

In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the difference between Honeywell, Generac and Kohler generators.

You’ll learn what is important to consider for your situation and be able to make the choice between these popular models for yourself.

Best Generators at a Glance: Our Recommended Generators

  • Kohler Home Generator with Transfer Switch
  • Generac Home Standby Generator with Transfer Switch
  • Generac 7036 Guardian Air Cooled with Transfer Switch
  • Honeywell Air Cooled Generator

Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator vs Honeywell Generator

First, you need to decide if you want a standby generator or a portable generator. There are several options as both brands offer both models.

Generac standby generator, Kohler standby generator, Honeywell standby generator and Generac portable generator or Kohler portable generator.

Kohler Standby Generator

The Kohler standby generator is one of the most reliable home generators in the market. The build is powerful, consistent and long-lasting when it comes to supplying back-up electricity at home.

Generac Standby Generator Reviews

It is a permanently installed back up or standby generator that either runs on liquid propane or gas. The generator electrically protects your home, automatically, from blackouts, power surges, and/or outage.

Generac Generators Review

The Generac generators have developed an incredibly positive reputation very quickly.

Generac engine

Generac constructs their own, custom OHVI engines for their generators. Because of this customized engine, Generac generators last for a long time, making them a wise investment for those who plan to use their generators for years, even in commercial applications.

Additionally, these generators can create up to 2 MW of power.

Their pressurized lubrication means that they’ll last for a lot longer than other engines, without needing as many repairs/replacement parts.

How Long Will a Generac Generator Last

Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator
Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator

Generac Generators Enclosure

In terms of the enclosure, Generac generators have either steel or aluminum options.

As you’re likely aware, these materials are inflammable. This makes them a wise choice if you need to put them closer to a noncombustible surface.

However, if you live near salt water, make sure you select the aluminum enclosure option — a steel one will rust.

Generac Generators options

When it comes to buying a generator, many shoppers are impressed by the wide variety of options Generac offers. You can even select the color of generator you want.

Generac offers ranges of 6 kilowatts to 50 kilowatts, so it’s easy to find the amount of power you’ll need to keep your home or office running in any circumstances.

You can also find options that are specific to the environment that you live in, and well within your budget.

Generac Generators – Sound of silence

When it comes to customer satisfaction, there’s much to love about Generac generators. If you don’t want the loud rumble of a generator, then you should certainly consider Generac.

This is because their generators are designed to be much quieter than other options on the market. They can even run a self-test that’s as close to silent as possible.

Additionally, these generators are made with what Generac refers to as “G-Flex” technology. This means the engine self-adjusts according to the amount of energy you need.

Since they’re not running on high all the time, they’ll be much quieter. Plus, they’ll save you fuel.

Generac Generators commitment to the environment

If you’re interested in off-the-grid living, chances are you have a lot of love and respect for our earth.

You likely want your environmental impact to be as low as possible, even when it comes to the type of generator you purchase. This is another reason why so many people love Generac’s products.

First, the brand has made a commitment to continually testing and developing technology that will allow for generator users to reduce their footprint.

Additionally, there are lots of fuel options that lessen your impact on the land around you. One of the most popular is called Bi-Fuel. This is a combination of natural gas and diesel fuel. Its goal is to make your generator run for longer, while also lowering its amount of carbon emissions.

So, if going green is important to you, Generac generators are a great option.

Generac Generator Cost

The average cost of a Generac generator is about $1,500 to $2,000 for home use.

However, it can go as high as $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the type, series, edition, power or features of the Generac generator chosen. An expensive generator that costs so much is more likely to be an industrial type of generator. How to Find the Best Price on Generac Generators 

For something smaller and portable, consider the Generac GP5500. It provides lots of power for the price. Learn about what you can power with a Generac portable generator.

What Size Generator Do I Need

Kohler Generators

A competitor to Generac is Kohler generators. Kohler generators are another wonderful option when it comes to your power supply.

They’re one of the biggest names in the industry for a reason. Select the Correct Home Generator Size Calculator for what you want to power during an outage.

Kohler Generator Engine

When it comes to engine life, the two brands both have options that are designed to last for as long as possible. In fact, Kohler offers a 2,000 hour, or five-year, warranty on all of their standalone models.

However, what’s especially interesting about Kohler’s generators is that they are commercial-grade.

Kohler Generators automatically sense and switch on in the event of a power loss.

This means that, in the event of an outage, it will only be a few seconds before power is restored.

Unlike with a portable generator, this means you won’t have to brave going out into a dangerous storm just to switch on your generator.

If you’re concerned about safety, this is a huge plus.

Kohler generators know to automatically switch on because their standby generator models are installed permanently next to your home, and are always monitoring your power supply.

Additionally, Kohler engines are a bit sturdier than Generac engines. Therefore, if you live in a harsh environment, this is likely the option to go with.

Kohler Generator Enclosure

When it comes to enclosures, Kohler has more options than Generac does. You can choose between plastic, aluminum, and steel enclosures.

Unless otherwise specified, Kohler’s standard enclosure material is the plastic option.

Of course, since plastic can easily burn, you can’t place it as close to your home as you could a Generac generator (Of course, you could always choose another material.)

However, the plastic option is immune to corrosion. So, if you live in a place with plenty of salt in the air, this will likely be the better choice for you.

Kohler Generator’s history

Sometimes, no matter how good an offer from a new company sounds, you just feel more comfortable going with the brand that has a proven track record.

The same can certainly be said of generators.

Kohler has the resources to conduct serious quality testing, throughout both the design and the manufacturing process. Plus, they’ve been in business for nearly 100 years.

This means that their products have withstood the test of time. Additionally, it means that it’s much easier to get instant support when you need it.

If you’re having problems with your generator, you can easily get in touch with a representative of Kohler, to quickly get the problem solved.

Finally, the company’s size and influence mean that it has lots of local representatives in many different areas. This means you can meet with a specialist in person, should you ever want to. This kind of advice can be invaluable.

Honeywell Generator
Honeywell Generator

Honeywell Standby Generator

Powerful, reliable and versatile, this Honeywell Standby Generator is a fantastic way to ensure a constant stream of electric energy for your home, work site, camping site or anywhere else.

This purpose-built pressure-lubricated engine is capable of producing enough energy to power several appliances and machines at the same time.

Largely, this has to do with its 200-amp transfer switch, a device that converts fuel into electricity smoothly and at a consistent pace.

Due to its PrecisionPower technology, the Honeywell generator is capable of delivering power with less than five percent harmonic distortion, ensuring that your most sensitive electronics and appliances will not be negatively affected by its use.

Additionally, the device uses a series of fail-safes and security devices to guarantee a constant stream of electric power without dangerous sudden rises or inconsistencies.

Despite being remarkably stable and safe, Honeywell generators is capable of operating in the most rigorous conditions without missing a beat.

Its flexible fuel line connector delivers a steady stream of either natural gas or LP gas to the internal combustion engine.

There, the natural fuel is converted into energy that is sucked into the alternator.

In turn, this device takes the energy from the combustion and transforms it into high-quality electric power that is consistently fed to whatever appliances and electronic you need to operate.

Honeywell generators

Even though it’s remarkably powerful and consistent, Honeywell standby generators require less maintenance than most generators of its kind. Without a doubt, this has a lot to do with its expert construction and the high-quality materials it uses.

Both the combustion and the electricity-generating sections of the machine function fluently and stably.

Even better, they operate in perfect synchronicity, resulting in a continuous flow of electricity that allows several appliances and electronics to work seamlessly and at the same time.

Apart from all its main capabilities, the Honeywell Standby Generator has various additional features.

For example, its Quiet-Test allows users to verify that everything is running smoothly before activation.

Another fantastic feature that this standby generator has is its remote monitoring function. Allowing users to check the generator’s status and performance from anywhere in the world, this feature can help you maintain peace of mind.

As a matter of fact, it even allows direct communication with your authorized dealer for a proactive and satisfying customer service.

Pros of the Honeywell Generator

  • Very reliable
  • Includes self-testing mode
  • Allows remote monitoring of operating status
  • Includes maintenance alerts

Cons of the Honeywell Generator

  • Heavy
  • Large and clunky

Generac or Kohler or Honeywell: Which Will You Choose?

Trying to decide between Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator? If you have decided against a portable generator and want a standby generator, you will be happy with either the Generac or Kohler models.

Though perhaps the biggest difference between these two brands are the enclosure options, you need to consider price and availability.

There are many excellent generators on the market to consider. We’ve reviewed and compared Honda generators vs Champion vs Yahama and several other top generator brands available.

Of course, whether you’re into prepping, living off the grid, or just have a love for the great outdoors, a generator isn’t the only thing you need!

Spend some time on our website to evaluate how prepared you are for an incoming disaster, learn more about prepping, and connect with others who are interested in rural living.

Propane Generator Basic Information and Buying Guide

Why Buy a Generator?

You never know when you may need a backup power supply. As more and more people are living off the grid, consumer interest in generators is growing.

Others may require a generator for a life-saving medical device or as a backup power source for their work and livelihood. You may want one to safeguard a freezer of food.

No matter your reasons for buying a generator, what’s important is that you make the best decision for you and your lifestyle.

Generators are an investment — and you want to make a good one.

In the meantime, go out and find the generator you can rely on to always keep the lights on.

21 thoughts on “Kohler Generator vs Generac Generator: Which Is Right for You?”

  1. In know nothing about generators. But I do run a 3 bay VFD. So i need to know the best standby generator around w/o fooling around with gimmicks and sales. Just bottom line info, to the point.

  2. Can I run my Inverter generator in my food trailer 24/7.
    I only need to have it power all equipment 6 hours a day. However the Standup 23 cu ft freezer & 23 cu ft refer, and my 36″ dbl door sandwich refer and a 9.3 cu ft home chest freezer overnight & weekends.??. If not, other than Solar what is my best choice?

  3. NEVER run a generator in enclosed space. Exhaust and potential sparks (start fire) are dangerous and very likely. If, and only if, you place/run/operate the generator OUTSIDE, then should be fine. If it was me, I’d have several larger ‘Solar’ generators with lithium batteries (like Goal Zero) and 2 to 4 solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer.

  4. this is still not telling me which one better???
    if I need power business and home. Which one to buy to cover it all and secure and good price? all as package. ???

  5. In the 8th paragraph on the Honeywell generator its states that the fuel is “sucked into the alternator. Didn’t you mean carburetor? I seriously doubt that one would want to put the fuel into/through the alternator.

  6. After reading your article it seems to favor (in order) Generac then Kohler then Honeywell. Thus I would assume from your article the generator to go with is Generac. Although you don’t come right out and say that.

  7. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, but I do prefer Generac Generators…the Honeywell generators are growing on me

  8. I have been a generator technician for 11 years and am a journeyman level industrial tech. I have worked on almost every manufacturer. In terms of the largest companies it goes like this: Cummins – best, Kohler – second, Generac – third. As mentioned above a Honeywell is a rebranded generac. Kohler engines use hydraulic lifters eliminating need for valve adjustments. Kohler uses better transfer switch technology as well. Cummins is the quietest dB level. Generac has always been bottom of the line but have the best price point. They have gotten better over the years and the newest models are now using hydraulic lifters.

  9. Is generac the only option that has the G-Flex technology? I like the idea of the unit self adjusting based on the load, and another benefit would be the fuel savings and less noise.
    Also, with an extended power outage of say, 2 months, how long would it be before the generac unit needs service of some type? Thanks

  10. Good comments from Mathew above. Another thing to keep in mind is to realize Generacs Synergy and EcoGen generators use a very sophisticated controller for voltage regulation. Ask an experienced Generac Service dealer to explain it’s operation and complexity before committing. It is a completely different beast from Generacs other lines.
    The new 13 kW and 16 kW generators have hydraulic valves. This is a good thing because unfortunately many technicians are uncomfortable adjusting engine valves. The 22 kW has valves that need adjusting. But if you have a good generator mechanic, this is not an issue.
    Generac is a good generator if it is installed and serviced correctly.

  11. Sizing. I live in FL and have 2 central air units. These are a must to have on in the Summer as well as my refrigerator. Have all LED lights and DC motor fans. What size whole house generator would I need? Expected overall cost for installation. This would be a propane installation

  12. A 38 kw generator will get you close to 200 amps. The 20 kw and 22 kw will only get you 82 load amp on LP gas. So if you have 2 hvac heat pumps and all of your appliances are electric than grab a 38 kw with some load shedding and you should be ok.

  13. This concept is very good which give us information regarding the right Kohler generator vs generac generator in detail. It is a pleasure worth reading this article. I enjoyed reading this article and would suggest others to come in this particular blog and get all the information regarding it.

  14. I am so happy I found your blog and I absolutely love your information about kohler generator vs generac generator right and the tips you have shared are awesome.

  15. Kohler generators are my choice for backup power for my system. When the lights go off the generator kicks in instantly.

  16. I’ve heard that some models of Kohler home backup generators have had problems with their composite frames and aren’t being manufactured anymore ! True ?

Comments are closed.