Generator Brand Comparison: Which Manufacturer Builds the Best Home Standby?
Published: February 24, 2025 | By Robert Wilson, Power Systems Expert
Investing in a whole house standby generator is a significant decision—one that provides security and comfort during power outages for years to come. But with several major manufacturers competing for your business, how do you determine which brand deserves your trust and investment?
Four manufacturers dominate the residential standby generator market: Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and Cummins. Each brings distinct strengths, engineering philosophies, and support networks to the table, making the "best" choice dependent on your specific needs and priorities.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze these industry leaders across key factors including reliability, pricing, dealer support, and technological innovation, helping you make an informed decision for your home's backup power needs.
Generator Market Overview
Estimated market share percentages for residential standby generators in North America
Price ranges reflect generator unit cost only, installation adds $2,500-$5,000 depending on complexity
Quick Brand Overview
| Brand | Market Position | Key Strength | Typical Customer | Dealer Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generac | Market leader (40%) | Widespread availability, innovative features | Value-conscious homeowners seeking reliability | 10,000+ dealers (largest network) |
| Kohler | Premium position (25%) | Build quality, quieter operation | Quality-focused buyers willing to pay more | 5,000+ dealers globally |
| Briggs & Stratton | Value position (20%) | Engine expertise, competitive pricing | Budget-conscious homeowners | 3,000+ dealers nationwide |
| Cummins | Industrial heritage (15%) | Durability, commercial-grade engineering | Rural homeowners, frequent outage areas | 2,000+ dealers (many commercial-focused) |
Detailed Specification Comparison
This comprehensive table shows how these manufacturers stack up across critical specifications and features that matter most to homeowners.
| Specification | Generac | Kohler | Briggs & Stratton | Cummins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Wattage Range | 7kW - 26kW | 8kW - 30kW | 8kW - 25kW | 13kW - 25kW |
| Price Range (Unit Only) | $2,700 - $6,000+ | $3,000 - $7,000+ | $2,500 - $5,500+ | $3,500 - $7,500+ |
| Standard Warranty | 5 years (10 years on some models) | 5 years/2,000 hours | 4-6 years depending on model | 5 years/2,000 hours |
| Fuel Types | Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel | Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel | Natural Gas, Propane | Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel |
| Enclosure Options | Steel, Aluminum | Composite, Aluminum | Steel, Aluminum | Aluminum with e-coat |
| Remote Monitoring | Mobile Link™ | OnCue® Plus | InfoHub™ | PowerCommand® |
| Typical Noise Level | 66-70 dB | 64-69 dB | 68-72 dB | 62-67 dB |
| Cooling System | Air (standard), Liquid (premium) | Air (standard), Liquid (premium) | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Parts Availability | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Good (Better for commercial) |
| Retail Availability | Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, Dealers | Select retailers, Authorized dealers | Home Depot, Lowe's, Dealers | Authorized dealers only |
In-Depth Brand Profiles
Generac Highlights
- Founded: 1959
- Headquarters: Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Flagship Model: Guardian Series
- Unique Feature: Mobile Link™ monitoring
- Dealer Network: 10,000+ worldwide
- Website: generac.com
Generac: The Market Leader
Generac holds the lion's share of the residential standby generator market, with approximately 40% market penetration. The company pioneered affordable home standby generators in the 1980s and has maintained its leadership through innovation, broad availability, and an extensive dealer network.
Key Strengths
- Widest range of sizes and configurations for residential use
- Industry-leading Mobile Link™ remote monitoring technology
- Largest dealer and service network in the industry
- Readily available parts and comprehensive support
- Broad retail availability through major home improvement stores
Potential Drawbacks
- Some models have higher noise levels compared to premium brands
- Rapid growth has occasionally led to quality control issues
- Dealer service quality can vary significantly
Generac's broad product lineup makes them a versatile choice for most homeowners. Their generators range from affordable entry-level units to premium whole-house systems. The company's focus on innovation has resulted in user-friendly features like automatic weekly testing and smartphone integration.
Kohler Highlights
- Founded: 1873 (Power Systems: 1920)
- Headquarters: Kohler, Wisconsin
- Flagship Model: RESOL Series
- Unique Feature: PowerBoost™ technology
- Dealer Network: 5,000+ globally
- Website: kohlerpower.com
Kohler: The Premium Contender
Kohler brings a century of power generation experience to their home standby generators. With about 25% market share, they position themselves as a premium alternative with a focus on build quality, reliability, and quieter operation.
Key Strengths
- Industry-leading 5-second response time during outages
- Superior power quality with minimal harmonic distortion
- Corrosion-resistant enclosures designed for harsh environments
- Generally quieter operation than comparable models
- PowerBoost™ technology manages high starting loads without oversizing
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher initial purchase cost than Generac or Briggs & Stratton
- Smaller dealer network, especially in rural areas
- Less retail availability, primarily sold through authorized dealers
Kohler's generators appeal to homeowners prioritizing quality and longevity over initial cost. Their units feature commercial-grade components and are known for exceptional reliability, particularly in harsh weather conditions. The company's long history in power systems gives them credibility with discerning buyers.
Briggs & Stratton Highlights
- Founded: 1908
- Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Flagship Model: PowerProtect™ Series
- Unique Feature: Symphony® II load management
- Dealer Network: 3,000+ nationwide
- Website: briggsandstratton.com
Briggs & Stratton: The Value Option
Holding approximately 20% of the market, Briggs & Stratton leverages over a century of small engine manufacturing expertise in their standby generator line. They offer a value-oriented alternative with competitive features at lower price points.
Key Strengths
- Competitive pricing with good feature sets
- Extensive small engine expertise (core company strength)
- Symphony® II power management allows whole-house coverage with smaller units
- Good availability through major retailers and dealers
- Strong presence in suburban and rural markets
Potential Drawbacks
- Slightly higher noise levels than premium brands
- Shorter standard warranty on some models
- Remote monitoring options less sophisticated than competitors
Briggs & Stratton generators are particularly appealing to budget-conscious homeowners who still want reliable backup power. Their units provide core functionality without some of the premium features of higher-priced competitors, making them a practical choice for many households.
Cummins Highlights
- Founded: 1919
- Headquarters: Columbus, Indiana
- Flagship Model: QuietConnect™ Series
- Unique Feature: Cold weather performance
- Dealer Network: 2,000+ (many commercial-focused)
- Website: cummins.com
Cummins: The Commercial-Grade Choice
With approximately 15% of the residential market, Cummins leverages its industrial expertise to create exceptionally durable home standby generators. They're the newest entrant to the residential market among these major players, but bring decades of commercial power generation experience.
Key Strengths
- Industry-leading durability and longevity
- Excellent cold weather performance (starts reliably at -22°F)
- Quietest operation in class (as low as 62 dB)
- Superior power quality (<2% harmonic distortion)
- All models are liquid-cooled for better performance under load
Potential Drawbacks
- Highest initial purchase price among major brands
- Limited residential dealer network in some regions
- Fewer residential size options (starting at 13kW)
Cummins generators are ideal for homeowners in extreme environments or those who prioritize long-term reliability over initial cost. Their commercial heritage translates to exceptionally robust residential units that excel in harsh conditions and under heavy loads.
Which Brand Is Right For You?
| If Your Priority Is | Best Choice | Runner Up | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value / Budget | Briggs & Stratton | Generac | Competitive pricing with good reliability and retail availability |
| Reliability & Longevity | Cummins | Kohler | Commercial-grade components and superior engineering for extended life |
| Widespread Support | Generac | Briggs & Stratton | Largest dealer network and readily available parts/service |
| Quietest Operation | Cummins | Kohler | Superior sound insulation and dampening technology |
| Smart Features | Generac | Kohler | Advanced monitoring, diagnostics, and smartphone integration |
| Cold Weather Performance | Cummins | Kohler | Designed to start and run reliably in extreme cold (-22°F) |
| Overall Value | Generac | Briggs & Stratton | Balance of price, features, and support network |
Expert Buying Advice
While brand reputation is important, several other factors should influence your generator purchase decision:
1. Proper Sizing Is Critical
The right generator size matters more than brand. An undersized unit will struggle and potentially fail during extended outages, while an oversized one wastes money and fuel.
2. Dealer Quality Matters
Even the best generator brands are only as good as their local dealer support. Installation quality and timely service significantly impact your experience and generator lifespan.
3. Consider Total Cost of Ownership
Look beyond the initial purchase price. Factor in maintenance requirements, fuel efficiency, and expected lifespan. A more expensive generator might actually cost less over its service life.
4. Evaluate Your Specific Needs
Consider your local climate, outage frequency, and critical power needs. For example, coastal homes might prioritize corrosion resistance, while northern regions need reliable cold-weather starts.
Installation Considerations By Brand
| Brand | Typical Installation Requirements | Installation Complexity | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generac | 3" concrete pad, 18" clearance from buildings | Moderate | Some models include composite pad, reducing installation cost |
| Kohler | 3" concrete pad, 18" clearance | Moderate | Premium OnCue monitoring requires professional setup |
| Briggs & Stratton | 3" concrete pad, 18" clearance | Standard | Symphony II load management optional but recommended |
| Cummins | 4" concrete pad, service clearance varies | Moderate to Complex | Liquid cooling requires additional setup considerations |
Installation costs typically range from $3,000-$5,000 depending on complexity, regardless of generator brand. Always hire a licensed electrician and authorized installer familiar with your chosen brand.
Ready to Find a Dealer?
Now that you understand the strengths of each brand, the next step is finding a reputable dealer who can provide proper installation and ongoing support for your generator.
FIND AUTHORIZED DEALERS NEAR YOUWe'll connect you with certified installers for your preferred generator brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one brand clearly better than the others?
No single brand is universally "best" for all situations. Each manufacturer has strengths that may make them ideal for specific needs. Generac offers the best overall value and support network, Kohler and Cummins excel in quality and durability, while Briggs & Stratton provides excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
Do I need to use the same brand's transfer switch?
While generators will technically work with compatible transfer switches from other manufacturers, using the same brand ensures optimal performance and simplified warranty service. Smart features like load management typically require same-brand components to function properly.
How important is the brand compared to proper sizing?
Proper sizing is more important than brand selection. An undersized premium generator will still fail to meet your power needs, while an appropriately sized "value" brand will serve you well. Always prioritize correct sizing over brand preference.
Can I install a generator myself to save money?
Professional installation is strongly recommended regardless of brand. Generator installation involves complex electrical work, fuel connections, and permitting that requires licensed professionals. All manufacturers recommend professional installation, and many warranties are void if not professionally installed.
Related Articles
Top 5 Home Standby Generators for 2025
Our comprehensive review of the best home standby generators across all brands.
Generator Sizing Calculator
Determine the exact generator size your home needs with our interactive tool.
Honeywell Generator Review
Our in-depth review of the Costco Honeywell 18kW standby generator (manufactured by Generac).
Types of Generators Explained
Understand the differences between standby, portable, and inverter generators.
Key Takeaways
- Generac offers the best balance of value, dealer support, and features for most homeowners
- Kohler provides premium quality and reliability with exceptional power management
- Briggs & Stratton delivers solid performance at more affordable price points
- Cummins excels in extreme conditions with commercial-grade durability
- Consider your specific needs, local support, and total ownership cost when choosing a brand
- Proper sizing and professional installation are more important than brand selection
- All four major brands offer quality products that will provide reliable backup power when properly maintained
