Standby Gas Generators are an important part of any emergency preparedness plan. They're designed to run on fuel sources such as propane or natural gas, and can provide electricity for many hours during a power outage. In this article, we will answer some common questions about standby gas generators, review the top three models in the market today, and offer helpful tips that every prospective buyer should know before they make their purchase decision!
Comparsion Table
| Model | Natural Gas Running Watts | Noise Level | Start Type | Editor’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator Check Price |
7500 | 59 dBA | Electric Start | 8.6 |
| Briggs & Stratton 40346 |
18000 | 68 dBA | Electric Start | 7.9 |
| Generac 7033 Guardian Series Check Price |
10000 | 64 dBA | Electric Start | 7.9 |
| Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS |
18000 | 69 dBA | Electric Start, Remote Start | 7.8 |
| Briggs & Stratton 40415 |
15300 | 69 dBA | Electric Start | 7.5 |
#1. Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator Review
Living in area frequented by power blackout due to natural disasters can be very frustrating especially if the area is very cold. To avoid this Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator is comes hardy to sort out all your power problems.
The unit is designed in a way that it can operate under any condition talk of sub-zero temperature or even extreme heat. The unit is totally automatic and is the quietest in class this means you do not wake up the neighbors when it goes on in the middle of the night.
Why Champion 8.5-kW Home standby generator
Reliable: this unit can operate in sub-zero or extreme heat (between -22° F and 104° F) with no warming kit necessary, plus the generator performs weekly self-diagnostic tests this makes it most reliable home standby generator.
Extremely powerful: when using propane as fuel it has the ability to provide 8500 watts continuous power while when using natural gas it produces 7500 watts these is enough to power any device.
Dual fuel technology: this generator engine is designed to runs using natural gas or propane; hence, the user has the option of choice on the fuel to use based on financial capability.
Clean power: our equipment safety is paramount, this generator produces clean power with less than 5% total harmonic distortion (THD) this mean all our sensitive electronics such as TVs, Laptops, and smartphones can be connected.
Conclusion
Easy to assemble, and easy to use. Great product buys at a great price!
Warranty
Champion 8.5-kW Home standby generator has a 10-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Propane Running Watts: 8500
- Natural Gas Running Watts: 7500
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 59 dBA
- Inverter: no
- Start Type: Electric Start
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas, Propane
- CARB Compliant: CARB Compliant
Our grades
Pros
- This unit is not very large and is very quiet as compared to outside (open) generators, its noise level is about 59.5 dBA
- Champion support includes 10-year limited warranty
- Easy to start, in case of power blackout it starts automatically
- Reliable and durable (the most reliable backup generator)
- EPA certified and CARB compliant in 50 states
Cons
- This unit has no wheels which is a really big challenge when users want to transfer it to another place
- Some users have complained that this unit vibrates a lot
#2. Briggs & Stratton 40346 20kW - Home Standby Generator System
Have you ever thought of a dependable standby generator for your power problem? Briggs & Stratton 40346 is all you need if you are located in an area that experience frequent natural disaster and you need that generator that can sort out all your appliances with power in such occurrence.
This generator is most preferred due to the fact that it features split amp transfer switch that connects to an electrical system to your home. It starts automatically when there is power blackout, is that not cool!
Why prefer Briggs & Stratton 40346 20kW
Dual fuel technology: this generator engine is designed to runs using natural gas or propane; hence, the user has the option of choice on the oil to use. Propane will require an on-site storage tank that can be buried while natural gas can be provided by the local provider.
Durable: to ensure it last longer it base is made of stainless steel to which it resists rust while the enclosure is made of corrosion resistant aluminum.
More power: Briggs & Stratton's Symphony Power System enable the production of power enough to run 2 air conditioning units at the same time. This is a big plus for those loving area frequented with a blackout.
Conclusion
For a solid reliable home backup generator this the best choice. Run multiple air conditioning units without the need to utilize power shedding.
Warranty
Briggs & Stratton 40346 has a 5-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Propane Running Watts: 20000
- Natural Gas Running Watts: 18000
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 68 dBA
- Inverter: no
- Start Type: Electric Start
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas, Propane
- CARB Compliant: CARB Compliant
Our grades
Pros
- This unit comes with a five-year warranty
- It can power appliances when compared to other generator and also very important can power two AC units
- Lots of efficient power
- Easy to install and operate
Cons
- Non-functional parts, previous users have confessed of having a challenge where the stepper motor or the governor not working properly, therefore, it runs full speed until it shut itself off
- Although from the manufacturer they claim automatic style exhaust system and dampening technology is employed to make it relatively quieter but the truth is this unit is very noisy
- It very heavy you will require a friend when installing
- Very large transfer box
#3. Generac 7033 Guardian Series - 11,000 Watt Generator for Whole House
Finding the right standby generator that can meet the power that your home needs to stay on during an outage can be challenging, worry no more True Power Technology has come up with Generac 7033 Guardian Series 11KW/10KW that can deliver best in class power quality with less than 5% total harmonic distortion (THD) this mean all our sensitive electronics such as TVs, Laptops, and smartphones can be connected.
This unit is the best back-up when connected to your propane or natural gas fuel supply, it kicks in within seconds of sensing power loss – automatically – and runs for so long as necessary until utility power returns.
Why Generac 7033 Guardian Series 11kW/10kW
Durable: to ensure it last longer it base is made of stainless steel to which it resists rust while the enclosure is made of corrosion resistant aluminum coated with rhino coat powder finish to make it more resistant to corrosion.
Easy monitoring: this unit is mobile linked for remote monitoring this ensures that the user can monitor its working from any part of the world using the smartphones, tablets, or PC.
Dual fuel technology: this generator engine is designed to runs using natural gas or propane; hence, the user has the option of choice on the fuel to use.
Conclusion
While it relatively expensive, this unit has the ability to supply your entire house with power.
Warranty
Generac 7033 Guardian Series 11kW/10kW comes with 5 Year Limited Warranty.
Specifications
- Propane Running Watts: 11000
- Natural Gas Running Watts: 10000
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 64 dBA
- Inverter: no
- Start Type: Electric Start
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas, Propane
- CARB Compliant: CARB Compliant
Our grades
Pros
- The unit variable speed operation automatically adjusts based on the appliance you run which is a big thumb up
- Its mobile Link Remote Monitoring lets you check in on the generator while away from home
- Very quiet operation running at a lower RPM
- Aluminum case on the motor is safe for use in all climates hence last longer under any condition
- LED indicators
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
Cons
- Some customers have complained of buying this unit with a design flaw that causes it to leak oil and the unfortunate thing is that repair kit is not guaranteed
- Due to its nature, it must be installed by a professional after purchasing it this translates to more overhead to the user
- Most customer claim is that the Generac doesn’t honor its warranty claims
#4. Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS 20kW Review
Purchasing the right standby generator where the market is flooded with much different kind of generators to choose from and lack of adequate knowledge of the right unit to use during the unexpected blackout can lead to buying of the wrong unit.
The good news is that you need to worry any more KOHLER 20RESCL-200SELS 20KW generator is all you need. This KOHLER generator is designed to switch on automatically in as little as 10 seconds when your power goes out, allowing you to enjoy real peace of mind even when you are away from home.
Why prefer KOHLER generator
Durable: this unit rugged enclosure is corrosion resistant to protect it against all-weather elements and has been impact tested under ultra-cold conditions of 30 Fahrenheit degrees below zero.
Premium power quality: this generator is designed to +/-1% voltage regulation and less than 5% harmonic distortion this ensure all your sensitive garget is saved while using it.
Quiet operation: this unit has low decibel levels similar to central air unit and rated according to EGSA (electrical generating systems association) standards.
Dual fuel technology: this generator engine is designed to runs using natural gas or propane; hence, the user has the option of choice on the fuel to use based on financial capability.
Conclusion
Get KOHLER generator to avoid frustration during an emergency.
Warranty
Kohler gives you a warranty that lasts for 5 years or 2,000 hours of usage.
Specifications
- Propane Running Watts: 20000
- Natural Gas Running Watts: 18000
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 69 dBA
- Inverter: no
- Start Type: Electric Start, Remote Start
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas, Propane
Our grades
Pros
- The liquid-cooled design keeps it from overheating with heavier loads hence able to last longer
- Provides instant power after a failure within 10 seconds
- Will automatically transfer or reduce the power supply based on the appliances used
- 2000 hour or 5-year warranty
Cons
- Many customers have complained that whenever their units break down Kohler does not honor the warrant, therefore, the user is forced to source another person which increases the overhead
- The cooling of this unit is by liquid cooled system just in case of break many users find it expensive to repair
#5. Generator Briggs & Stratton 40415 17kW 3-Phase
Are you looking for a generator that will help keep your family safe, comfortable and free from the stress that comes with power outages, look no more Briggs & Stratton Power Products 40415 17kW will provide your home with automatic backup power when you need it. This unit comes with 100 amp transfer switch can provide enough power to the whole house. High power produced can meet the need of most heavy power consumer home appliances among them two 5-ton air conditioning units.
Why prefer Briggs & Stratton Power Products 40415 17kW
Reliable engine: this unit is powered by commercial-grade Vanguard engines which produce enough power for most machines.
Durable: it’s made of Galvanneal steel enclosures which are rust resistant this gives the unit long year of services.
Safe power: the unit has Symphony II Power Management which is designed to automatically balance the power needs this ensures sensitive gadgets are saved while using this generator.
3 Phase 208V: Briggs & Stratton has developed a 3-phase solution without the 3-phase price tag.
Conclusion
It is pocket-friendly and quieter compared to others; get the value of your money.
Warranty
Briggs & Stratton Power Products 40415 17kW has Comprehensive 5-year parts, labor, and travel limited warranty.
Specifications
- Propane Running Watts: 17000
- Natural Gas Running Watts: 15300
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 69 dBA
- Inverter: no
- Start Type: Electric Start
- Fuel Type: Natural Gas, Propane
Our grades
Pros
- This unit has little longer five-year warranty
- Reliable and Durable
- Generates up to 17,000 watts when used with LPG (propane)
- It is quieter when compared to other of this size when in operation
- Three-phase electric power
Cons
- Due to its nature, it must be installed by a professional after purchasing it this translates to more overhead to the user
- Although from the manufacturer they claim automatic style exhaust system and dampening technology is employed to make it relatively quieter but the truth is this unit is very noisy
- It very heavy you will require more than one person installing and it’s also a little bit a challenge when transferring to another place due to its heavy weight
Briggs & Stratton 40346 has 208,725 BTU/HR
Naturally, the gas line and appliances would be connected to where the gas line enters your house. I've heard that our winters, which can be pretty severe, cause the ground to move up and down. I'd estimate it to be an inch or two at most but am unaware of it's accuracy.
1. I should place what kind of foundation on? What should I should fill it with, such as concrete or gravel?
2. If hooked to the natural gas line, what would happen if ANY movement? The gas line would then probably fracture or leak. Do they ever connect the gas line with a flexible hose to work around any jerks or abrupt movements?
A foundation that will give both vertical and horizontal resistance to the ground movement is needed. Only one can be achieved as there are limitations as to how one would go about it. The first option in generally cheaper but can only provide horizontal resistance so if you were to choose this method then the foundation must be strong enough to resist the ground movement, plus the generator's weight (with the snow on top of course). The concrete has to be well-anchored into the ground. In addition, you would need a much larger area of concrete than if you were only providing vertical resistance.
No. The gas line is welded on to the house. And all of my local gas companies said that it would not affect anything because sometimes they have to snake a 20 foot long flexible metal pipe into peoples houses from the outside when there is no room for workers inside (for maintenance, etcetera).
If I'm not mistaken, if the gas line were attached with a flexible metal hose to begin with then it would be fine (with no jerks or abrupt movement). The least of which being that you wouldn't have to get out into the cold.