Generac is perhaps the best brand in the generator manufacturing industry. We are comparing it with different brands one by one.
In this article, Generac will be compared with Kohler, another leading brand in the generator industry. In all the comparisons that we have been doing, Generac has been winning.
Let’s see whether Generac will have the upper hand here too. The idea is to promote the brand to our teeming readers and clients.
After going through this article, they should be able to decide which brand to purchase. Sometimes the better brand may not be the most suitable for you. In that case, you ought to think about your suitability first.
To look at the two brands, the primary factor we considered is upkeep. We accept that everybody needs a generator that is less expensive and simpler to maintain. We also considered the sort of fuel the two brands of generators use.
By and large, generators run on gas, diesel, propane, or gasoline, yet we urge individuals to purchase a generator that uses propane or natural gas. They are better and safer than diesel and gasoline.
Aside from the two factors, we likewise viewed the rate of fuel consumption, toughness, costs, noise level, warranty, remote monitoring, diagnostic tests, and after-sale support.
12 Major Differences between Kohler Generators VS Generac Generators:
1. Maintenance
As clarified before, simplicity of upkeep and cost of support are vital in picking a generator. Indeed, the expense of support is a higher priority than the expense of procurement since you’ll just buy the generator once.
However, you’ll continue to maintain it as long as you use it. Luckily, both Kohler and Generac generators are not difficult to maintain in light of the fact that they are solid and strong.
They hardly break down. Additionally, their parts are easily accessible. There’s no winner between the two brands here.
2. Fuel Type
You definitely know why we favor propane and natural gas to gasoline and diesel. It is better for you to purchase a generator that uses propane or natural gas.
The uplifting news is, numerous generators use both fuel types, and you’ll need to pick which one of the fuel types to go with.
Also, the better news is, both Generac and Kohler have generator models that are fueled with both liquified propane and natural gas. Thus, there’s no winner here. Kohler is truly giving Generac a tough competition.
3. Rate of Fuel Consumption
You certainly need a generator that will conserve your fuel, right? We need it as well. Most modern generators are fuel-efficient, butsome generators conserve fuel more than others.
We can tell you in the wake of testing four different Kohler generators that they are fuel-efficient. Then again, Generac generators also conserve fuel like Kohler generators.
Since propane and natural gas don’t burn as quickly as gasoline and diesel, you should focus on propane or natural gas. As per the consistent choice, Kohler and Generac have a tie in this region. None of them is superior.
4. Durability
This is another region where we can’t separate the two brands. We met the users of Generac generators and the users of Kohler generators and they all concurred that their generators are tough and durable. Truth be told, large numbers of them have been using their generators for quite a while.
We can’t test the generators long enough to confirm their durability since it will require years, yet we bank on what the users say. To end this part, we’ll consider it a tie between Kohler and Generac.
5. Prices
Whatever your budget is, you’ll find a suitable generator among Generac generators and you’ll also discover a suitable generator among Kohler generators. When you compare the prices of both brands, you’ll agree that Kohler offers more competitive prices than Generac.
Based on their power output, the prices of Generac generators are slightly higher. For instance, when you compare a 20KW Generac generator with a 20KW Kohler generator, you’ll find out that Kohler’s pricesare lower. It is the same for all categories of generators. Kohler wins here.
6. Availability of Parts
One feature that is often overlooked is the availability of parts. It is equally as important as the other features. When any part of your generator packs up, you need to change it as quickly as possible.
What happens if the part is not readily available? You may not be able to use your generator until the part is shipped to your location. This might take weeks or even months.
If the parts of your generator are readily available, you’ll be able to change its parts easily. When it comes to the availability of parts, no brand can match Generac.
This is because it has numerous distributors all over the United States. To end this section, we’ll state it clearly that the parts of Generac generators are more readily available.
7. Low Noise Level
There’s no punishment worse than using a noisy generator. You and your neighbors (if any) will have to cope with the noise. And when it becomes unbearable, your neighbors may report you to the appropriate authorities.
So, you must consider the noise level of your generator. Never buy any generator whose noise level is higher than 72dB at 23 feet away from your home.
Fortunately, the noise levels of Kohler and Generac generators range between 59.5dB and 72dB. Their noise levels are okay and there’s no distinction between them on this.
8. Variety
Although variety is one of the least important features of a generator, it’s still worthy of discussion. While some critics believe that if you’re able to get a generator that meets your needs, it won’t matter how many models the brand has.
However, we are averred to this. How good your choice is, depends on the number of options at your disposal. Generac is the winner in this category because it offers a wider variety of models than Kohler.
9. Warranty
This is another area where both Generac and Kohler have dominated. Nobody wants to spend thousands of dollars on a machine without enjoying some level of warranty.
That’s why we’re glad to inform you that both Kohler and Generac offer warranties on their products. While Kohler gives 2-5 years of warranties, Generac offers a 10-year limited warranty.
Don’t forget to find out what the warranty covers. It is important. Let’s end this section by making it clear that Generac is the winner here.
10. Remote Monitoring
Another distinguishing feature of Generac generators is the ability to monitor them through a mobile app. Once you install the mobile app on your phone, you can monitor your generator with the app even if you’re in Africa.
The app will give you the battery status at any given time. You’ll also be notified through the mobile app whenever the generator is due for maintenance. While you’re on vacation enjoying yourself somewhere, you can still monitor your generator through the mobile app.
Unfortunately, Kohler generators do not offer this feature. That’s why we’ll crown Generac on the aspect of remote monitoring. Generac is the clear winner here.
11. Diagnostic Tests
It is mandatory for standby generators to run a diagnostic test on themselves. Generators need to work regularly to be in perfect condition.
This may not be possible if power hardly goes out in your location. Remember, you’re already paying electricity bills. So, you may only get to use your generator when there’s a power outage.
This is why many generators have now been designed to start up and run for about 20 minutes every 7 days.
The test keeps them intact and it also checks if no component has broken down. Both Kohler generators and Generac generators run diagnostic tests on themselves. So, it is a draw here.
12. After-Sale Support
Both Kohler and Generac offer great after sale-support. You can reach either of them through email, online contact form, and voice calls. When you contact any of their customer care teams within official hours, your call will be picked at the very first attempt.
And when you shoot either of them an email, you’ll get a reply the following day. We can’t determine a winner here. We’ll give it to both brands.
Are Kohler Generators Made in China?
After investigation, we found out that Kohler generators are made near a village called Saukville, in Wisconsin, in the United States of America. As the business expanded, the company spread to other countries. At the moment, there are production plants in China and France.
And we have information that more production plants will be built in more countries. This is to cover different regions.
So, what is the advantage of building plants in other countries? The main advantage is the speed of delivery. When a buyer places an order, the generator will be shipped from the plant nearest to the buyer’s location. It will reduce the cost of logistics for the company and also increase the speed of delivery.
How Long Does a Kohler Generator Last?
We will answer this question in two ways. First, in terms of working hours, Kohler generators can work for more than 72 straight hours. However, that may not be realistic because its fuel tank cannot take enough fuel that will last the generator for 72 hours. And once the generator runs low on fuel, it will shut down on its own. You’ll have to refill it with fuel before you start it again.
Secondly, it’s not even advisable to allow your Kohler generator to work for more than 12 straight hours without allowing it to rest. If you continue to use the generator without allowing it to rest, you’ll increase the rate of wear and tear on the generator. And as such, you’ll shorten its lifespan.
In terms of its durability, Kohler generators can last for more than ten years if you take proper care of them. Many of its users have confirmed the durability of Kohler generators.
Can I Use a Generac Transfer Switch with A Kohler Generator?
It is a gamble that you should not dabble into. Yes, the Generac transfer switch has worked with some models of Kohler generators, but not all the models of Kohler generators. The reverse is also the same. A Kohler transfer switch has worked with some Generac generators, but not all.
What makes matters worse is that some desperate salespeople sometimes mislead buyers by lying just to sell what they have. Our advice is that you should use a Kohler transfer switch for a Kohler generator and use a Generac transfer switch for a Generac generator.
However, a company called “PSP” sells Kohler to Generac converters and Generac to Kohler converters for transfer switches. You can try either of the converters that suits your situation.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Generac Generator?
According to Generac, its generators can last for about twenty years on average. So, if you purchase a Generac generator and you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions, it could last for more than two decades. However, we don’t think you should use your generator for that long. You know that technology advances in the manufacture of generators very fast. That means within some years, your generator will become an old model. And it will lack the latest features in contemporary generators.
For instance, can you see anyone using the generator they bought over 20 years ago? No. It will be too old a model by now. So, no matter how durable your generator is, don’t use it for more than ten years before you change it.
Which Generator is More Expensive? Kohler or Generac?
It is hard to say one of them is more expensive than the others. This is because both Generac and Kohler have several models of generators and they come at different prices. As such, some models of Kohler generators are more expensive than some models of Generac generators. And in the same way, some Generac generators are more expensive than Kohler generators.
However, for generators of the same capacity, Generac offers lower prices than Kohler. We’ll advise you to select any model of either brand that suits you and fits your budget.
Are Kohler Generators Better Than Generac?
None is clearly better than the other because they both offer a wide range of generator models. We can only tell you that both brands are popular because they make high-quality, fuel-efficient, strong, and durable generators. That’s why we will recommend both brands.
However, when it comes to price, Generac offers lower prices for generators of the same kilowatts. So, if lower cost is a priority for you, go for Generac.
Final Word
Generac has continued to dominate the industry. Based on the summary of comparisons above, it is crystal clear that Generac won in more categories.
This report makes it clear that Generac generators are a better choice than Kohler. However, Kohler is a good choice too.
