Quick Answer
Generac and Kohler (now rebranding as Rehlko) are both well-established residential standby generator manufacturers with national dealer networks. Both offer 7–26 kW units in natural gas or propane. Generac has the larger dealer network in most U.S. regions. Kohler/Rehlko's OnCue platform includes dealer remote-diagnostic connectivity. Local availability and your installer's brand familiarity often matter more than the brand name itself.
Key Takeaways
- 1Both brands cover the residential 7–26 kW range in natural gas or propane configurations.
- 2Generac has one of the largest U.S. residential dealer networks — often an advantage for parts and service availability.
- 3Kohler's OnCue monitoring includes a dealer-connectivity component for remote diagnosis, a useful service differentiator.
- 4Kohler's power systems business rebranded as Rehlko starting in 2024 — the underlying generator line continues under new branding.
- 5Installed cost ranges overlap significantly between the two brands — local dealer pricing matters more than brand-wide averages.
- 6Your installer's experience with a specific brand often matters more than the brand itself.
Two established options
Generac and Kohler are both well-established residential standby generator manufacturers with broad dealer networks across the U.S. Neither is objectively better in every situation — local dealer support and your installer's familiarity with a given brand often matter more than the brand name itself.
Where they're similar
Both offer residential units broadly in the 7–26 kW range, support natural gas or propane, and provide a remote monitoring app (Generac Mobile Link, Kohler OnCue). Typical installed cost bands overlap significantly between the two, and both are air-cooled at the residential kW tier.
| Factor | Generac | Kohler / Rehlko |
|---|---|---|
| Residential kW range | 7–26 kW | 7–26 kW |
| Fuel options | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Remote monitoring | Mobile Link (Wi-Fi + optional cellular) | OnCue (Wi-Fi + dealer connectivity) |
| U.S. dealer network | One of the largest in the country | Strong but smaller than Generac |
| Cooling type (residential) | Air-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Brand status | Generac | Kohler rebranding to Rehlko (2024–2025) |
| Typical installed cost | $9,000–$18,000 depending on kW | $9,000–$18,000 depending on kW |
Where local factors matter more
Generac has one of the largest dealer networks in the country, which can mean broader parts and service availability in some areas. Kohler's network is smaller but still substantial — availability really comes down to what's strong in your specific region. The side-by-side spec comparison lays out capacity, fuel, and cost differences directly.
A note on the Kohler-to-Rehlko transition
Kohler's power systems and engines business became a standalone company under the name Rehlko starting in 2024, with the rebrand continuing through 2025. Products and support may now be marketed under the Rehlko name in some regions even though "Kohler" remains the more commonly searched term for the same underlying generator line — worth being aware of so branding on a quote or a unit's nameplate doesn't seem unfamiliar.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- NFPA 70 — National Electrical Code — Governs the electrical wiring and transfer switch requirements referenced throughout residential generator installation.
- Generac Home Standby Generators — Manufacturer product documentation for Generac's residential standby line.
- Kohler Energy Is Now Rehlko — Manufacturer announcement confirming Kohler's power systems and engines business rebranded as Rehlko starting in 2024.
What should you do next?
Compare Generac and Kohler specs side by side to see how they stack up on capacity, fuel options, and cost.
Generac vs. Kohler Comparison →