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12 kW Generator

Model 12RESV|Fuel Type Natural Gas & LPG
Starting at $4,283 MSRP*
Includes Automatic Transfer Switch?

*Final pricing will be determined by your dealer based on product customization and installation type. Select dealers offer financing options.


Rated kW LP12 kW
Rated kW NG11 kW
Amps LP50.0 amps
Amps NG45.8 amps
Peak Motor Starting kVA @240 V20.3 kVa
Alternator NoteAll information shown is for 1 Phase 60 Hz generator with the largest alternator option available.
Displacement725 cm³ (44 cu. in.)
HorsepowerNG 18 HP, LP 21.4 HP
Enclosure MaterialSteel
Sound Output During Weekly Exercise67 dB(A)
Sound output During Full-speed Operation71 dB(A)
Response Time10 seconds
WarrantyPremium five-year limited warranty
Country of OriginUS
Automatic Transfer Switch IncludedSold Separately
Remote Monitor AvailableIncluded
Off Grid / Utility backupUtility Backup
Weight433 lbs. (196 kg)
Alternator Type2-Pole, Rotating Field
Fuel Consumption on NG at 50% Load?128 cfh
Fuel Consumption on LP at 50% Load?57 cfh
ControllerRDC2 Controller
Cylinder ArrangementV-2
Dimensions 30.6 in. x 28 in. x 32.4 in. (777 mm x 712 mm x 824 mm)
Engine Manufacturer/DescriptionKOHLER
Engine ModelKT725 1.9L, 4-Cycle
Engin/Alternator RPM3600
Fuel TypeNatural Gas | LPG
Frequency60 Hz
PhaseSingle Phase
Voltage @60 Hzs120/240
Digital Voltage Regulation±1.0%

Great compact, entry level solution to keep the essentials powered when you need them.

Compact

Small footprint can be installed as close as 18" from your home

Pair with Solar/battery systems

Great to match with a solar battery system to extend your resiliance during long duration outages

Durability

Our generators feature commercial-grade engines tested for 2,000 hours of continuous operation and extreme conditions. Their enclosures are designed to endure winds up to 181 MPH, ensuring resilience and durability.

White Kohler home generator placed outdoors, surrounded by snow, demonstrating its durability, with snowflakes falling and a blue wall in the background.

Premium Warranty

Dealer travels 200 miles for service

Competition only covers 100 miles

5-year parts warranty

Competition only covers parts for 3 years

Extended warranty available

Contact a dealer to learn more.

Crafted for Excellence

Our generators offer a superior experience from day one and for years to come. Our durable design ensures your generator lasts longer, operates more quietly, and starts more efficiently under higher loads than competing models.

Stylized illustration revealing the internal mechanisms of a generator in operation, highlighting gears, wiring, and moving parts with artistic colors and design elements.
Cozy couple in the living room, softly lit by indirect light, chatting and laughing together.

How to buy a home generator

1

Contact us via phone or complete the free quote form

2

Get connected to a local certified KOHLER dealer

3

Receive a no-obligation quote for generator installation

4

Have your new generator installed by your dealer

From ice storms to a wedding day power outage, Anthony relies on his Kohler Home Generator to keep the power on in his home in upstate New York. - “I would recommend Kohler generators all day long.”

Anthony Carrino

Steve relies on his Kohler generator during outages in 1998, 2003 and 2011. "I have a feeling of security. There are no inconveniences to my life."

Steve Furman

Medical professional Paola installed a Kohler Home Generator after a major outage at her Texas home. Working remotely, power is essential for patient care and protecting her two kids.

Paola

Through Florida's tropical storms, Carol and Alan's Kohler Home Generator lets them stay home and support their community. "It makes perfect sense" to have backup power.

Carol and Alan

Louisiana resident Randy has used Kohler backup power for 26 years. A knowledgeable friend told him, "by far, it has to be Kohler" for reliability through major storms.

Randy

FAQs


The right generator size depends on your home's square footage, the number of appliances you want to power during an outage, and the complexity of the installation. Whether you're looking to back up your whole home or just the essentials, your local Kohler generator dealer will provide a personalized recommendation during your free in-home consultation.

Explore Generators

While we can provide MSRP pricing for KOHLER home generators and accessories, a full installation quote requires a personalized home assessment. That’s because generator installation costs vary based on several factors, including:

  • Your preferred fuel source (natural gas or propane) and whether it's already connected to your home

  • Local permitting requirements, which your certified KOHLER dealer will manage for you

  • Generator placement on your property, which impacts materials, labor, and code compliance

To ensure an accurate price, your KOHLER dealer will perform a free on-site consultation to evaluate your home’s layout and recommend the right generator size, location, and installation plan.

Get a free quote

KOHLER residential standby generators—including their engines—are designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA. While we partner with trusted global suppliers for select components, many key parts are sourced and manufactured in the United States to ensure premium quality and performance.

Choosing a KOHLER generator made in America means you're investing in reliable backup power, supported by over 100 years of U.S.-based engineering and innovation.

Learn more about our American legacy of innovation and reliability

While KOHLER does not directly offer financing, many of our certified KOHLER dealers provide generator financing options to make backup power more affordable. During your free in-home consultation, be sure to ask your dealer about available financing plans.

Find a dealer

KOHLER standby generators run on either natural gas or liquid propane (LP), making them a flexible solution for most homes. Our generators connect directly to your existing natural gas line or a liquid propane tank installed on your property. If your home doesn’t have natural gas service, your KOHLER dealer can help coordinate LP installation during the setup process.

Find a dealer

KOHLER standby generators are engineered to operate reliably in extreme weather conditions—including snowstorms, blizzards, and freezing temperatures. For homeowners in colder climates, we recommend using cold weather accessories to help your generator start and run smoothly when temperatures drop below 32°F.

KOHLER standby generators are not solar-powered, but they are used to back up solar systems in homes across the country. Because KOHLER standby generators connect to your home’s natural gas or liquid propane system, they are a great way to back up your solar system.

Start by completing our partner inquiry form to share more about your company. A KOHLER representative will follow up to schedule a discovery call and explore your potential fit.

If approved, you could become a certified KOHLER Generator partner in as little as 30 days—gaining access to industry-leading products, comprehensive training, and dedicated marketing support.

The key difference lies in what's included and how each model is configured:

  • RCAL Generators: These models include a transfer switch, making them a convenient, all-in-one solution for automatic backup power. They’re ideal for homeowners who want a bundled system for easier installation.

  • RCA Generators: For these models the transfer switch is sold separately, offering more flexibility for custom installations or upgrades.

Your local KOHLER dealer can help you choose the best model for your home’s needs - whether you want a pre-packaged system or a flexible setup tailored to your installation.

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