Kohler 12RESV 12kW Generator Features:
Kohler 12RESV 12kW Home Standby Generator
The Kohler 12RESV 12kW Home Standby Generator delivers reliable whole-home backup power in a compact, modern, and installation-friendly design. Engineered for today’s sensitive electronics, it provides clean, stable power with less than 5% total harmonic distortion—protecting appliances, HVAC systems, computers, and smart-home technology during outages. Featuring Kohler’s bold steel enclosure, quiet performance, and automatic startup within seconds, the 12RESV is a proven choice for homeowners who want dependable protection and minimal maintenance.
At the heart of the 12RESV is the Kohler Series 7000 KT725 V-twin engine, designed for strong, air-cooled performance and easy field conversion between natural gas and LPG. The RDC2 digital controller—shown on pages 1 and 3 of the spec sheet—monitors voltage, frequency, engine temperature, oil pressure, battery health, runtime hours, and more, while offering programmable exercise modes and built-in Ethernet for OnCue® Plus remote monitoring. With fuel consumption as low as 6.1 m³/hr NG or 2.9 m³/hr LPG at full load (page 3), the system delivers power efficiently while maintaining emissions compliance for both fuel types.
Designed for simplified installation, the 12RESV includes a corrosion-protected steel enclosure, a steel base, a hinged locking roof, and through-wall fuel and electrical connections—eliminating the need for slab stub-ups. The enclosure is rated to withstand 181 mph winds (page 1) and uses UL 94 HF-1 flame-retardant sound-deadening foam to keep noise levels low. During weekly exercise, sound averages 67 dB, with a lowest-point reading of 64 dB (page 3). Kohler backs this generator with a 5-year limited warranty, reinforcing its reputation for long-term residential reliability.
Key Features
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12 kW standby power (NG or LPG operation)
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Kohler Series 7000 KT725 V-twin OHV engine
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RDC2 digital controller with full diagnostics and OnCue® Plus remote monitoring (page 3)
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Clean, stable output with total harmonic distortion <5%
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Quiet performance: 67 dB average, 64 dB lowest-point measurement
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Fuel-efficient operation: 6.1 m³/hr NG or 2.9 m³/hr LPG at 100% load
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Steel enclosure with durable powder-coat finish and 181 mph wind rating
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Hinged, locking roof for easy access
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Through-wall fuel and electrical connections for cleaner, faster installation
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Field-convertible natural gas or propane system
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Digital voltage regulation (±1.0% RMS)
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UL 2200 listed; EPA certified fuel system
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5-year limited residential warranty
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Got the unit installed. Contractor was busy on...
Got the unit installed. Contractor was busy on other installs. Installed 5/10/25
Perfect install and ran good. -
What...
I still have not received the generator yet
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Kohler 12RESV from AP...
Purchased this generator after my old portable generator had issues operating post Hurricane Beryl and needed an upgrade. Couldn’t find anything respectable in the Houston area and have always preferred the Kohler brands. Ordered online and it arrived right on time after 5 days (from Wisconsin to Houston). Very easy to install and could not be more pleased with the product and service.
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12resv Koehler generator
Machine operated great had easy installation 2 Koehler stand by just a little disappointed about OnCue not able to start generator when I want other wise good product
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Perfect for my Needs
After 2 years of periodic research, I decided that the 12RESV generator was the best fit for my standby power needs. Kohler has a long history of building quality generators; other heavily marketed brands just don't fair well when you evaluate the quality of individual components used. My Kohler-certified installer had this 12RESV up and running in about 6 hours -- started on the first crank. He mounted it to a thick, reinforced concrete pad I had constructed. There is zero discernible vibration on the pad from the generator -- very well internally dampened. With the top cover closed, the 12RESV is very quiet -- noticeably quieter than a ride-on lawn mower. I'm running this on natural gas, backing up power to a 100A panel containing all of my critical devices (e.g., sump pump, furnace fans, aerobic system, etc.). My 12RESV was manufactured in April 2015, so it had been in a warehouse a full year before I ordered it. Utilizing a Kohler-certified installer, the 5-year warranty started the day it was installed. Nice to have the peace of mind an on-demand, stand-by generator brings. With frequent power outages due to Oklahoma's tornadoes, high winds and ice storms, I'm happy to have a Kohler waiting to kick on!
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Kohler working with solar
Good unit , easy to install, and works great for home owners
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Awesome Generator
This thing fired right up and after initial programming was performed it works like it is supposed too! My only complaint was the shipping carton wrapped around it allowed the carton to rub the unit and take the paint off in one small area. Other than this I have not complaints about the quality or construction.
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Small footprint
Bought this Kohler 12RESV 12 kW generator because the foot print of the generator is much smaller than that of other generator manufacture's. Easy install. Great price and came with a free battery that saved me about $100. Would buy again
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Solid
Not much to say besides Kohler makes a great 12kW generator. We did not need to power up all the circuits in our house and that was the reason we went with the Kohler 12RESV 12kw generator. Very pleased with its performance so far. Great order tracking from AP Electric. We had lots of questions before our purchase. These guys really know there stuff.
