Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder - 6250/8500W Portable Generator
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder (30728) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,250 W and a starting wattage of 8,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Storm Ready, this is the ideal quick response generator!
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder
In short, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is equipped with a 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 6,250W alongside a starting wattage of 8,500W.
Its starting mechanism relies on a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
The Storm Responder boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 7.5 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 11 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.68 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:
Since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the Storm Responder is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
Portability
At L28 x W27 x H28 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its 210 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
A digital StatStation™ data center, one of the features of the Storm Responder's control panel, gives you information on the power output and lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.
The Storm Responder also benefits from Briggs & Stratton’s CO Guard™ (opens in a new tab) carbon monoxide shutdown. This new patent-pending technology uses advanced algorithms to shut down the generator when harmful levels of carbon monoxide accumulate in the generator's operating area.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Briggs & Stratton also included a extension cord in the Storm Responder's packaging.
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder compare to generators of similar power (between 5500 and 6500 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 210 pounds, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is one of the heavier generators producing between 5500 and 6500 running watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Champion 201239 stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 111.6 pounds.
- With around 11 hours of runtime at 50% load, the Storm Responder provides a higher run time when compared to similarly powerful products. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Pulsar PG7500, which is able to run for around 13 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.68 GPH at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.38 GPH, the DuroMax XP7000iHT is a device you could look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 5500-6500W generators, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO Guard™ technology
- GFCI Outlets
- High run time
- No 50-amp output
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (210 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,250 W |
| Starting watts | 8,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 52.1/26 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 70.8/35.4 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 11 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Power output and lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 7.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 210 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28 x 27 x 28 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Extension cord and wheel kit |
| UPC | 011675307288 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Briggs & Stratton
Founded in 1908, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Briggs & Stratton is a well renowned American based gasoline engine manufacturer. While the company mainly focuses on engines – including outdoor, power tool, karting, cast iron and aluminum models, power generators are a crucial component of their portfolio as well – Briggs & Stratton provides both portable and standby solutions for casual users with full support, including installation. The company operates on a global scale, with 13 facilities spread across all the of the continents.
Warranty Information
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Briggs & Stratton generators, please consult Briggs & Stratton's warranty policies stated in the user manual (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support : 1-800-743-4115.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Waffle iron | 750 | 750 | |
| Total | 4967 W | 6442 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4985 W | 5405 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3980 W | 8480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




User Reviews
I have 2 of these. One is several years old with 92 hrs on it…..works great. The other one is fairly new with 19 hrs on it, but it shuts off when using 60%.
My generator worked great the only time i had to use it. Now i was just trying to start it and the start pull cord broke.
Not the rope but the rewind spring? I just need to order the casing and rewind compartment but can’t find anything just for parts. Is this so I need to contact a repair dealership. It’s only 3 bolts to repair>>>
Above expectations during the 2022 hurricane black out.Runing time was extended but the job was great for us without problems during the 5 days without power.We just moved to Florida and the Storm Responder was the only choose at short notice but seems was the right one .
Had for a year and never even put gas in it. A tropical storm came and I gassed it up in preparation. After only ten minutes or so running my camper at 20% load, it stopped providing power. The motor ran fine, but no juice and the display was cycling on and off. I took it to a certified Briggs and Stratton repair shop and they had to replace the circuit board. Usually it’s covered under warranty for the first year, but I was a month over. After part and labor, the bill was almost $600 for a generator I paid $800 for. I works fine now, but I have $1,400 in a generator that only performs at an $800 level.
Bought one a few years back and it has been good so far. Pretty much ran my whole house minus the AC ( i diddnt try). Theres 2 things i can complain about, 1. I went through a break in procedure of running it for 30 min , letting it cool off and changing the oil ( running royal purple break in oil) and the amount of metal that came out of the oil was pretty surprising. Im a gear head and have not seen many engines dump this much metal in the oil for the first 5 oil changes. It did clear up after about 5 oil changes and there seems to be no more flake now. 2. The noise, it is a loud generator, very loud. But it works well for me and seems to be of decent quality materials. Overall i am very pleased with this generator and would recommend it , just follow a break in procedure and it will last for years to come!
Worse generator I’ve ever owned !!….. I bought two of these pieces of crap and both died within 20hrs of running…. Don’t waste a cent on this garbage !!!!
See the bottom pros and cons.
I purchased the 8500 Storm Responder today. We were ravaged by Hurricane Laura and will be without power for weeks. So was super happy to get it after 4 days of suffering. BUT I purchased it from L***s and they offered zero warranty. They said Briggs and Stratton will cover any issue. Well the Stat Station does not light up or give me any information.