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Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder
In summary, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is a portable generator especially useful for:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder's core is the 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 6,250W and a peak wattage of 8,500W.
This generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The Storm Responder can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.68 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 7.5 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
As the Storm Responder holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
With its dimensions of L28 x W27 x H28 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Since the generator weighs 210 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The Storm Responder's control panel
One of the many Storm Responder's features is the StatStation™ data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the power output and lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
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.
Emissions
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
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).
- As its dry weight is 210 pounds, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 5500 to 6500 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar G65BN, standing at just 126 lbs.
- The Storm Responder, offering a run time of around 11 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Predator 6500, which is able to run for around 14.5 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. In fact, this generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.68 GPH. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the A-iPower SUA7000L, with a fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, 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
- Decent run time
- No 50-amp output
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the heavy side (210 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| 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 | 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| 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 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 011675307288 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
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
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.