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
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 who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder
The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder's engine, 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 6,250W and reaches a peak wattage of 8,500W.
This generator is equipped with a standard recoil pull-rope starting 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 includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the Storm Responder is engineered to be transfer switch ready, enabling simple hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
With a size of L28 x W27 x H28 in, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 210 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. 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
The Storm Responder's control panel
For easy status and activity monitoring of the Storm Responder, its control panel integrates a digital StatStation™ data center, offering insights into the power output and lifetime run hours.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during operation.
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.
In addition to the standard documentation and the user manual for prompt setup, Briggs & Stratton has also included accessory] in the packaging of the Storm Responder.
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).
- With a weight of 210 lbs, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder is notably on the heavier side among generators in the 5500-6500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, with a dry weight of only 118 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.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.68 GPH. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the A-iPower SUA7000L, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.36 GPH, could be an option to consider.
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
- Decent 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 |
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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 4962 W | 6462 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4990 W | 5580 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 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
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.