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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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Price history for the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder
Highest Price
$849.00
Lowest Price
$499.00
Current Price
$499.00

Description

Storm Ready, this is the ideal quick response generator! (source: Briggs & Stratton (opens in a new tab))

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 want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.

Power & Run Time

The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder in use

The Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder

Running on gasoline, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder operates with a 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, with a running wattage of 6,250W and a peak wattage of 8,500W.

This generator is started via a manual recoil starter system.

Equipped with a 7.5 gallons fuel tank, the Storm Responder ensures continuous operation for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.68 gallons per hour).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

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

At L28 x W27 x H28 in, the standard open frame design of the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

While weighing 210 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.

Features

Panel of the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder

The Storm Responder's control panel

A digital StatStation™ data center, one of the features of the Storm Responder's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours and power output, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.

Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.

From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during 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).

  • At 210 lbs, the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder stands out as one of the heavier generators rated from 5500 to 6500 watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, with a dry weight of just 118 pounds.
  • With a runtime of around 11 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the Storm Responder falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Predator 6500, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting 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. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.68 GPH at a 50% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the DuroMax XP7000iH, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.38 gallons per hour.

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 cheap side of the price range.

It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Guard™ technology
  • GFCI Outlets
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • No electric start
  • On the heavy side (210 lbs)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts6,250 W
Starting watts8,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)52.1/26 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)70.8/35.4 amps
Run time @50% load11 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerPower output and lifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank7.5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight210 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)28 x 27 x 28 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THDUnknown
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedExtension cord and wheel kit
UPC011675307288

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Electric range21002100
Waffle iron750750
Total4967 W6442 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total4985 W5405 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Drain cleaner250250
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Bug zapper8080
Total3980 W8480 W

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Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder
7.2 Total Score
7 reviews
Add your review
Price
7.7
Value
7.3
Quality
6.3
Performance
7.3

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 4.65
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    70
    Performance
    100

    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>>>

    + PROS:
    • works great for the little I need it.
    - CONS:
    • Can't find or buy repair parts!
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 4.5
    Price
    80
    Value
    90
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    90

    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 .

    + PROS:
    • Good value for the money,reliable and solid built ,very good fuel consumption .
    - CONS:
    • Noisy, no electric start option. Not to much Watage output in order to run the house HVAC system but enough to run couple of fans 2 refrigerators the lights and garage door.
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 1.5
    Price
    80
    Value
    20
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Strong generator and easy to start
    - CONS:
    • Parts are expensive
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  4. 4.75
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    100

    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!

    + PROS:
    • Name brand you can get parts for, strong engine, nice features, easy to start and will run just about the whole house.
    - CONS:
    • Needs to be broken in properly , drinks gas
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  5. 0.5
    Price
    10
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    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 !!!!

    + PROS:
    • Zero
    - CONS:
    • Piece of crap
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this
  6. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    See the bottom pros and cons.

    + PROS:
    • Easiest generator I have ever started. Very efficient and easy to get on line to run your household. Low in maintenance. High on efficiency. GREAT GENERATOR.
    - CONS:
    • No electric start. This could be challenging for an elderly person to use and start. Other then this it's the generator to own.
    Helpful(5) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  7. 4.15
    Price
    70
    Value
    90
    Quality
    70
    Performance
    100

    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.

    + PROS:
    • runs great...easy to crank..
    - CONS:
    • Pretty loud and the lcd screen is BLANK
    Helpful(11) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this

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