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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Amazon | Price history for the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder |
|---|
| Highest Price $849.00 Lowest Price $499.00 Current Price $499.00 |
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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 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
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:
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
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).
- 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. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Champion 201239 is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 111.6 pounds.
- The Storm Responder's runtime of around 11 hours at a 50% load on a full tank positions it within the average autonomy range compared to other generators with similar power. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Predator 6500, as it provides 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. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.68 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the DuroMax XP7000iH. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.38 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
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
- Inexpensive
- 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 | Electric fry pan | 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.