The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower (30761) is a portable inverter generator with a rated wattage of 5,000 W and a starting wattage of 6,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower
In short, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower is a portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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 able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- 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
The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower
Running on gasoline, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower utilizes a 306 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 5,000W and a starting wattage of 6,500W.
The inverter generator features a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 66 dBA (less noisy than background music).
The Q6500 QuietPower's fuel tank, boasting 5 gallons, allows it to operate for up to 14 hours with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH).
The Q6500 QuietPower generates a clean sine wave: providing <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports perfect for conveniently charging mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the Q6500 QuietPower 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 an inverter generator design, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower features a closed construction (L24.8 x W21.2 x H21.5 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring reduced noise levels, offering a distinct advantage over standard, open frame generators. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
As the generator's weight is 139 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its set of 2 wheels (⌀8") and its telecospic handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The Q6500 QuietPower's control panel
The Q6500 QuietPower's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features power use LEDs that can both display the power output and the amount of hours the generator has accumulated.
In addition to this info, light indicators on the device will signal if the generator is ready, the generator is on overload and the oil level is too low.
The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
The unit benefits from Briggs & Stratton’s Quiet Power Technology (QPT™), a feature designed to greatly improve its noise levels, emissions and fuel consumption. When the switch, located on the control panel, is turned ON, the engine speed increases as electrical loads are connected, and decreases as electrical loads are removed.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
The Q6500 QuietPower 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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower is bundled with additional accessories: funnel and oil. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower weighs just 139 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 4500 to 5500 rated wattage generators. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Champion 201238 is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 101.4 pounds.
- Since the inverter generator's noise is rated at 66 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Honda EU7000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the Q6500 QuietPower can run for up to 14 hours at a 25% load, aligning it with the lower performers in its power range. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the DuroMax XP5500EH, reaching up to 19 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Compared to its peers, this inverter generator is not exactly fuel-efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP7000iH, with a fuel consumption of 0.19 GPH could be in your good books.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4500-5500W inverter generators, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower 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
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (139 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (66 dBA)
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 306 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,000 W |
| Starting watts | 6,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | 14 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power & runtime hours LEDs |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 139 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.8 x 21.2 x 21.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 66 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil and funnel |
| Series | QuietPower |
| Other model numbers | 30761 |
| UPC | 011675307615 |
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 Q6500 QuietPower 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 3992 W | 5492 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3990 W | 4580 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3780 W | 6480 W |
Is the Q6500 electric start? (Asked February 26, 2020)
This unit only has a classic recoil start.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Impressive performance. I had purchased the generator about 3 months before being hit by Hurricane Laura. It had not been used. I ran the generator continuously for 10 days and it ran flawlessly. Very fuel efficient consuming only 9 to 10 gallons of gas a day compared to similar wattage of my non-inverter generators that were consuming 16 to18 gallons per day.
No major complaints. I Just wish that it was possible to run this unit in parallel with another 6500. I would then be set.