Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower - 5000/6500W Inverter Generator
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
Designed to give you quiet confidence during power outages, the Q6500 QuietPower™ Series inverter generator is more than 60% quieter than standard generators and can deliver 6,500 starting watts of reliable backup power.
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower
To sum up, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower is a portable inverter generator tailored for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- 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 be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower
Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower runs on gasoline, powered by a 306 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 5,000W alongside a starting wattage of 6,500W.
At a noise rating of 66 dBA (less noisy than an office), the inverter generator is started via a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With its 5 gallons fuel tank, the Q6500 QuietPower can operate for up to 14 hours when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.36 GPH).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the Q6500 QuietPower produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
With its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the Q6500 QuietPower is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower showcases a closed design (L24.8 x W21.2 x H21.5 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Despite its weight of 139 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Still, once it is on the ground, its set of 2 wheels (⌀8") and its telescopic handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The Q6500 QuietPower's control panel
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, power use LEDs that can both display the power output and the amount of hours the generator has accumulated are embedded in the control panel of the Q6500 QuietPower.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.
The inverter generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
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: oil and funnel. 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 inverter generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- At 139 lbs in dry weight, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower fits well within the typical weight bracket for inverter generators producing 4500 to 5500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO, with a dry weight of just 93.5 pounds.
- This inverter generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its type and power range, rated at 66 dBA. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU7000iS. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The Q6500 QuietPower's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its type and power range, as it reaches only up to 14 hours at 25% load on a full tank. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Champion 201532, with up to 18 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this inverter generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.36 GPH at a 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the DuroMax XP7000iHT is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.19 gallons per hour.
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 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
- Inverter
- Decent weight (139 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (66 dBA)
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
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 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 3992 W | 4992 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Water heater (10 gallons) | 1000 | 2000 | |
| Total | 3990 W | 4990 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.