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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.

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Price history for the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower
Latest updates:
  • $1,205.95 - February 16, 2023
  • $1,314.95 - January 19, 2023
Data source: ebay.com
Since: January 19, 2023
  • Highest Price: $1,314.95 - January 19, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $1,205.95 - February 16, 2023

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. (source: Briggs & Stratton (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower

In summary, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower is a portable inverter generator especially useful 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 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
  • Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
  • 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, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower in use

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower's engine, 306 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 5,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 6,500W.

Enjoying a noise rating of 66 dBA (less noisy than background music), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism.

With a full tank, the Q6500 QuietPower can operate for up to 14 hours (fuel consumption around 0.36 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 5 gallons.

Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the Q6500 QuietPower generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

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

Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.

As the Q6500 QuietPower holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.

Portability

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L24.8 x W21.2 x H21.5 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.

Since the generator weighs 139 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Still, once it is on the ground, its set of 2 wheels (⌀8") and its telecospic handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

Features

Panel of the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower

The Q6500 QuietPower's control panel

The control panel of the Q6500 QuietPower includes power use LEDs that can both display the power output and the amount of hours the generator has accumulated, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, when the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.

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.

As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.

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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower, the following accessories are also included: oil and funnel. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.

Emissions

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.

In addition, the unit meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.

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 for its weight, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower weighs only 139 pounds, making it one of the lighter generators in the 4500-5500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN GN5600, with a dry weight of just 103.6 pounds.
  • Because this inverter generator emits noise as low as 66 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU7000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
  • Autonomy-wise, with up to 14 hours on a full tank at a 25% load, the Q6500 QuietPower is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the DuroMax XP5500EH, which is able to run for up to 19 hours.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency 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 further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the DuroMax XP5500EH, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.21 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Guard™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (139 lbs)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (66 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • 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

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine306 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Running watts5,000 W
Starting watts6,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)41.7/20.8 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)54.2/27.1 amps
Run time @50% load10 h
Run time @25% load14 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port
Data centerPower & runtime hours LEDs
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight139 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.8 x 21.2 x 21.5 in
Noise (lower limit)66 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil and funnel
SeriesQuietPower
Other model numbers30761
UPC011675307615

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.

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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 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?
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 sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Dish washer15003000
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Toaster oven800800
Total3992 W5492 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Toaster oven800800
Mixer200200
Total3990 W4580 W
For workTable saw18004500
Grinder14002500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Drain cleaner250250
Bug zapper8080
Total3780 W6480 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.

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Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower
9.3 Total Score
1 review
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Price
9
Value
10
Quality
8
Performance
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User Reviews

  1. 4.65
    Price
    90
    Value
    100
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    100

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Extremely fuel efficient
    • Low noise as good as competitors
    • Reliable
    • Starts easy
    • Excellent control panel
    • Heavy frame reduces vibration and improves stability
    - CONS:
    • No parallel port
    • No electric start
    • Inconvenient location of oil drain plug
    Helpful(14) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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