Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart - 3700/4500W Inverter Generator With Remote Start
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart (30814) is a compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,700 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,145.22 Lowest Price $1,115.10 Current Price $1,115.10 |
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Description
Designed with camping and recreation in mind, this inverter generator is quiet, lightweight and efficient to easily enjoy the little conveniences of home anywhere you are.
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart
In short, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is a compact portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart's engine, 224 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 3,700W and reaches a peak wattage of 4,500W.
With a noise rating of 60 dBA (just as noisy as background music), the inverter generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism, but also a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included). The P4500 PowerSmart can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).
Equipped with a 3.5 gallons fuel tank, the P4500 PowerSmart ensures continuous operation for up to 16 hours with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.22 gallons per hour).
The P4500 PowerSmart 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 features 5 AC outlets as follows:
Furthermore, it showcases 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) ideal for charging various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
This Briggs & Stratton generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
With its enclosed inverter generator design (L24.5 x W17.6 x H20.36 in), the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart offers superior aesthetics and operates with minimized noise levels, distinguishing itself from standard, open frame generators. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Even at 104 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its portability. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its set of 2 wheels and its telescopic handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The P4500 PowerSmart's control panel
One of the many P4500 PowerSmart's features is the digital data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours, fuel level and power output and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.
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 point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
The P4500 PowerSmart 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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, key fob and oil.
InfoHub™ Portable Power
The InfoHub™ app gives you real time information
Briggs & Stratton’s InfoHub™ Portable Power technology allows you to monitor your unit’s vital information such as power usage, run time and fuel level in real time, and directly from your computer or smartphone (via the InfoHub app for iOS).
Besides its monitoring features, InfoHub can also keep you informed about your P4500 PowerSmart status and maintenance needs by sending you scheduled service reminders. It also lets you customize the way your generator communicates with you and can send notifications to your local certified dealer.
Product Videos
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At 104 lbs dry, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is consistent with the standard weight profile for inverters ranging from 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the WEN 56432iX is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- This inverter generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its type and power range, rated at 60 dBA. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Given that the P4500 PowerSmart reaches an autonomy of up to 16 hours with a full tank and at 25% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Firman WH03662OF shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling up to 25 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 inverter generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.22 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Champion 201319, with a fuel consumption of 0.16 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart 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
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Inverter
- InfoHub™ monitoring
- Decent weight (104 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (60 dBA)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No parallel ports
Do you own the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart 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 | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,700 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 16 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | InfoHub |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 104 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.5 x 17.6 x 20.36 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 60 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, key fob, and battery |
| Other model numbers | 30814 |
| UPC | 011675308148 |
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 P4500 PowerSmart is covered under a warranty for up to 3 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2947 W | 3947 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2945 W | 3535 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 4010 W |
What is the difference between the 30795 and the 30814? (Asked August 08, 2021)
The 030814 is the newer version. The unit is now CARB-compliant, and offers a remote start as well as Bluetooth connectivity via the InfoHub mobile App.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I just bought my 3700 watt continuous generator a week ago. So far, I love it, except for the gas fill. Can’t see inside the tank when filling it up. So it is easy to overflow it.. The electric fuel gauge only works when it is running. Really??? Why not keep that gauge simple like a Honda? A non electronic gauge is much better with less to go wrong. Other than that, I love it, but things may change as time goes on. Hopefully not. I previously owned 2 Honda EU3000I which I absolutely loved, and used mist of the week for many years. But Hondas are getting ridiculously expensive as well, so I figured that I’d buy a generator that offers so much more for half the price.
I own this generator and have owned it for about 6 months. It was manufactured less than a year ago. This unit hasn’t ran right since it was new. I contacted Briggs and they just told me to take it to a service center there was nothing they could do for me. I take it to the service center they referred me to. That service told me that Briggs & Stratton is the worst company to deal with and they do not support or stand behind their products. They told me there was no chance of Briggs covering the repairs of this unit even though it was well under a year old. Before I took it to the service center I tried ordering a new carb myself because I knew that is what the issue was and I needed it working for a weekend trip. The carb was on back order (obviously this is a common issue) After the first trip to the service center and spending $200 for them to “clean the carb” I took it home that night and had the same issue. I take it back they tell me it needs the carb replaced and the carb alone is $140. So now I will have over $400 into a generator that cost $1000 to start with an hasn’t ran right since it was new. I reached out to Briggs again after my experience with the service center. They won’t acknowledge my e-mails or the fact there is a know issue with the carburetor on these generators. I will never own another Briggs & Stratton product and will make it my mission to warn others to stay away. There are better options out there. I have owned a 2000 watt Champion invertor for several years and never had an issue with it!!!!!!
Purchased at a good price on sale. Shipped directly to home. It was not assembled correctly at factory. Damaged filter housing, air breather not attached, filters not oiled. Battery was at 10 Volts when it arrived. LED lights unreadable when running. Can’t see the power level or fuel level in daylight, in the shade. To get warranty / repair it has to go to a Briggs dealer. Load it up (110 lbs) and take it to them. I should have bought it from the Briggs dealer and had them demo it before I accepted it.
Other than that: I like it.
lessons learned.
Got rid of a 3500 watt B&S open frame RV generator that was LOUD. Previously had a DuroStar DS4000 that lasted three years (1200 hrs) and blew up even with regular maintenance. I have only used this generator twice but can tell it does well in fuel consumption and noise. It seems to be at least as good as the rest of the line and having bought it on sale, saved a TON over what current pricing is.
LED lights not working. Started manually.
Electric start didn’t work; Battery terminals connected
Assume battery dead??
Returned to Home Depot