Briggs & Stratton 30742 - 8000/10000W Portable Generator With Electric Start
The Briggs & Stratton 30742 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 8,000 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W. (Read full specs)
The Home Depot 
Ace Hardware 
Zoro 
Acme Tools 
Amazon | Price history for the Briggs & Stratton 30742 |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,199.99 Lowest Price $1,099.00 Current Price $1,167.26 |
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton 30742
In a nutshell, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- 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
Running on gasoline, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 utilizes a 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 8,000W and a starting wattage of 10,000W.
Featuring a manual recoil starter system and a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery included), this generator offers flexibility in starting.
The 30742's fuel tank, boasting 7.5 gallons, allows it to operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.83 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 30742 is engineered to be transfer switch ready, enabling simple hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
Measuring L28.4 x W30.5 x H29.1 in, the classic open frame build of the Briggs & Stratton 30742 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 246 pounds. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during operation.
The 30742 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 some oil in the 30742's packaging.
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 30742 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.
The Briggs & Stratton 30742 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Briggs & Stratton 30742 compare to generators of similar power (between 7500 and 8500 W).
- Tipping the scales at 246 lbs, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 qualifies as one of the heavier options among generators rated between 7500 and 8500 watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM10500XiT, with a dry weight of only 123.5 lbs.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the 30742, reaching around 9 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Champion 100416 could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 12.5 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 somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.83 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Powerhorse s10500id. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.59 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 7500-8500W generators, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 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
- Electric start
- InfoHub™ monitoring
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (246 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Briggs & Stratton 30742 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8,000 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 66.7/33.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | InfoHub |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 7.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 246 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.4 x 30.5 x 29.1 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 | Oil, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 011675307424 |
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 30742 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 6387 W | 7862 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 6395 W | 6985 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
