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)
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Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton 30742
In short, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- 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
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
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 30742 is powered by a 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 8,000W as well as a peak wattage of 10,000W.
This generator can be started thanks to a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 7.5 gallons, the 30742 may run for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.83 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
The 30742's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
At L28.4 x W30.5 x H29.1 in, the standard open frame design of the Briggs & Stratton 30742 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.
Despite its 246 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.
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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 6372 W | 7872 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 6390 W | 6980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drill | 600 | 900 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
