Briggs & Stratton has been in business since 1908, originally forming in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company was started by Stephen F. Briggs and Harold M. Stratton, with Briggs being the inventor and Stratton the investor. Now the company is based in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and continues to provide innovative products and comprehensive service to its customers.
When you are in the market to purchase a quality generator, it can be difficult to sort through all the features and options offered by this company. We have narrowed it down to eight of the best Briggs & Stratton portable generators, making it easier to compare and see the pros/cons of each one. Our buyer’s guide will also go over important things to consider.
The Best Briggs & Stratton Portable Generators
1. Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator
This generator offers many desirable features that will make powering your tools or tailgating party easy and convenient, since it has 3,000 starting watts and 2,600 running watts.
Pros
- Quiet power technology
- Long runtime
- Port options
- LCD display
- Easy to use
- Easy to transport
Cons
- Smaller running watts

Inverter generators offer Quiet Power Technology, which means it automatically adjusts the engine speed to reduce noise, saving on fuel and allowing it to run longer.
The fuel tank is 1.5 gallons, and the unit has a 10-hour runtime at a 25% load. There are four household outlets and one of each of the following: a 12V 30-amp, DC outlet, USB port, and parallel port. We like the LCD display that shows the amount of power being used, total unit hours, and maintenance reminders.
It is easy to transport from one area to another due to its six-inch solid wheels and luggage-style telescoping handle. It also only weighs 85 pounds, so it is easy to lift into the back of a vehicle. It comes with a two-year consumer warranty and a one-year commercial.
2. Briggs & Stratton 30676 Gas Portable Generator – Best Value
For a simpler version, the 30676 will do a good job of running your camper or powering a few household appliances, which is why this is the best Briggs & Stratton portable generator for the money.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Long runtime
- Durable
- Quiet
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as many features
- Less power

It has a 208cc OHV engine with 3,500 running watts. The fuel tank holds five gallons, and the unit will run for 14 hours at 50% load.
The panel features two household outlets and one 30A locking RV outlet. The steel frame is durable, but the 7.5-inch wheels aren’t durable enough to support all 114 pounds of this generator. It is quieter than the 30664, but that’s because it doesn’t have the wattage power. It does come with a limited two-year warranty.
This is overall a good generator, but due to its simplicity, it did not reach the number-one spot.
3. Briggs & Stratton 30664 Generator – Premium Choice
This generator has a large 420cc engine with 8,000 running watts and 66.6 surge amps. This has the power to run multiple tools at your job site.
Pros
- Large engine
- High running watts
- Large fuel tank
- Protective outlet covers
- Key electric start
- Lo-tone muffler
Cons
- Pricey

It is gas-powered, with a 7.5 gas tank that can run the generator for nine hours at a 50% load. There are four 120V outlets and one 120/240V 30-amp outlet with protective covers and circuit breaker protection.
Other features on the panel include a fuel gauge, hour meter, and key electric start. We like that it comes with engine oil and offers a three-year warranty. The lo-tone muffler makes this powerful unit less loud when running compared to others of this size.
See our top picks of 7500 Watt Portable Generators Reviews – Here!
4. Briggs & Stratton 30651 Portable Inverter Generator
This is another inverter generator that offers the Quiet Power Technology, allowing it to run at 50 decibels.
Pros
- Quiet
- Safe for electronics
- Long runtime
- Lightweight
- Parallel connector port
Cons
- Small wattage

A nice thing about the P2200 is that it produces less than 3% total harmonic distortion, which makes it safe for laptops, gaming systems, and TVs.
It has a one-gallon gas tank and runs up to eight hours at a 25% load. The recoil start, 111cc OHV engine produces 2,200 running watts, making it ideal for camping and DIY projects around the house. We loved how compact this unit is, and it only weighs 54.6 pounds, so it is easy to carry with the integrated handles on the top of the unit.
The panel boasts two household outlets, one 12V-20A DC outlet, and a USB adaptor. It also has a parallel connector port to connect two units together for more power. The warranty is two years for consumers and one year for commercial use.
5. Briggs & Stratton P4500 Inverter Generator
This generator offers a few features that the other inverter generators don’t. It has a push electric start, along with automatic choke, outlet covers, and carbon monoxide shutdown technology.
Pros
- Electri start
- Outlet cover
- CO Guard
- Quiet
- Durable
- Parallel capability
Cons
- Heavier

The CO guard will shut down the generator if harmful levels are detected. It has 3,700 running watts that are adequate for the power needed during camping or RV use. We found that it can run for 16 hours at 25% load with a full tank of gas. It has a multifunctional display panel that shows power usage, fuel level, and runtime.
There are four household outlets, a 30-amp RV outlet, and a USB port on the panel. Its protective shell is durable, and it has a telescoping handle with wheels on its base. It also has parallel capability. It does weigh 115 pounds, so it is heavier than other generators on our list, though it is still easy to maneuver.
Buyer’s Guide
Our reviews list contains traditional gas generators, as well as inverter gas generators. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type. This buyer’s guide will help you determine which generator is the best one for you.
Inverter Generator Considerations
These are a newer type of generator that offers certain upgrades, as well as a few disadvantages.
Advantages:
Portability: They are usually more lightweight, with some being able to be carried by hand. They are also smaller and more compact.
Fuel efficiency: This is due to how the generator can adjust the engine speed so it only runs what is required by the load.
Noise level: Most produce noise under 60 decibels because the engine runs slower, producing less noise. They are also designed with an enclosed casing.
Parallel capabilities: They can be connected to a second inverter (of the same model), which allows you to have double the power.
More eco-friendly: Perfect sine waves are created when an inverter generator is running, making them a clean and steady electricity supply. This is why you can charge portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptops, all while producing fewer greenhouse emissions.
Disadvantages:
Cost: They will be more expensive compared to a conventional generator with the same amount of wattage.
Power: You will have less power, as these are typically more suitable for tailgating, camping, or running an RV.
Conventional Generator Considerations
These have been around for several decades, and when someone talks about a portable generator, the conventional model is what usually comes to mind.
Advantages:
- Power: They have larger fuel tanks and engines with more power, allowing them to produce more running watts. They are ideal for powering your home for emergencies.
- Price: These are more affordable, and you will get more power for your money.
- Durability: They have a durable steel cage and offer heavy-duty wheels, which is needed because of the increased weight.
Disadvantages:
- Size: Since they have larger engines and fuel tanks, they can be heavy and bulky.
- Noise: With more power comes increased noise. They also aren’t housed in an enclosed casing and can’t hold a steady RPM.
- Less eco-friendly: This relates to the constant changes in the electrical output (also called harmonic distortion), creating a messy sine wave. This is the reason you can’t charge sensitive devices with these generators.
Conclusion
This review guide focuses on Briggs & Stratton generators, supplying you with the top eight. Our best pick is the P3000 Powersmart Inverter generator, which has plenty of features that provide convenience, as well as durability it has enough power to run a camper or a few appliances.
The 30676 Gas Powered Portable Generator is listed as the best value not only because it is affordable but it is also easy to use and will give you enough power for home projects. Our premium choice is the 30664 Generator, which has more than enough wattage to power your home during emergencies and offers features that the others don’t.
We hope that our guide has given you the information you need to pick out the Briggs & Stratton generator that will work well for you and what you plan to use it for.