Head to head
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW vs Generac Guardian 10kW
Briggs & Stratton · Home Standby Generator
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW
~$4,460
13,000 W · up to well pump or a small central AC
Generac · Home Standby Generator
Generac Guardian 10kW
~$4,619
10,000 W · up to well pump or a small central AC
Quick takeThe Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW lists about $159 lower; the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW puts out more sustained power (13,000 W); the Generac Guardian 10kW is quieter at 61 dB.
| Spec | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW | Generac Guardian 10kW |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$4,460 | ~$4,619 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 13,000 W | 10,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 13,000 W | 10,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 69 dB | 61 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 13kW on LP, 11.5kW on NG | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 10kW on LP, 9kW on NG |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (sold separately) | None — hardwired; includes 100A 16-circuit load-center automatic transfer switch |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 315 lbs | 338 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 7-year comprehensive (parts, labor, travel) | 5-year limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 13kW
- +Smallest footprint of the 13-14kW class, fits tight lot lines
- +Vanguard commercial-grade engine with 37 kVA motor starting
- +Eco-Cise 16-second weekly test mode cuts exercise noise and fuel
- +Front exhaust design adds installation flexibility
- −69 dB is the loudest of the Briggs residential line
- −Automatic transfer switch is not included in the $4,460 price
- −11.5kW on natural gas is tight for a 4-ton AC plus other loads
- −Fewer certified dealers and installers than Generac or Kohler
Generac Guardian 10kW
- +Transfer switch included — cheapest path to true automatic backup
- +61 dB is noticeably quieter than the bigger Guardians
- +G-Force 400 engine has a 2-year/200-hour oil change interval
- +Free Mobile Link Wi-Fi monitoring built in
- +Huge Generac dealer and parts network when something does break
- −Battery, oil, and some install hardware sold separately
- −Won't start most central air conditioners
- −Warranty experience varies wildly by dealer; claims can take weeks
- −16 circuits only — no whole-house coverage