Head to head
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18kW vs Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW
Briggs & Stratton · Home Standby Generator
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18kW
~$5,746
18,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Briggs & Stratton · Home Standby Generator
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW
~$6,037
22,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Quick takeThe Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18kW lists about $291 lower; the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW puts out more sustained power (22,000 W).
| Spec | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18kW | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$5,746 | ~$6,037 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 18,000 W | 22,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 18,000 W | 22,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 68 dB | 68 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 18kW on LP, 18kW on NG | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); full 22kW on both LP and NG (NGMax) |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (sold separately) | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (40783 bundle adds 200A ATS) |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 465 lbs | 465 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 7-year comprehensive (parts, labor, travel) | 7-year limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18kW
- +18kW holds on natural gas with no derate, unlike many rivals
- +45 kVA motor starting handles a 3-4 ton AC without sizing up
- +Warranty includes labor and travel for 7 years
- +Corrosion-resistant aluminum enclosure with Dura-Zen coating
- +16-second Eco-Cise weekly test
- −68 dB is louder than the 65 dB Generac Guardian 18kW
- −Transfer switch, battery and install are extra
- −Fewer installers and parts counters than Generac
- −Owners report slower dealer service in some regions
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW
- +No NG derate — 22kW on either fuel, unique in class
- +7-year parts, labor, and travel warranty
- +Vanguard 993cc commercial engine with strong 45kVA starting
- +Enclosure rated for 186-mph winds
- +16-second weekly quiet test barely disturbs anyone
- +Usually undercuts Generac 24kW package pricing
- −Dealer and service network is the thinnest of the majors
- −Parts availability has been slower since the KPS acquisition
- −68 dBA normal operation is mid-pack, not quiet
- −Few retailer reviews — smaller installed base to learn from
- −Transfer switch extra on this SKU