Head to head
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW vs Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW
Briggs & Stratton · Home Standby Generator
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW
~$6,037
22,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Briggs & Stratton · Home Standby Generator
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW
~$6,970
26,000 W · up to whole home with central air
Quick takeThe Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW lists about $933 lower; the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW puts out more sustained power (26,000 W); the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW is quieter at 65 dB.
| Spec | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 22kW | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$6,037 | ~$6,970 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 22,000 W | 26,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 22,000 W | 26,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 68 dB | 65 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); full 22kW on both LP and NG (NGMax) | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 26kW on LP, 24kW on NG |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (40783 bundle adds 200A ATS) | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (sold separately) |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 465 lbs | 540 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 7-year limited | 10-year comprehensive |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
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
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW
- +10-year comprehensive warranty, the longest in its class
- +24kW on natural gas covers most whole-house loads
- +65.5 kVA starting handles a 5-ton AC
- +65 dBA, quietest of the PowerProtect line
- +18-inch clearance to a building where code permits
- +Certified for demand-response programs
- −$6,970 excludes transfer switch, batteries and install
- −540 lbs needs a proper pad and delivery plan
- −Smaller installer and parts network than Generac
- −Whole-house use still needs a load-management module on big homes