Head to head
Generac Guardian 26kW vs Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW
Generac · Home Standby Generator
Generac Guardian 26kW
~$6,849
26,000 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 Generac Guardian 26kW lists about $121 lower; the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW is quieter at 65 dB.
| Spec | Generac Guardian 26kW | Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$6,849 | ~$6,970 |
| Type | Home Standby Generator | Home Standby Generator |
| Fuel | NG/LP | NG/LP |
| Running / output watts | 26,000 W | 26,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 26,000 W | 26,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 67 dB | 65 dB |
| Runtime | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 26kW on LP, 22.5kW on NG | Continuous (runs on home NG/LP supply); 26kW on LP, 24kW on NG |
| Outlets | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (7291 bundle adds 200A ATS) | None — hardwired via automatic transfer switch (sold separately) |
| Fuel tank | — | — |
| Weight | 518 lbs | 540 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year limited | 10-year comprehensive |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Generac Guardian 26kW
- +26kW air-cooled tops the class for raw output
- +Starts dual AC compressors with load management
- +Costs far less than any liquid-cooled alternative
- +Compact enclosure for the output — same pad as smaller units
- +<5% THD with ±1% voltage regulation
- −22.5kW on natural gas — a 3.5kW derate
- −67 dB under load; not a small-lot-friendly machine
- −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