The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is one of the most sophisticated generators around and certainly the best in the Briggs & Stratton line up. What I like most about this generator is that it’s one of the few inverter generators that can supply enough electricity to run large appliances like a 15,000 BTU. Most inverter generators are quite low in terms of output, seldom more than 3500-watts.
So for RV owners and homeowners who want the stable power of an inverter generator, quiet running and the extra power that comes from a large alternator, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is one of your best options. I’ll be reviewing this generator, looking at its ability to meet your home backup power and camping needs. Yamaha and Honda offer similar products but when you look at the price difference between the Briggs & Stratton and its closest rivals, the Briggs & Stratton becomes a very attractive alternative. It’s way cheaper than the others and offers just about the same in terms of usability, clean power, and quiet operation.
So how much power does the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 provide?
It can provide 5000W continuous power and has a peak start up capability of 6500W. A large 15,000 BTU AC draws around 1,500-watts of power when running. So even when using a large appliance like this, you’ll have plenty of extra watts for refrigerators, a microwave, all your lights, computers, and a TV. Using the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 to keep your RV powered up won’t mean any compromise. A home will require more power if you want to supply enough electricity for all your needs. But in an emergency, you will be able to keep all the important stuff running and then some.
Then you have the advantage of an inverter with very low Harmonic Distortion (HD). So no matter how much you load onto the Briggs & Stratton, it will supply clean, pure sine wave power that won’t harm even the most sensitive electronic equipment. Another advantage to using this inverter generator is that it has the QPT (Quiet Power Technology) switch that allows it run at a lower RPM when the power demand isn’t that high. This makes it quieter and reduces the fuel consumption. To improve the quiet running of this generator, it also has an enclosed body. Unlike open frame generators, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 has sound insulation panels that help keep the noise from escaping. The quieter 306cc, OHV, 4-stroke engine, with a really great muffler helps this along even further. So when the generator is producing 25% of its rated power (1250W), it has a noise level of 66dBa. This is about the equivalent noise level of a regular conversation. If you’re watching TV with a few lights on, you’ll be drawing around 800-watts. This means that you probably won’t hear the generator at all – even with volume turned down low on your TV.
The fuel consumption is fantastic, especially when a running load of 25% or less. The 5-gallon will keep the generator running for about 14-hours at 25% load. Most people find that they’re able to keep the power on through the night without the need to refuel. It has great-looking modern design which also makes lighter and more compact than most others. Although it has a durable steel frame, it is enclosed in shock resistant plastic covers. This protects the generator, reduces noise and helps to partially reduce moisture damage. Though it’s never advisable to use a generator in wet conditions. Plastic covers on the electrical outlets also help protect them moisture and dust. Although its weight of 128-pounds doesn’t seem all that light, it’s considerably lighter than most other generators in its class. Portability is enhanced by large sturdy wheels and a telescopic handle. The handle design really appeals to me and haven’t seen this on any other generator. It’s a tough steel handle that makes it easy and comfortable to move the generator. When not in use, the handle retracts into the body of the machine. This means it won’t be damaged when transporting and makes the entire unit more compact and very practical.
The front panel has 4 X standard 120V household outlets with GFCI protection. It also has 120V-240V twist-lock outlet which allows for a safe and effortless connection to your RV or to your home via a transfer switch. It also has LED indicator lights that show how much load you’re drawing from the generator. It does, however, lack the convenience of an electric starter. So you can only start it by means of recoil starter. In the past, this would have been a problem. But Briggs & Stratton have done a lot of work in recent times to upgrade their engines. It’s an easy generator to start in any weather and is remarkably smooth when running.
The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is truly robust machine and provide a lot more usable power than most portable inverter generators. I wouldn’t quite call it an industrial-grade generator. But for home use, camping and medium duty construction site work, I can wholly recommend it. Like many, I believe Briggs & Stratton is great brand with excellent service. This model has a 2-year warranty for residential use or a 1-year commercial warranty.
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