The Briggs & Stratton P2200 Powersmart fits into the popular but highly competitive 2000-watt portable inverter generator market. It is up against strong competition from the Honda EU2200i, the Westinghouse iGen2200 and the Generac GP2200i. I discuss the Briggs & Stratton P2200 inverter generator in this review, but I also compare it to other 2200-watt inverter generators.

Which model is this?

This review is about the Briggs and Stratton P2200 model 30651 (view it on Amazon – paid link). It has specific features such as an inverter system, a USB port and a parallel connection port.

There was a slightly older Powersmart model called the P2000 model 30553. The P2000 Powersmart model provided less power: 2000 surge watts and 1600 continuous watts. It also lacked a parallel connection port.

What size engine?

The Briggs & Stratton P2200 has a 111 cc, 4-stroke, OHV, gasoline powered engine. Its fuel tank has a 1 gallon (3.7 L) capacity, but it does not have a fuel gauge. The fuel screen in the mouth of the fuel tank makes it difficult to see how much fuel is in the tank.

Oil capacity is 13.5 ounces (0.4 liter). The low oil shutdown system protects the engine against running without oil in the sump.

The engine is started manually with a recoil rope starter. It has an on/off engine switch, but there is no separate fuel cut off valve position for running the carburetor dry before storage. This generator is not CARB-compliant: because of that, it cannot be used in California.

The run time is stated as 8 hours at 25% power load. Remember, this generator is primarily made for outdoor activities and small DIY projects. It is not made for powering multiple appliances for long periods of time. If you need an inverter generator to provide backup power for the odd power failure in your area, then get something with a bigger fuel tank and a longer run time.

How many watts?

The Briggs & Stratton P2200 kicks out 2200 starting watts and 1700 running watts. This is about 18 surge amps and 14 running amps. The inverter system ensures a smooth power output with less than 3% total harmonic distortion. It can be used for electronic devices such as notebook computers and various electronic entertainment systems.

What outlets are available?

You have a choice of three receptacles: two 120-volt household receptacles and one DC receptacle. The 20-amp Duplex receptacles are suitable for tools and appliances that require 120-volt, 60Hz, single phase electrical power. The 5-amp DC receptacle supplies power for 12-volt applications.

It seems like a USB adapter for the DC port might be included, but we are not entirely certain of this accessory. If it is included, then you have a USB adapter for charging a cell phone or tablet device with the DC port. Nevertheless, you still need to provide your own USB charging cables.

The control panel has a parallel outlet for making a parallel connection between two Powersmart series inverter generators. You need to buy a Briggs & Stratton 6278 parallel operation kit (view the kit on Amazon – paid link) to accomplish this type of connection. The parallel operation kit has two outlets. The first is a 30-amp, 120-volt, twist lock outlet. The second is a 30-amp RV outlet. However, two P2200 Powersmart generators that are connected in parallel can achieve a maximum output of only 3000 watts.

What is Quiet Power Technology?

This is just a fancy name for the automatic engine idle control system. Other generator brands might refer to it as an economy mode or eco throttle system.

The engine normally runs at its fully governed speed, just like any other portable generator. However, after the QPT switch is activated, the engine speed adjusts automatically to the electrical load requirements. Therefore, the engine will idle when no loads are connected. The engine speed increases and decreases when appliances are connected.

The advantage of this system is increased fuel economy and lower noise levels at low power loads. The QPT switch should always be off when either starting or stopping the generator. Never use the QPT switch in conjunction with the DC receptacle.

How loud is it?

Its operating volume is supposed to be 59dB from 7 meters away (facing the control panel) while maintaining a 25% load. It seems like the Briggs & Stratton P2200 is a relatively quiet portable inverter generator.

Briggs & Stratton P2200 vs. Honda EU2200i

Obviously, the surge watts are the same at 2200. The Briggs & stratton P2200 produces 1700 running watts compared to the Honda EU2200i that puts out 1800 running watts.

These inverter generators are both capable of parallel connections. However, two P2200 generators connected in parallel produces only up to 3000 watts. Two parallel connected Honda EU2200i generators will produce up to 4400 maximum watts!

It seems like the Honda EU2200i is also quieter than the P2200. The noise level of the Honda is between 48 and 57 dBA compared to the 59 dB of the Briggs & Stratton.

The EU2200i has a fuel shut off valve which keeps the engine running until the carburetor is dry. This helps to prevent problems with fuel going bad in the carburetor. The P2200 does not have this useful feature.

The price difference between the Briggs & Stratton and the Honda is a few hundred dollars. The P2200 has the best price, but it is a little louder than the Honda EU2200i and not quite as powerful.

Briggs & Stratton P2200 vs. Westinghouse iGen2200

First difference: 1800 rated continuous watts.

Second difference: the iGen2200 has two 5V DC USB ports.

Third difference: 79 cc engine with 1.2 gallon fuel tank. As a result, the Westinghouse iGen2200 has a longer run time on one tank of gasoline.

Fourth difference: P2200 has an 111 cc engine. The iGen2200 has a smaller 79 cc engine, which means less noise.

Similarities: parallel capable, two 120V AC receptacles, costs about the same.

You might want to read this iGen2200 review because it could be the best alternative in terms of costs and performance.

Briggs & Stratton P2200 vs. Generac GP2200i

Starting watts and running watts are both the same.

The Generac GP2200i has a 1.2-gallon fuel tank, compared to the 1-gallon fuel tank of the P2200.

The GP2200i has an integrated off/run/choke knob, and it also has an economy mode. It has both a 12V DC outlet and a separate USB outlet for charging smartphones and tablets. No need to fiddle with a USB adapter. The GP2200i is also parallel capable.

It might be worth looking at as an alternative to the Briggs & Stratton P2200. You can read my GP2200i review for more information.

Conclusion

The Briggs & Stratton P2200 is probably not as quiet as a similar Honda inverter generator. It is also not a good choice for an RV because it does not have enough continuous power, run time or a 30-amp RV receptacle. Then again, it costs a lot less than a Honda, so there are going to be some compromises when it comes down to quality and performance.

The Briggs & Stratton P2200 is a relatively quiet, compact and portable companion for outdoor occasions such as hunting expeditions, tailgating parties or camping trips. It will even power the lights and television during a temporary power failure. However, it is probably too small to provide a long-term solution to power failures (check price on Amazon – paid link).