Briggs & Stratton P2200 Generator Review

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 Power Smart Series...
  • Quiet and fuel efficient 111 cc OHV engine produces 2,200...
  • USB port allows charging of portable electronics in order to stay...
  • Parallel connector port allows connection between 2 units for...
  • 1 gallon fuel tank for Up to 8 hours of continuous operation at...
  • The parallel connector port allows connection between 2 units for...

Briggs and Stratton is known to produce viable portable generators that pack great features and quality. The 30651 P2200 Powersmart inverter generator is one of them. 

This beauty is a perfect combination of efficiency, portability, and reliability.

It’s a quiet generator that is suitable for both home and outdoor use.

You will get excellent power, runtime, and quality when you have the P2200 Powersmart to run your appliances.

Engine

111cc OHV Engine

Starts

Recoil system

Outlets

(2) 120v electric outlets and (1) 12v DC plug

Materials

Steel

Fuel

Gasoline

Fuel tank

1 gallon

Weight

54.6 pounds

Dimensions

22.4 x 14.4 x 19.9 inches

Runtime

8 hours on 25% load

Wheels

No wheels

Briggs & Stratton P2200 Powersmart Inverter Generator Features:

Power: This generator offers 1700 running watts. However, thanks to starting watts of 2200W, it is able to support some bigger appliances as well but they should only require a maximum of 1700 consistent watts.

It is not the most powerful generator out there, but it’s enough to run small appliances like blenders, lights, etc. It’s made to carry along when you go on trips so that you have no trouble during your trip.

LED System: The unit has an LED system that makes maintenance easier. It has 3 LED lights, each telling a different generator status.

The first light displays the current status of the generator.

The second light indicates an overload

The third light tells about oil

Thanks to this system, you do not have to worry about manually check oil or voltage. The light can help you make decisions and allow you to keep the system well-maintained.

Runtime: Despite a small 1-gallon tank, the unit can run for about 8 hours at 25% load. Increasing the load will reduce the run-time, hence we suggest you control the number of appliances you operate on the unit if you want to enjoy a good run-time

Noise: One of the biggest advantages of this generator is its ability to work quietly. It produces a noise of 59 dB only when kept at a distance of 23 feet. However, the noise increases when the load exceeds 25%.

This portable generator will provide you a good night's sleep by allowing you to run an electric fan and a bulb for 8 continuous hours. You will not have to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to add fuel, etc.

Parallel Connection: It is one of the few smaller generators to offer parallel connection capability. This feature lets you connect two similar generators to double power and also increase the number of outlets.

This is a great option if you have more appliances to run or run for longer hours. Connecting the two generators is easy and requires no expertise.

Starting System: It might not have an electric start mechanism but the recoil system isn’t much difficult to use as well. The cord is smooth and doesn’t require a lot of strength to kick start the unit.

This is especially because the unit is small, so you do not need a lot of strength to pull the cord. However, if it’s on the ground then you may have to bend a little to do the job.

Outlets: The generator has two 120v electric outlets to run home appliances and one 12v DC plug to charge sensitive devices such as mobiles, tablets, etc.

There’s a separate port to make a parallel connection and increase the wattage power from 2200W to 4400W.

Easy Carry Handle: The unit has an H-handle design that makes it easier to carry it from place to place. Plus, with a weight of 54.6 pounds only, it’s a breeze to carry.

Warranty: The company offers 2-year consumer warranty and 1-year commercial warranty.

Efficiency: The engine inside the generator is computer controlled and can adjust to various speeds depending on the load. This helps keep the noise low and safe energy.

It will not be entirely wrong to state that the engine is smart and also economical.

Safe For Sensitive Appliances: No matter how powerful a generator is, things can go south if it is not meant to support sensitive appliances such as phones, computers, tablets, etc.

Briggs & Stratton P2200 features less than 3% harmonic distortion. Hence, you can charge all kinds of appliances without any trouble or risk.

Drain Off Tray: Oil replacement is very easy thanks to the presence of a tray that helps prevent oil from spilling on to the ground.

Super Lo-Tone Muffler: The muffler plays a vital role in reducing the noise.

Pros:

  • 2-year warranty.
  • The drain tray makes it easy to change the oil.
  • Safe for sensitive gadgets (less than 3% harmonic distortion).

Cons:

  • Not suitable for long trips or to power bigger appliances.

Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable generator FAQS

Q. Can I use the P3000 model or P2200 model in parallel connection?

Ans. Yes, you can. You will, however, need to buy a parallel kit separately to do so.

Q. How to prevent the unit from getting stolen as it’s so light?

Ans. You can buy a bike lock and connect the unit to a pole for safety.

Q. Does it provide clean electricity?

Ans. As seen in the name, the generator uses inverter technology which makes it safe for all kinds of appliances.

The Bottomline:

Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable generator might not be the most powerful generator on the market but it is portable and safe to use.

It produces little to no noise and has great features that make it easy to operate and maintain,

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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