If you're looking for a larger generator for your RV, food van or events, there are two contenders battling for your wallet: the Honda EU7000is and the Briggs and Stratton Q6500.
So, which one will win your hard-earned dollars? To find out, we put our generator testers to work.
First, let's take a look at some basics.
The Honda EU7000is is the biggest EU series generator available from Honda with a massive 7000-watt maximum output. So, it's great for powering large caravans, food and coffee vans, and events as well as being ideal for home backup power.
Decision made, right? Not so fast.
Just look at the Briggs & Stratton Q6500. The portable generator gives Honda a run for its money with lots of top features packed into a lighter, value for money unit.
So, which one will take the crown?
Let's take a look...
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Clean Power
Both generators feature inverter technology. This means they can safely run sensitive electronics, such as laptops and phones, with a smooth, high-quality power flow.
The Briggs & Stratton offers 6500W maximum output with 5000W continuous output. The Honda is slightly bigger with 7000W maximum output and 5500W continuous output.
This makes the Honda EU7000is a 7000W generator, whereas the Briggs is a 6500W generator.
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Weighing Up
The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 weighs in at 64kg.
The Honda EU7000is is almost double the weight at a whopping 118kg.
However, when you consider that the Honda only offer 500W more power, that's a huge weight difference!
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Quiet Please
The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 operates at 66dB, which is quieter than normal conversation, so it blends into the background.
The challenge here is that Honda has used a different measurement to rate the Honda EU7000is generator, so we can't easily compare the volume. But we can tell you it's rated at LwA 90dB(A), which they promise is "whisper quiet".
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Fuel Efficiency
Both units run off of petrol. Here's the stats:
- Honda boasts 18 hours at 1/4 load. Fuel tank capacity is 19.2L
- Briggs boasts 16 hours at 1/4 load. Fuel tank capacity is 18.9L.
Again, remember that the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is a slightly smaller generator (500W smaller), plus you're getting 2 hours less run time than the Honda.
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Top Features
Let's face it - great features can sell the generator. And the Briggs & Stratton has them in spades. The all-steel frame enclosed in a protective shell means noise is minimised and internal components are protected. The Briggs Q6500 lets you power up a variety of devices at the same time with two 15A outlets and two USB outlets.
The greatest differentiating feature for the Q6500 is the massive 32 Amp single phase outlet. This can be used to connect to the switch board of the house to draw the full power from the generator. No other Inverter Generator in the market comes with this feature. You will always be limited by the standard 15A outlet, but not with the Q6500. This can be applied to a variety of applications including mobile food catering and home standby back up power.
The Briggs & Stratton is also Bluetooth enabled. You can use the Android/iPhone app to monitor fuel, run time, and servicing, as well as access online user manuals. The Briggs app will also tell you where your closes service agent is and when your next service is due.
Both generators come with built-in wheels and handle. So, there's no need to purchase a separate kit for easy transportation.
Also, both feature some kind of variable RPM engine, which automatically adjusts to wattage needs, so you don't overload your electronics and can save on fuel.
One difference is that the Briggs & Stratton only has a recoil start, while the Honda EU7000is has both an electric and recoil start.
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Warranty
The Briggs & Stratton comes with a 3-year warranty versus the Honda's 4-year warranty.
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Price
All said and done, the Briggs & Stratton generator is more than half the price of the Honda! The Briggs and Stratton has an RRP of $2,999 versus the Honda's price tag of $6,599.
So, if you were on the fence, this could be the thing that tips the scales to the Briggs & Stratton.
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Our Verdict
Okay, if you desperately need a 7000w generator, go for the Honda. BUT if you're happy with 6500w, the Briggs & Stratton has everything you could need (and more) in a much cheaper package. We don't like to compare on price alone, but the Briggs & Stratton has the goods to back it up. It's way lighter, comes with heaps of features and is backed by a good warranty.
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Pro Tip
The 32 Amp outlet of the Q6500 can be connected to the switch board of your house via the Briggs and Stratton Manual Transfer Switch Kit ($395). SO if the power goes out, all you need to do is start the generator, wait for it to get up to speed and flick the manual transfer switch over the generator power to run the desired circuits of your house. Talk about peace of mind!
Need help selecting a generator to suit your needs? Give one of our product experts a call on 1300 400 122!
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
