Review of the Briggs & Stratton 030740 Elite Series 7000 Portable Generator
8750 Starting Watts, 7000 Running Watts on Gasoline
Electric Start: Yes
Weight: 221lbs
Noise: 74dB
Should You Buy It?
Like most portable generators on the market, this one is made in China according to design specifications from the US company. It packs a fair punch for those who need it, and yes, it appears to be one possible solution for people living in areas prone to power outages and other emergencies and can't make do with something smaller.
What are some alternatives?
Alternatives to this model include the WEN DF1100T, the DuroStar DS10000E, the Westinghouse WGEN7500 and the Champion 100813.
Key Points about the Briggs & Stratton Elite 7000
Highly rated by buyers
Easy to set up
Comes with a wheel kit
Auto Carbon Monoxide shutdown
Quite noisy (normal for a big unit)
Harder to move around due to its weight
Technical Support outsourced
The following provides a detailed look at this model and includes some likes and dislikes from those who have bought it.
Overview of the Generator
The Elite Series 7000-watt portable generator from Briggs & Stratton is a fully featured model with enough power to keep a lot of your important equipment running during a power outage or natural disaster. It also provides you with an additional feature of CO Guard® technology. This can help to protect you and your family from potentially lethal levels of carbon monoxide detected in the generator's operating area, at which point it will shut the engine down automatically.
Controls and Features
The control panel is simple and functional with a minimum of controls. It has a key-operated electric start and comes with a battery as standard. As is usual, there is a manual pull recoil starter as well. It does not have a voltage meter, but there is an hour meter and a fuel gauge.
In addition, the Elite 7000 incorporates CO Guard to monitor levels of carbon monoxide in the vicinity of the generator and shuts the engine down automatically if it detects the levels are too high for safe operation.
For electrical connections there are 2x120v 20A GFCI duplex outlets and 1x120/240v 30A locking outlet. With a compatible transfer switch, this generator can be connected into your home's electrical system.
There is a low oil protection feature that will stop the engine when it drops below a safe level, and you will not be able to (re)start it until you add enough more oil to meet the minimum requirement.
There is no evidence that we can find to suggest this generator is CARB Compliant or has EPA approval, which will preclude its use in California. It does have a spark arrestor, so its use would be permitted in National Parks and camp sites.
The generator runs for up to 9 hours at a 50% load on its 7.5-gallon gasoline tank.
Briggs & Stratton include a 3-year warranty on this model for residential use and 1-year for commercial use. Most warranties are limited in scope and usually only apply to the original owner.
You can find a manual for this model here.
Although this generator has a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor you must never operate it in any enclosed environment.
In addition, the Elite 7000 incorporates CO Guard to monitor levels of carbon monoxide in the vicinity of the generator and shuts the engine down automatically if it detects the levels are too high for safe operation.
For electrical connections there are 2x120v 20A GFCI duplex outlets and 1x120/240v 30A locking outlet. With a compatible transfer switch, this generator can be connected into your home's electrical system.
There is a low oil protection feature that will stop the engine when it drops below a safe level, and you will not be able to (re)start it until you add enough more oil to meet the minimum requirement.
There is no evidence that we can find to suggest this generator is CARB Compliant or has EPA approval, which will preclude its use in California. It does have a spark arrestor, so its use would be permitted in National Parks and camp sites.
The generator runs for up to 9 hours at a 50% load on its 7.5-gallon gasoline tank.
Briggs & Stratton include a 3-year warranty on this model for residential use and 1-year for commercial use. Most warranties are limited in scope and usually only apply to the original owner.
You can find a manual for this model here.
Although this generator has a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor you must never operate it in any enclosed environment.
Power Output
Powering this generator is an OHV 420cc engine outputting 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts.
These levels of power output will of course depend on the environmental conditions in which it is operated. Altitude, for example, has a significant impact on the unit's stated power outputs and high-altitude adjustments may be needed to help offset a reduction in performance, more fuel consumption, and greater emissions.
Although Briggs & Stratton say the generator outputs clean power, this is not to say that it can be compared with the clean power outputs of a generator using inverter technology. It would be wise to use a line cleaner/UPS if you aim to connect sensitive electronics to this model.
These levels of power output will of course depend on the environmental conditions in which it is operated. Altitude, for example, has a significant impact on the unit's stated power outputs and high-altitude adjustments may be needed to help offset a reduction in performance, more fuel consumption, and greater emissions.
Although Briggs & Stratton say the generator outputs clean power, this is not to say that it can be compared with the clean power outputs of a generator using inverter technology. It would be wise to use a line cleaner/UPS if you aim to connect sensitive electronics to this model.
Weight
This is not a lightweight portable generator as it weighs in at 223lbs. But this is comparable with other powerful models equipped with a large engine. It comes with large 12" wheels of the no-flat variety, which are not everyone's favorite. As we explain elsewhere, they can be replaced with other wheels.
Noise Level
In answer to a question by a potential client, Briggs & Stratton said this: "Presently, Briggs & Stratton does not conduct decibel rate testing on this generator as there is no industry standard for noise testing in the USA".
That said, this open frame generator with a large engine will have a noise level like that of other models in this power range such as the Westinghouse WGen7500, which has a decibel rating of about 74dB.
That said, this open frame generator with a large engine will have a noise level like that of other models in this power range such as the Westinghouse WGen7500, which has a decibel rating of about 74dB.
What Most Buyers Like
In general, the Elite 7000 is a highly rated model according to reviews submitted by buyers. Though it is harder to move around than one of the smaller models, it is not hard to set up and get going.
What Some Buyers Like Less
The noise level is "a bit much" according to one buyer. And being asked to send a faulty unit in for repair/diagnosis at their own expense can be beyond the means of some buyers. However, such a request is not unique to Briggs & Stratton as most, if not all, manufacturers oblige buyers to do the same (it is often referred to in the relevant warranties, which we talk about here). There appears to be no in-house technical support, which leads some buyers to question its effectiveness.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 30740 |
| Engine Brand | B&S OHV |
| Running Watts | 7000 |
| Starting Watts | 8750 |
| Volts | 120/240 |
| Engine size | 420cc |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.5 gallons |
| Run Time | Up to 9 hours at 50% load |
| Alternator | Power Surge™ |
| Start Type | Electric/Recoil |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes |
| Muffler | Super Lo-Tone™ |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Hour Meter | Yes |
| Wheel Type | Never-Go-Flat |
| Wheel Diameter | 12 inches |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes |
| Width (in) | 30.2 |
| Weight (lbs) | 223 |
| Height (in) | 28.9 |
| Length (in) | 29.5 |
| Consumer Warranty (Product) | 3-Year Limited |
| Commercial Warranty (Product) | 1-Year Limited |
| OHV Engine | Yes |
