Generac and Briggs and Stratton both build solid standby generators, and either brand will keep the lights on during a North Shore power outage. Briggs and Stratton backs its PowerProtect+ line with a longer warranty and full rated output on natural gas, which matters here since most North Shore homes run on Nicor or North Shore Gas, not a propane tank. Generac backs its Guardian series with the largest dealer network in the industry and a slightly lower unit price at some sizes. Neither brand is a bad choice. The right one depends on what matters most for your house.
Generac vs. Briggs and Stratton at a Glance
At the 22 kW size most North Shore homes choose, Briggs and Stratton's PowerProtect+ carries a 7 year warranty and holds its full 22 kW rating on natural gas. Generac's Guardian carries a 5 year standard warranty and drops to 21 kW on natural gas. Generac costs a little less up front and has more local dealers to call for service.
| Feature | Generac 22 kW Guardian | Briggs and Stratton PowerProtect+ 22 kW |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP (unit only) | $6,309 | $6,532 |
| Standard warranty | 5 years, limited | 7 years, parts, labor, and travel |
| Rated output on propane | 22 kW | 22 kW |
| Rated output on natural gas | 21 kW | 22 kW |
| Normal operating sound | About 65 to 67 dB | 66 dB(A) |
| Remote monitoring | Mobile Link (subscription tiers apply) | EnergyTrak, included |
| Weekly self-test | Quiet test mode, standard | Eco-Cise, 16 second test |
| Dealer network size | Largest in the industry | Smaller, growing through Elite IQ program |
Warranty: Briggs and Stratton Covers You Longer
Briggs and Stratton's standard warranty beats Generac's standard warranty by two full years, and it costs nothing extra to get. The PowerProtect+ line ships with 7 years of parts, labor, and travel coverage built into the price, which Briggs and Stratton values at an $849 upgrade if you had to buy it separately. Generac's Guardian series ships with a 5 year limited warranty as the standard. You can extend a Generac warranty to 7 or 10 years, but that upgrade is a paid add-on that can run close to $1,000 depending on the dealer and the model. Briggs and Stratton publishes the full terms in its own generator warranty guide.
On a 22 kW unit, Briggs and Stratton's included coverage runs longer than what it costs to upgrade a Generac to match it. If warranty length and what it covers matters most to you, that is a real point in Briggs and Stratton's favor.
Both brands require a professional installation and warranty registration to keep the coverage valid, and both send a technician instead of just mailing a part. That is one more reason to have a licensed, factory trained installer handle the work instead of a handyman.
Natural Gas Power: Why This Matters More on the North Shore
Most standby generators lose a little power when they burn natural gas instead of propane. Generac's own spec sheet for the 22 kW Guardian lists 22 kW on propane but only 21 kW on natural gas. Briggs and Stratton's spec sheet for the PowerProtect+ 22 kW lists 22 kW on both fuels, with no drop on natural gas. Since nearly every North Shore home runs on Nicor or North Shore Gas rather than a propane tank, that gap is not a rounding error. It is the power you actually get on the fuel you actually have.
A generator's nameplate number assumes ideal conditions, and manufacturers publish two ratings for a reason: natural gas simply burns at a lower energy density than propane. Briggs and Stratton calls its natural gas technology NGMax and builds it into the PowerProtect and PowerProtect+ lines so the natural gas rating matches the propane rating. That extra kilowatt can matter during a heat wave outage, when your air conditioner, well pump, and kitchen appliances all try to draw power at the same time.
Not Sure Which Size or Brand Fits Your House?
Tell us your home size and we will route your request to one licensed and insured local electrician who installs both Generac and Briggs and Stratton on the North Shore.
Request a QuoteNoise: Both Brands Run Quiet
Both brands land in the same quiet range. Briggs and Stratton's PowerProtect+ 22 kW measures 66 dB(A) under normal operating load, about as loud as a running dishwasher. Generac's Guardian series generators typically measure in the mid to high 60 decibel range at the same distance, depending on the specific model and load. Either brand is quiet enough to run overnight without disturbing the house or the neighbors.
Both brands also run a brief weekly self-test to keep the unit ready for the next outage. Briggs and Stratton calls its version Eco-Cise, a 16 second test built to use less fuel and make less noise than older weekly tests. Generac's Guardian units include a similar quiet test mode as standard equipment.
Price: Generac Costs a Little Less, Briggs and Stratton Includes More
At the 22 kW size, Generac's Guardian lists for $6,309 in manufacturer pricing, and Briggs and Stratton's PowerProtect+ lists for $6,532. That roughly $200 gap looks small next to what each price already includes. Briggs and Stratton's price bakes in two extra years of warranty coverage and the full natural gas rating. Generac's lower sticker price does not include its premium Mobile Link monitoring tier or an extended warranty, both of which cost more if you want them.
For the full installed cost on the North Shore, including the transfer switch, gas line, electrical work, and permits, see our North Shore generator cost guide. Most homeowners here land between $12,000 and $18,000 installed no matter which brand they choose, since labor, permits, and site work make up more of the total bill than the generator unit itself.
Parts and Dealer Network: Generac's Advantage
Generac runs the largest standby generator dealer network in the country, and that matters when a part fails during a multi-day outage. Briggs and Stratton's network is smaller and more regional, though the company has been growing it through its Elite IQ installer training program. If having a nearby technician available within a day or two matters most to you, Generac's size is a real advantage.
A standby generator typically needs 15 to 30 professional service visits over its lifetime for oil changes, filters, and load tests. Fewer dealers in your area can mean a longer wait for a technician when something goes wrong mid-outage. Our electrician installs and services both Briggs and Stratton and Generac units across the North Shore, so either brand gets local support either way.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose Briggs and Stratton if you want the longest included warranty and full power on natural gas without paying extra for either one. Choose Generac if you want the widest dealer network and a slightly lower sticker price on the unit itself. Both brands build a reliable standby generator that can carry a North Shore home through a multi-day outage like the ones ComEd sees most summers. If you have not settled on a size yet, start with our generator sizing guide before you compare brands, since the right kW number narrows your options either way. Weighing a battery system instead of a second generator brand? Our generator vs. battery backup comparison lays out the tradeoffs.
Picture two North Shore homeowners. One owns an older Wilmette colonial and wants the longest warranty with the least amount of paperwork later. Briggs and Stratton fits that goal well. The other just built a new home in Northbrook and wants the largest possible network of dealers nearby for peace of mind. Generac fits that goal well. Both are the right call for the homeowner making it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Generac or Briggs and Stratton the better standby generator?
Both are well built and reliable. Briggs and Stratton wins on warranty length and natural gas output. Generac wins on dealer network size. Neither is a bad choice for a North Shore home.
Does a Briggs and Stratton generator run at full power on natural gas?
Yes. Briggs and Stratton's PowerProtect+ 22 kW is rated for the same 22 kW on natural gas and propane. Generac's 22 kW Guardian drops to 21 kW on natural gas.
How long is the warranty on a Generac generator compared to Briggs and Stratton?
Generac's Guardian series ships with a 5 year limited warranty as standard. Briggs and Stratton's PowerProtect+ ships with a 7 year warranty covering parts, labor, and travel. Generac offers paid extensions up to 10 years.
How loud is a whole house generator?
Most standby generators from either brand run between about 64 and 68 decibels under load, close to the sound of a running dishwasher or central air conditioner. Briggs and Stratton's PowerProtect+ 22 kW measures 66 dB(A) on its official spec sheet.
Is a Briggs and Stratton generator more expensive than a Generac?
At the 22 kW size, Briggs and Stratton's PowerProtect+ lists for about $200 more than Generac's Guardian in manufacturer pricing. Installed cost on the North Shore depends far more on your gas line, electrical panel, and local permits than on which brand you pick.
Does North Shore Generator install both Generac and Briggs and Stratton?
Yes. Our licensed and insured electrician installs and services both brands across the North Shore, including Briggs and Stratton installations.
Get a Quote for Either Brand
Both Generac and Briggs and Stratton build a standby generator that will get your North Shore home through the next multi-day outage. The right one for your house depends on your budget, your gas service, and how much warranty coverage you want included instead of purchased separately.
Tell us about your home and we will route your request to one licensed and insured local electrician who installs both brands. You will get a real recommendation and a real price, not a pitch for whichever brand pays the bigger commission. Request your quote here.