Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Generator vs Kohler K-5600-NA 5‑HP 120‑Volt Portable Generator
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The P2200 Power Smart Series Generator delivers 2,200 surge watts and 1,700 running watts in a compact, portable design. Its inverter technology provides clean, stable power for sensitive electronics, while the low-noise engine runs at just 53 dBA at a quarter load. Equipped with an electric start, USB charging ports, and a built‑in fuel gauge, the generator is ready for camping trips, tailgates, home backup, and job‑site tools. CARB‑compliant and fuel‑efficient, it runs up to 8 hours on a single tank of gasoline.
The Kohler K-5600-NA is a lightweight, 5‑horsepower portable generator designed for easy transport and quick start‑up. It provides a stable 120‑volt output suitable for essential appliances, tools, and emergency lighting. Built with Kohler's reputation for durability, this unit features a low‑oil shutdown, recoil start, and a sturdy steel frame, making it a dependable backup power source for homeowners, contractors, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Very quiet operation for a gasoline generator
- Clean inverter output protects sensitive electronics
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Built‑in USB ports and fuel gauge add convenience
- Compact and easy to transport
- Low‑oil shutdown protects engine
- Long runtime on a single tank
- Simple recoil start, no batteries needed
- Limited runtime compared to larger models
- No built‑in battery backup or solar input
- Running wattage may be insufficient for high‑draw appliances
- No built‑in electric start option
- Limited to 120 V outlets only
- Noise level higher than inverter models
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Generator
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Compact 5‑HP generator delivering reliable 120 V power for home and jobsite.
Alternatives to Kohler K-5600-NA 5‑HP 120‑Volt Portable Generator
View all →Quiet, lightweight inverter generator for home and outdoor power needs
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataChoose the Kohler K-5600-NA if you need higher wattage (3,500 W) and longer run time, accepting more noise; pick the Briggs & Stratton P2200 for quieter, lighter operation with clean inverter power but lower output.
Key differences
- •Power output: 3,500 W (Kohler) vs 1,700 W continuous (Briggs & Stratton).
- •Noise: Kohler is louder (no dBA given) while Briggs & Stratton runs at 53 dBA.
- •Fuel tank & runtime: 6 gal, up to 10 h (Kohler) vs 1.1 gal, up to 8 h (Briggs & Stratton).
- •Start method: recoil pull‑start only (Kohler) vs electric push‑button start (Briggs & Stratton).
- •Convenience ports: Kohler has none; Briggs & Stratton includes USB‑C/A ports and fuel gauge.
Power output
Kohler delivers up to 3,500 W continuous, more than double Briggs & Stratton’s 1,700 W.
Noise level
Briggs & Stratton is rated at 53 dBA; Kohler’s noise is higher and not quantified.
Runtime on fuel
Kohler runs up to 10 h at half load on a 6‑gal tank; Briggs & Stratton up to 8 h on 1.1 gal.
Size & footprint
Briggs & Stratton dimensions 20.5×15.5×16.5 in are smaller than Kohler’s 23×20×22 in.
Features
Briggs & Stratton offers electric start, USB ports, fuel gauge, inverter clean power; Kohler only recoil start and circuit breaker.
Price
Briggs & Stratton MSRP $599 vs Kohler $699.
Warranty
Both provide a 2‑year warranty.
Choose Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Generator if…
Campers or users of sensitive electronics who prioritize quiet, lightweight operation.
Choose Kohler K-5600-NA 5‑HP 120‑Volt Portable Generator if…
Homeowners or contractors needing higher wattage for tools or backup power.
Common questions
Which generator is cheaper?
Briggs & Stratton P2200 costs $599, while Kohler K-5600-NA costs $699.
Can I run laptops and phones safely?
Both can, but Briggs & Stratton’s inverter technology provides a clean sine wave specifically noted as safe for laptops and phones.
Which model runs longer on a single tank?
Kohler runs up to 10 hours at half load on its 6‑gal tank; Briggs & Stratton runs up to 8 hours on a 1.1‑gal tank.