Last updated: March 2026

PowerProtect 18kW

Power: 18kW LP / 18kW NG
Installed Cost: $10,000–$15,000
Noise: 68 dB
Weight: 465 lbs
Warranty: 7 years
Fuel: Dual-fuel (NG/LP)

Best for: 2,000–2,500 sq ft on natural gas. NGMax: full 18kW output on both fuels.

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18 kW on propane. 18 kW on natural gas. Same number on both fuels: that's the NGMax headline. A Generac 18kW drops to 17 kW on NG. The B&S gives natural gas homeowners the full rated output.

What This Generator Keeps Running

3-ton central AC (including startup with 45 kVA motor starting), refrigerator, freezer, furnace, sump pump, most lighting, home office.

Limitations: 4-ton AC on NG pushes the boundary. Electric range + AC simultaneously needs management.

What It Actually Costs

Unit price

$5,746

Installed

$10,000–$15,000

$367 more than the Generac 18kW. For that premium: full NG output and 2 extra years of warranty.

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How Loud Is It?

68 dB: 3 dB louder than Generac (65) and Cummins (65) at this size. Noticeable difference.

How Big Is It?

46.5" × 26.8" × 28.4". 465 lbs.

Maintenance

Vanguard M61 (993cc V-Twin). Annual service. InfoHub subscription required for monitoring.

Pros & Cons

What's good

✓18 kW on both fuels. NGMax means zero derating
✓7-year comprehensive warranty: 2 years longer than Generac/Kohler/Cummins
✓45 kVA motor starting: handles 3-ton AC confidently
✓Vanguard commercial-grade engine
✓Symphony Choice ATS option adds load management

What's not

✗68 dB: 3 dB louder than Generac and Cummins
✗Paid monitoring ($100/yr)
✗Based on reviews, B&S customer service has been a reported concern (1.4/5 on PissedConsumer)
✗$367 more than the Generac 18kW for the same LP output

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the B&S 18kW really produce 18kW on NG?▾

B&S officially states 18 kW on both fuels via NGMax. One dealer source lists 16 kW on NG, creating a conflict. We're using the official figure. Ask your dealer to verify.

B&S 18kW vs Generac 18kW?▾

B&S: 18 kW on both fuels, 7-year warranty, $367 more. Generac: 3 dB quieter (65 vs 68), free monitoring, much larger dealer network. NG output and warranty: B&S. Noise and support: Generac.

Is the 7-year warranty really better?▾

Two extra years of comprehensive coverage at no cost. A Generac 7-year extension costs ~$495. So the B&S warranty effectively saves $500 partially offsetting the higher unit price.

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