Generac Generator Reviews (Dual Fuel, Inverter, Standby)
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Backup electricity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for homeowners as natural calamities and other emergencies can lead to prolonged power outages. On the other hand, you require a generator to hold backyard and outdoor parties to enjoy with your friends and family.
When it comes to buying generators, you must keep in view performance and reliability since it’s certainly a long-term investment. The good news is that Generac is a well-reputed brand renowned for manufacturing affordable generators for residential and industrial customers. The primary objective is to design robust, heavy-duty, silent, and mobile generators to guarantee convenience and comfort.
Lucky for you, we have done an extensive research to compile a list of standby, inverter, and dual fuel generators to fulfill your power requirements. The critical criteria for shortlisting the generators include fuel capacity, running power, affordability, and ease of use.
Generac Generator Reviews | Buy / More Info |
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Generac Inverter Generators - Review | |
1. Generac 76711 GP1200i 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator | » check on amazon |
2. Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter | » check on amazon |
3. Generac GP2500i Inverter | » check on amazon |
4. Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator | » check on amazon |
5. Generac GP3500iO Open Frame RV Ready Inverter Generator | » check on amazon |
Generac Portable Generators - Review | |
1. Generac 7676 GP8000E Portable Generator | » check on amazon |
2 Generac 7677 GP3600 Portable Generator | » check on amazon |
3. Generac 7680 GP6500 Portable Generator | » check on amazon |
4. GP8000E – 8,000 Watt Electric Start Portable Generator | » check on amazon |
5. Generac 64331 Portable Generator, Orange | » check on amazon |
6. Generac 6864, 5000 Running Watts/5500 Starting Watts | » check on amazon |
7. Generac 7683 GP6500 Portable Generator | » check on amazon |
Best Generac Inverter Generators 2024
#1. Generac 76711 GP1200i 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Are you looking to buy a compact and quiet generator to serve as a power backup for your outdoor parties? The 76711 is undoubtedly a perfect choice for you, featuring True Power technology to deliver stable and clean power to sensitive appliances.
This advanced generator offers unbeatable features, such as LED indicators to alert you about low oil levels, ready-to-use, and overload. Similarly, the economy mode guarantees oil efficiency and minimal sound emission by adjusting the engine speed.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 V
• Engine Type: Single cylinder, four-stroke
• Run Time: Up to 5.5 hours
• Outlets: Five VDC, 1/1.2 amp USB outlet, a DC 12V 8A, and an AC 15A
• Item Dimensions: 18.5 L x 10.2 Wx 15.7 H inchess
• Weight: 36.3 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.8 gal
• Offers stable and clean power to sensitive electronics
• Lightweight and portable
• Features an Economy mode
• Includes LED indicator alerts
• Outlets are covered for protection
• Very limited fuel capacity
Noise Level/Quiet? The customers have rated noise level 4.5 out of 5, which is pretty good.
Best Use For: If you are an adventurer and hiker, the generator is your perfect companion to summer camping.
#2. Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the 7117 won’t disappoint you, featuring Turepower technology, economy, and parallel ready modes. In addition, this inverter generator offers a maximum output power of 2200 watts, which is outstanding.
Truepower technology is one of the most distinguishing features in the Generac 7117 to offer stable and clean power to the appliances and sensitive electronics.
The generator offers a simplified startup mechanism by integrating different functionalities, such as OFF, run, and choke on one knob.
Finally, the generator features a parallel-ready option that allows you to double the power to connect two generators.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 80CC variable OHV engine
• Run Time: Up to 10.75 hours
• Outlets: one 120V, 20A, duplex outlet, 12 VDC outlet, parallel outlets, and 1.5A, 5VDC USB outlet
• Item Dimensions: 19.7 L x 11.4 Wx 17.9 H inches
• Weight: 46.6 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.2 gal
• Easy to use
• Compact and quiet
• Features Truepower technology
• Built-in handles for transportation
• Features parallel ready mode
• You need to buy a separate parallel kit
Noise Level/Quiet? The generator has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 for noise levels making it one of the quietest portable generators.
Best Use For: Weighing only 46.6 pounds, the generator is a perfect choice for outdoor adventurers and campers.
#3. Generac GP2500i Inverter
The GP2500i is an advanced compact generator featuring a fully enclosed design to minimize the noise levels. This fuel-efficient and easy-to-start generator is an apt choice for the campers and tailgaters.
This lightweight and compact inverter generator offers added features compared to the previous model GP2200i to ensure fuel saving, more power, and convenient maintenance.
The 98cc four-stroke OHV engineer powers AC, TV, refrigerator, microwave, as well as smaller devices at the same time. Finally, the GP2500i offers 4.5 hours of run time at 50 percent load and eight hours at 25 percent load.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 4 Stroke 98cc engine
• Run Time: Up to 8 hours at 25 percent rated load
• Outlets: one DC 12V 8A, one 8A DC, one 18A AC, and a USB 2.1A
• Item Dimensions: 9.84 L x 4.33 Wx 8.27 H inches
• Weight: 48 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.0 gal
• Features an economy mode
• Integrated run, choke, and OFF operations
• Includes LED indicator alerts for low oil and overload
• Parallel ready
• Includes low oil-level shutdown
• Comes with covered outlets
• People have complained about restarting the generator
Noise Level/Quiet? This quiet generator enjoys a rating of 4.5 out of 5 when customers rated the noise levels. The noise levels remain 60 dBA at 25 percent load.
Best Use For: This compact 48 pounds generator is perfect for campers. Alternatively, the homeowners can use the parallel ready mode to twice the output power to ensure electricity supply to the smart devices and electronics.
#4. Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator
The 7129 is one of the quietest and most portable generators offering advanced features, such as PowerRush technology, USB outlets, and parallel ready. For instance, the PowerRush technology guarantees 50 percent more starting capacity.
It’s an environment-friendly generator offering silent operations courtesy of state-of-the-art technology. In addition, you should know that the inverter generators are perfect for providing stable and clean power to sensitive appliances.
The colored LED lights notify whether the generator is manual or automatic. Similarly, the overload indicator proves to be extremely helpful in protecting the engine.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: Single cylinder, four-stroke 149CC
• Run Time: Up to 4.5 hours at 50 percent load
• Outlets: 120V AC max 20A, one 120V AC max 19.2A and USB 5V 1A/2.1A
• Item Dimensions: 22.2 L x 13.3 Wx 18.4 H inches
• Weight: 59.5 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.14 gal
• Features PowerRush technology
• Minimizes sound emissions
• Compact and lightweight
• Built-in handles
• Includes US outlets
• Doesn’t include the hour meter
Noise Level/Quiet? The generator delivers exceptional performance by minimizing sound emissions—that’s why the customers score the noise levels 4.5 out of 5, which is excellent.
Best Use For: If you love to explore the country in RV, this generator is a perfect choice to run RV air conditioners and different motor-driven equipment.
#5. Generac GP3500iO Open Frame RV Ready Inverter Generator
With an output power of 3500 watts, the GP3500iO features an open-frame inverter, an apt choice for your RVs. The gas-powered generator offers clean and stable power with 50 percent more starting capacity courtesy of the PowerRush and True Power technology.
You can use the conventional pull-start process to start the heavy-duty 212cc OHV engine. Also, you can use the PowerDial feature to select any of the three operation settings.
Lastly, the GP3500iO can offer power for 11 hours with a full fuel tank and less than three percent of the total harmonic interference (THD).
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 212 CC OHV
• Run Time: Up to 8.9 hours at 50 percent load
• Outlets: 5V DC 1A/2.1A USB outlets, 120V, 20A 5-20R duplex outlet, and one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet
• Item Dimensions: 19.7 L x 16.5 Wx 16.4 H inches
• Weight: 74.3 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.37 gal
• Features PowerRush technology
• Ensures 50 percent quieter operations
• Includes USB power outlets
• RV ready
• Includes an economy switch
• Noisier when loaded
Noise Level/Quiet? The generator scores 4.1 out of 5 on noise levels, which is certainly reasonable.
Best Use For: It’s one of the best generators offering up to 15,000 BTUs to the RV air conditioners.
Best Generac Dual Fuel Generators 2024
#1. Generac 7676 GP8000E Portable Generator
The Generac 7676 GP8000E is a high-tech compact generator offering 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts. Also, the electric start makes it a breeze for homeowners to operate it.
The splash lubrication ensures the OHV engine’s long life. Also, this heavy-duty generator offers a runtime of 11 hours up to 50 percent load.
If you want to buy generators with large-capacity fuel tanks, you also have options such as GP3600, GP6500, and GP8000E. All of these generators feature the power rush technology to offer more starting capacity.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 4 Stroke 79 cc OHV
• Run Time: Up to 11 hours
• Outlets: two covered 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity
• Item Dimensions: 27.2 L x 27 Wx 26.5 H inches
• Weight: 214 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.1 gal
• Power rush technology
• 30 percent more starting capacity
• Includes electric start with included batteries
• Large-capacity fuel tank
• A customer has complained about gas leakage
Noise Level/Quiet? The noise levels of the generator are bearable and not too disturbing.
Best Use For: It’s a perfect generator with a longer runtime to power the home in an emergency outage.
#2. Generac 7677 GP3600 Portable Generator
It’s a portable and advanced generator offering 40 percent more starting capacity. In addition, the splash lubrication is effective in improving the engine’s longevity. The good news is the wheels never get flat; hence you can conveniently carry the generator around the home.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 212cc OHV
• Run Time: Up to 9.3 hours at 50 percent load
• Outlets: two 120V 20A outlets and one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet
• Item Dimensions: 17.3 L x 11.5 Wx 17.7 H inches
• Weight: 105 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 gal
• Features Power rush technology
• The engine comes with splash lubrication
• Large-capacity fuel tank
• Low oil level shut-off
• A bit noisier
Noise Level/Quiet? This reliable generator ensures quieter operations for up to 9 hours.
Best Use For: Whether you need a power backup for your home or a construction site, you can count on the Generac 7677 portable generator.
#3. Generac 7680 GP6500 Portable Generator
If you want to buy a portable generator at an astonishingly affordable price, 7680 is a perfect choice to fulfill your power backup requirements. Featuring co-sense technology, the generators offer enormous 6500 running watts of power while protecting your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Similarly, the advanced technology delivers more than 40 percent enhanced starting capacity of 8125 watts, which is outstanding. In addition, the low-oil feature ensures OHV engine protection.
Finally, the PowerRush technology offers 40 percent more starting capacity if you select the GP6500 389, GP6500 389 PR CSA, or GP6500E. These are large-capacity steel fuel tanks and fuel gauges to enhance the overall durability.
Specs
• Voltage: 120/240 VAC
• Engine Type: 389cc OHV
• Run Time: Up to 10.5 hours
• Outlets: two 120V, 20A GFCI duplex outlets, and one 120/240V, 30A twist-lock outlet
• Item Dimensions: 28.3 L x 27 Wx 28 H inche
• Weight: 177 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.9 gal
• Co-sense protects against hazardous CO
• Powerrush advanced technology
• 5 hours runtime at 50 percent load
• Convenient fold-down handle
• Easy maintenance
• Some people have complained about surging problems
Noise Level/Quiet? The manufacturer doesn’t mention the noise level, but the user review suggests that this generator is a bit louder.
Best Use For: This portable generator is the perfect choice for homeowners as a power backup in a sudden power outage.
#4. GP8000E – 8,000 Watt Electric Start Portable Generator
Featuring 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts, the GP8000E is a heavy-duty generator with advanced features such as an electric start.
You also have other options, such as GP3600 – 49 ST and GP6500 – 49 St, as both offer large-capacity steel fuel tanks for extended run times. Also, the GP6500 389 PR features a robust OHV engine with splash lubrication to ensure longevity.
Other models, like GP6500 389, GP6500E, GP8000E 420, and XTR800E, don’t lag in offering large-capacity fuel tanks coupled with fuel gauges.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 420cc OHV
• Run Time: Up to 11 hours
• Outlets: two 120V 20A GFCI duplex outlets and a 120/240V twist-lock outlet
• Item Dimensions: 27.2 L x 27 Wx 26.5 H inches
• Weight: 214 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.9 gal
• Comes with co-sense technology
• Offers 40 percent more starting capacity
• Features low-oil level shutdown
• Offers large-capacity fuel tank
• Features an electric start
• Some people have complained about leaked gas
Noise Level/Quiet? The noise levels are relatively higher compared to the compact generator models.
Best Use For: The generator qualifies to be a reliable power backup for any household during a power breakdown.
#5. Generac 64331 Portable Generator, Orange
The Generac 64331 is a portable generator featuring a single-touch electric start for quick power backup. Also, the low oil level feature shuts down the generator to prevent any damage to the engine.
The idle control proves to be extremely handy in controlling the noise and improving fuel efficiency.
Lastly, the generator includes a 20-feet cord with outlets, so you don’t have to spend extra bucks buying a new one.
You also have other versions, such as the GP6500 – 49 St and GP6500 389 PR CSA offering Power rush technology to deliver more starting capacity.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 4 Stroke 79 cc OHV
• Run Time: Up to 11.5 hours
• Outlets: two co 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity
• Item Dimensions: 21.5 L x 32 Wx 27.5 H inches
• Weight:
• Fuel Tank Capacity:
• Durable and compact design
• Single touch electric start
• Feature idle control
• Includes 20-feet cord
• Some people have complained about leaked gas
Noise Level/Quiet? It’s a heavy-duty generator, so certainly noisier but bearable.
Best Use For: It’s a perfect choice for a power backup in case of a power outage.
#6. Generac 6864, 5000 Running Watts/5500 Starting Watts
The Generac 6864 is a heavy-duty generator featuring a fully welded steel frame that protects the engine. Also, True Power technology minimizes the noise levels by providing less than five persons harmonic distortion. Hence, the generator supplies smooth, stable, and clean power to the devices and sensitive appliances.
Since the generator runs on diesel, it requires lesser maintenance and ensures a longer engine life. The fully welded steel frame protects the air-cooled direct injection diesel engine.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: Yanmar LW Series 435CC diesel engine
• Run Time: Up to 32.4 hours at 50 percent load
• Outlets: two 120V 20A duplex outlets, one 120V twist-lock outlet, and one 120V/240V twist-lock outlet
• Item Dimensions: 33.1 L x 22.5 Wx 25.6 H inches
• Weight: 254 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 gal
• Features robust steel frame
• Clean and smooth power supply
• Integrated lifting eye
• Idle control to save fuel
• Convenient start-up
• Not-so-great customer service
Noise Level/Quiet? The idle control mode not only saves fuel but also prevents noise.
Best Use For: It’s a perfect power backup for homeowners looking for a reliable generator with a single-touch electric start.
#7. Generac 7683 GP6500 Portable Generator
We have great news if you want to buy a premium-quality generator with a large fuel capacity, we have great news. The Generac 7683 offers starting watts of 8125 and running watts of 6500 to ensure a clean and stable power supply to the home appliances.
You can use the fold-down handles and sturdy wheels to relocate the generator in the home or outdoors. Lastly, the low-oil is an efficient feature that protects the engine from permanent damage.
Specs
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Engine Type: 389CC OHV
• Run Time: Up to 11.5 hours at 50 percent load
• Outlets: two 120V 20A duplex outlets and one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
• Item Dimensions: 28.3 L x 27 Wx 28 H inches
• Weight: 177 Pounds
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.9 gal
• Comes with co-sense technology
• Features Power rush technology
• Splash lubrication ensures long engine life
• Include low-oil level auto shut-off
• Large-capacity fuel tank
• Some customers have complained about surging problems
Noise Level/Quiet? The manufacturer doesn’t mention the noise levels; however, the customers haven’t complained about loud operations.
Best Use For: The co-sense technology prevents CO poisoning; hence you can keep the generators indoors. Furthermore, the advanced technology shuts off the generator automatically by sensing the increased CO in the environment.
Where to Buy Generac Generator Near Me (How to Find Dealers & Stores Near Me)
You must be excited to buy a Generac generator as a power back for your home. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of retailers from where you can buy the Generac generators.
• Absolute Generators
• Ace Hardware
• ACME Tools
• Adventure Auto Parts
• Amazon.com
• Amazon.ca
• ATWoods
• Unbeatable Sale.com
If you wish to find a dealer near you or a specific model, open the link now Generac Power Systems | Dealer Locator.
Where to Buy Used Generac Generator
If you want to buy used Generac generators in good condition, eBay would be your best choice.
Best Time to Buy Generac Generator (Deals, Discount & Sales)
It’s best to buy the Generac generators in fall or late summer. The reason is that the weather is pretty much stable. Also, the generators aren’t in demand during the season, and you can grab yourself some fantastic discounts and deals.
Generac vs Honda
You need a standby generator to meet your house’s power requirements in an emergency or outdoor party. Both Honda and Generac are known for designing reliable generators that can offer exceptional performance in areas with extreme weather conditions leading to power outages.
Honda performs rigorous diagnostic testing while designing and producing the generators to guarantee reliability. Courtesy of the ECO throttle system, Honda generator fuel consumption reduced up to 40%.
On the other hand, the Generac generators feature less than five percent total harmonic distortion. Also, you don’t need to worry about overloading and overheating the sensitive electronics and appliances running on the generator.
Generac vs Champion
Generac has been one of the pioneers in manufacturing generators since 1959, while Champion is a relatively new company founded in 2003.
The inverter generators by Generac and Champion are equally sturdy and reliable. However, the dual-fuel generators from Champion have a lead over the Generac in terms of a variety of models.
On the other hand, no one can beat Generac in designing the most portable generators globally.
Champion offers a warrant of three years for residential users, while Generac provides a two or three-year warranty, depending on the model.
Champion outshines Generac in offering higher-powered generators, while Generac ensures higher run time by increasing the fuel tank size.
Generac Generator Buyer’s Guide and FAQ
Who Makes a Generac Generator? Where Are Generac Generators Made?
Generac is essentially a subsidiary of Generac Holdings, Inc, and went public in 2010 as one of the largest generator manufacturing companies.
Founded in 1959, Generac is a generator manufacturing company based in Wisconsin. For more than 60 years, the company has been designing generators, including large, portable, and standby generators for residential and commercial use. Generac Power Systems manufactures the engineers in the facilities located in Eagle and Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Is Generac Generator a Good Brand? Does Generac Make Good Generators?
Without any second thought, yes. The company has earned a name and reputation by designing nothing less than the best generators in different categories of small, large, portable, and standby generators.
Generac Generator Warranty Information
One of the most significant reasons behind buying the Generac generators is the standard five warranty for safe investment. Also, the extended seven to ten years warranty ensures a long-term investment covering repairs and replacements due to product defects.
On the other hand, the warranty doesn’t include corrosion on the exterior after one year. Similarly, the cost of regular maintenance and damages caused by shipping, handling, use of improper fuel, and non-Generac parts isn’t covered in the warranty.
Also, operations failure due to improper installation, overtime, theft, and fire aren’t a part of the warranty. Nonetheless, the homeowner’s insurance policy can also cover some of these, even if the warranty doesn’t cover them.
How To Start Generac Generator
You can follow these steps to start a Generac generator:
1. It’s essential to consult the manual to assemble the generator properly.
2. First, you must check the fuel by removing the upper knob of the fuel tank.
3. Next, you can check the oil by removing the knob available under the generator. The oil level must be right at the engine’s rim.
4. You can find the handle on the side of the generator under which lies the fuel shutoff, which should be ON.
5. You’ll also be able to see the diagram to check when the switch is ON or OFF, For instance, if the switch is ON in the vertical position and OFF when you turn it to the right side.
6. The next step is to switch on the choke, OFF on the right side and ON on the left side.
7. You can search for the power switch as it’s located in different positions of the Generac generator. The knob is usually of red color, and you should turn it on. Conversely, some engines come with an electrical starter which you need to press to turn the ignition on.
8. Lastly, you can pull the recoil cord once or twice to ignite and start powering the electronics. However, if the temperature is freezing, the generator may require more pulls to turn on.
9. You can let the generator run for a couple of minutes before plugging the cords. Also, you must turn the circuit breakers on.
10. Finally, you can now restore the power by connecting the generator to the home.
Conclusion
The key takeaway of the above guide is to present different models such as inverter, dual fuel, and standby to match your power backup requirements. Courtesy of the evolving technology and electric ignition, starting a generator is no longer a tedious task.
Similarly, the compact generators offering advanced specifications allow you to take them on your next outdoor adventures.