Porter-Cable BSI550-W 5,500 Watt Generator with 10 HP Engine

Product Review

As an engineer, I'm obsessed with numbers and choosing a generator presents the excellent opportunity to play with them. I won't bother you with a lot of technical details, but this is the generator I chose right after 4 months of deep, deep researching. Very first criteria: my needs. I wanted to power a 3 bedroom residence with a finished basement through the harsh winters in Maine. Here are the devices I setup as an absolute necessity to power up throughout an emergency: 1) Water nicely pump, 2) Furnace blower, three) Basement Sump Pump, and 4) Refrigerator. Here are the "good-to-haves": 5) lights within the kitchen and primary living room, 6) pellet stove, 7) oven range. And, lastly, just the "nice-to-haves": 8) Television, 9) microwave oven, 10) laptop or computer. And here's what gets excluded: all of the 2nd floor inside the property, garage door opener, bedroom lights, almost everything else not listed above. (More...)

Coleman Powermate 5,500 Watt 11 HP Portable Generator PMA525500

Product Review

I truly purchased 1 of these generators shortly following Katrina hit the gulf in prep for a natural disaster with an extended power outage. I've not had 1 but where it lasted long enough to require it, but my brother ~10 miles away had 1 for a full week in Dec 2006 (and luckily had a generator). In Dec 2007 yet another county in my state had power out for a full week due to a primary transmission tower coming down, so those points have shown me no one is invincible to power outages. The hardware shops rapidly ran out of generators each and every time a crisis came, so if you're smart you will not wait for the crisis to come ahead of contemplating obtaining prepared. (More Detail...)

DuroStar DS7200 6,000 Watt Diesel Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start

Product Review

As long as you're mechanically inclined, or, know somebody who is, this unit is not a bad choice at all. I've run one tank of fuel through it so far and besides the starter solenoid wire coming off (on the very first run, but by no means considering that) along with the injector line needing tightening (it was weeping fuel just a bit) so far so good. This unit *WILL* smoke on startup, it has no pre-heat at all, so white smoke and stumbling/missing is completely typical until the combustion chamber gets up to temperature. It's also going to throw off black smoke when restarted if it really is warmed up as it comes up to speed, and might give a chuff of black smoke on severe load adjustments. Once more all this is normal for a tiny diesel, and also the white smoke starts are completely normal for a cold diesel without any pre-heat assistance. With no a pre-heat I also wouldn't anticipate this unit to start if the outside air temp is below freezing. The lack of a pre-heat (glow plug or otherwise) will be the only large minus, the generator head itself also just isn't quite top quality, another small irritation is the lack of a operating hours meter. There *IS* a constant draw on the battery from the stupid remote start off program. You'd be advised to rip that out/disable it if you are unable or unwilling to put the unit on a battery maintainer. (Review More...)

Black Max 5,250 /6,560 - Watt Portable Generator

Product Review

I bought this to run a 180a portable mig welder at a time when some calamity was going on within the midwest and there were no generators to be found locally. 5kw will be the minimum you'd want for this circumstance, and if i had it to complete again, i'd get a 6kw with electric starter. The Subaru engine was the cause i purchased this particular model, i wanted no portion of chinese knockoff honda copies. It has worked fine and starts readily, i do not however have sufficient hours on it to comment on durability, but i'd rather have purchased 1 locally, and i'd rather have a metal gas tank. You can't constantly get what you would like, but if you are patient.... (Read More...)

Honeywell HW5500E 6,875 Watt 11 HP 337cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Home Generator With Electric Start

Product Review

1 of my very best buys ever. I replaced a manual begin generator of the same size. It was delivered to my garage with free of charge shipping. I was able to assemble the unit with small help. The 1 challenge was connecting the battery (it looked like nobody had tested the Directions). Filled with gas and oil and started on very first try. Electrician changed the 220 plug for connection to Transfer Switch. Voltage regulation seems to be quite great. Battery is holding charge, but I will add Battery Tender. I is going to be in a position to test unit on a standard schedule, as a result of the ease of starting. (More...)

Generac 5943 GP7500E 9,375 Watt Generator with Electric Start

Product Review

Ordered this soon after 4 power outages this summer, not to mention the outage last winter that was 3 days in 10-15 degrees F. Overall this unit is impressive for the price per watt. I was hoping that this generator was produced in Wisconsin however it just isn't. Rather it truly is made in China. That being stated there are top quality items that come out of China, you just need to locate them. Assembling the unit only took about 20 minutes. (More Detail...)

All Power America APG3009 6,000 Watt 13 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator

Product Review

I don't know why but NW Wisconsin for some reason had alot of power issues in 2010. Looked at gen sets and bought this one. This thing is great. I installed a transfer switch and built an location outside the home for this unit to sit in. In 10 months I've employed it about five instances. It's performance was excellent. Oh Oh.....winter is here. Last week the temp was down to -0 and we lost power. The unit wouldn't start, the pull cord would not engage. I utilised a propane heater (Mr. Heater) to warm it up, and 10 minutes later it was up and operating. Summer time it's flawless but when the temp drops down this unit demands to be in a warm place (for starting) or heat it up as I did. (Review More...)

Yamaha EF2800i 2,800 Watt 171cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)

Product Review

Great: Can run 12+ hours on a three gallon tank of gas. Extremely clean voltage with out the radio frequency hash which you find on a Honda inverter generator. This generator can run my natural gas furnace, some lights, small Tv and my main refrigerator with out missing a beat. I briefly unplug the refrig. when I desire to run my Mr. Coffee. This generator is liftable by one guy. Fits inside a regular car trunk with room to spare. Exceptional construct quality as opposed to the junk generators you see at the hardware shops. The Yamaha is a lot more affordable than the Honda equivalent. So so: About as loud as your typical lawn mower. Limitations: Oil fill is really a little difficult to obtain to. Not enough power to run my clothes washer or NG clothes dryer but that is no surprise. 12 volt output has a greater voltage than specified so I'll use my 12 volt auto battery charger if I have to charge batterys. (Read More...)

Steele Products SP-GG900E 9,000 Watt 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit Electric Start

Product Review

I purchased this generator due to the fact I wanted somewhat more power and an electric start off that my 14 year old Generac didn't have. On the initial use, I blew 2 light bulbs due to the fact the generator was putting out 290 volts, 170 volts to ground. Had the generator repaired, which took a month, got it back and tested the voltage, 238 volts - nearly ideal! Subsequent outage, started it up and checked the voltage to ground and phase to phase - all good. Flipped the transfer switch and smoke from the xbox, television laptop or computer and our fancy remote control fan. The ceiling fans had been running so quickly it felt like a 40 mph wind and created the dog hide under the desk. I re-checked the voltage - nonetheless very good. Got my other meter from my work truck to double check the readings, as well as the voltage was exactly the same. Clicked the hertz button and got a reading of 298hz which needs to be only 60! Extended story short, it took one more month for the warranty people (ac warranty ) to lastly issue a return number so I could get a new generator, but nonetheless have not reimbursed me for any of the damaged items after practically every day telephone calls to them to preserve the ball rolling. Do not Acquire THIS Item! (Read More...)

Generac 5778 XG4000 5,000 Watt 220cc OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

This is a great generator. I wanted a good quality, compact and "Made inside the USA" generator. This one is high quality and very compact for it is power. Not too loud either. It fired proper up on initial try and it ran smooth. Can't go wrong with this gen. (More...)

DuroMax Elite MX4500E 4,500 Watt 7 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit Electric Start

Product Review

So far this generator has really held up well, got this for every day use on a mobile repair trailer. Just no concerns at all so far after a number of months of pretty challenging use. The electric begin is working like a charm so far and Im acquiring pretty good gas usage vs hours of operation. Not positive what else you'd want. (More Detail...)

Briggs Stratton 30469 7,500 Watt 342cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Product Review

Shopped numerous months for a back-up generator within the event of a severe storm...which is highly possible here in Texas. Discovered the identical unit here locally....but Amazon had the top cost..and with cost-free shipping the choice was simple... Soon after some minor assembly and adding oil, it started up on the second pull....Runs smooth and is quite very. Plugged in numerous tools...fans...etc...ran excellent...now its time to put away for an emergency....I would very advise this unit... (Review More...)

Briggs Stratton Elite Series 30471 10,000 Watt Briggs Stratton 2100 Series OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Product Review

Fantastic generator. Came well packaged with easy to follow directions for the minimal assembly that was needed. Following putting the wheels on, connecting the battery cable and putting the provided oil in the crankcase it was ready to go. Began 1st time. Working nicely. Best component, American created. (Read More...)

ETQ PG30P11 3,500 Watt 7 HP 208cc 4-Cycle OHV Propane Powered Portable Generator

Product Review

I don't know what inspired me to acquire this generator, apart from having shopped for 1 casually for a while, but my timing was impeccable. We just had a massive ice storm in Kentucky that decimated power lines with fallen tree limbs layered with inches of thick ice. This generator came on the 6th day with out electricity. I added oil to the generator, cranked it up and ran it for four days (12-14 hours per day). I couldn't be a lot more pleased. Considering that all the gas stations inside a reasonable distance were closed, using propane was an outstanding alternative. I did break the plastic choke lever upon initial use, but I discovered I never ever had to use it - and if I ever do there is certainly enough left to enable me to choke the engine. Regardless, I didn't acquire it for wheels but to offer electricity and it has completed so in an admirable manner soldiering on (as I stated) for 4 days. I wish I had bought this earlier. (More...)

Generac 5791 iX800 800 Watt 38cc 4-Stroke OHV Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

Product Review

The price, $285, was very good. It's NOT as very good as the tiny Yamaha I had however it is surely worth the cost. It's somewhat noisy and not well-wired. In case you look at the jumble of wires inside the case you'll see a whole lot of chintzy consumer electronics connectors made for extremely light indoor duty. The engine and inverter appear well-made. The ECO throttle is just not steady, it wavers up and down having a steady load and it does not even come into play outside a narrow load range within the middle of the generators energy, about 100 watts either side of mid-range 400 watts. (More Detail...)

Briggs Stratton 30466 4,375 Watt 250cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Product Review

I purchased this generator throughout hurricane Irene to energy a refrigerator as well as a few other appliances inside the home. This generator was really easy to setup and there is certainly nothing `cheap' or flimsy about it, even the wheels look like they had been meant to last. For the same watts, it looks like this 1 weighs 20+ pounds more than a similarly sized `no name / home brand' generator. I'm not positive that necessarily makes it much better (or worse), but I like the reality that the engine is a brand serviceable by several nearby dealers. Yes, it truly is loud like the others have mentioned, but I do not know how it compares to other similarly sized generators. (Review More...)

Yamaha EF1000iS 1,000 Watt 50cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)

Product Review

I wanted a smaller generator than the 1 built into my RV to save on gas and operate quieter. this modest yamaha did the trick. I use a 50 foot extension cord and run it to my rv by means of the window. It can power my laptop or computer, battery chargers, and tiny appliances on its quiet, low power setting. I barely hear when it genuinely is operating on low energy if it actually is 50 feet from the RV. Utilizes only 1/2 gallon of gas if i run it all day. but you do require to go to a neighborhood Yamaha dealer and get the proper oil. make sure you read the directions for this or you are going to burn out the motor. (Read More...)

Champion Power Equipment 73531i 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)

Product Review

I simply acquired my Champion Generator today from Sams Club. Compensated $500. It fired right up and to date i am very impressed. The standard appears ideal for the cost. I've been playing by using it yesteryear handful of hrs testing out different electronics. I intend to apply it our camper. I might get a second one as we decide we want the Air conditioner. It's often cooler temp. where we camp. I have used the Honda EU2000 machines many occasions and this can be a much the same generator. When running on eco mode it appears to become just like quiet because the honda. When revved completely up it may be just a little even louder but pretty good whatsoever. Time will inform how durable this unit is but for the time being I provide a five star rating and would recommend it to anybody. It's my job to spend the additional buck to obtain something just a little higher quality however in this situation I felt good concerning the Champion Generator and i believe it's a good deal. (More...)

Briggs Stratton Elite Series 30470 8,750 Watt Briggs Stratton 2100 Series OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Product Review

I bought this generator after doing lots of research and stored returning to Briggs & Stratton because of the supply of repair parts (when needed) and also the noted toughness for their items. The transaction through Amazon . com was perfect plus they had the very best cost (after promotion) by more than $150. Shipping through ABF was perfect and also the driver was polite and directly on time. They unloaded the generator for me personally directly into the garage.

I've already damaged within the engine by running it to have an hour and altering the oil. I've since were built with a heater and air compressor connected without any issues whatsoever. The generator comes packed well and set up is fast and simple. I'd certainly recommend this model and Amazon . com like a seller to anybody who's out to buy a generator. (More Detail...)

Honeywell HW6200 7,750 Watt 13 HP 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Home Generator

Product Review

Residing in Florida 16 years, an absolute must have is really a generator that perseverence refrigerator(s) (during my situation a couple of them) that could save you in case of a hurricane or long-term energy failures. Additionally, at half tilt, this perseverence two friges along with a one ton portable A/C unit plus fans & lights. I've come across a few negative reviews about this product regarding noise, delivery, set up, etc. essentially, I believe individuals people are whiners and will explain being an experienced generator user, this generator rates highly. Noise, let us face the facts, an electrical generator is type of noisy. That one is really quieter than our previous Coleman with Briggs & Stratton engine same size. Set up, 1/2 hour affixing wheels. Yeah, it truly is a 2 person job, but one individual can perform it not a problem. Fuel efficiency is excellent in comparison to many this size. Energy output is steady, check sine wave specs, much better than most!!Delivery, to our door in the spare room and inside a week of purchase. I will show you more basically really should utilize it, however i think overall, great value. (Read More...)

Champion Power Equipment 42433 1,500 Watt 80cc 4-Stroke OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator (CARB Compliant)

Product Review

I acquired the product only to operate a laptop and lightweight,which is liberating to understand will be able to connect more with this particular 1200 watt model.The Carb is E.P.A complient and also at half load will run for 10 hrs on 1.2 gallons of gas,awesome.With only my laptop running I recieve 14 hrs on 1.2 gallons of gas.Easy setup instructions and oil fill and alter is straightforward without having to mix the coal and oil like on more compact 2 stroke models the industry discomfort.Right as they are it began about the first pull.The reduced oil turn off feature and digital display of running hrs are wonderful extra supplies.Weighing 62 pounds I'm able to get it simple and move it around.I'm pleased with this light duty machine which is less noisy when i thought it might be. (Review More…)