3 Best Generac Home Generators to Buy in 2020

Spread the love

 

Finding the right Generac home generator for your home or office is a tough ordeal. It might sound easy; it’s a machine, what more are you looking for? But there are many other factors that you need to consider before getting yourself a generator.

The hardest part is finding the right generator that will fulfill all your needs and for the right price too. To buy a generator, you must know all the essential features you are looking for. You must be well aware of all the market players and the prices they have to offer.

To buy the perfect generator for yourself, you must carefully consider the noise levels, power, controls, portability, and nature of the generator. Finding all of these features in a single generator might not be that easy, so we have listed all the best Generac Home generators available. Let’s have a look:

1. Generac GP3000i Super Quiet Inverter Generator

This generator is one of the most influential and quiet Generac home generators. It comes with a one-year commercial warranty and 2 years’ residential warranty. The built-in handle makes it easy to carry, and the TruePower technology protects any sensitive devices connected to it.

Compact and Lightweight

One of the most important features of a generator is the portability. Portability increases the number of uses for your generator. If it is lightweight, you can carry it on your trips and use it outside the house as well. GP3000i weighs less than 60 pounds, which is light enough to be carried anywhere easily. The generator is also quite compact, so you can put it in your car or RV and then take it with you.

Quiet

The most prominent features of this generator are the reduction of noise emissions. While running on optimal power, it is super quiet compared to all other generators. Moreover, the generator is rated at 52 decibels, which means you can have a normal conversation a few feet away from the generator without raising your voice.

Controls

While working with machinery, it is often quite challenging to understand the system and operate it. GP3000i has very easy controls and indicators, which makes it very easy to use. With generators, starting them up can be a difficult task. This generator streamlines the start-up process, and no additional fuel, run or choke is needed to start it up. The PowerDial and intuitive design make the generator look sleek. The LED lights also make sure you know the status of oil and fuel.

Run Time

This Generac home generator has a tank of 1.14 gallons. It has running watts of 2300 and starting watts of 3000. With a frequency of 60 Hz, this inverter generator has a good run time. With 25% of the maximum load, it can last 5.8 hours, which is quite good. 

At 50% load, this can work for 4.5 hours till the fuel depletes. The generator also has an economy mode that reduces the power produced according to the requirement of the load. This reduces the rpm and the noise levels of the generator too.

Engine

The engine is 149cc and a generac engine. It is a 4 stroke OHV engine ensuring more durability and strength than conventional engines. It also has a low oil shut down to protect the engine. 

Outlets

Moreover, there are several power outlets, including 1 AMP and 2.1 AMP, to charge phones and tablets urgently. It is quite a bummer that it has no 12V power outlet.

Pros

  • Compact and relatively lightweight.
  • Easy to use.
  • Quiet.
  • Good Power.
  • Parallel Capable.
  • PowerRush and TruePower technology.

Cons

  • No 12 Volt plug.
  • Short Run time.

2. Generac 5735 GP17500E

Portability

GP17500E Generac Home generator is designed in a way that it remains durable and can withstand the pressures of the outdoor environment. It has a simple open-frame design that is 39.5 inches high, 31 inches wide, and 48.5 inches long. The frame is traditional, making sure that the generator is stable and tough.

The generator weighs 390 pounds, which is quite heavy to be moved alone manually. To make it portable, a wheel frame is added to the design. The wheel kit, along with the handles, makes its maneuverability easier.

There is another hook on the top of the frame as an additional safety to move the generator.

Run Time 

The fuel capacity of the generator is 16 gallons, which are quite a lot. This will ensure that your generator runs for a long time before the fuel depletes. The 16 gallons of fuel can run the generator for 10 hours on a 50% load. The fuel consumption is around 1.6GPH, making sure that the generator runs for long. However, a notable fact is to prevent connecting sensitive devices to the generator as its THD is relatively high.

Power

The Generac GP17500E works on a 4 stroke OHVI engine that is better than the average engines. It is durable and generates more power. The engine is 992 ccs delivering voltage of 120/240 V. The generator offers a peak wattage of 26250 watts and a running wattage of 17,500 watts, which is more than enough for air conditioning and bigger appliances.

The generator is very convenient and easy to use, as well. It has an electric start that makes sure the generator can be started in just a few clicks.

Controls

GP17500E Generac home generator caters 8 AC outlets that make sure that you have enough of these to power all the essential electric appliances. The other commands are also straightforward to use. If there are some difficulties, the instruction manual and documents will quickly walk you through.

The generator also has a built-in fuel gauge that allows you to know the fuel levels so you can refill the tank timely. The control panel also contains a digital data center that gives you all the information on activity and lifetime run hours.

Pros

  • High Run time.
  • Affordable.
  • Electric start.
  • EPA approved.
  • Features a spark arrestor.

Cons

  • Not CARB compliant.
  • Low fuel efficiency.

3. Generac 5939 GP5500

Generac GP5500 is one open frame portable generator that generates a large amount of power that can be used both inside and outside your homes. 

Power

This Generac home generator has a 4 stroke OHV engine that draws excellent power and is durable as well. The engine is known for its vast amount of power, and it also shuts off automatically on low oil. It provides a voltage of 120/240v and a peak power of 6875 Watts.

The starting mechanism of the generator is kept simple with the pull start, and there are no alternative ways to turn on the generator.

Portability

The total weight of the generator is 170.9 pounds, which is quite heavy to be carried by a single person. The generator is 25 inches high, 27.5 inches long and 27 inches wide. The frame is basic and sturdy, so last for long. To make the generator more movable, it is attached to a wheel kit, making it easier to move it outdoors.

Run Time

The Generac GP5500 can carry a fuel of 7.2 gallons when the tank is full. This will run the generator for 10 hours on a 50% load. This shows that the fuel consumption is around 0.72 GPH. One thing to keep in mind is to prevent plugging in any sensitive devices to the generator because its THD is relatively high.

Other Features

This Generac home generator is EPA approved, and it also has a spark arrestor so it can be used inside forests for camping trips. The digital data center helps you keep track of the running hours and activity of the generator. The built-in fuel gauge further enables you to keep track of fuel, so you are never out of fuel. The generator has 5 AC outlets and circuit breaker for security.

Pros

  • Run time is good with this power capacity.
  • High surge power.
  • Simple handling.
  • Heavy-duty, durable steel design.
  • Basic and easy to use.
  • Very affordable.

Cons

  • No DC outlet to connect the generator to battery.
  • It only has a recoil system for starting.
  • The noise level is more than the rating.

Comparison Table: Generac Home Generators

Product Dimensions Weight Power Source Running Watts
1. Generac GP3000i Super Quiet Inverter Generator 22.2 x 13.3 x 18.4 inches 59.5 pounds Gas-powered 2,300 Watts
2. Generac 5735 GP17500E 48.5 x 31 x 39.5 inches 390 lbs. Gas-powered 17,500 Watts
3. Generac 5939 GP5500 28.8 x 26.8 x 25 inches 180 pounds Gas-powered 5,500 Watts

Buying Guide: Generac Home Generators

Almost all of the generators in the market claim to be the best for you. However, that is not the case. You must choose a generator that suits your needs to find the best one. For this, you need to make a list of all the critical features that you require and then find the right price as well. You don’t want to buy an overpriced generator just because it has all your desired features.

To help you out, we have listed down some important features required in generators.

Clean Electricity:

An essential feature to look at while buying generators is the fact that it provides clean electricity. If you are using the generator to provide power to home appliances like fridge, Computers, TV, etc. then using a clean electricity generator is an absolute necessity.

Clean electricity means generating electricity that will protect your sensitive appliances rather than making the appliances malfunction. Users should look for generators that include circuit breakers. It will make sure the power doesn’t flow if there is an overload.

Portability:

If you are looking for a generator for outdoor power places like picnics and construction sites, then portability is a requirement. The generator must be light in weight, and the design should make it easier for you to carry it.

It would be quite helpful if the generator has handles and wheels to move it around quickly. This will make transporting the generator a convenience rather than a burden.

Noise

One of the significant concerns regarding generators is noise. Most of the time, the noise level rated on the generator is quite low than what the generator produces. It is often around the same noise level as a conversation. 

The constant noise of the generator can be quite bothersome for a few. Suffice to say. Noise levels are relative to users, so it just depends on you and what you consider comparatively quieter.

Some generators come with an eco-mode that lowers the noise further, and the auto-adjustment of the engine also allows you to decrease the noise levels. You can do this when not too much power is required.

Motor

The motor is the main power generating component of the generator. You must thoroughly check the motor before buying a generator. Motors usually claim to produce clean power or sine wave electricity. One should check if it is keeping up its end.

Another thing to check is the time. One must note down how long the motor runs on 25% 50% of the load. A good motor will run for 5 to 6 hours on a 25% load.

Users should look for 4 stroke engines, which would guarantee much better performance than standard engines.

Control System

What use is a high tech machine if you don’t find it easy to use it. Before you buy a generator, ensure that the buttons and controls are all easily understandable. Try to choose easy tools that have easy control systems.

The engine and oil indicators must be prominent to identify, and the generator must have ample AC and DC outlets. Make sure the generator has multiple starting options. In the case of harmful weather patterns, one of them might not work, so there is another option.

Conclusion

Generators have become a household necessity. If you are living in areas with frequent power outages or make frequent camping trips, then a generator is an absolute necessity for you. In the midst of it, choosing the right generator can be a bit tricky.

We have listed the best Generac home generators for you. Generac is an American based company that guarantees you excellent quality under a great price. So, if you are looking for a generator, we hope one of these suits you best.

If you want to know more about generators such as how to maintain them? What factors to consider when buying one, etc, then turn to this Generator Buying Guide.