The Generac Portable Generators Solution For Power Outages
The Generac portable generator is a handy tool to have around the house in case you should experience a power outage. They seem to always pop up without any warning. Power outages occur during storms in the spring, summer, fall and winter so you will need to be prepared when the next outage strikes. These outages can last for a few hours and up to days or weeks depending on the storm and its effect in your area. No one knows just how long a power outage will last. That’s were generators can come to the rescue.
For persons and families living along the east coast, you may experience outages due to hurricanes. For this reason, you need to be ready for the next outage and a generator will supply the power and give you a sense of relief at the same time.
The Generac company has been in business since 1959, and they were the first ones to create generators for home use so you can feel comfortable in buying their tools.
In order to help you to determine which Generac portable generator to buy, we have provided a comparison chart of their eighteen portable generators so you can look at each one and their most common features side by side. This will help you to determine which generator model best fits your needs and pocketbook.
Two of the eighteen generators are powered by propane. All the others are powered by gasoline. Some generators are manufactured in the USA while the others are made in China.
To learn more about Generac generators, the follow topics will be addressed:
- Portable Generators For Emergency Power
- Determine Total Wattage Needs
- Generac Generators Comparison Chart
- What Customers Are Saying About Generac Generators
- Which Generator Model Is Best
- Warranty Information
- Product Shopping Links
Why Should You Use A Generac Generator
Generac generators can serve as a secondary source of electricity whenever the power goes out. Portable generators are the most common found in most homes. The reason being is they are affordable and can be used and moved anywhere for a short period of time. Some uses of these generators are:
- Camping
- Road Trips
- Construction Sites
- Back-up Electricity
The Generac generators being addressed are powered by gasoline and propane. There are advantages for each fuel type.
Gas Powered Generators
- Most common fuel
- Easy to obtain
- Short shelf life (unless a fuel stabilizer is added to the gas and only for one-year)
Propane Powered Generators
- Long shelf life
- Clean burning
- Easily stored in small or large tanks
- Obtainable during power outages
- Home delivery available for large tanks
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Determine Total Wattage Needs
Before you begin the process in selecting a generator, you need to do some homework first. By this I mean determine which appliances will need to be on when the generator starts up. This is known as start-up watts. Check out the chart for the wattage requirements for most common household appliances and tools to help you in determining your total running and start-up wattage needs.
There are two things you need to know before selecting a generator:
- The Total Number of Running Watts
- Highest Start-Up Watts
Add the total of running watts for all the items you want on and look for the highest start-up wattage of the item on the list. Sum both of these values to get the total wattage of the generator you need to look for. Generators are described in running watts and start-up watts. You need to select a generator that will provide enough power for all your items on your list for both the running watts and start-up watts.
Once you know this information you are now free to look for the best deal for the generator you need.
Note: If your generator is a gas operating one, you will need to add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel to keep it fresh for up to a year. Otherwise, you will have to dispose of the gasoline after 30 days because it gets stale, which can gum up the engine and carburetor.
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Portable Generators Comparison Chart
Below is a chart of the Generac generators with the most common features you can compare side by side. The prices for these generators will vary from time to time because of the discounts being offered at the time of purchase and the season of the year. The prices are used so you can use them for a comparison with other similar products.
Quick Shop & Compare |
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Generac Portable Generators ChartVarious Models Compared |
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| Specifications and Features | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac |
| Cost: | $899.10 | $359.00 | $999.99 | $685.62 | $719.10 | $899.00 |
| ASIN: | B001ET6WFI | B004BLJHJO | B000HE7AA2 | B0045DK79W | B004745WJ4 | B003XQUU6W |
| Model # | 5943 | 5981 | 6673 | 5939 | 5940 | 6000 |
| Series: | GP7500E | GP1800 | RS7000E | GP5500 | GP6500 | GP6500E |
| Starting Watts: | 9,375 | 2,250 | 8,750 | 6,875 | 8,125 | 8,125 |
| Running Watts: | 7,500 | 1,800 | 7,000 | 5,500 | 6,500 | 6,500 |
| Volts: | 120/240 | 120 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 |
|
Rated Amps:
|
31 | N/A | 58.4 | 45.8 | 54.2 | 54.2 |
| Engine HP/CC: | 420cc | 163cc | 420cc | 389cc | 389cc | 389cc |
| Electric Start: | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| RPM: | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Low Oil Shutoff: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Powered By: | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
|
Tank Size:
|
8 Gal. | 3.5 Gal. | 7.5 Gal. | 7.2 Gal | 7.2 Gal. | 7.2 Gal. |
| Run Time 50% Load: | 12 Hours | 10.5 Hours | 12 Hours | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Fuel Gauge: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hour Meter: | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Volt Meter: | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Weight: | 201 lbs. | 79 lbs. | 192 lbs. | 180 lbs. | 184 lbs. | 186 lbs. |
| Dimensions: | 29x27x26″ | 17×23.5×17.3″ | 27x27x26″ | 28.8×26.8×25″ | 28.8×26.8×25″ | 27.2x27x25″ |
| Warranty: | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years |
| Amazon Rating: | 3.5 | 3.6 | N/A | 3.5 | 3.6 | 4.5 |
| # Reviews: | 84 | 5 | N/A | 65 | 25 | 5 |
| Origin: | USA | China | USA | China | China | China |
| CARB Compliant: | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Noise: | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SHOP NOW | 5943 |
5981 |
6673 |
5939 |
5940 |
6000 |
| Specifications and Features | ||||||
| Brand | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac |
| Cost: | $439.00 | $799.00 | $2,699.00 | $2,159.00 | $1,639.00 | $2,039.00 |
| ASIN: | B004BLJHSU | B00BD615VI | B001RCUOU6 | B001GOOM2G | B0081EKBCO | B004L4L5O6 |
| Model # | 5982 | 6001 | 5735 | 5734 | 5929 | 5930 |
| Series: | GP3250 | LP5500 | GP17500E | GP15000E | XP4000 | XP6500E |
| Starting Watts: | 3,750 | 6,875 | 26,260 | 22,500 | 4,500 | 8,125 |
| Running Watts: | 3,250 | 5,500 | 17,500 | 15,000 | 3,600 | 6,500 |
| Volts: | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 |
|
Rated Amps:
|
31.25 | 45.8 | 145.8 | 63 | 30 | 54.2 |
| Engine HP/CC: | 208cc | 389cc | 992cc | 992cc | 216cc | 407cc |
| Electric Start: | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RPM: | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Low Oil Shutoff: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Powered By: | Gas | Propane | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
|
Tank Size:
|
3.5 Gal. | 30 lb. | 16 Gal. | 16 Gal. | 4.75 Gal. | 9 Gal. |
| Run Time 50% Load: | 9.7 Hours | 7 Hours | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | 9.5 Hours | 11 Hours |
| Fuel Gauge: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hour Meter: | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Volt Meter: | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Weight: | 115 lbs. | 184 lbs. | 390 lbs. | 373 lbs. | 139 lbs. | 260 lbs. |
| Dimensions: | 23×22.5×21″ | 35.5×26.3×36.5″ | 48.5x31x39.5″ | 48x31x40″ | 30.5x18x23.25″ | 34.5x29x27.25″ |
| Warranty: | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years | 3-Years | 3-Years |
| Amazon Rating: | 2.9 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 3.8 | N/A | 4.5 |
| # Reviews: | 41 | 34 | 32 | 26 | N/A | 2 |
| Origin: | China | USA | China | USA | N/A | N/A |
| CARB Compliant: | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Noise: | N/A | N/A | 70-75 dB | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SHOP NOW | 5982 |
6001 |
5735 |
5734 |
5929 |
5930 |
| Specifications and Features | ||||||
| Brand | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac | Generac |
| Cost: | $2,449.00 | $3059.00 | $1,059.00 | $1,269.00 | $,2,099.00 | $1,059.00 |
| ASIN: | B004LRL5PA | B008G4IIPG | B004NC266C | B002NKMG4S | B001UNK6GY | B002NKMG48 |
| Model # | 5931 | 5932 | 5978 | 5798 | 5802 | 5796 |
| Series: | XP8000E | XP10000E | GP7500E | XG7000E | XG10000E | XG6500 |
| Starting Watts: | 10,000 | 12,000 | 9,375 | 8,750 | 12,500 | 8,125 |
| Running Watts: | 8,000 | 10,000 | 7,500 | 7,000 | 10,000 | 6,500 |
| Volts: | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 | 120/240 |
|
Rated Amps:
|
66.6 | 83.3 | N/A | 58.3 | 83.3 | 54.2 |
| Engine HP/CC: | 407cc | 530cc | 420cc | 407cc | 530cc | 407cc |
| Electric Start: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RPM: | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Low Oil Shutoff: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Powered By: | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
|
Tank Size:
|
9 Gal. | 9.25 Gal. | 8 Gal. | 9 Gal. | 10 Gal. | 9 Gal. |
| Run Time 50% Load: | 10 Hours | 9 Hours | 12 Hours | 10 Hours | 10 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Fuel Gauge: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hour Meter: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Volt Meter: | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Weight: | 241 lbs. | 340 lbs. | 201 lbs. | 229 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 230 lbs. |
| Dimensions: | 34.6x29x27.2″ | 34.75x29x34″ | 29x27x26″ | 31.5×25.5×28″ | 33x32x29.5″ | 25.5×31.5×28″ |
| Warranty: | 3-Years | 3-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years | 2-Years |
| Amazon Rating: | 4.0 | 3.7 | N/A | 3.6 | 3.4 | 3.0 |
| # Reviews: | 6 | 3 | N/A | 14 | 20 | 6 |
| Origin: | USA | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| CARB Compliant: | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Noise: | N/A | N/A | 70-75 dB | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SHOP NOW | 5931 |
5932 |
5978 |
5798 |
5802 |
5796 |
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What Customers Are Saying About Generac Generators
Below are some reviews of what customers had to say about Generac portable generators.
By Charlie E., March 14, 2019 – Great Buy! (Generac GP17500E Model 5735)
I bought this after we lost power during an ice storm. I originally bought a smaller one from the chain home improvement Co. but when we got home our power was back on so I got on the internet and found that the one I bought was way to small so I returned it. When the electrician completed the hook up and we did a load test I found that it far surpassed my expectations as to how much of my house it would run. We were able to run my whole house, that includes 2 furnaces, 2 three ton A/C units, well, hot water heater and the stove.
By Gus on March, March 13, 2019 – It Worked When We Needed It – Generac model 5941 GP6500E
I didn’t review this item when I first purchased it because, other than starting it up to make sure it ran, it hadn’t had any use. We lost our power off and on over a period of several days recently, so I got a chance to test the generator. It started without difficulty, even though the temperature was in the teens. We only had to run it for about eight hours, but it performed flawlessly. It easily powered our refrigerator, freezer, 50″ TV, a few lights, my laptop computer, and the DSL receiver and router, with power to spare for the microwave oven, and the electric start option is a great improvement over my old pull start generator. I am very pleased with this purchase.
By P. Meyer, February 2, 2020 – Great Generator Model 5734 GP 15000E
Bought this generator on line, Have used it to power the whole house and it did great. Fuel used matched what they said it would. At 9000 watts it was half loaded and did great. A 3/4 HP water pump started up in addition and it handled the load perfectly. It will use more fuel then smaller generators but that is to be expected as it has a lot bigger motor and generator.
Good construction, Well built, heavy but built to last. Rating of watts is 15000, some manufactures would have rated it at 22500….
12 below zero and starts right up. Best safety net a person can buy.
By Dustin D. Brewer, May 7, 2019 – Starts Everytime – GP6500 Model 5940
Runs pretty much my whole house during a blackout. Frig. sump. TV. Satellite. normal usage of lights. computer. microwave. security cameras. Its like the power was never off. Once you’ve set through a blackout in the dead of winter because of an ice storm you’ll wish you had one. Not saying this is the only option but I have had it for over 4 or 5 years now and never had an issue. I haven’t had to use any of the warranty so I don’t know how their service is. However I did find a service manual online for repairing it if needed.
By Dennis, January 10, 2019 – A True Lifesaver When The Power Goes Out – XG7000E Model 5798
Been through two hurricanes and at least four power outages. Except for my central A/C and electric dryer, this bad boy powers my entire 4,000 sq. ft. home. From my heater to toaster oven, blow dryers, dishwasher, two 50″ TV’s Internet and anything else you can think of, this generator is awesome. I keep 4, 5- gallon gas containers in my garage (with fuel stabilizer in them). Including the generator tank, that’s 72 hours of run time, minimum. I never needed it more than two and a half days though. I installed a transfer switch and a single massive generator power cable. When the power goes out I plug n the cable, open the fuel valve and press the electric start. Only negative is the battery charger is not a maintainer and after two years the battery died. You have to guess how long to charge it, but they tell you no more than two days. I am designing a new charger/maintainer for it. Otherwise you need to pull the starter like a lawnmower but this is no lawnmower. It takes a strong person to start it if the battery is dead.
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Which Generator Model Is Best
Basically, only you can make this decision based on the features you actually need. Note which features you want and then compare the models that fit your wattage needs. Do you require a model with an electric start, be prepared to spend more money for this one feature? Is the number of hours you get on a tank of gas important to you? Again, you must decide.
What is the average number of hours the power is out during an outage? Only you can answer this question. Hopefully, the hours of the model you select for the generator will cover the vast majority of the outage times your area experiences during a storm.
As you scan through the features of the generators you should be able to reduce them down to a few especially the ones that fit within your price range. Your next step is to read the reviews for the generators you have narrowed them down to. Only then, make your decision to purchase.
You may even want to use the internet to get another perspective of the generator you are considering by doing some research on it. After all of this, you are now ready to make your purchase. You may consider visiting your local store in the area that sells your generator before buying it online. You can ask the clerk questions about the generator for answers you did not get from reading all of the reviews.
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Warranty Information
During your research phase of your generator search, try to secure information about the warranty. If possible, go to the store that sells the model you are considering to purchase. Ask them the following questions:
- Who is responsible for handling the warranty repairs?
- Who do I contact to make an appointment for a warranty repair?
- What is covered with the warranty?
- What costs, if any, are associated with a warranty repair?
- Are shipping costs included with the warranty?
- Where do I go to get warranty repairs done on my model?
- What records do I need to produce for a warranty repair?
If the clerk cannot answer all of your questions, then call customer service for the model you are considering on purchasing. Ask them the same questions above or the ones that were not answered by the store clerk.
Important tip: Read the instruction manual for the maintenance required to keep the warranty valid.
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Show Now Product Links
Below are some shopping links for the Generac portable generators. Click on an image for the generator of interest. You will be taken to the product ordering page where you can review the features and read any reviews about the product and place your order.
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualified purchases.
Generac 5975 5500 Running Watts
Generac 5945 5000 Running Watts
Generac 7677 3600 Running Watts
Generac 7117 2200 Running Watts
Generac Portable 7678 3600 Running Watts
Generac 7676 8000 Running Watts
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