Founded in 1959, Generac was one of the first to pioneer manufacturing of an affordable home standby generator. These decades of experience have proven invaluable to them as a company, making them synonymous with engineering quality and sustainable products.
Besides power generation, Generac also focuses on manufacturing some of the most innovative and top quality power-washers available on the market.
In this review, we take a look at a small cross-section of the Generac offering in power generation. Our hope is that whatever your desired requirement, you can find a generator with the suitable features and at the best possible price from this guide.
We have chosen five models which we feel best to represent the offerings of Generac generator at each power level from low to mid-range casual, home use to heavy duty portable construction equipment.
Best Generac Generators: Our Reviews
1. Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts
The first model up in our review of the best Generac generator models is the Super Quiet IQ2000 model. With 2000 Watts starting and 1600 Watts constant running power, this model provides enough steady power to comfortably run a host of your mobile and home appliances.
This smart, compact design is parallel ready and can be easily connected to another of the same model to increase your power output if necessary. Furthermore, it features a dual digital clock style display which stylishly and clearly monitors both remaining power and current output of the unit.
The addition of a turbo, economy and standard mode will also assist you in saving fuel and further reducing noise from this already quiet model. The smart features of the IQ2000 including the digital power bars and clock to display remaining time make this model very user-friendly, especially for the hobbyist or occasional user.
Easily transportable and with ample running time of more than 7hrs at 25% capacity, this model is well suited to short camping and RV trips or general use around the home during gatherings or short power outages.
- Quieter than Honda. Smarter. Portable. Run Time (50% Load)-5.7 hrs. Fuel Capacity-1.06 Gallons. AC Rated Output Running Watts-1600
- PowerDial integrates start/run/stop functions into 1 easy-to-use dial / PowerBar monitors and displays wattage used
- 7.7 hours run time at 25% load. Displacement: 80 cc; Oil Type: SAE 10W-30
- Economy, Standard, and Turbo modes of operation saves fuel and reduces noise
- Parallel 2 units together for twice the power (parallel kit model 6877 sold separately) / Storage Cover model 6875 sold separately.Full load fuel consumption (gallons/hour):2.85
2. Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator – Parallel Ready
Increasing the power output slightly as we go along, our next model is the GP2200i, another small and stylish unit with the same eye-catching design style as the IQ2000. This model is highly suitable for tailgating and having friends over during those long summer evenings.
Its compact design conceals a whopping 1.2-gallon fuel tank effortlessly. This allows the unit to keep going and going. For almost 11 hours on a 25% load, you will receive power from the GP2200i. This is highly impressive for a small and extremely portable generator such as it is.
It has a multitude of AC, DC and USB connections to ensure that you are never stuck without power at any moment. For energy saving and noise reduction purpose, it also possesses a convenient economy button.
As has come to be expected from power generators nowadays, especially at the lower to mid-range of output, the GP2200i is parallel compatible. This allows it to be connected to other models in the same range and effectively double your power output when required. Great if friends are coming round.
A simplified, integrated starter system allows for easy start-up at a moment’s notice and the LED notification lights keep you in the loop in case of overload or low fuel scenarios. This is an excellent, neat and tidy model, ideal for first time or casual users especially.
- Quiet, Compact, Easy to use. AC rated output running Watts: 1700, AC maximum output starting Watts: 2200. Rated 120 VAC Amperage-14.1
- Truepower technology provides clean, stable power ideal for sensitive electronics, tools and appliances while the 1.2 gallon fuel tank allows 10.75 hours of run time at 25% load
- Built-in handle makes it easy to transport and the integrated OFF/RUN/CHOKE knob simplifies startup procedures
- Economy mode provides excellent fuel economy and noise reduction while the LED status lights alerts you on low-oil, overload and power
- Parallel ready allows you to connect 2 inverters together for twice the power (parallel kit model 7118 sold separately)
4. Generac 6672 5500W 49 State Portable Generator with Cord
Cranking the gears and turning the power up again, with something to suit all buyers, our next Generac generator model for you to take a look at is the 6672. With 5500 Watts of power output, this sturdy workhorse is well suited to both home and working environments.
It is an open frame generator that retains fantastic portability thanks to its two rear wheels and easy lifting bar at the front. Its 389cc OHV engine has splash lubrication which assists in increasing the lifespan considerably.
The 6672 also has an integrated starter dial which allows for fast and hassle-free starting and shutting down. This can be especially helpful to those with back trouble where a traditional pull start would be painstaking. Covers on the multiple AC and DC outlets allow them to respite from inclement weather or if the generac generator is stored in a less than perfect location over the winter season.
The automatic low-oil level shut down further helps to remove the burden from the user by taking away the worry of unconsciously damaging the engine due to a lack of oil. The design and portability of the 6672 mean that it can still be easily stored in the home garage and you can be sure there is enough power in its 5500 Watts to keep you living comfortably in the event of natural disaster or unexpected power outages.
- Quiet, Compact, Easy to use. AC rated output running Watts: 1700, AC maximum output starting Watts: 2200. Rated 120 VAC Amperage-14.1
- Truepower technology provides clean, stable power ideal for sensitive electronics, tools and appliances while the 1.2 gallon fuel tank allows 10.75 hours of run time at 25% load
- Built-in handle makes it easy to transport and the integrated OFF/RUN/CHOKE knob simplifies startup procedures
- Economy mode provides excellent fuel economy and noise reduction while the LED status lights alerts you on low-oil, overload and power
- Parallel ready allows you to connect 2 inverters together for twice the power (parallel kit model 7118 sold separately)
5. Generac 5940 GP6500 6500 Running Watts/8000 Starting Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator
Continue our ascent up the ladder of power is our next model, the GP6500. This is a durable and strong generator with 1 ¼ inch steel tubing surround to protect it in any circumstance. This, along with its portable, high power capability, makes it the perfect generator for a professional work site or to function and a backup generator for a busy home.
Possessing a mammoth 7.2-gallon fuel tank means the added benefit that this model can continue providing power for a long time after others have ceased, over 10hrs of power in fact at a 50% capacity. The various AC and DC outlets are well covered with heavy duty plastic covers to prevent from damage and weather exposure.
With a low oil automatic shut-down, you need never worry about engine damage or malfunction, especially as the GP6500 also possesses maintenance alerts so you never need to miss a check. Further adding to its trustworthiness is the fact that the rear tires are never flat.
The perfect model for intensive home use or frequent use of DIY power tools or the construction site, the GP6500 is a solid and high-performing gas generac generator with long lasting capability.
- Featuring power Rush advanced technology – delivers over 40% more starting capacity allowing you to do more with less. * disclaimer *increases electrical current upon demand above rated output when starting electric motors
- Generac durable OHV engine with splash lubrication provides a long engine life
- Large-capacity steel fuel tank with incorporated fuel gauge provides durability and up to a 10. 5 hour run-time at 50% load.
- Low-oil level shutdown automatically safeguards engine from damage
6. Generac GP17500E 17500 Running Watts/26250 Starting Watts Electric Start Gas Powered Portable Generator
Last but by no means least, in our generac generator reviews is the ever powerful Generac GP17500E. By some distance the most powerful generator in our review, the GP17500E is undoubtedly best suited to a professional worksite and provides more than ample power to function under any such conditions.
It’s hardened 1 ¼ inch steel outer tubing helps to prevent damages from any accidents and the never flat wheels and rugged plastic engine coating only serve to increase its strength.
Despite its heavyweight nature, this powerful beast can still be rolled into position and stored with relative ease. The giant 16-gallon fuel tank housing enough fuel to power this goliath for more than 10 hours at 50% capacity.
The idle control function helps to limit noise when the generator is not in use and the auto low-oil shut down mechanism ensures that this generator is user-friendly even to the less experienced which is always a great plus on a busy worksite.
If you want the highest levels of power to complete your construction job using high powered machinery without fear of an outage or working for long periods, this generator is the choice for you. This model may also be suitable in providing a sustainable backup power for the home in case of emergency situations as it possesses more than enough power to sustain even the heaviest use appliance such as air conditioning units.
- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R, and Two 5V USB Ports; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service and Support Network at 1-855-944-3571 or [email protected]
Round-Up
From the varying range of generac generators, we have reviewed here, we can easily deduce that no matter what the criteria for selecting your generator, there is something suitable for everybody to be found.
In this diverse viewing, we have encompassed everything from the super quiet and smart IQ2000 model to the all-powerful stallion that is the GP17500E with its remarkable starting output of more than 26000 Watts.
This all comes together to show the diversity in the market as well as within the Generac company. They have managed to include all market sectors so that the needs of each customer can be satisfied. This is no small feat.
If you have not managed to find any suitable models among this guide, feel free to view our other generator guides at your leisure where you are sure to find something which will tick all of the right boxes.
