Powerhouse PH2100PRi 2100 Watt 125cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator With Remote Start (CARB Compliant)

Powerhouse PH2100PRi 2100 Watt 125cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator With Remote Start (CARB Compliant) Description

Powerhouse Products introduces the PH2100PRi portable inverter generator. The PH2100PRi has a 4.35 HP engine for a maximum output of 2100 watts. Using an optional parallel kit, this parallel-ready generator can be combined with another PH2100PRi to produce a maximum output of 4,200 watts. A convenient fuel primer bulb and automatic choke ensures a fast start. A remote start up to 75-feet is also a standard feature. The engine can be set to run at variable speed for fuel economy as power demands or at constant speed for 100% full power. Other standard features include an engine-reset button that will automatically restart the engine if the unit shuts down due to inverter overload, one 5-20R 20 amp duplex receptacle, internal circuit breaker, emergency stop control, and a convenient carry handle. Continuous run time (hr) Full load; 3.0 hrs; 1/4 load; 7.5 hrs. EPA, CARB and CETL compliant. The PH2100PRi comes with an oil jug, 12V charge cable, spare spark plug, spark plug wrench & handle, oil drain extension, spare 10A glass tube fuse, user?s manual, keys and remote. Includes 2-year consumer warranty, 1-year commercial warranty.

Features

•     2,000 watts continuous/2,100 watts surge
•     One 20 amp duplex receptacle
•     Variable speed/Constant speed settings for fuel economy and full power to fit your needs.
•     Remote start at up to 75-feet away
•     CARB Compliant

This review is from: Powerhouse PH2100PRi 2100 Watt 125cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator With Remote Start (CARB Compliant)

great little generator, January 16, 2012 By pamc

We unpacked out generator a couple of weeks ago and were very impressed with how it was packaged, but haven't had time to set it up until this weekend. This is our first generator so we really didn't know what to expect even though my husband did some research. We found the generator very easy to set up. It charged in only 2 hours (the manual said it would take 3). We filled it with oil, gas and pumped the primer a few times as instructed and it started right up with both the key and the remote start. We powered up some halogen work lights with no problem. We got it primarily as a power backup for a home office, so we like the inverter feature. I find it a little heavy to move around as I am 5'2", 110 lbs, so I might have considered spending a little more for the 2700 model with wheels. We're looking forward to giving it a real workout this winter.

Great product., December 8, 2011 By Sfredmobile

I ordered this generator inverter from Amazon. I was looking for something to use during any outage at home (1500w microwave or 1500w heater,etc). I received the generator 6 days after ordered in excelent conditions. I have tested it few days after with great success. It turn on just adding oil, gas and connecting the internal battery, then run the remote start!!! I never used the rope to start this generator. I connected the 1500w heater for about 5 minutes with no issue. This generator its a great option if you do not wanna pay 1k in a H or Y. (Just remember pumping the gas with the blue button before try to start for first time AND it is a little heavy, 30kgrs).

Fantastic portable generator, November 12, 2011 By Eric

My friend owns a Honda portable generator and I wanted to buy one based on his recommendation, but could not afford it! Anyway, I picked up this little baby for about $500 less than the Honda and truly love it despite the other review that says it's hard to start. We had no problem starting it at the RV dealership that I bought it from and I have never had a hard time starting it since. It basically starts like a lawnmower...you have to push that little button to prim the gas, but you need to use common sense here folks...don't push it too much! Anyway, it's very quiet, not as much as the Honda, but it's so hard to tell the difference, it's marginal at best. I use it at RV camp locations and it's great! Love this thing! I even use it to power my paint sprayer in my back yard when my extension cord won't reach the house! You won't regret buying it! I don't!

Powerhorse Portable Generator with Electric Start - 9000 Surge Watts, 7250 Rated Watts

Powerhorse Portable Generator with Electric Start - 9000 Surge Watts, 7250 Rated Watts Description

This 9000-Watt Powerhorse Portable Generator with Electric Start is more than enough to handle the power tools on a jobsite or to run essential household appliances during emergency outages. Clean worry-free electricity, with less than 5% total harmonic distortion at full load, is safe for sensitive electronics. Specially formulated engine mounts minimize vibration and an oversized muffler reduces noise levels. Includes voltmeter. Electric start with recoil back up (electric start requires battery, Item# 1661141, sold separately). A FREE wheel kit completes the package. Combine these features with rigorous U.S.-based testing, dedicated customer/tech support and incredible value, and you'll own one of the most reliable generators in the industry.

• Surge Watts: 9,000
• Rated Watts: 7,250
• Start Type: Electric with recoil backup
• Engine Displacement (cc): 420
• Engine: Powerhorse OHV with cast iron sleeves
• Run Time: 8 1/2 hrs. @ 1/2 load
• Receptacles (qty.): 11
• Noise Level (dB): 75
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Fuel Capacity (gal.): 6.6
• Low Oil Shutdown: Yes
• Battery Required: For electric start
• Battery Included: No
• Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 29 x 22 x 28

Details

•     Less than 5% THD at 100% load
•     Auto-idle engine
•     Eight 120V, 20 Amp outlets
•     One 120V, 30 Amp locking plug
•     One 120V/240V, 30 Amp locking plug

This review is from: Powerhorse Portable Generator with Electric Start - 9000 Surge Watts, 7250 Rated Watts

Really good Generator......, January 4, 2012
By Paul D. Calabrese "Yukonhawk" (New York)
(REAL NAME)  
This review is from: Powerhorse Portable Generator with Electric Start - 9000 Surge Watts, 7250 Rated Watts (Misc.)
Update Jan. 4, 2012... I found out the motor for this generator is manufactured by a company called Ducar. I found this out by speaking with a customer Service rep at Northern Tool. HERE is a LINK to DUCAR'S website to help you learn more about them...... [...]. (I omitted the dots in the URL because when my review went live the link for the URL disappears.)I have read other reviews around the net and most likely this is a Honda clone. If a manufacturer meets Honda's stringent quality standards they will from time to time license their clone specs to other engine makers.

This my review from Northern Tool.......

"I received the Powerhorse 9000 on 11/4/11. From start to finish the order process and delivery were excellent. If you want to order one ask for Brenda. She was great and answered all of my questions Now to the genset.

First off this generator is one heck of a machine. It's powerful and very quiet for one this large. It is well put together. Even the welds on this thing are first rate. The materials are top notch, the paint job was perfect. So overall the fit and finish is top rate.

I assembled the wheels, handles and filled it with gas and oil all within 25 minutes. So the set up was easy. I brought it out of the garage and it stated on the first pull. In my opinion you really don't need to spend the extra bucks on the battery, but it's still nice to have if you choose to buy one.

I put a load on it once it warmed up for 5 minutes. The auto idle switch is great as it quiets the RPM'S down a lot. Once the frig started up the RPM'S kicked up and the genset ran like the wind. I then put the second frig on it and once again the engine jumped up and the genset ran with out a hitch.

Although this genset does not have an hour meter or gas indicator it's still worth buying. Just keep a log of when you start and stop it so you'll have a record of the hours. The fuel you can estimate how much is left in the tank.

Just be sure not to over fill the tank as it needs room for expansion and contraction.

I did a lot of research on gensets and it made my head spin. I looked at least 20 of them and narrowed it down the Generac 7500E and this one. The deciding factor was the auto idle on this unit. The Generac did not have that feature. Overall I am VERY impressed with this genset. 5 stars to Northern Tools for superior service and 5 stars for the machine.

One last note, the delivery guy told me he has the same machine that he bought 5 years ago. He said it has not given him one bit of trouble. Just keep the gas fresh with Sta-bil, start it once a month with a small load and follow the maintenance schedule and this machine will last for years. I hope this review helps you with your decision. Good luck." If you have any questions just lave them in the comments section here and I will answer them for you.


pretty high quality, December 14, 2011 By J Tria "gusser33" (Windsor Locks, Ct United States)
(REAL NAME)

During the October storm in Connecticut everyone was in a mess. We were without power, trees, poles and wires were down. Our only means of keeping warm was a portable generator, unfortunately, there were none around. I saw this on line and my cousin and i each purchased one, although i must admit, with great reservation. He ordered the 7000, i ordered the 9000. His was available for immediate shipment and mine was on backorder. I really felt uncomfortable ordering a Chinese product, both due to quality concerns and not Buying AMERICAN. But, after 8 days with no power, we took the chance as we didn't want to go through this again. My cousins came in first and honestly, i was surprised at the build of the unit. It was packed very well, no damage in shipping and was very substantial. After a very short assembly, we added oil and gassed it up. Second pull it started, ran a little rough for a few minutes until the gas flowed freely and then smoothed right out. Four days later, mine came in. the 9000. Assembly and quality were the same. Second pull it started. Mine is an electric start, but once i saw how easily it started i decided not to get the battery. I can only say what i have seen so far and it seems it is a well made product and should last a while. I had to throw food away from two freezers which cost more than the generator. I am having an electrician come in and wire it so i can run the whole house. I hope i never have to use it, but having the peace of mind knowing that my house will not freeze is well worth the investment.

Honeywell 5500-6036 5,500-Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator

Honeywell 5500-6036 5,500-Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator Description

Designed to provide a reliable source of portable power ideal for a variety of uses, the Honeywell 5500-6036 gas-powered generator is ideal for home emergency, events, power tools, and more. Its Generac OHV (overhead valve) engine delivers a 5,500-watt power supply wherever you need it and a maximum starting power output of 6,875 watts.

The updated design includes include thicker, more durable handle tubing and grips, and an all-in-one control panel with easily accessible and intuitively placed controls. A steel frame protects the engine from damage, while its heavy-duty wheels increase maneuverability over uneven terrain and the fold-down handles aid with storage.

This generator is CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified. It is backed by a three-year limited residential warranty (one-year warranty for commercial applications).

Powerful OHV Engine with Secure Shutdown

The Honeywell 5500-6036 is equipped with a powerful Generac 389-cc OHV engine, which features a low-oil shutdown system to prevent engine damage and keep your generator in good shape for long-term use. It also features splash lubrication and a high-performance alternator, ensuring that operation of your electrical devices is efficient and smooth. Plus, this generator's sturdy, 5.8-gallon fuel tank ensures a full 9 hours of operation at a 50-percent load, letting you relax for hours of use.

Plenty of Wattage to Run a Full Range of Appliances

The Honeywell 5500-6036 supplies 5,500 output watts and 6,875 maximum watts (for start-up of devices). For unexpected blackouts, this is enough wattage to run home appliances such as security systems, computers, and electric range tops. For construction and landscaping applications, it's enough to support devices such as trimmers, belt sanders, and circular saws. And for camping and outdoor events, it can run portable stereos, outdoor lights, and electric grills.

(Note: All appliances should be checked for actual wattage ratings.)

Portable Generator Wattage Needs

When choosing a portable generator, it's important to identify the starting watts of all the devices you might power at the same time. Some devices draw additional power as they get up and running. If this additional wattage is not accounted for, system overload can result. To determine your requirements for a portable generator.

Features

•     Portable gas-powered generator with 389cc OHV engine
•     Reliable 5,500-watt power supply; 6,875 surge watts
•     Durable handle tubing and grips; locking handle; all-in-one control panel with easily accessible controls
•     5.8-gallon steel fuel tank with incorporated fuel gauge; runs up to 9.1 hours at 50% load
•     Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

This Honeywell 5500-Watt portable generator is easy to use and features a 389cc OHV engine which delivers reliable performance during extended periods of operation. New features include thicker, more durable handle tubing and grips, and an improved handle locking mechanism. The updated design also features an all-in-one control panel with easily accessible and intuitively placed controls. Heavy-duty wheels increase maneuverability over uneven terrain and the locking, fold-down handles aid with storage. With a steel frame protecting the engine from damage, the Honeywell 5500-watt portable generator is ideal for home emergency, events, power tools and more.

This review is from: Honeywell 5500-6036 5,500-Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator

Got us through October 2011 Connecticut Power Outage, November 7, 2011 By Mary M. "Mary M." - See all my reviews

Ran this generator for 7 days during the Connecticut October Blackout. Powered the house and kept us warm. Never failed and sipped gas once wired up to a 220 line. Can be a bit hard to start in sub-freezing weather.

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

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

Designed to help you stay safe and comfortable during power outages, the dependable Honeywell HW6200 Portable Gas Powered Home Generator delivers a host of advanced features that will help put your mind at ease. Featuring ample outlets, this highly efficient 7750-watt generator lets you run vital household appliances during power outages or natural disasters.

Smart Start Design for Convenience and Safety

Routine power outages, rolling blackouts, and natural disasters can cause major disruptions in your life, but being able to generate your own power goes a long way toward keeping you and your family safe and comfortable.

Designed for safe and easy operation, the HW6200 features a recoil start and Smart Start features with color-coded starting controls that are easy to identify and understand. The generator includes a four-in-one power cord, and Honeywell also provides detailed operating instructions 24 hours a day at 1-888-RECOIL-8.
Big-Bore OHV Engine for Powerful, Dependable Operation

Designed to offer you more power and greater durability, this generator's cast-ironed sleeved, 389cc Honeywell Engine is rated at 6200 watts and delivers a maximum of 7750 watts. This is enough power to run a large appliance like a dishwasher, washing machine, or electric range, or to run several smaller, more efficient appliances simultaneously, such as reading lights, a portable air conditioner, refrigerator, computer, and more. (See side graphic for more details.)

Thanks to a SurePower Alternator that provides voltage-regulated power, you can trust that this generator is electronics friendly. Plus the HW6200L provides the outlets you need to support these appliances, with four 15/20-Amp 120-volt AC outlets and a single L14-30-Amp 120/240-volt AC outlet.
Convenient Features and a Truly Mobile Design

This Honeywell generator comes equipped with never-flat tires and a high-leverage handle to ensure that it's easy to transport whenever and wherever you need it most. Additionally, the generator's large, 6.5-gallon fuel tank ensures long run times--up to 8 hours at a 50-percent load. And its oversized muffler is engineered to ensure quiet operation that blends into the background.

The HW6200 also offers a convenient fuel gauge, low-oil protection, and overload protection, letting you focus on your life rather than running the generator itself. It even comes with the first liter of oil and a funnel.

This portable generator measures 29 x 27 x 29 inches (LxHxW), weighs just 195 pounds, and is backed by a limited three-year warranty. Assembly of wheel and handle required (takes about 20 minutes).

This durable Honeywell portable generator provides dependable power in a simple and powerful portable electric generator. Great for residential applications and for homeowners seeking a reliable backup electric power generator. Features an OHV engine with oversized muffler for quiet operation, Smart Start controls and wheel kit for easy portability. Surge Watts: 7,750, Rated Watts: 6,200, Start Type: Recoil, Engine Displacement (cc): 389, HP: 13, Engine: OHV, Run Time: 8 hours at 1/2 Load, Receptacles (qty.): 5, Fuel Type: Gasoline, Fuel Capacity (gal.): 6.5, Low Oil Shutdown: Yes, Battery Required: No, Battery Included: No

Features

•     Powerful portable generator for your home with oversized muffler for quiet operation
•     Big-Bore 389cc 4-stroke engine; 6200 continuous watts and 7750 maximum watts
•     Recoil starter; color-coded starting controls; 8-hour run time at 50 percent load
•     Four 15/20-Amp 120-volt AC outlets and single L14-30-Amp 120/240-volt AC outlet
•     3-year warranty; includes Never-Flat Wheels and handle kit (assembly required); Non-CARB Compliant (not for sale in California)

This review is from: Honeywell HW6200 7,750 Watt 13 HP 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Home Generator

Good News, Bad News, September 24, 2011 By T Duffney, RI

Bought a new home at the beginning of 2011 in the woods and needed a generator. I bought the Honeywell,HW6200 in July, and during hurricane IRENE, it provided hours of continue service for seven days without a problems. It was very easy to start, my wife is a tiny woman, and she had no problem starting this machine when called upon to do so. Started EVERY time on the second pull! I paid $870.00 for this generator and decided to buy one for one of my daughters who also has a new home in the woods, but NOW, just two months later, the price is $500 more than what I paid. Hey Amazon...What's up with that?
Could there be a little price gouging at Amazon? Well thanks but no thanks, I'll wait for a better deal.

"Great generator...works for us", August 26, 2011 By Liz (Alexandria, VA United States)

Got this last year and have used it several times. Easy start...follow the directions, duh. I installed a generator switch so all I have to do is start it, plug it in and flick the switches. Everything crucial is hooked into it including our gas furnace, coffee machine, toaster, computers, TV, microwave/convection oven, refrigerator, lamps for all our rooms. We have a 2600 sq ft house and this is sufficient. We did not hook up the central air conditioner, the electric stove, washer/dryer or dishwasher. We'd need a more powerful generator for that and we can do without for 1-7 days which is the most we've been without power.
We only paid $728 with free shipping a year ago from Amazon...also bought a reliance transfer switch for $266. Reliance's web sit has a video that gives step by step installation instructions.

Ran well when needed., July 1, 2011 By Rick Davis

I purchased this generator mainly because it was on sale for 1/2 price, $604. Our power goes out occasionally, and I wanted to be ready. We got hit by a freak tornado on May 27 and lost power for 96 hours. I immediately hooked up the generator, and it ran flawlessly for 96 straight hours. We were very happy with it. The reason for 4 stars and not 5 is the noise. It is very loud. If I could put a better muffler on it, I would give it a 5.

Great Price for Powerful Generator, June 12, 2011 By Jen B "JB" (Tampa Bay, FL)

Living in Florida 16 years, a must have is a generator that will power refrigerator(s) (in my case two of them) that will save you in the event of a hurricane or long term power failures. In addition, at half tilt, this will power two friges and a one ton portable A/C unit plus fans & lights. I have seen a couple negative reviews on this product regarding noise, delivery, assembly, etc. basically, I think those folks are whiners and will tell you as an experienced generator user, this generator rates highly. Noise, let's face it, a generator is kind of noisy. This one is actually quieter than our previous Coleman with Briggs & Stratton engine same size. Assembly, 1/2 hour attaching wheels. Yeah, it really is a two person job, but one person can do it no problem. Fuel efficiency is very good compared to most this size. Power output is steady, check sine wave specs, better than most!!Delivery, right to our door in the garage and within a week of purchase. I will let you know more if I really need to use it, but I think overall, great value.

Honeywell Generator, January 30, 2011 By Jack870

Amazon had the best price on the Internet. It arrived four days after I placed the order!

Took less than 30 minutes to assemble the wheel kit, and was ready to start!

To my amazement, it cranked on the FIRST pull right out of the box!!

The color coded starting instructions are great, and very easy to understand! It is VERY user friendly!! Very easy to change the oil!

I have owned several generators, and consider this one to be very low noise.

I have this one hard wired to run my entire house. Plenty of power, and safe power to run computers and electronics!

The power cord that comes with the generator is OK to run several appliances, but is NOT heavy duty enough to wire into your breaker panel!!

I am 100% pleased with this generator!!

Hope you get all the parts..., January 21, 2011 By Gary M. (MA)

This is a wonderful generator. The problem I had: You need four flat washers to attach the wheels to the axle. I only got two. The instruction manual says they are 9/16. I figured no big deal, I took a ride to my local hardware store and got two more. When I got back the new ones didn't fit so I measured the two I did receive - 5/8. Had to go back to my local hardware again and get two 5/8. Other than that I am very satisfied. It is really quiet with the oversized muffler.

Generac 5737 GP5500 6,875 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator (CARB Compliant)

Generac 5737 GP5500 6,875 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator (CARB Compliant) Description

Generac 5737 Features: -5500 Watt Gasoline Generator (California Compliant). -CARB compliant. -Manual start. -5500 running watts. -389cc engine. -Dimensions: 33.5" H x 27.5" W x 26.5" D.

Easy to use in a variety of applications, our GP series of portable generators offers affordable reliability.


This review is from: Generac 5737 GP5500 6,875 Watt 389cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator (CARB Compliant)

Well made, January 30, 2012 By W. CHAN (SoCal)
(REAL NAME)

I have not run the generator for any extended period of time. However, the product is well made. Assembly of wheels and handles is required, but simple to do. It is very heavy, so the wheels come in handy. It takes me about 3 pulls to start the engine, which isn't a big deal, but still I wished it had an electric start. I'll be using this mainly for major emergency situations.

Amazing generator, December 25, 2011 By clomper

This generator is simply amazing! Out of the crate it was quick to set up and clearly well constructed. After putting the supplied oil in it, it started on the second pull. I have used it twice so far and it easily ran my refrigerator, two fish tanks, two lamps, a space heater, a reptile heater in a reptile cage and it could have handled plenty more. There was no indication of any strain running all of these. A solid buy!!

grreat product, September 10, 2010 By jrocco

it started up with 1 pull , it is well made and a good price.

Briggs & Stratton 30470 8,750 Watt 420cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Briggs & Stratton 30470 8,750 Watt 420cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit Description

Briggs & Stratton manufactures small engines and outdoor power equipment. For 100 years, we've been building the engines that power the equipment people use to get the job done. That's the reason consumers look for the Briggs & Stratton brand when they shop for power equipment. Hurricanes. Ice storms. Wind storms. You've seen the after-effects, entire communities without power. A generator will ensure your family has the power needed when faced with unexpected outages. Two types of generators are available: portable generators and permanently installed home generator systems. Briggs & Stratton Elite Series products have heavy-duty components and features with a longer warranty to back them up. They perform tirelessly around the home, farm or on the job.

Features

•     8,750 Watts Surge/7,000 Watts Continuous
•     Four 120 volt AC outlets, one 120 volt 30 amp locking outlet
•     7 gallon fuel tank with gauge provides up to 8 hour run time at 1/2 load.
•     Non-CARB compliant/Not for sale in California

This review is from: Briggs & Stratton 30470 8,750 Watt 420cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Briggs & Stratton 30470 Review, January 3, 2012 By R. Davis "R. Davis" (Massachusetts)

Seems to have everything I want in a home backup generator - key start with trickle charger so it'll always start, very well designed wheel transport, gas gauge and works well once it's set up. Only caution is that it's a project to set up and you need the tools and time to put it together. It does NOT come ready to run.

Appears to be a keeper, December 10, 2011 By Ara

The wheel kit practically assembled itself; operating instructions were clear and wisely redundant; and the generator started at the first push of the button. I can only hope it's this easy and reliable if and when the need for it arises.

Generator review, December 8, 2011 By Sally

We received our generator after the severe snow storm in October. It was easy to hook up, easy to move around and provided enough power for refrigerators, furnace and some lights in the house. As with most generators, the only downside is it is very noisy. Otherwise, a great product.

Peace of mind, September 10, 2011 By Scuba_J "Dad of 3" (In front of my computer)

Living in a house that has well water with 3 young kids and the fact that neighborhood looses power frequently and a history of multi-day outages, made the purchase of a generator a necessary.
I spent weeks researching generators and kept coming back to the B&S 30470. I have had great results with Briggs and Stratton engines going back to a 1979 lawn mower that i could not kill (wanted my dad to buy a self-propelled or lighter unit after 10 years of use) I digress...
I had just got the unit hooked up to a transfer switch by an electrician the day before Hurricane Irene came and so glad that i did. Before I even put the unit to use I loaded the generator with Mobil-1 Synthetic 5W-30. The drain plug on mine was on super tight and was nearly a knuckle buster when I broke torque. Below is some tips and advice that I have gleaned from my research and hope that it helps others.

1) Purchase price of the generator is typically not your only expense to getting power to your house. You have to consider the cost of a transfer switch, electrician, cable purchase which can run about $150 for a 50ft run, shed cost (if you plan on storing outside). You can also cheap charlie it and just use extension cords. But in my case the hastle of dealing with bugs in the summer,heat escaping in the winter and kids yanking or tripping on cords zig zagging through the house made the cheap charlie route not pass the WAF (wife acceptance factor).

2) Oil Consumption -- I have read from Popular Mechanics that air cooled engines on average can consume 1 oz of oil per hour. I just changed after 5 hours and did not notice a drop in level. Knowing the potential for oil consumption, I am going to check oil level religiously during use and keep spare oil on hand.
3) Changing oil -- Getting a oil pan transport container under the drain plug is very difficult. My solution is to cut a reasonable size square opening say 2"X 2" in a 2L bottle and drain into the bottle first.
4) Use fuel stabilizer irregardless if you think that you are going to use it all up. Gas goes bad really fast especially E10 which is dispensed in most major metropolitan areas. Gas will turn to varnish and gum up the engine.

The cons:
The key to start is a little chintzy.
Noise, some might complain that it's too loud, I do not have any comparisons to other generators nor am i really close to my neighbors.
Oil change process.

Pros:
B&S reliability
Decent run time
A whole lot cheaper solution than a 12kw natural gas generator.

Damaged Generator, May 29, 2011 By Huntsville, AL

Briggs 30470 arrived with paint blistering up due to rust under the paint. Steel apparently was not properly prepared before painting. The unit received was manufactured 13 months prior to delivery date. I contacted Amazon customer service concerning the rust problem and they made it right.

Great generator, excellent transaction!, May 21, 2011 By B. Risko (Huntsville, AL)
(REAL NAME)

I purchased this generator after doing a lot of research and kept coming back to Briggs & Stratton due to the availability of repair parts (if ever needed) and the noted reliability of their products. The transaction through Amazon was flawless and they had the best price (after promotion) by well over $150. Shipping through ABF was perfect and the driver was polite and right on time. They unloaded the generator for me right into the garage.

I have already broken in the engine by running it for an hour and changing the oil. I have since had a heater and air compressor hooked up with no issues whatsoever. The generator comes packaged well and assembly is quick and easy. I would definitely recommend this model and Amazon as a seller to anyone who is in the market to purchase a generator.

Great Generator, March 5, 2011 By Walter Chorny (Chicago, IL United States)

Bought is Product after looking at many Reviews.
Real happy when I received the package. Took about 15 Minutes to install.
Fill the oil and added the gas. One push of the button and started right away. I put a load on it and instant voltage.
If you want a good product stay with the Briggs & Stratton Engine. Can't go wrong buying this product.
All so bought a Reliance Controls 31410CRK Pro/Tran 10-Circuit 30 Amp Generator Transfer Switch Kit With Transfer Switch, 10-Foot Power Cord, And Power Inlet Box For Up To 7,500-Watt Generators.With both products I am covered for any power outage.
Also bought the cover.

Briggs & Stratton 30473 2,000 Watt 105cc Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

Briggs & Stratton 30473 2,000 Watt 105cc Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator Description

Briggs & Stratton manufactures small engines and outdoor power equipment. For 100 years, we've been building the engines that power the equipment people use to get the job done. That's the reason consumers look for the Briggs & Stratton brand when they shop for power equipment. Hurricanes. Ice storms. Wind storms. You've seen the after-effects, entire communities without power. A generator will ensure your family has the power needed when faced with unexpected outages. Two types of generators are available: portable generators and permanently installed home generator systems. Briggs & Stratton Elite Series products have heavy-duty components and features with a longer warranty to back them up. They perform tirelessly around the home, farm or on the job.

Features

•     2,000 Watts Surge/1,600 Watts Continuous
•     Computer controlled inverter technology automatically adjusts engine speed to run quieter and reduce fuel consumption.
•     Two 120 volt 20 amp AC outlets, one 12 volt DC outlet
•     Lo-Tone muffler reduces noise and minimizes vibrations for unobtrusive operation at close quarters.
•     Non-CARB compliant/Not for sale in California

This review is from: Briggs & Stratton 30473 2,000 Watt 105cc Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

Very pleased, but hard to start the first time, February 2, 2012 By Michael Scott Cochrane
The first time start-up was a disappointment. Followed the directions to the letter, then called the 1-800 number. After a review of the starting procedure over the phone, I was advised to take it to a dealer. After transporting it to a dealer, they started it on the very first pull. Somehow I just had a feeling this was going to happen! They didn't do anything different than I had the previous several (20) attempts. I know, because I was there with them.
All I can say is be patient with the first start. Give it a rest in case of flooding the carb., try full and 1/2 choke positions, move the on and off lever and the gas vent on and off, etc.
Once started, it's humming along nicely and I look forward to having it available in the event of home power outages.
I will update again when I have more experience with it, but wanted to share my start-up experience.

Quiet, reliable generator, January 30, 2012 By sgtweil

Generator is very reliable,quiet and very mobile. I use it for camping and at the house in case the power were to ever go out. Only issue I have experienced is in cold weather it takes a little longer to start but that is the case with most engines. I run it for about five minutes a week when I'm not using it on a regular basis.

Tested During New England Power Outage 2011, November 5, 2011 By CRISTINA CANDY (Windsor Locks, CT United States)

I purchased this generator August 31st 2011 and then we had "The Great New England Power Outage" less than 2 months later. Talk about timing. Having not even unpacked it yet, we set it up, added oil and fuel, and proceeded to run it non-stop for 7 days and nights. It worked flawlessly, started every time on no more than 2-4 pulls of the starting cable, and ran as much as 7 hours on a 1-gal tank when lightly loaded. 4-5 hr with heavier loads. It ran our refrigerator just fine. For other loads, we'd unplug the fridge and it would run a hot plate and toaster oven without a problem. Only saw the "overload" light once when we tried (and backed off) trying to run a microwave. Quiet, easy to use, and dependable when we needed it: I give it 5 stars.

Who needs a honda?, November 2, 2011 By Winterboy04

I bought this for the most recent October Nor Easter in Massachusetts. It came overnight, with all necessary pieces including oil. It started exactly as the directions said it should. it does have a switch that allows you to switch to a "power save" mode which basically idles the engine down to a barely audible running noise when the unit is not pumping out full wattage. i can't compare it directly to the Honda or Yamaha portables, but it was quiet enough that i had no issues sleeping through it, and it powered my lights, an electric heater, and some other odds and ends. It looks bulky, but its not, its has great handles, is a lot lighter than you would think, and looks easily serviceable. i could be wrong, but i believe Briggs and Stratton is US made as well. i love it! and now i am prepared for the next outage!

Generator Review, October 26, 2011 By vettedeal17

Just took delivery - two days after ordering. Perfect experience with Amazon. Took generator out - very clear directions. Put in oil and gas - one very easy pull and it started instantly. I have never had such an easy start up experience with a gas powered device of any kind. Unit is quiet, relatively light - can be carried with one hand. Comes with a connector to jump start car batteries which is great feature. I researched the comments on just about every other portable unit in the Amazon list - this had great reviews and I cannot recommend it or the Amazon service any more highly. I googled service and repair centers before ordering - many around my house. Don't have to worry about parts and service - sending back to some central repair center.

100% Satisfied, October 24, 2011 By Robert W. Maison "ablelocks" (Hillsborough, NJ USA)
(REAL NAME)
This is a very nice generator. I like the design, color sceme, ease of operation, handling and portability. It is also very quite as far as generators go. I bought this mainly for camping with our pop up camper. It is also nice to have on hand for emergency power outages. You never know when a disaster is going to hit. I did a lot of research on the net for small portable genertors. I wanted an American brand. I did not expect to find generators at amazon.com. It came in less than a week by UPS. Oh Yes, and it was packaged well arriving in good shape. Happy Camper.

UPDATE 11/8/11: Used it last week at Pumkin Chunkin in Delaware for my Aliner popup camper. It worked flawlessly. Easy to start and did a fine job of supplying power for my microwave, coffee maker and TV/DVD combo as well as charging the camper 12 volt marine battery. The ECO mode is great. It provides only the amount of power that is being used by the appliance. This cuts down the noise and improves the gas usage. I ran it for about 6 hours at a time so I don't know how long before it would have run out of gas. I filled it after each use so I would not run out in the middle of watching a DVD at night. Buy it, you be glad you did.

Great...so far, October 4, 2011 By RobinPa
Just got it a few weeks back, only ran it twice, pretty quite. Ran my 42" LCD TV, Sattelite dish, a light and Fridge.