Porter-Cable CH350IS 3,500-Watt 6.5 HP Portable Generator

Porter-Cable CH350IS 3,500-Watt 6.5 HP Portable Generator Description

The Porter-Cable 3500-watt 6.5 HP portable generator features a Honda GX200 OHV engine. This quality engine includes compression release for easy-recoil start and a cast-iron cylinder sleeve, and it requires low oil protection. It features an advanced alternator design with no brushes to replace. Its all-metal construction is designed for durability, with ball bearings for long-lasting wear and rubber isolators to reduce vibration during use.

This unit also provides circuit breaker protection for added safety.The generator's 4-gallon fuel tank provides 11.6 hours of run time at half load and 7.8 hours at full load. Additional special features include: idle control to save fuel and reduce noise; an hour meter for maintenance scheduling; and a full power selector switch for maximum 120 VAC motor starting. Its small frame makes it easy to store, measuring 25-1/2-by-18-1/2-by-20-1/4 inches and weighing 112 pounds. Its comparative noise level (dBA) is 70.3. This generator is covered by a 2-year warranty.

This review is from: Porter-Cable CH350IS 3,500-Watt 6.5 HP Portable Generator

Well Built - but a bit loud !!, January 19, 2011 By trgo (Parrish, Fl.)

I have owned this 3500W Porter Cable unit for 6 years.
I bought it to use with my large camping trailer.
It is an excellent piece of equipment, at a good price,( $699 ) and it easily provides the rated output.
The advertised noise level is 70.3Dba, and it seems at least that loud.
The noise level when on idle control is very acceptable though.
This is not a particularly good unit to use around other campers. They will be unhappy about the noise.
For jobsite use, or emergency backup, this is an excellent machine!
For camping, a super quiet series Honda, or similar Yamaha, would be a better idea!
I now also have a Yamaha YG2800i (generator inverter unit), and at 60Dba (low idle) to 67Dba (rated load) it is a wonderfully quiet machine. You will pay plenty more for the Yamaha, ( or for a Honda ), but for your money you will get pure sine wave power, and GREATLY reduced noise!

Works great after repair., August 14, 2008 By D. Slayden (Western Ky.)
(REAL NAME)

I bought this generator on amazon.com when I received it the 120volt GFCI recep. would not reset. The nearest service center was 35 miles away and shipping back would cost a lot. To get replaced at the service center would have cost me for gas and time so I replaced it my self for $12.00.(Electrican 35 years) Still a great deal. I paid $691.00 for the gen. including shipping. Very happy with it. Idle control works great.

Nothing Wrong With It, September 24, 2007 By J. Nardiello (Illinois)
(REAL NAME)

For the money its the highest quality generator I could find anywhere. Honda engine runs smoothly and starts on first pull every time. Highly recommended.

Humless Sentinel Portable Lithium Based Generator

Humless Sentinel Portable Lithium Based Generator Description

The Humless Sentinel is a silent, clean, safe, and portable lithium based silent generator. The Humless Sentinel can be charged from a regular AC wall outlet, or it can capture and store energy from solar panels, a hand crank, windmill or almost any other 12VDC power source. The Humless Sentinel stores the captured power in a state of the art Lithium Battery pack to be taken with you and used whenever or where ever you might need it.

The Humless Roadrunner has two 110VAC outlets, two 12VDC outlet and four USB outlets to allow you to easily power whatever appliances you need without the need for any inverters or adapters. Whether you need to power a fridge, laptop computer, lights during an emergency or power outage, or whether you want to watch TV in the woods, the Humless Sentinel will give you the power when you need it. With the whole package weighing in at 40 lbs, it's portable enough to take wherever you want to go. Without any noise, gas or harmful emissions, the Humless Sentinel provides power on demand that is quiet and safe enough to use inside your home, car or even your tent. Capturing power with or using power from your Humless Sentinel couldn't be easier- just plug it in and switch it on! With a 10 year battery shelf life and a rating of over 2,000 charges, the Humless Sentinel can be counted on when you need it most. With a lithium battery pack that can sit for over a year without needing to be charged (we recommend charging once every 6 months), the Humless Sentinel will store well in your closet and always be ready to power your appliances when you need them most.

Features

•     1x Humless Sentinel Silent Generator unit w/ carrying case
•     1x Adjustable shoulder strap
•     1x AC Charging cord
•     1x Humless Medusa universal cell phone charger
•     1x Humless Glow LED usb light

This review is from: Humless Sentinel Portable Lithium Based Generator

Well Engineered Backup Power, May 31, 2011 By G. R. Baxter (PALM DESERT, CA United States)
(REAL NAME)

I purchased this Humless Sentinel as backup power for power outages and for the eventual major earthquake in the Palm Springs Area (I hope this one doesn't happen). What interested me was the long life lithium based battery and all the controls in one box. I had made a lead acid based battery system years before and have also read many reviews about the negative aspects of using "car/RV batteries". I wanted a clean system that would hold a charge for a very long time and really be ready when the need arises. It's a 50 amp hour system so it is not designed to make up for the loss of power to major appliances, but it runs lap top computers, small TVs, LED/CFL lighting, fans and basic necessities quite well (up to 1000 watts continuous).

This product, although pricey, is well built and performs as described. I also purchased two 90 watt solar panels and some cabling from Humless directly (from their web site at Humless.com), that allow the system to recharge during longer power outages. The panels fully charge the Sentinel in about 4 hours, and are plug and play - meaning the twist-on connectors hooked up in seconds without any hassles at all. This means I can use the device during the day and still have some power for the evening hours. I still have the portability and it stores in a small closet space with the solar cables running up to my roof.

The Humless team in Utah was very helpful answering questions during a few telephone calls to verify that coupling the Sentinel to their solar panels along with my "install skills" would get the job successfully done. I'm happy with the purchase and results.

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

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

Less noise, light weight and clean output...power anything with microcomputers or sophisticated electronics. Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control - Can run products with built-in microcomputers or microcomputer-controlled electric tools. “Economy Control” electrical governor - Improves fuel economy and reduces noise. Engine speed varies based on electrical load. Multipole alternator - The compact design reduces weight, offering exceptional power output to weight ratio. OHV engine (overhead valve) - Precise valve actuation and heavy-duty design offer improved efficiency, increased reliability and quite operation. Cast iron cylinder lining - Provides consistent performance during continuous use. Oil Watch Warning System - Automatically shuts off before oil level is low and cannot be re-started until oil is added. Prevents engine damage and costly repairs while enhancing long-term durability. USFS-approved Spark Arrestor - Offers quiet operation and keeps sparks from exiting exhaust system, reducing chance of fires caused by an errant spark. Noise Suppressor - Reduces electrical interference with TVs and radios. Specially designed muffler - Reduces noise and weight. AC Non-fuse Thermal Breaker - Protects AC circuit in case of an overload for added durability and peace of mind. DC output - Enables battery charging.

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

•     2,800 Watt Maximum AC Output/2,500 Watt Rated AC Output
•     Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control
•     Economy Control electrical governor - Improves fuel economy and reduces noise
•     Multipole alternator - The compact design reduces weight, offering exceptional power output to weight ratio.
•     CARB Compliant

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

quiet and strong, January 6, 2012 By llewllyn

QUIET is the operative word on this generator. It easily runs my big Hilti demo hammers
and drills. It does not drive you out of the house due to the noise like some generators.
It is light enough for one person to carry easily and easy to load into a pickup or van.

A Great Low Cost High Power Inverter Generator, April 15, 2011 By James Cothern (Davis, CA)
(REAL NAME)

I purchased this product last fall to be used in the mountains with my trailer in a membership camp ground. Several other units are in close proximity, so I was concerned with noise. This is a GREAT unit. Quiet and runs about 11 hours on 5 gallons of gas and starts on the first pull every time. It has an economy mode which is adequate for most day time uses and is so quiet it can barely be heard inside the unit. When microwaves, air conditioners and other more power hungry devices are used, it automatically accelerates. Tne noise level is higher, and can be heard up to 40 feet from the trailer but it still is relatively quiet. The unit is very light, about 60 pounds, so it is easy to handle by the elderly. I purchased this unit on the recommendation of a camp ground neighbor, who is about 60 feet away. He has been using it for several years and I never ever heard it running.

Beats the Honda hands down, January 28, 2010 By M. R. Reynolds (Tulsa, OK United States)
(REAL NAME)

Good: Can run 12+ hours on a 3 gallon tank of gas. Very clean voltage without 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 without missing a beat. I briefly unplug the refrig. when I want to run my Mr. Coffee. This generator is liftable by one guy. Fits inside a standard car trunk with room to spare. Excellent build quality unlike the junk generators you see at the hardware stores. The Yamaha is much cheaper than the Honda equivalent.

So so: About as loud as your typical lawn mower.

Limitations: Oil fill is a little hard to get to. Not enough power to run my clothes washer or NG clothes dryer but that's no surprise. 12 volt output has a higher voltage than specified so I'll use my 12 volt auto battery charger if I need to charge batterys.

Comment: There is a GFI model and a non GFI model of this generator. I went with the non GFI model to have a more trouble free power source. Your mileage may vary. As I type this review my town is experiencing a typical winter ice storm with lines expected to go down. My Yamaha is fueled up and ready to go with four 5 gallon filled gas cans in reserve.

I test my generator every one to three months or so. It starts on the third pull every time. Exercising a generator plus recycling the gasoline every year will keep you prepared for your next power outage and there will be a next power outage.

I ran a load test consisting of two 1,500 watt heaters drawing a total of 3,000 watts. The generator powered them both for several minutes before the engine stalled. The overload breaker never tripped. Yes I know that the generator is only rated for up to 2,500 watts continuous load. I think that rating is correct.

DuroStar DS4400 4,400 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

DuroStar DS4400 4,400 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit Description

In the face of natural disasters and power interruptions, owning a backup generator is an insurance policy that few can live without. Nobody wants to be at the mercy of depending on public utilities in times of a crisis. With the DuroStar DS4400 you'll have the peace of mind that when the lights go out, you can have them back on in no time. This DuroStar generator is a rugged workhorse is not only ideal for home backup during an emergency, but is a great way to supply power while on vacation or keep tools going on a remote jobsite. You can power your RV and keep your family supplied with all the necessary conveniences of home. At work you can power saws, drills and other critical equipment. Durable, affordable, power when you need it.

Features

•     Ac output rated 3500-watt / surge to 4400-watt
•     Durable 7hp air cooled epa and carb approved engines
•     2 to 120-volt 20-amp 3-prong outlet + 1 - 120-volt/240-volt 30-amp twist-lock outlet
•     Low oil shutoff sensor to protect the engine
•     Super quiet exhaust rated at 60dba with spark arrestor

Great Generator Worth Twice The Price, December 5, 2011 By GoneOffRoadin

I purchased this unit as backup to use for power outages and also to take out to the desert. I decided to go for the pull start because of all the reviews about how easy it is. The generator started on the 1st pull, and it seems well built and has a solid construction.

It seemed to easily power our overhead 13,500 BTU AC Unit and our 30ft Stealth Toy Hauler. Worked great and it never seemed to bog down. The noise was actually quite minimal. We ran this unit throughout the day in the desert and it didn't bother anyone in the Trailer or surrounding us. The wheel kit makes it easy to move around in sand.

Best Generator purchase I have made, well worth the price, I have recommended this unit to friends and family.

DuroStar DS4400 4,400 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

DuroStar DS4400 4,400 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit Description

In the face of natural disasters and power interruptions, owning a backup generator is an insurance policy that few can live without. Nobody wants to be at the mercy of depending on public utilities in times of a crisis. With the DuroStar DS4400 you'll have the peace of mind that when the lights go out, you can have them back on in no time. This DuroStar generator is a rugged workhorse is not only ideal for home backup during an emergency, but is a great way to supply power while on vacation or keep tools going on a remote jobsite. You can power your RV and keep your family supplied with all the necessary conveniences of home. At work you can power saws, drills and other critical equipment. Durable, affordable, power when you need it.

Features

•     Ac output rated 3500-watt / surge to 4400-watt
•     Durable 7hp air cooled epa and carb approved engines
•     2 to 120-volt 20-amp 3-prong outlet + 1 - 120-volt/240-volt 30-amp twist-lock outlet
•     Low oil shutoff sensor to protect the engine
•     Super quiet exhaust rated at 60dba with spark arrestor

Great Generator Worth Twice The Price, December 5, 2011 By GoneOffRoadin

I purchased this unit as backup to use for power outages and also to take out to the desert. I decided to go for the pull start because of all the reviews about how easy it is. The generator started on the 1st pull, and it seems well built and has a solid construction.

It seemed to easily power our overhead 13,500 BTU AC Unit and our 30ft Stealth Toy Hauler. Worked great and it never seemed to bog down. The noise was actually quite minimal. We ran this unit throughout the day in the desert and it didn't bother anyone in the Trailer or surrounding us. The wheel kit makes it easy to move around in sand.

Best Generator purchase I have made, well worth the price, I have recommended this unit to friends and family.

Briggs & Stratton 30468 6,875 Watt 305cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Briggs & Stratton 30468 6,875 Watt 305cc 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

•     6,875 Watts Surge/5,500 Watts Continuous
•     Four 120 volt AC outlets, one 120 volt 30 amp locking outlet
•     5 gallon fuel tank with gauge provides up to 10 hour run time at 1/2 load.
•     Non-CARB compliant/Not for sale in California
•     Includes wheel kit for easy transport

This review is from: Briggs & Stratton 30468 6,875 Watt 305cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

generator review, November 30, 2011 By b.haase

My generator was delivered as promised. It was delivered by a lift gate truck and hand carted to my garage. Assembly of the wheel kit was simple.Easy directions to the first start.It started on the first pull!I wired up the transfer switch and pluged in the generator. Every thing worked as promised.NO emergency yet but were ready!

Received Over Thanksgiving..., November 30, 2011 By Terry N. Thompson (Yardley, PA USA)
(REAL NAME)

I just received my Briggs & Stratton Generator the day before Thanksgiving. This is one beautiful machine and solidily built - 185 lbs meant I had to open in my garage by cutting the box. Assembly was very easy - 20 minutes. After purchasing gasoline and filling with oil... my B&S started on the first pull! As many have said, all generators are a bit noisy... but NOW I have power when the lights go out, which in Bucks County PA, happens all the time. I'm ready for the next power outage...

Generator Received - Pleasantly Not as Advertised, November 17, 2011 By Mark

The model 30468 Briggs Generator, as advertised on Amazon, shows that it comes with the 1450 series engine. This disagrees with the specs as shown on the Briggs & Stratton website, for this model. The Briggs website shows it with the 1650 series engine (2 more ft-lbs of torque, 342 cc displacement). I was pleasantly surprised when mine arrived, to find that it did come with the slightly larger 1650 series engine. This was cause for confusion when first shopping on-line. I am assuming that Amazon has this misrepresented, and all others ordering this model will receive it with the larger engine.

Generator arrived in perfect condition and was easy to assemble. In general, the product looks well built, durable, and will hopefully stand the test of time. I have yet to fire it up, waiting to purchase 5W-30 synthetic oil which I plan to use in lieu of the 10W-30 Briggs oil that it came with.

Hopefully Amazon will correct this (potential) error associated with the engine designation, and clear up the confusion.

Filled with oil and gas a couple days later and started on the first pull. Ran smoothly for 15 minutes or so with no load. Well, I did plug a small air compressor into one of the 110V sockets to check it out. Worked fine. Once my transfer switch is installed, plan to test it out under full load (6 - 110V house circuits, including furnace and fridge. No 220V). For now, totally satisfied with this product, and would recommend as a good buy.

Well-made and runs great. Plenty of power!, November 8, 2011 By nice guy (Connecticut)

This generator arrived by truck freight. An ABF truck with a power lift gate delivered it and the driver used a hand-truck to put it in my garage. The generator was well packed and the box was intact.

Assembly time was under 15 minutes. All I had to do was use a couple of wrenches to attach the wheels, pop the wheel covers on, and attach a support bracket to the bottom of the machine.

I dumped the included bottle of oil into the oil fill port, put in a little gas, and it fired up on the first pull.

The generator is not "quiet", but it's quieter than the average lawn mower. It runs smoothly and my volt meter tells me that it's working just as it should.

Nice features include: hour meter, gas gauge, 30amp twist lock power connector

I use this generator to power my: well pump, 2 lighting circuits, fridge + a couple of kitchen outlets, and my oil-fired boiler (hot water and heat). I'm sure that I could power additional circuits, as well - as long as I don't turn on everything at once.

I'm really very happy with the generator but I gave it four stars because it could be quieter and Briggs doesn't publish the specs for total harmonic distortion (THD). I can tell you that everything I plugged in worked without a problem, but my multi-meter doesn't read 60Hz as I would like. It will occassionally read 62.5 Hz and then it starts jumping up to 400Hz+. I attribute this to a pretty distorted sine wave output. I don't have a scope to confirm that, but that's pretty common for generators of this class. I'm not terribly concerned, but I would not use this to power sensitive electronics if I had an alternative. For general household stuff, it's great.

Very nice so far, October 10, 2011 By D. Stines
(REAL NAME)

I had purchased this about a month ago. Was very easy to put together. I have used it one time for a test run. Started up very easily and I used it to power my fridge for about an hour. I'll update when I really get to use it. It does look like a very nice piece of equipment though.

So far so good!, October 2, 2011 By Lisa (USA)

I have no complaints with this generator thus far...it is brand new and I have not had any reason to use it yet. I have been starting it up once per week (per advice from different websites) and it starts on one pull...I guess I will add to this review once I have had it for awhile. It did arrive with a dent on it despite the box having no visible signs of damage...the damaged part (a black cover for wires) did not affect anything at all so I did not feel as though I had to contact Amazon or the manufacturer.

Works as Advertised, September 13, 2011 By John57

I purchased this generator after not being able to find one in the stores as the most recent hurricane came up the east coast of the US. The generator arrived quickly and started the first time that I pulled the starting handle after filling it with oil and fuel. No problems. It was covered in oil while in the box because the quart of oil that came with the unit leaked during shipment but a rag and a little cleaner cleaned this right up. I am pleased with the generator. I have tested for an extended period of time at nearly full load and it works as advertized. I would recommended this generator to anyone who would like the peace of mind of knowing that they have electrical power available when the lights go out for extended periods of time.

Honeywell 2000-6066 2,000 Watt 126cc 4-Stroke OHV Portable Gas Powered Inverter Generator

Honeywell 2000-6066 2,000 Watt 126cc 4-Stroke OHV Portable Gas Powered Inverter Generator Description

Compact in design, the Honeywell 2000-6066 gas-powered portable inverter generator is designed for life on the road. Its durable, lightweight design with built-in handle offers portable power for camping, tailgating, and recreational use. The 2000-6066 features inverter technology that reduces the size, weight, and noise of the generator and allows for the engine to run at varying speeds, significantly reducing the noise and fuel consumption levels. And its special electronic microprocessor can also provide safe, stable power for sensitive electronic devices such as computers.

The 2000-6066 provides a reliable 2,000-watt power supply wherever you need it and a maximum power output of 2,250 watts, and yet it's 40 percent lighter than a standard generator of equal wattage output. It features Honeywell's exclusive EcoMode feature, which saves fuel and reduces noise after startup by adjusting engine speed to meet demand. If the power needs are low, the engine will run more slowly, resulting in a quieter and more fuel-efficient unit.

The case is fully enclosed for quiet operation--making it campground friendly--and its integrated handle makes it easy to move from car to camp site. It's equipped with a 4-stroke, 126-cc OHV (overhead valve) engine, which features a low-oil shutdown system to prevent engine damage and keep the generator in good shape for long-term use.

This generator's 1-gallon fuel tank will give you up to 4.7 hours of operation at a 50-percent load. Other features include splash lubrication, 12-volt battery charging capability, and electronic overload protection. It's backed by a 2-year residential warranty, and a 6-month warranty when used for commercial purposes.
Inverter 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, see this wattage chart sample.
How Inverter Technology Works

Inverter generators utilize a different type of alternator than standard generators to generate AC power. The raw power produced is converted from DC to AC power by a computer-controlled inverter module. The engine speed varies depending on the electrical demand, which significantly reduces noise and fuel consumption compared to a standard portable generator. The end result is a portable generator with reduced weight and size, and power that is ultra-clean and capable of safely powering sensitive electronics.

Honeywell 2000-6066 2,000 Watt 126cc 4-Stroke OHV Portable Gas Powered Inverter Generator Features

•     Inverter technology passes energy through an electronic microprocessor to provide clean, stable power
•     Ideal for for camping, tailgating, and recreational use; built-in handle for easy transport
•     2,000-watt power supply; 2.250 surge watts
•     EcoMode adjusts engine speed to meet demand--saving fuel and reducing noise
•     Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

Awesome! Very reliable!, September 4, 2011 By Marian, San Juan PR

We were recently hit by Hurricane Irene. The generator worked great! I was able to power up my Refrigerator, 50" TV, Dish, charge 2 cellphones and a Fan for at least 5 hrs on one Gallon. Generator is relatively quiet, even more on Eco mode. My neighbor was stunned by the size of the generator and that it didn't make that much of a noise compared to his generator.. At night, I would plug 2 fans, CPAP machine, charge my 2 phones and on echo mode, it lasted for 8 hrs. I'm very please with the work it has done, even more so now that we are in the peak of the Hurrican season.

Great little generator, November 6, 2011 By M. Deschaine
(REAL NAME)

I got this for work in a remote location with no power. We have a little station that needs heat so we purchased this to get us by in the winter. I must say when I first started this I thought it was pretty loud till I adjusted a few things. I was running my heater at to high of a setting(1500 watts) and this thing was kicking in really high. Turned the heater down a notch in wattage and it just hums along. I use a modified doghouse to store this in and it hasn't failed us yet. I would recommend this if you can't afford a Honda which of course is really expensive but much quieter. Time will tell on the durability of this thing.

All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator

All Power 2000 Watt Portable Generator APG3014 Description

Get the power you need anytime, anywhere

The All Power 2000 Watt Portable Generator is a lightweight and portable generator with durability and undeniable power. Take this generator camping, tailgating or use for backup power in your house or mobile home. Its peak power of 2000 watts makes the APG3014 big enough for a 4 stroke engine doing away with the mixture of gas and oil that is required by smaller 2 stroke generators.

Portable and powerful without disturbing anyone

The APG3014 will last for 9 hours at 1/2 load and only requires 1.32 gallons of unleaded gasoline. This makes it easy to use and transport. Just fill the easily-accessible gas tank and turn it on and it's ready to go.

Features:

•     3 HP OHV engine
•     Operating noise 65 dB
•     Two AC 120V outlets, one DC 12 V output
•     EPA approved

Specifications:

•     AC rated voltage/Frequency 120V/60Hz
•     AC rated current 11.6A
•     DC rated voltage 12V
•     DC rated current 8.3A
•     Fuel tank 1.32 Gallons
•     Fuel type Unleaded Gasoline
•     Start Recoil Start

Product Features

•     2,000 Watts Surge/1,400 Watts Continuous
•     3 HP 4-Stroke Engine
•     Runs 9.5 hours at 50% load
•     Low Noise at 68dB
•     Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California

This review is from: All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator

Great Product, January 25, 2012 By JWilliamB

I purchased this generator for to reasons 1 for work and the other is to power items in the house when I have a power failure. It starts fine no problem and supports all items I have put to it.

For the price, this is a good backup unit, December 29, 2011 By Sean T. Busch (Austin, TX)
(REAL NAME)

For $199 shipped, this is hard to beat. This said, there are also things to note which may lead you to pay more for a nicer unit.

This unit is mass-produced and it seems to be a little lacking on quality assurance based on all of the reviews. I had one overnighted to my in-laws just prior to Hurricane Irene. This saved hundreds of dollars worth of food in the fridge and a little sanity as they were able to run a light and also the TV when the fridge was off. This alone paid for itself. As noted by some more in-depth interviews, the 2KW rating is a little optimistic. It will bog down around 1600 watts and probably will shut down at 2000.

The big positive is that this unit is a 4-stroke and is notably quiet for an engine. It will burn through a tank of gas in about 5 or so hours. The spark plug installed from the factory is terrible. It fouled out after about 3 days of use. It also runs a little dirty during the break-in period so expect to do an oil change early on and to do some general cleaning with the fuel system. Once you get past the fact that these items are a bit sloppy from the factory and you break it in, this is a great device for backup.

After getting them through almost 2 weeks without power, they will be looking into a 5-10 kw generator with plenty of features that will mimic actually having electricity. For the occasional outage or need to use in a remote location, this unit is just fine. And again, at $200, its a deal.

GOOD PRODUCT, December 18, 2011 By Kai

Compact, light, pretty quiet, strong enough motor which is easy to start. Very friendly customer support when i called for technical questions. Has many features like Honda power units come with but much more cost effective.