Best Generac Portable Generators Review

Generac Generators are widely considered to be some of the best, most versatile, and most powerful models on the market – we’re here to see ’why’ and ’how’.

On today’s Generac Generators Reviews list we have portable generators, inverter generators, industrial generators, and home backup generators, so let’s start off by saying a word or two about Generac as a brand:

Electric Start: About Generac & Portable Generators

Generac entered the stage back in 1959 as Generac Holdings Incorporated; the company was founded by Robert Kern and is held in high esteem due to its well-crafted industrial and commercial generators.

Generac specializes in manufacturing top-grade heavy-duty generators, although their catalog houses a variety of compact and portable generators as well.

Before we review – What makes Generac power generators such a great find?

Even though each Generac model is different from the next, what they all have in common is superb accessibility to built-in features. Even the enclosed-frame models are remarkably easy to use and maintain while the open-frame models are drastically simpler in terms of both.

Furthermore, each series of Generac generators offers a variety of different power options, affording you more flexibility in terms of wattage selection.

One of the most successful Generac series is the Power Rush generation; as a matter of fact, the entire series was named after the exclusive technology that is used to bolster the efficiency and performance of these generators.

It’s fairly safe to say that uniqueness and ingenuity are integral components of Generac craftsmanship. Even though their models may cost top dollar, they’re far superior to generators of similar wattage and type. Let’s now dive into the products, see how they run, the watt power, the run time, and other key features. Please feel free to contact us for more details of mobile models. Here goes!

Our top pick – Generac GP3500iO Open Frame Portable Generator 3,500 Watt

Generac’s catalog includes a plethora of top-shelf generators, and GP3500iO is one of the stars that sit on top of the pile. It’s better-rounded and more valuable for the buck because it’s equipped with the most advanced features and cutting-edge technologies, and to top it all – it’s even decently affordable for a 3,5KW generator.

First and foremost, the dimensions of this generator measure 19.7 inches by 16.5 inches by 16.4 inches; this essentially means that it’s about the same size as most compact camping generators. However, it weighs a bit more at 74.3 pounds.

This generator packs 3,500 watts of surge power; it’s an excellent home backup generator, it could be used for numerous outdoor activities, although it’s not strong enough to support heavy-duty industrial tasks. That’s where GP5500 could come in handy.

Among the most notable features equipped to GP3500iO, we could name the proprietary Power Rush and True Power technologies.

The Power Rush provides a 50% boost to the initial power and strength of the engine, allowing you to squeeze out more of those power watts right from the bat. The True Power is essentially a filter that provides cleaner power, rewarding sensitive electronics and hardware with a prolonged lifetime.

As mentioned earlier, accessibility to its main features is what makes GP3500iO so strong. The open-frame design allows you to easily access every feature this generator is supplied with; furthermore, the front panel (where receptacles are) also sports a detailed display where you can monitor fuel and power levels.

Speaking of receptacles, GP3500iO comes supplied with two 120V outlets, a single 120/240V slot, and a parallel connectivity slot. Moreover, this generator also rocks two USB outlets for smaller and weaker electronic appliances.

The OHV engine sits firmly in the built-in sleeve made of durable cast iron. You can easily access it for maintenance and repair by simply unscrewing the hardware. Atop of being exceptionally strong, it’s also decently quiet.

Although it does not have built-in wheels, GP3500iO is fairly portable. It’s light, and its bar-shaped frame can be used as a handle for transport. The biggest issue with GP3500iO power generator is changing its oil. You should expect some spillage, as there are no funnel-type features built into its construction.

Overall, the GP3500iO Generac portable generator is a strong, sturdy generator that offers the versatility and power of boutique Generac models while being as accessible and affordable as the brand’s low-end models. We warmly recommend it to everyone who may be looking for a quality power generator for whichever purpose.

Pros:

• Well-rounded performance
• Super-quiet
• Decent power, solid wattage
• Durable construction
• Portable

Cons:

• No carry handles
• Difficult oil maintenance

Full Review

Generac Industrial alternative – Generac 5939 GP5500 Powered Portable Generator

Frankly, the 5939 Generac portable Generator is bigger, stronger, and more portable than the GP3500iO model. However, it’s more expensive, noisier, and heavier as well, which are some of the reasons why we consider it to be a perfect alternative for people in the industrial line of work.

The bulk of 5939’s construction is comprised of Generac’s proprietary 389CC engine. It is several times stronger in comparison to the one supplied to GP3500iO; aside from its noisiness, this engine is also substantially more durable as it was built to withstand higher temperatures and more frequent use.

Some of the features that are unique to Generac 5939 include the low-oil automatic shutdown and the fold-down carry handle. Even though it’s big and bulky, 5939 is still a highly portable generator that offers versatility on par with compact light-duty models.

The biggest downside of this generator is its weight; namely, it weighs approximately 180 pounds and it’s considerably larger than most Generac models. As mentioned earlier, its wheels allow it to be more mobile, countering these shortcomings.

Generac’s 5939 comes supplied with a 7.2-gallon fuel reservoir; you can expect approximately ten hours of use while it is operating at half-load capacity.

Overall, this is one of the heaviest Generac generators, but it compensates for its bulkiness with excellent wattage and power, a robust construction, and superior fuel economy.

Pros:

• Decently priced, solid power
• 7.2-gallon fuel reservoir
• Remarkably well-built
• Strong 389CC engine
• A variety of utility features

Cons:

• Big & bulky
• Noisy

Runner up – Generac 7678 GP3600 Portable Generator – 3,600-Watt Power

The GP3600 Generac portable generator is essentially a middle-ground option between the 5939 and GP3500iO. It’s just a tad stronger than GP3500iO while being substantially weaker than 5939, it’s bulkier than GP3500iO but as portable as 5939 while offering the technologies and advanced features from both generations.

Basically, this is a perfect option for people who can’t decide between the two as it brings the best of the two worlds together.

This generator also sports the PowerRush technology, which drastically ramps up its initial strength, but it’s also packed with a bigger OHV engine. Speaking of which, the engine of this generator is reinforced with special splash lubrication, which extends its life expectancy.

Furthermore, it’s packed with five 120V receptacles, all of which feature plastic coverings. It’s safe to say that Generac GP3600 offers superior connectivity, even though it does not come supplied with any USB, Parallel, or 240V power ports.

Atop of having a large-capacity fuel reservoir made of the finest steel, it also packs an integrated fuel gauge. All things considered, this is an excellent all-around generator with plenty of power and receptacles, but it still can’t match the convenience and versatility of GP3500iO.

Pros:

• Superior connectivity
• Portable
• 3600 watts of power
• Excellent OHV engine
• Built-in fuel gauge

Cons:

• No 240V, Parallel, or USB ports
• Bulky and heavy as far as portable generators go

Best Overall Power Generator – Generac 7676 GP8000E Portable, 10,000 Watts

Our top pick of the day is Generac’s 7676 Portable – a well-rounded machine that offers an optimal balance between weight, wattage, fuel capacity, and connectivity.

The main reason why this may be one of the best Generac portable generators is that it’s supplied with a remarkable set of utility features. It packs the advanced battery-powered electric start-up mechanism; it’s substantially faster than analog recoil start-up mode. However, you’ll have to keep watch over the battery levels as it doesn’t feature an alternative ignition system.

As far as power is of concern, Generac’s 7676 offers 10 starting KWs and 8 running KWs, which makes it perfect for home use and light-duty industrial tasks.

One of the most exquisite features of Generac’s 7676 is Power Rush technology; essentially, this feature augments the initial capacity of the machine to generate and deliver consistent power.

Another feature that we also liked is the huge fuel reservoir made of high-quality steel. Namely, aside from the fact that it’s remarkably sturdy, it’s also large enough to hold fuel worth 11 hours of run time. Great delivery on all fronts, one of the prime products you can select.

Lastly, the Generac 7676 portable generator is supplied with 4 120V receptacles, one 120/240V slot, and a 30A AC breaker. All of the outlets are protected with plastic covers.

The best thing about this Generac model is that it doesn’t quite have any major flaws. The only thing that we think leaves some room for improvement is the plastic protective case that shields the 420CC motor. Overall, this machine is well-built, sturdy, strong, and well worth the money. This is a great find that has five stars written all over it. Let’s write down the pros and cons now.

Pros:

• Built to last, yet portable
• 10,000 watts of power
• Battery-powered electric start-up mechanism
• Huge fuel reservoir made of sturdy steel
• Durable all-terrain tires
• Decently simple to setup

Cons:

• Flimsy engine protection

Best Home Backup Power Generator – Generac 7682 GP6500E Portable – 6,500 Watt Electric – Orange, Black

Generac portable generators are generally perfect for people who are frequently moving out, but this particular model is more versatile – it’s a great option for campers, outdoorsmen, tailgaters, RV owners, and pretty much anyone.

The 7682 generator features advanced Power Rush technology – while the version supplied to 7676 offers a 30% increase in initial generator power, this version offers a boost of an additional 10%. In plain words, the 7682 may be a bit weaker given the fact that it packs 6500 watts of power, but it offers more explosive power and performs faster than its slightly stronger counterpart.

In comparison to our top pick, Generac’s 7682 is smaller, lighter, and slightly more portable overall. However, it also features a large-capacity fuel reservoir that offers 10.5 hours of total work time while at 50% capacity.

The heavy-duty steel frame outfitted to 7682 is equally sturdy as the ones supplied to other generators in the series. Furthermore, this generator shares several other features with 7676, including the battery-powered electric start-up, an oil funnel, and a sturdy OHV engine.

All things considered, we would warmly recommend this generator to people who are looking for a portable generator that is just a tad more approachable price-wise while being just slightly weaker. Definitely a product you need to include on a review list like this one.

Pros:

• 6,500 watts of power for your home
• Large-capacity fuel reservoir
• Fairly affordable, very portable
• 10.5-hour work time while at 50% capacity
• Improved Power Rush technology

Cons:

• Requires more frequent maintenance than Generac 7676

Generac Portable Generator – Generac 7129 GP3000i Powered Portable Generator

The GP3000i is a light-duty handheld Generac inverter that offers portability, excellent connectivity, and some of the finest Generac features bundled in a lightweight, compact package.

First of all, the dimensions of GP3000i measure 22.3 inches by 13.3 inches by 18.4 inches and it weighs approximately 59.5 pounds. It’s slightly bigger and a tad heavier than GP3500iO, but it offers nearly the same level of performance in the field of portability because it’s equipped with a high-quality built-in handle.

It’s supplied with both Power Rush and TruePower technologies, which means you’ll benefit from a cleaner, stronger source of reliable electricity. In contrast to our previous pick, 7129 GP3000i offers fewer receptacles; however, it includes a parallel port and two USB ports, as well as a 240V outlet.

While it’s lagging behind our top pick, the 7129 offers a more compact solution with superior connectivity.

Pros:

• A lightweight portable generator
• Power Rush and TruePower technologies
• Parallel-ready
• 3,000 rated watts of power
• An exceptionally quiet model

Cons:

• Relatively big for a portable generator
• Pricey

Generac Budget Alternative – Generac 7117 GP2200I Inverter Portable Generator

Our final pick is Generac 7117 GP2200I Inverter – a smaller, weaker variant of 7129 that is available at a slightly more approachable price.

Aside from affordability, 7117 is also lighter and easier to transport. It weighs approximately 46 pounds and features dimensions that measure 19 inches by 11 inches by 17 inches.

Obviously, it’s equipped with both True Power and Power Rush technologies; however, the performance of these features is slightly weaker due to 7117’s weaker wattage.

One of the best features of this generator is the Economy Mode, which boosts the fuel economy while reducing noise emissions at the same time. You can find the full list of pros and cons below to easily compare this model to other stars of this list.

Pros:

• A lightweight and portable generator
• Very affordable
• A well-built model worthy of your Amazon cart
• True Power and Power Rush technologies

Cons:

• Relatively weak
• Small fuel tank

Full Review

Conclusion – Generac Portable Products Deliver that Watts Power to Your Home & Work

We hope that you’ve liked our Generac Generators Reviews. This brand has graced the market with several high-quality models, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide which generator suits your needs the best – some people need raw wattage power, others value compactness, and portability. Luckily, Generac offers a broad range of generators that can cater to all of the aforementioned. We hope this blog has provided you with all the info you need and that you can work out which one is best for you.