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Top 5 Generac Generators in 2022 - Are They Worth Your Money?
When it comes to generators, Generac is one of the leading brands in the industry. Trusted by residential and commercial customers, when the lights go out, your Generac generator is ready to power on. While they may be a little more expensive than other brands, the reliability of Generac generators makes these units worth your investment.
The Generac 7117 GP 2200i portable inverter generator is one of the most compact, easy-to-use generators on the market. The built-in handle makes this 46-pound generator simple to move anywhere on your property for convenient access.
With a starting wattage of 2200 and a running wattage of 1700, you can power several small electronics, appliances, or tools. The run-time with a full tank and a quarter-load is an astonishing 10.5 hours. This generator also features an economy mode to reduce noise and use fuel efficiently. Truepower technology provides a stable current, so you can charge your laptop, tablet, or cell phone. This generator is quiet and perfect for camping or an emergency. Get your Generac 7117 GP2200i today.
With everything from portable generators to stationary options for your large home or business, Generac generators are leaders in providing durable, environmentally friendly power solutions. Even large 20kW Generac generators are quiet enough to place next to your home in a populated neighborhood. Here are some of the top Generac generators to consider for your residential or commercial property.
Table of Contents
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PROS
SPECS
Best Choice
Generac 7117 GP2200i
PROS
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Compact, Quiet & Easy to use
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Truepower technology
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Built-in handle
SPECS
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Parallel-ready
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10.5-hour run time at quarter-load
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1.2-gallon fuel tank
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19” x 11” x 17”
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Generac GP3500iO
PROS
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Parallel ready
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PowerRUSH Technology
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True power technology
SPECS
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Weighs 74.3 lbs.
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3500 starting watts
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3000 running watts
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19.3” x 16.9” x 16.4”
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Generac 7043 22kW
PROS
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LED indicators
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All-weather aluminum enclosure
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Truepower technology
SPECS
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Weighs 515 lbs.
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Easy-to-read LED status indicators
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200 amp NEMA 3 whole house Smart transfer switch
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48” x 25” x 29”
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Generac 6866 iQ2000
PROS
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PowerDial
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PowerBar
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Parallel Ready
SPECS
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Weighs 46.2 lbs.
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Running wattage 1600
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1.06-gallon gas tank
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20” x 12.6” x 16.9”
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Generac 5939 GP5500
PROS
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Low-oil level shutdown
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Fold-down, locking handle
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10-hour run time at half-load
SPECS
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● Weighs 180 lbs.
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● 7.2-gallon fuel tank
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389cc OHV engine
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28.75” x 26.75” x 25”
Top 5 Generac Generator - Reviews
1. Generac 7117 GP2200i – Best Overall
The Generac 7117 GP2200i takes the place of the Generac iX2000. With more wattage, an intuitive design, and plenty of start-up wattage, you can power whatever you need to on your property or a camping trip. If you are planning a barbeque or outdoor event, use this generator to power fans, lamps, chest freezers, a small refrigerator, and other appliances.
This is also the perfect generator for outdoor jobs where you need to run power tools. With a 10.5-hour run time on a quarter-load and a 1.2-gallon tank, you can load up a 5-gallon gas tank and be set for a day or two. For a dependable, reliable generator at home or on your next trip, this Generac unit meets all of your power needs.
Specs
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Truepower technology for stabilized current
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1-12V DC outlet and 1 USB outlet
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Economy mode for ultimate fuel efficiency
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2-year limited warranty
Pros
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Ultra-compact and lightweight
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Status lights for easy alerts
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USB outlet to charge electronics
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Economy mode to reduce fuel emissions and noise
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Parallel capability
Cons
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Can take 4-5 pulls to start
Who Should Get This?
If you are looking for a versatile generator you can use at home or an outdoor event, the Generac 7117 GP2200i is a compact, yet powerful choice.
2. Generac GP3500iO Open Frame RV-Ready
If you are looking for a generator that is affordable, portable and provides plenty of power, the Generac GP3500iO is an excellent choice. It’s especially useful if you plan to use it while RVing or going on your next VanLife adventure. It powers air conditioners up to 15,00 BTUs. With built-in handles, this generator is easy to move around your campsite or in your garage if the power goes out.
The wattage can power a toaster oven, a laptop, a small refrigerator, and even a shop vac. If you want extra power, this unit comes parallel-ready so you can link up two generators for double the wattage. Even when running at full load, this unit is ultra-quiet so you can bring it with you to any campsite or use it in your backyard.
Specs
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19.3” x 16.9” x 16.4”
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Weighs 74.3 lbs.
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3500 starting watts, 3000 running watts
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2.37-gallon fuel tank
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8-hour run time at a half-load
Pros
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Truepower technology
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Ultra-quiet and very lightweight
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PowerRUSH technology for a 50% starting capacity
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RV-ready for your next adventure
Cons
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Like other models, may take 4-5 pulls to start
Who Should Get This?
If you’re looking for a reliable generator that won’t break the bank, this generator is for you. Generac generators are known for their durability and dependability. This unit also provides plenty of power at a great price.
3. Generac 7043 22kW
When the power goes out in your home, there are plenty of things to worry about. Food in the fridge and freezer, freezing pipes, or unbearable humidity are all concerning issues in a power outage, especially if it goes out in a weather event. With the Generac 7043 22kW home generator, this unit kicks on within 10 seconds of a detected power outage. The unit hooks up to either your natural gas or propane fuel supply for your home, so you never have to worry about unsightly gas cans or long lines at the gas station.
Save time on installation with a base pad, removable door panels, and efficient wiring. Mobile Link remote monitoring technology allows you to check on your generator’s status from the app anywhere in the world. You can also conveniently request service from the app.
Specs
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Weighs 515 lbs.
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48” x 25” x 29”
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RhinoCoat finish for ultimate durability and corrosion-resistance
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Generac G-Force engine
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Easy-to-read LED status indicators
Pros
- 200-amp NEMA 3 whole house Smart transfer switch
- Great for both appliances and sensitive electronics
- Safe to place near your home or building
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
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Battery is not included
Who Should Get This?
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, or you just want to be prepared for a weather event, this generator kicks on quickly and runs until electricity is restored.
4. Generac 6866 iQ2000
When you are out camping, tailgating, or RVing, the last thing you want to do is to disturb your neighbors and local wildlife with a noisy generator. Meet the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet Inverter Generator. At a quarter-load, the decibel levels only rise to 51.5, making it one of the quietest generators on the market. This is due to a digital inverter module that converts DC power to AC power, reducing the electrical demand on the engine.
The PowerBar shows you exactly how much wattage you are using. The PowerDial makes it easy to start, stop, and run the functions on your generator. Incredibly lightweight and portable, this generator is an excellent choice for your next trip.
Specs
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1.06-gallon gas tank
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Running wattage 1600
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Dimensions: 20” x 12.6” x 16.9”
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5-7-hour run time at half-load, 7.7-hour run time at quarter-load
Pros
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Portable and lightweight
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Super quiet operation, especially at quarter-load
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Parallel-ready for double the wattage
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3 modes of operation: Economy, Turbo, or Standard
Cons
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While it is quiet, this unit gets louder at half-load
Who Should Get This?
This Generac generator is great if you are camping in a crowded spot or if you just hate the constant hum of a generator running all night. It is also very portable so that you can take it with you anywhere.
5. Generac 5939 GP5500
If you want a generator on-hand for an emergency but you don’t want to invest in a whole house generator, this Generac GP5500 is a great alternative. This unit provides enough power to run your refrigerator, charge cell phones and laptops, and even run a few fans. Keep it in your garage or shed in case of an emergency, and wheel it out quickly when you need it.
This is also an excellent choice for tradesmen who work on remote job sites and need a reliable generator for their power tools. Run drills, saws, compressors, and other essential tools so you can get your job done efficiently. This generator, while powerful, is also quieter than other units in its class, which is helpful for job sites where the property owner is present.
Specs
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Weighs 180 lbs.
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Dimensions: 28.75” x 26.75” x 25”
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7.2-gallon fuel tank
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Locking handle folds down to keep unit compact
Pros
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Never-flat wheels provide ultimate portability
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Safety features including low oil shut-off, hour meter, and covered circuit breaker outlets
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10-hour run time at half-load
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Steel frame protects the generator for years of use
Cons
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Not available in California
Who Should Get This?
Consumers looking for a sturdy and reliable generator with plenty of power will love this portable Generac option. Use it on a job site or keep it handy in case of an emergency power outage.
Final Verdict
For a compact generator that runs quiet but also provides a steady, safe current, the Generac 7117 GP2200i is the unit to meet your power needs. The 1.2-gallon fuel tank provides almost a half-day of power, so you know you can charge a phone, a laptop, or run a small appliance wherever you go. For a powerful, yet portable, Generac generator, choose the Generac 7117 GP2200i.