I originally started off looking for a full home generator and found Generac at Home Depot but didn't see any portables. It turned out that the rep Home Depot sent me said they were loud compared to a Kohler generator.
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I soon found out that Generac makes a portable model that performs very well and is said to be the second quietest on the market. When I called Generac and spoke to a sales representative, I was told they don't list their noise levels like others. She said they were not hiding anything, just that it's hard to measure noise levels because there is no standard. (Hey Generac, opportunity here, set a new standard and challenge everyone else to use the same... Be the leader...)
Off all the Generac Generators that I found, the XP8000e having 8000 Running Watts / 12,000 Starting Watts, includes electric start, hour meter, cord set, fold-down locking handles and maintenance kit, is the best bet compared to other Generac generators.
Note: Two XP8000e model exist, one has only an electric start [model number 0057080], the other [model number 005714] has electric and manual. Manual star as a backup is ideal. Also, when trying to decide between a Generac XP or GP portable generator, you'll want the XP.
The XP is the top of the line and produces less than 5% THD (total harmonic distortion) that work well with sensitive equipment, such as high end flat screen, computers and more.
I found the XP model at Lowe's [Generac 8000 Watt Electric Start / Manual Portable Generator (CARB)] for $1,500 and the Electric Start Only model for $1,299. This model runs at 72dB. Believe it or not, the price has gone up since I purchased this!
I found the GP8000 at Home Depot for $1,299. This model runs at 72dB and the XP Series portable generators have TruePower Technology which allows safe operation of computers and other electronic equipment.
Includes: Generac 410cc OHVI Engine 8.0 gallon fuel tank with incorporated fuel gauge and filler neck screen.
Details Include:
unning Watts (Watts): 8000
Starting Watts (Watts): 12000
Engine Brand: Generac
Engine Displacement (Cu. Centimeters): 410
Engine Torque (Feet/lbs.): 0.0
Engine Series: OHVI
Fuel Capacity (Gallons): 8.0
Run Time at 1/2 Load (Hours): 10.5
Starting: Electric and Pull
Wheel Kit: Yes
Size of Tire (Inches): 10.5
Cord Set Included: Yes
Type of Alternator: High Performance
Control Panel: Yes
Weight (lbs.): 186.0
Low Oil Shut Down: Yes
Osha Required GFCI Outlets: Yes
Fuel Gauge: Yes
Hour Meter: Yes
Automatic Idle Control: No
Automatic Voltage Regulation: Yes
Length (Inches): 32.5
Width (Inches): 26.0
Recommended Oil (Quarts): 1.5
Warranty: 3-year Limited
UL Safety Listing: No
CSA Safety Listing: No
ETL Safety Listing: No
Note: This is the model I went with and purchased for my home backup solution.
This is an excellent generator and I’ve used it two time, once for a few hours and the other for two days, no problems whatsoever!
One thing I have learned since starting reviewportablegenerators.com and very important, is make sure your generator has a gas shutoff valve, which this does, and when you are ready to put it away, turn off the gas while it’s running and let it shut down on its own. Why?
There is gas that is left in the carburetor when you just turn it off – by running the carb out of gas, there is nothing left to gum up the carb, the single biggest problem in portable generators and costing $200+ to fix!
Who told you those noise levels for the Generac generators? they are one of the only companies that don’t list the levels of noise and now I will tell you the reason, their portable models are the loudest in the industry!
I have 4 of there generators. They do not have a portable generator near the 72 db level. they are good generators but they are LOUD!
Bought the GP 7000 Watt Generator and this product did not work directly out of the box. Low voltage because idle was not set properly (Burned out TV and Microwave Oven) then when I got it back from repair shop would not handle and load over 2000 watts. Generac was not easy to work with when discussing issues, beware of this manufacture as they do not want to stand behind there product!!
I just used a borrowed Generac GP5500 for four days during a power outage, and while I appreciated having it I can’t sat that I’d buy one for myself. It was VERY loud. also, it was difficult to start when cold. I had to pull the cord 5-6 times every time. I can say that maintenance is easy, because I serviced it before returning to my friend.