Portable Generators Reviewed!

  

Generac GP5500                                               

Best home portable generator

Pros

• Very powerful
• Easy start engine
• User-friendly design
• Convenient to maintain

Cons

• Noisy
• Complaints about fuel leaks; poor customer support                                                           
  

  Bottom line

  The Generac GP5500 can power most appliances and lights in a medium-size home, supplying up to 6,875 watts through four covered outlets and a heavy-duty twist-lock outlet for a 220-volt appliance. Owners say it's easy to use, with a reliable pull-cord starter, fuel gauge and oil dipstick. Engine noise is average for this size of generator, though some say it seems pretty loud. The 7.2-gallon tank runs up to 14 hours, according to professionals.
  

  Features

  Convenient features. The 5,500-watt Generac GP5500 offers peak power of up to 6,875 watts, which is sufficient backup power for most homeowners. The user-friendly design, which includes a fuel shut-off valve and low-oil level shutdown, gets 4.5 stars from Popular Mechanics tester Joseph Truini, partly because it's so easy to maintain. "Look! A dipstick and a large oil-fill opening," Truini says. "Every generator should have them." Popular Mechanics also praises the Generac's "thick vibration dampeners, a heavy frame and a comfortable fold up handle." The CARB-compliant version -- the 5945 -- features four ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) 5-20R outlets to protect against electrocution in wet conditions.
  

  Performance

  Powers an average-sized home. "With ease, it runs my refrigerator, a handful of lights, TV, cable box, modem, space heater and an occasional microwave use," says an owner at HomeDepot.com about the Generac GP5500, noting, "It was averaging 12 hours of run time before needing to be refueled for the 96 straight hours of use before our power came back." This Generac doesn't include an electric start, but users say the GP5500 reliably starts in one or two pulls of the cord. With automatic voltage regulation, the power is smooth enough to safely operate a laptop computer, according to Popular Mechanics, though they note that the GP5500's voltage isn't as steady as some.
  

  Ease of use

  Easy to operate and maintain. Reviews say assembling and learning how to use the Generac GP5500 is pretty straightforward. It "worked flawlessly right out of the box," says one user at ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com. At Generac.com, an owner says with the "ease of operation, efficiency of the engine and simple maintenance, it all adds up to a quality product." In their five-generator comparison test, Popular Mechanics says the GP5500's 85 decibels is just under their average reading. Owners report some durability problems -- most frequently with fuel leaks -- though these aren't consistent issues. Generac includes a two-year limited warranty for consumers, though a few owners have a difficult time with warranty service.Also for Direct Access to Brand Name Products&Services like this Visit our Website at    http://ebuys-onlineproducts-services.weebly.com