Need recommendations for a Generator.....

[Monza_dh]

I am not a "Prepper" but need a generator for the 2-3 storms we get up here in NE during winter.

I have a small one I have used over the years but now want to upgrade to a 6-7K watt portable. I dont want to spend $5k for a whole house one but around $1500 bucks for a decent brand that will last a while only being used once/twice a year.

I've seen the inverter types but they are expensive. I started at HD, Lowes, Northern Tool etc but they all seem to carry the same low end stuff

Can someone recommend what they have had luck with ?


Generac, Honda, Yamaha, NorthStrar, Briggs Stratton, etc, Etc??

Thanks!

[Don Ro]

Around here Costco has a Honda-powered gen. Either a 5k or a 3.5k.
Can't remember the price, however.
Try this:
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Generators

[Don Ro]

Here it is: $999
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PowerStroke
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Some real-life info:
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http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1264422/

[John Rogers]

I have two generators, one is a small 1KW that I bought after the San Diego wild fires in 2007 and a much larger one, 10KW that I bought a couple years ago. The small one could power the frig and some lights. The large one can power nearly the whole house including the heater and hot water heater which are both gas.

I did have to make up several heavy duty cords, one goes to the garage freezer and heater and hot water heater, very important in the east coast winters. Another goes to the upstairs refrigerator, lights and various electronics. I was going to install a plug in system at our breaker box but decided to go with plugs and extensions instead. I also use my old 5 gallon racing gas cans and have added gas preservative so it will not go bad over a years time. I have enough gas at any time for about 4 or 5 days constant running as when we had the fires and power went off, the gas pumps did not run! When I was looking at them, all the generators listed their "gas consumption" rates so you'll need to know how much to keep on hand.

[Dan J]

Honda, Honda or Honda
It's the only way to go

[Dan J]

Not Honda powered either - Honda generator

[flatbutt]

Do not buy a gererator from HD or Loews w/out closely inspecting the specifications. Those stores usually get special models made just for them and they aren't worth the money. I personally endorse Gillette, honda, Generac in that order.

[Don Ro]

Finding the Right Generator | Frank Perkins - TechnoGeeko
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"Why this is a perfect generator for me is that I get my Honda engine and more importantly, I have the backing of Costco’s return policy. Literally, I can return it in three years with no questions asked."

[Monza_dh]

Thanks All. I'd love a Honda but I just cant swing it. I did find a Powerstroke with the Honda engine mentioned in the link Don shared at HD so I will check it out further.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Monza_dh

Thanks All. I'd love a Honda but I just cant swing it. I did find a Powerstroke with the Honda engine mentioned in the link Don shared at HD so I will check it out further.

please check the specs on the unit versus the OEM specs, I got burned once by not doing so. just my .02

[crownarch]

Depends on what you want to power up. I only need to power my refridge, freezer in the garage, a few lights in the house and my TV. I can accomplish all of that with a Honda 2k generator with no problem. It is super quite, runs on gas fumes and is very dependable, and easy to tote around. I love it most as it us such a gas sipper. Price on these units are not that high and it will hold it's resale.

[TimT]

I'd just pony up and just get a Honda

This one is 3000 watts, $2600

Or get a pair of the eu2000 and pair them if you need the full output @4000W

You can get a pair of the 2000W Hondas for $2500



The Hondas I posted are whisper quiet.. run a long time on a gallon of gas...and small and light...

I look at different contractors I work with...I can't remember the last time I saw a contractor without a Honda generator..

You posted a price point of $1500... for a few hundred bucks more you can get a premium long lasting product.

[Jayt]

I bought a Rigid 6,800 generator at Home Depot last year for those same 2-3 storms. As I recall it was about $900. I've used it twice for a total of about 10 hours. It starts easy except when its cold, the oil gets pretty thick making it harder for the pull start. I would strongly suggest you get the transfer box as it makes switching over pretty much fool proof. BTW, I wound up spending almost as much on the 50' of cable and plugs needed to hook the generator to the house. Go longer on the cable so you can get the generator away from the house....distance will help diffuse the noise. When its cold and the power goes out....you will never regret buying a generator.

[gr8fl4porsche]

The Hondas are very nice. Big $$$ though. $2-5k for the size you want depending on features and level of quietness. For occasional use I would think a cheaper one is fine. I have a DeWalt branded one that works great. 2k or so for 6000 watts.
The whole neighborhood can hear it run.

Eats gas like its free.

[Cajundaddy]

WE had a Powerstroke 7k for a while and it did work but it was loud ass. It would surely wake the dead inside 50 yards. We sold it and went with a Honda 3000. Half the capacity but 1/10th the racket. No problem running it around the clock in a neighborhood and it meets our immediate needs.

[Hugh R]

Buy a Honda. the ones you get cheap are made in China and you can't get parts.

Also run it once a month load test it, I use my wife's blow drier at 1,200 watts for a 2,000 watt generator. , run Mobile 1 in it (cheap over the life of it),

[John Rogers]

One way to help calm the neighbors is to let them know you have a generator and will keep baby food, milk and especially medicines that need a frig for them as long as needed. I did that with my neighbors and the last time I had to use it they supplied the gas.

[trekkor]

Check Craigslist

I picked up a Generac 6KW unit for $350.


KT

[Bugsinrugs]

Originally Posted by trekkor

Check Craigslist

I picked up a Generac 6KW unit for $350.


KT

plus 1 on craigslist. i got a brand new 5000 watt generac for 400 cash. a guy bought it for his place in the mountains and never needed it.
i also had a transfer switch hooked up to my well so i would still have water when the power goes bye bye.

[notfarnow]

what about a gererator?

Does anyone want a free gererator?

Sorry, couldn't help myself.