When it comes to selecting the right generator, it is very important for buyers to consider their own needs first. You should also make sure that you know exactly what the specifications and features of the generator are so you can make sure that you will be able to buy one that can meet your requirements.
As a homeowner and an avid outdoorsman, having a generator around always ensures that I can always get the most basic comforts. This is why I am always on the lookout for new ones. One of the manufacturers that interests me is Generac.
And to help you know more about them, here is my Generac gp5500 review:
Generac GP5500 Review: Is The Product Reliable?
Things You Need To Consider Before Buying A Generator
When buying a generator, you should always keep an eye out for its build and quality. As mentioned, you need to assess the generator properly especially with its power output. This is because it can easily be rendered useless if it cannot produce enough wattage to power your important electronic devices.
Ideally, you should be looking to buy the Generac gp5500 if you are in need of a generator that you can use at home during a power outage. You should also know that this is not a portable generator that you can easily lift outdoors, this is why you should opt for another model if you need something light.
I do recommend this generator however, to those that are looking for a product that can be used to power up large homes or multiple large equipment. This is because the Generac gp5500 is built for small to medium loads. Depending on the wattage, it might be used on different appliances at the same time.
If you are in the market for a reliable generator, I also recommend that you take into consideration what a product can do for you during a power outage and for your outdoor needs. You need to understand that a generator can be used for practical and emergency purposes as well as for fun and for comfort.
The Generac GP5500
The Generac GP5500 is basically a commercial or residential generator that is on steroids. Although it is still considered a portable generator, this product is quite huge. In fact, it might actually be quite difficult to carry around if not for the fact that it has never flat wheels as well as a solid steel tube frame.
This product has as much as 5500 running watts as well as 6875 starting watts that will allow you to turn on a wide array of appliances and electronics ranging from small lights, freezers, heaters and cooking appliances. What’s more, you can also use this generator to help power most professional power tools.
Basically, this product is for homeowners who own properties with some of the large appliances such as centralized air conditioning, heating systems and also large refrigerators. This is also ideal for those that own commercial spaces and establishments since it can be used to run different professional appliances.
- It can produce enough wattage to power large appliances
- It can easily run numerous appliance at the same time
- It allocates more than 1000 watts for startups, making it ideal for heavy duty use
- It is not an inverter generator
- It might be too big for most homeowners
- It can be difficult to carry outdoors
The Features
The Basic Overview Of The Generac GP5500
The Generac GP5500 is around 179 pounds or around 77 kilos in weight. It is a gas powered generator that is both portable and built for heavy duty use. It has a recoil pull start system as well as an Automatic Voltage regulator. It is also CSA and CARB certified, making it an environmentally friendly product.
The Generac GP5500: A Heavy Duty 5500 Running Watts As Well As 6875 Starting Watts
Unlike most portable generators that are only limited to powering small appliances or 1 large appliance at a time, the Generac GP5500 can deliver so much more. With its 5500 running watts capability, this generator can easily be used to run most, if not all of the electronics and appliances in your own home.
In fact, it can be used to power centralized air conditioning systems, electrical cooking appliances, and even large freezers and refrigerators. If it is properly used and installed, it can actually be used to power an entire small or medium-sized home, allowing your family to live comfortably during a power outage.
This generator is also a great companion for outdoor use since it can easily provide electricity to remote cabins. This is especially true if you do not mind having to carry its weight around. For the outdoor adventurer, you should know that it can be used for outdoor grills, wine coolers and other similar items.
Another great advantage of this generator’s power output is that it can be used for professional use outdoors. With its huge allowance when it comes to starting watts, this generator can easily handle large power tools such as saws, cutters and drills. This makes it a very reliable work companion.
A Medium-Sized, Built-In Fuel Tank
This allows you to easily keep many of your appliances and electronics running for a long time. You need to understand that the power of the generator is only limited by its fuel capacity. With this product however, you can fill up the 6.7 gal tank and keep the generator running for 10 hours with 50% load.
The generator’s Portability And Handling Features
So you can easily take this generator wherever you need to use electricity, it was equipped with no-flat wheels that are made from heavy duty materials. It can also help you manage the weight if the generator better. This generator also has a durable steel frame for additional toughness and durability.
The frame is made from hardened steel and it forms a cradle so that the generator can have ample protection. It also has a locking handle that can fold down so you can easily move the generator towards your desired location. Having this feature can help make up for the weight that this product has.
The Safety And Protection For The Engine
This generator is known to have a powerful and durable engine that can help sustain its power output. But in order for the engine to stay in good condition it needs to have safety features. One of the things that Generac added was a low oil level shutdown feature that can help protect the generator’s engine.
This product also uses the Generac OHV engine that is known to have splash lubrication. This allows the engine to have a longer life than most of the other brands. These features can actually help ensure that your generator can keep on running for years to come, making it a good investment in the long run.
The Additional User-Friendly Features Of The Generac GP5500
To help users easily operate and maintain their Generac GP5500 generators, Generac added fuel gauges on the fuel tank so you can easily check if it needs more fuel to run. It also has hour meters so you can see when the generator will be needing maintenance checks so you can keep it in running condition.
The generator also has covered outlets so you can easily avoid accidents and injuries during its use. The covers can also help protect the generator from rain, moisture and from the elements that might cause deterioration especially if you frequently use the generator outdoors or for heavy duty tasks.
Alternatives
The Westinghouse WH5500 Portable Generator
You can use this generator as an alternative to the Generac model since it has almost similar features and it is slight less expensive. Some of the differences that this product has from the Generac model includes:
- A lower price tag
- A lower starting wattage allowance
- A 6.6 gallon tank
- Dual handles
The DuroMax XP5500EH
This is another alternative that also has nearly identical features to the Generac generator. It boasts of a powerful 7.5 HP engine. The main differences are the following:
- It only has a 5500 surge watts
- It is a hybrid generator and can use two types of fuel
- It is slightly less expensive
The Troy-Bilt 5500
It is basically another more affordable alternative to the Generac model. It can provide you with 5500 running watts and it also has a minimalistic look. The main differences are the following:
- It can provide up to 8250 surge watts
- It has a 6 gallon fuel tank
- It can run for 11 hours at 50% load
Conclusion
The Generac GP5500 is a dependable, heavy duty generator that you can use at home, outdoors and for your own commercial establishments. With its large build, you can expect this product to easily provide you with enough power so you can run most home appliances and even large power tools.