Time for a new portable generator

[TheMan419]

So it is time for a new portable generator. Wife wants one for her barn. It has a separate well and its own electical panel. Electrician will be out this month to install the proper transfer switch and 30 amp plug in.

I currently have a 6500 watt running (8500 watt surge) portable that I will be "donating" to the barn for use there. She can then have water and lights if the power is out.

For the house I want to get an inverter generator, but I need the 220v and wattage to run the well, fridge and some lights. I am willing to do load management to not run all the things at the same time. I want the inverter so I can run the router for internet and a TV while the power is out.

The house already has a transfer switch and a 30 amp plug.

I am not interested in Harbor Freight junk.

One that has caught my eye is Champion 100520 - 7000 Watt Digital Hybrid Open-Frame Electric Start Inverter Generator w/ Quiet Technology CARB

Also looking for other options. That generator would just about max out the 30 amp plug at 220v so don't really need more power. Looking for good reliability.

Generally it appears we are having about 2 power outages a year lasting about 20 hours each. Electric start is a must have for me as the Mrs. is not going to be able to pull start something that big..... heck I would struggle with it given my back.

Thanks for the input as always.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

HF gensets are made in china, aren't the champion gensets from china too?

SR

 

[Thomas]

I have Generac wish I got Honda battery start also quieter.

 

[TheMan419]

HF gensets are made in china, aren't the champion gensets from china too?

SR

Yes but three year warantee and lifetime tech support from Champion.

 

[i7win7]

Purhased this at Menards to run our well, working on wiring mods for pump

https://www.menards.com/main/outdoor/outdoor-power-equipment/generators/generac-reg-6-500-running-8-125-starting-watt-gasoline-portable-generator/5940/p-1444431298203-c-10107.htm?tid=1401394185218310072&ipos=1

I also don't trust HF. Inverter systems are nice in that they convert DC to AC. This allows engine to run at various RPM's depending on load. A true RMS inverter is more expensive but more desirable for sensitive electronics. The old school generators produce the correct sinewave, 60hz if engine is governed at 3600rpm, voltage could drop some at max load.

I choose old school to avoid extra electronics that could fail when generator most needed.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Yes but three year warantee and lifetime tech support from Champion.

How will that help you if it doesn't work properly when you need it?

I keep hearing that it's a coin toss with generators from china, so I think it's worth the money to spend more, you know......buy once, cry once......

SR

 

[ArlyA]

We've had a 2000 inverter type Honda for years. Its a tool that works when needed and built to last.

 

[Doughknob]

Yeah, adding in an inverter just gives something else that can go wrong with the machine. The only advantage of the inverter generator is fuel economy at low usage. If only used occasionaly or used at higher power draw when it is used, the regular old plain generator seems wiser. And at very high power draws the inverter gen will actually use "more" fuel because of the added inversion losses!

 

[Rebeldad1]

cant loose with a Honda for being reliable. Spendy though.

 

[kirkawilson]

I recently bought this one at Home Depot and have been happy with it.

Amazon.com : Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator | CO Guard, 6500 starting watts, RV Ready : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator | CO Guard, 6500 starting watts, RV Ready : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

 

[grsthegreat]

the honda 7000 inverter is a great, quiet unit. i have used several that the Idaho Dept of Lands have, and cant be beat. problem is their so dang spendy. i can buy a generac 22,000 watt unit for the same cost

 

[Rebeldad1]

We use our Honda EU1000 mostly for our 4hr or less power outages. Runs internet, some lights, Sat TV and 65" big screen without coming off economy low idle.
The EU2000 if needed for coffee pot and refer and freezers.

Have a Champion 7500W electric start dual fuel. Has never seen gasoline. For when everything is needed including well.

Could buy 5 of these for what it"s Honda comparable costs.

 

[ponytug]

FWIW: It isn't a Honda, but it has been getting good reviews elsewhere; Northern Tool's 7000W 240volt inverter generator

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200756204_200756204

All the best,

Peter

 

[cdaigle430]

If I didnt have my NG Generac I would go something like this and use it with LPG. Gas is a pain in the behind....especially if your only going to use it a couple times a year. This also has electric start.

Champion Power Equipment 10,000/8,000-Watt Electric Start Gasoline Propane and Natural Gas Tri-Fuel Portable Generator with NG and LPG Hoses-100416 - The Home Depot

 

[sea2summit]

How will that help you if it doesn't work properly when you need it?

I keep hearing that it's a coin toss with generators from china, so I think it's worth the money to spend more, you know......buy once, cry once......

SR

Especially when, when you need it you really don’t want to have to fix it.

 

[Root Cause]

I think there are several good options. For lack of any recent experience, I did some research and kept seeing Westinghouse.

Not a name that comes to my mind when thinking about generators.
But the reviews and options won me over.

-Dual fuel (just went thru a gas shortage last May on East coat
-Remote start (for wife)
-9500 running watts, 12500 startup
-50 amp plug
-transfer switch ready, transfer switch available to autostart a few things if you don't mind extension cords running to the frig etc.

$999 at Sam's Club

So my expertise is zero. I don't even have it yet but that is what I bought.

 

[BravoXray]

If you would be interested in a good BlackMax 7000 watt unit, I have one I'm going to list on CL soon. Honda GX390 ngine was overhauled two years ago, has about 20-30 hours on it since then. Have used it twice for power outages, works great.
PM me if interested.

 

[check]

I think there are several good options. For lack of any recent experience, I did some research and kept seeing Westinghouse.

Not a name that comes to my mind when thinking about generators.
But the reviews and options won me over.

-Dual fuel (just went thru a gas shortage last May on East coat
-Remote start (for wife)
-9500 running watts, 12500 startup
-50 amp plug
-transfer switch ready, transfer switch available to autostart a few things if you don't mind extension cords running to the frig etc.

$999 at Sam's Club

So my expertise is zero. I don't even have it yet but that is what I bought.

I have that one model, and so does Daugen. Very happy with mine.

 

[shooterdon]

We use our Honda EU1000 mostly for our 4hr or less power outages. Runs internet, some lights, Sat TV and 65" big screen without coming off economy low idle.
The EU2000 if needed for coffee pot and refer and freezers.

Have a Champion 7500W electric start dual fuel. Has never seen gasoline. For when everything is needed including well.

Could buy 5 of these for what it"s Honda comparable costs.

It is a smart option. No need for inverter technology for most uses so you can get a less expensive main generator,and a smaller inverter type for sensitive stuff.

And dual fuel propane/gas makes a lot of sense for the main generator.

 

[TheMan419]

It is a smart option. No need for inverter technology for most uses so you can get a less expensive main generator,and a smaller inverter type for sensitive stuff.

And dual fuel propane/gas makes a lot of sense for the main generator.

Yes but the wife will not want to think that she needs to switch generators when she wants to run the well or microwave and coffee pot together etc.

If they were not so spendy I would simply put in a standby generator with some load shedding and be done with it. But given the lack of poweroutages (knocking hard on wood now) it is not an investment I want to make at this point.

I can get a new genset and wire the barn with an interlock and plug for a couple thou and be good.