In this report
Overview
Recommended
Ratings
Generator maintenance
Generator: Power transfer
Features
Wattage needs
Safety alert

Generator Ratings

Last reviewed: June 2009

Ratings keySimilar models in small type,
comparable to tested model



Brand & Model Claimed output (watts) Tested output (watts) Tested run time (hr.) Weight (lb.) Features
Small portable units
(2,800 to 3,600 watts) 		       
Wheels
Low-oil sensor
Gas gauge
Electric start
Multifuel
Recommended Honda EU3000is 2,800 3,000 6.5 132 • • • •  
Yamaha EF3000iSE EF3000iSEB 2,800 2,800 7.0 153 • • • •  
Recommended Craftsman 30250 3,600 2,500 7.4 110 •        
Recommended Troy-Bilt 30248 3,550 2,600 7.3 113 •        
Coleman PM0523202.17 3,000 2,500 6.8 94 • •      
Midsized portable unit
(4,500 to 6,600 watts) 		 
 
CR Best Buy Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 30242  CRBB 6,200 4,600 7.2 185 • • • •  
Recommended Northstar 8000 TFG 6,600 5,000 5.8 260 • • • • •
Troy-Bilt 30245 5,550 3,200 7.8 146 •   •    
Craftsman 30298 30521 5,600 3,300 7.4 165 •     •  
Recommended Coleman PM0545005 PM0435000, PM0525302.18, PM0545003, PM0545004, PM0545006 5,000 3,700 6.0 133 • •      
Honda EG 5000 4,500 4,400 2.5 148   •      
Stationary units
(6,000 to 12,000 watts) 		 
 
CR Best Buy Kohler 12RESL 12RES  CRBB 12,000/ 10,400 10,100 59 410   •   • •
Coleman PM400911 9,700/ 8,200 9,000 56 476   •   • •
Briggs & Stratton EmPower EM7 7,000 5,000 97 280   •   • •
Guardian 04389 7,000/ 6,000 4,200 103 375   •   • •
 
 Includes a heavy-duty 25-foot adapter cord set with a generator-compatible plug at one end and four female outlets at the other.  Runs 4.4 hours when connected to a standard portable 20-pound liquid-propane tank.  Discontinued but might still be available.  Includes an automatic transfer switch.  When connected to a 250-gallon residential liquid propane tank; runtime essentially infinite with a natural-gas hookup.  Includes a manual transfer switch.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based on emergency power, power quality, ease of use, run time, and noise. Emergency power is the capacity to deliver enough wattage to run essential devices such as a well pump, refrigerator, lights, and a heater or window a/c at once. Power quality is the ability to deliver consistent voltage. Ease of use includes starting, fuel shutoff, panel features, and (for portables) transport. Tested run time is how long the unit provided 80 percent capacity on a full tank of gasoline (portables) or a 250-gallon tank of liquid propane (stationary). Noise is at 50 feet with generator 3 feet from a building. Claimed output is the manufacturer’s rated maximum electrical output. Tested output is our measure of maximum sustained wattage. Price is approximate retail.