When it comes to choosing a generator, Powermate is one of the best brands to consider. All their products are designed and tested for their superior quality, especially the engines, which are sourced from the top brands in the world including Honda, Yamaha, Subaru, and Mitsubishi. And we are here to help you find the best Powermate generator.
In our Powermate generator reviews, we considered a number of crucial factors including generator type, rated and maximum power output, the type of fuel and fuel tank capacity, as well as runtime. Every factor contributes to the quality and durability of the generators so that you get only the best Powermate generator. We also considered generators’ weight because a portable generator must be easy to carry around.
Our team of reviewers spent around three days researching into each of the five Powermate generators to find the best one for you. To make our Powermate generator reviews comprehensive, we studied reviews by customers and experts as well. We also researched their specifications and features for a better understanding of the generators. This article is divided into three sections including a comparison table, in-detail product review of every generator, and a buying guide, which ends with our verdict of the best Powermate generator on the market.
This generator from Powermate is one of the most powerful and portable models on the market. It offers up to 7500 peak watts and 6000 running watts. This will provide enough power to run pretty much anything that you desire. This model weighs in around 170 pounds but has 10-inch never-flat wheels that make moving it from place to place a breeze. It has a simplified starting system and plenty of outlets for many different devices.
What really stands out about this generator, aside from its massive power output, is how long it can run on a full tank of gas. At a 25% load, this generator can keep on chugging for an astound 14 hours. This makes it a perfect option for a power outage, as it can easily keep your household humming along without using up too much gas. Another huge advantage to this unit is the number of receptacles that you can plug into. You can choose from four 120 Volt AC, a 20 Amp, a GFCI Receptacle, or a 30 Amp Twistlock Receptacle. This is truly a one-stop-shop for all of your power needs. It also features very nice outlet covers to help keep them nice and clean and free of debris. The fuel gauge is quite simple to read as well, making it very clear when it needs to be refilled or when the oil needs to be changed.
As with any open frame generator, this device is quite heavy, though not as heavy as some older models. Thankfully, the wheels and grab bar makes it easy to maneuver into position. It is compliant with all California laws, so you can use it anywhere that you need some extra power. It also comes with a three-year warranty.
This generator from Powermate can run on either gasoline or propane. As such, it can offer different levels of power production. With gasoline, you can get 4500 starting watts and 3600 running watts, while on propane, you will get around 4180 starting watts and 3240 running watts. This model features a five-gallon tank and a wide array of receptacles to choose from. This generator also has a simplified electric start, which makes it very easy for anyone to easily start without any issues. This is also a lightweight model compared to its competitors and includes 8-inch never-flat wheels.
The thing that really makes this such a good choice is the fact that it can be used with two different types of fuel and still provide plenty of power without too much of a drop-off in power. Not only that, but this device also has an outstandingly long run time, regardless of the type of fuel you choose to use. With propane, the generator will last up to 19 hours on a 25% load, while on the gas, you can achieve 14 hours on a 25% load. Though this might not offer as many watts as some other generators, it will still give you enough power for pretty much anything in your household.
Though this is a lightweight open frame generator, it is still too heavy to pick up and carry everywhere. Luckily, the 8-inch wheels make it easy to move from place to place. This generator complies with all environmental statutes and comes with a three-year warranty.
The generator can offer up a staggering amount of power. It can give you 9400 peak watts and 7500 running watts, which makes it one of the most powerful open frame generators on the market today. This also makes it a heavier generator, however, though not as heavy as some of its competitors. It features a large array of outlets and hookups and comes equipped with 10-inch never-flat wheels.
If you are looking for a generator to take care of your entire household and then some, this is definitely the model for you. It generates tons of power, making it ideal for anyone looking to live off the grid or just be completely covered in case of an emergency. It can run about 13 hours on a 25% load. Though this might not sound like a long time, you need to remember that a 25% load for this beast of a generator is 1875 watts. This is probably more than enough to keep your home functioning for a long time before you would need to refuel the generator. This model also comes with an electric start, which makes it that much easier to get up and going quickly.
As is the case with most of Powermate’s generators, this model comes with a three-year warranty and meets all applicable environmental standards, making it a great option for the worksite or the home front.
As an option, the Powermate 2000I Portable Inverter Generator makes a serious case for why you should buy it over the rest of the list. For one, it’s fairly compact, meaning you can carry it with you in the trunk of your car. It’s also possible to carry it with one hand when moving it from one place to another. Consequently, in addition to using it at home, you can easily carry it to a campsite when necessary.
It only needs 1.2 gallons of gasoline to fill the tank and uses the fuel quite economically. This is because it’s designed to provide only as much power as necessary. This means that if you only connect your laptop or smartphone, it could run for quite a long time. Ultimately, it can run for seven hours if you maintain the load at 50%. This extends to 11.5 hours on a 25% load.
As an inverter, it produces clean energy enabled by the automatic voltage regulation feature. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about plugging in your gadgets. The manufacturer even encourages that with the inclusion of a USB outlet. Other outlet types included are a 12V DC and 5-20R duplex 120V 20A outlets. Another advantage of being an inverter-type generator is the low noise output.
The engine is a relatively small 80cc option which means that output is capped at 2000 watts of surge power. Standard running wattage is 1600 watts, but if you’re only powering your gadgets and the lights, this should be enough.
A mid-sized model by Powermate, PC0143500 has an OHV engine that produces 4,375 peak watts and 3,500 rated watts. It is designed for RV use, since it comes with an RV-ready 120V 30A TT-30R outlet along with one 120V L5-30R and 120V 5-20R Duplex outlets. You can run two small and two big appliances. It only has recoil start option to turn on the engine but it is quite smooth, so you won’t have to exert any pressure.
Another highly efficient generator, the model has a 4.5 gallons tank capacity that keeps the engine running for 12.2 hours at 50 percent load. It is CSA compliant, so you can use it in Canada but the generator isn’t CARB compliant, so can’t be used in California or national parks. The generator’s low-oil level shutdown protects the engine from exhaustion or reduced oil. Another feature, fuel gauge helps you monitor the fuel level without having to open the tank.
It has never-flat wheels and handles to assist you in easy transportation. All outlets have covers to protect them from dust and extreme weather when you aren’t using the generator. It comes with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer.
One of Powermate’s bestsellers, PC0146500 is a conventional generator that runs on gasoline. It weighs 219 pounds but has 12-inch never go flat wheels and handles on both sides, so you can attach it to your golf cart or drag it to the location. It produces 8,125 peak and 6,500 running watts, which is enough to start big appliances including air conditioners, washers and dryers, and refrigerators. You get either 120 or 240 volts, which is a huge advantage.
The generator has a runtime of 9.75 hours at 50 percent load when the seven-gallon fuel tank is completely filled. The generator has three outlets – one 120-240V L14-30R and two 120V 5-20R GFCI Duplex outlets – to run two big and one small appliance simultaneously. PC0146500 comes packed with features including low oil shutoff, digital multimeter to monitor maintenance intervals and runtime, and fuel gauge to check the gasoline levels. Its compact design enables you to store it in small places without a hassle. You can start the engine either using the push button or recoil.
It isn’t CARB compliant, so you can’t use it in California, but it’s CSA approved, so eligible for use in Canada. Other than that, the generator comes with two-year manufacturer warranty.
Powermate 6958 DF7500E is a dual fuel conventional generator that runs on LPG and gasoline. It is one of the most fuel-efficient models by Powermate and produces 9,375 peak watts and 7,500 rated watts on gas and 8,500 peak watts and 6,750 running watts on LPG. It has a runtime of 10 hours at 50 percent load on gas and eight hours at 50 percent load on a 30 lb LPG tank. You will have to purchase the tank separately as it isn’t included in the price. It is easy to connect as the generator has a conveniently located liquid propane connection point.
Packed with innovative features, the 6958 DF7500E has a hassle-free fuel selector dial, digital multimeter to monitor maintenance intervals, and powerful OHV engine. The generator has an electric start with recoil backup. The low oil shutdown feature ensures that the machine doesn’t overheat when oil levels drop. A disadvantage of this portable generator is that it only comes with two outlets including 120-240V 30A L14-30R TwistLock and 120V 30A L5-30R TwistLock. You can’t run more than two appliances at one time. The outlets have covers to protect them from dust and moisture when not in use.
It is CSA approved but not CARB compliant, so you still can’t use it in California and national parks. At 209.9 pounds, it is a heavy generator but it has wheels and handles to assist you in moving the generator around.
Powermate 10000001785 is the most powerful portable generator with four outlets including two 120V 5-20R Duplex, 120-240V L14-30R, and 120V L5-30R outlet. At peak, it produces 10,000 watts, and 8,000 watts continuously. It has a seven-gallon tank that keeps the OHV engine running for 9.4 hours at 50 percent load. You can comfortably run it throughout the night without waking up in the middle of the night to refuel it.
You can effortlessly switch between 120V and 240V, which makes it suitable for different appliances and tools. Like other Powermate generators, this model has a digital multimeter that helps you monitor fuel level and maintenance requirements. The generator can be started either using an electric start button or recoil, whichever you are comfortable with.
Since it is a big generator, it is quite heavy and weighs 231 pounds. However, it is pretty easy to move around using the big wheels and handles on both sides. In short, the weight won’t be much of an issue. Other features of the generator include low oil shutoff, automatic voltage regulation, and fuel gauge.
Voted as the best inverter generator by Powermate, 10000001790 produces 2,200 peak watts and 1,700 rated watts. It has a small fuel tank capacity of 1.2 gallons but runs for seven hours at 50 percent load, which means you can sleep throughout the night without having to refill in between. Weighing less than 50 pounds, Powermate 10000001790 has an enclosed case that reduces noise levels and protects the engine from dust and water.
You can connect delicate devices including mobile phones and laptops as the generator produces clean, safe power with less than 3 percent total harmonic distortion. It has USB ports to charge phones and batteries. You can turn on the device by simply turning the Off/Run/Choke knob. Top features of the model include low oil shutdown, automatic voltage regulation, and economy mode, which boosts fuel efficiency and reduces noise levels, so you can sleep peacefully and enjoy quiet time.
This generator is CARB compliant. You can use it in California and all national parks in the US, but note that the certification doesn’t work in the city of LA. Also, the generator is CSA approved, so you can use it in Canada. It comes with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Buying the right Powermate generator for your needs can be a complicated process. Now that you know the five best models from Powermate, half of our work is done. In this buying guide, we talk about the things you need to consider while buying a Powermate generator, identifying your needs, and safety features an ideal generator should have. Let’s dive into the buying guide!
Powermate has been around for many years, making it a trusted brand in the United States. Their generators can be used for several uses including residential, camping, off-site, and commercial. The brand offers one of the best warranties in the market and has multiple service stations located across the country. It is more affordable than premium brands including Honda and Yamaha, making it a great choice for residential use.
Advantages of buying Powermate generators
Disadvantages of buying Powermate generators:
One of the latest generator technologies, inverters are popular because they produce clean energy and run quieter than conventional or standby generators. An inverter turns mechanical energy into electricity using a process called electromagnetic induction. Since it produces AC electrical energy, it generates less than 6 percent total harmonic distortion. Conventional generators produce more than 9 percent total harmonic distortion, which is harmful to delicate appliances.
As they are somewhat of recent technology, inverters are more expensive than other types but also more reliable, durable, and efficient.
Conventional generators have been around for a very long time. They produce AC as well but they can’t be used directly to delicate power devices. A conventional model can either be portable and stationary, which depends on the number of watts it produces. It is definitely cheaper than the inverter generator but produces more noise, which can be a problem for households with small children.
Finding out your power needs depends on the number of devices or appliances you want to power using a generator during a power outage. A simple thumb of rule to remember is to calculate total power needs and multiply it by 1.5. The final number is your total requirement.
Let’s take a look at the wattage consumption of different common household appliances:
Pick a generator that runs for at least eight hours at 50 percent load. Once you fill the tank before going to bed, you won’t have to wake up again in the middle of the night to refill it. A generator that runs for a shorter time can be considered inefficient.
Powermate generators come with a number of safety features, including:
The price of a Powermate generator can vary between $399 for PC0143500 and over $2,999 for bigger models like PM0601258.
Our second favorite is the Powermate P0081700, which is a dual fuel conventional generator that can run on LPG and gasoline. Like the previous one, it has seven gallons and an equivalent runtime too. The generator has two outlets, which can run two big appliances simultaneously.
This brings us to our last and the third favorite pick – Powermate P0081500, which is a powerful conventional generator that runs on gasoline. A seven gallons big fuel tank keeps the engine running throughout the night for 9.4 hours at 50 percent load.
