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Generac is a popular choice, considered one of the top brands on the market for its efficiency features. As one of the company's best models, the Generac GP8000E model seems to pack a powerful punch.
Should you consider it as a value buying decision?
Our Generac GP8000E review delves into the details.
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Generac GP8000E Review
The Generac GP8000E boasts excellent performance as a portable power generator. With an output of 8,000 watts and the capacity to handle a surge of up to 10,000 watts, it’ll power your household essentials with ease.
Generac will keep your refrigerator, lights, and a few other appliances running overnight without needing more fuel. It is also suitable for use in an RV, a workshop, or a job site.
At 197 pounds, it’s not the lightest option on the market, but the machine is still fairly moveable because the frame is on wheels.
Pros
- Reasonable fuel economy
- Relatively quiet for its size
- Powerful
- Durable engine design
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- No DC outlet
- Starter battery doesn’t charge automatically
Specifications
Generac GP8000E
| Model : | GP8000E |
| Engine Brand: | Generac |
| Engine Type : | OHV 420 cc Engine |
| Continuous Power: | 8,000 |
| Surge Power: | 10,000 |
| Sound Levels (dBA) : | 70 |
| Fuel Type : | Gasoline |
| Fuel Shut Off : | Automatic |
| Fuel Tank Capacity : | 7.5 gallons |
| Choke Type : | Automatic |
| Covered Outlets : | Yes |
| Overload Protection (circuit breaker) : | Yes |
| Warranty : | 2 years limited warranty |
| Weight : | 197 lbs |
Features And Benefits
- Continuous Power: 8,000 watts
- Surge Power: 10,000 watts
- Runtime: 9 hours at 50% load capacity
- Size Of Tank: 7.5 gallons
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Weight: 197 pounds
- Noise Output: 70 decibels
- OHV 420 cc Engine featuring splash lubrication
- Easy Start: One-touch electric start
- Safety Features: Auto shut-off for low oil
- Frame: Durable steel frame, sturdy in all situations
- Portability: Frame has locking handle and wheels
- Warranty: Two-year limited warranty
Power
With a continuous power output of 8,000 watts, the generator provides impressive power. You’ll be able to run some heavy-duty appliances, as well as your air conditioner.
Fuel Efficiency
Seven-and-a-half gallons of gas lasts up to twelve hours, depending on the load. It would have been better to include an alternative fuel source option, but this would probably have increased the price.
Portability
Weighing just under 200 pounds, the model isn’t easy to carry. The wheels and well-designed frame make it simple to maneuver, though.
It’s not a wonderful option if you’re camping on your own, but it might be suitable for tailgating if you have someone to help you lift it into place.
For home, an RV, or a construction site, it’s portable enough to be convenient.
Durability
The GP8000E is a straightforward machine, so there's not a lot to go wrong. The only potential problem is with the battery, where the starter doesn't charge while the generator runs. You'll have to remove the battery and charge it separately.
Generac has invested in a more durable design, and it is evident with this model. The frame is high-quality steel, with a handy “carry” handle. It has rubber stoppers on one end to reduce vibration and dampen noise, which also helps prevent shifting while in use.
The wheels are of a quality that you don’t usually see at this price point. It won’t go flat after a year, making it an excellent option for rougher surfaces.
Splash Lubrication System
The engine’s pistons and cylinders are oiled by rotating dippers. Every time the engine turns over, the dippers pass through a trough filled with oil. The dippers then splash the pistons and cylinders, keeping them lubricated.
The splash lubrication system ensures that the engine’s working parts are always lubricated enough, which reduces the friction on the moving components. The engine lasts longer and runs smoother.
Auto Low Oil Shut-off
When the oil in the system is too low, the engine shuts down automatically. Running without oil could easily blow the motor, so this feature has a huge appeal in allaying the risk of overheating.
Noise Output
If you’re out at a camping site in the middle of nowhere, you’ll notice the noise, but the sound isn’t as obvious in a suburban environment. The low noise output is one of the primary benefits of this generator among its peers. It’s softer than a lawnmower, and won’t upset the neighbors when you run it all night.
Best Suited For?
While this model is portable, the weight factor might be problematic. The generator is not a piece of equipment that you’re likely to load onto your vehicle on a whim. Lugging it up onto the back of a pickup requires two able bodies, so it's not a good bet for solo trips.
Tailgating with this model also requires a bit of planning. It’s doable, but the THD is at the upper range of what’s acceptable for sensitive electronic devices. Fluctuations might damage speakers or laptops, for example.
The compact design of the Generac GP8000E makes it incredibly easy to store. It is a fantastic option for the residential user in an area prone to power outs, for example. Store it in the garage out of sight, and quickly wheel it into place during an emergency.
The fuel efficiency, durability, and relatively low operating noise make it a good fit for a residential setting, but the power of the motor makes it a useful addition to a construction site, too. It facilitates many tasks, making it possible to run power tools in the remotest locations. The durable frame and sturdy wheels stand up well to the rough conditions at a job site.
RV owners will also enjoy a reliable and robust power source at their disposal. The GP8000E handles all the appliances on board, with room to spare.
Reasons To Buy
The mid-sized model provides sufficient power for the essential appliances in your home. Why choose between running the refrigerator and air conditioner when you can use both? With 8,000 watts of continuous power, this generator won’t disappoint.
Generac has kept the design simple, focusing on quality and capability. There's no smart app to control operations, but that is part of the appeal—the more electronics there are onboard, the more chance there is for the components to fail.
Summing up
There's no need for a massive range of features with this type of generator. What is more critical to a buying decision is reliable performance, fuel efficiency, and a durable motor that will take you where you need to go.
With the GP8000E, you get all of that at a reasonable price.
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