At first glance, it might not look like a generator at all. From a distance, it may seem like a small can of gas, but that’s what gives it an edge in portability over other same-size generators. And which also is the biggest selling point of this generator.
The small size makes it easy to carry it anywhere you like with extreme ease, and it is also lightweight. The weight is 46.6 pounds which is a relatively insignificant number compared to some other models. It can be easily carried with one hand by a handle on the top.
The convenient transportation and ease of use make it an excellent choice for camping and as a backup during short power outages. It can run your essentials until the electricity comes back. It also comes in handy in emergency situations.
The small size offers another advantage when you need to store the generator, and it can be easily stored in the smallest closet. Also note, that the generator supplies only enough power to run a few small appliances and to charge your electronics; it isn’t a backup solution for longer power outages.
The generator has a small fuel tank, and it can hold up to 1.2 gallons of fuel. You can expect a runtime of 6 hours. This isn’t much, especially if you are planning a long trip, so you will need to have an adequate fuel supply to get the power you need during your extended trip.
This is an inverter generator which makes it inherently quiet when working, but there will still be some noise. The generator has an 80 cc engine which is responsible for about 60 to 70 dB of noise. From a distance of a few meters, you won’t even notice that the generator is operating.
If you need more power in the future, then the generator is parallel capable and comes with the parallel kit; you can connect two same generators in parallel to double the power output.
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Setup and Starting of Generac GP2200I
Generac GP2200I comes with all the things that you will need to get started, which is pretty convenient as many of its competitive units cost a bit more than this unit and comes with nothing; you will have to buy those accessories.
The generator will have a spark plug tool, a screwdriver, few cables, and an oil bottle inside the package. The generator comes with the pre-measured oil in the bottle.
The size of the bottle is the same as the exact amount of oil that needs to be filled in the engine. So, if you don’t want to do the guesswork when oil refueling, then we suggest you save the bottle and use it when it needs to be refueled.
The oil can be filled in by taking off the side cover by removing the screws with the screwdriver and using the funnel they provided to fill the oil tank. Once it is done, you will need to fill the fuel from the top of the unit.
So now, to start the generator, there is a fuel valve switch on the top of the fuel tank cap. Turn it on to let the fuel flow to the engine. Then turn the knob on the control panel to the choke position and make sure that the Economy switch is off; if not, then the generator doesn’t run at its full capacity, and the engine will fail to start.
Start the generator; when you see the green light blinking, you can turn the knob to run position.
Important features of Generac GP2200I
This generator has some impressive features; let’s discuss them in detail.
True Power Technology
One of the most important features of this generator is its ability to provide clean and safe power for your electronics.
This is possible with its unique True Power Technology, which provides clean power eliminating any surges and fluctuations from the electricity.
When powering your home appliances, especially sensitive electronics from this generator, you can have peace of mind knowing that your appliances will be safe. That being said, no appliances in your house will get damaged with True Power Technology incorporated in this generator.
Fuel Consumption and Efficiency
The generator offers an impressive runtime of 6 hours on just a fuel capacity of 1.2 gallons. This is when the connected load is 50%, but when the connected load is a quarter of its total capacity, then the generator will run for more than 10 hours on a full fuel tank.
The reason for this efficiency is the Eco-Mode. As like every other generator nowadays, this generator also comes with it. When the eco-mode is on, the fuel consumption is customized depending on the load connected at the terminal. If the load is less than the fuel utilized will also be less.
This results in a comparable fuel saving to the generators without eco-mode, which runs at a constant speed regardless of the load.
Power Output
When it comes to power output, then the generator is not enough to power large appliances, but it can efficiently power smaller appliances and electronics.
An 80cc Engine is used for power production. It is not that big but supplies enough power, and it produces 2200 peak watts and 1700 running watts.
It will power your essentials when the power outage hits, and it will be there during your camping trips; and also, it will power your power tools at the job site.
Ease of Use
The generator is very easy to use thanks to its simplified control panel. You will find all the controls in a single place.
The control panel consists of many important switches and outlets. All the outlets on the panel are covered with the outer rubber cover. It keeps them safe from the dirt and water from getting inside.
There is also the indicator switch for different information, and it will show the generator status and other conditions. When the generator is started, the output light will glow green.
To charge the vehicle batteries, there is a 12-volt power outlet, and to charge the electronics, there are two USB outlets. Moreover, the Eco-mode switch and choke dial are also there.
This makes it easier to have an easy operation of the unit.
Parallel Connectivity
When the power from a single generator is not enough, you can connect another same generator in parallel with this unit. On the control panel, it has a parallel output port to connect them to the parallel kit.
This is an important feature as you won’t need to buy a bigger generator when you lack the power; another smaller unit will do the job. Besides, two smaller units have many advantages over a big single one.
What are the drawbacks of Generac GP2200I?
No doubt this generator is quiet, but when it operates on a full load, the noise increases a bit. The maximum noise it will produce when working at its full capacity is about 70 dB, which is not that quiet.
But, it is better than those open frame generators. This makes it worth investing a few extra dollars.
Another thing you might find inconvenient is its oil drainage. When the time comes to change the oil, then you will need to pick up the whole generator and tilt it a bit so that the oil can come out. It clearly needs some design improvement when it comes to oil drainage.
Other than that, this is a great generator to fulfill your various power needs.
Best suited for Campsites, Power Tools, and Tailgating
Generac has been producing quality generators since 1959; their long experience in the field has earned a lot of respect for their reliable generators. And this generator is one of them, and you can definitely depend on this unit to fulfill your brief off-grid power needs.
It is the most suitable option to bring along for camping or tailgating. And the major reason for that is its lightweight and compact design. It can be conveniently transported to wherever you want it to.
It will be able to power your electronics during the weekend gateway. Besides, when running on a moderate load, it won’t make much noise.
Also, this generator provides enough power to run your power tools at the job site.
Conclusion
This is a must-buy option if you are looking for a versatile generator with good power output and great features in budget. It costs much less compared to other same size generators of reputed brands.
It provides enough power to run the essentials of your house, charge your electronics, and also power your tools.
We accept that the build quality might not be that good as others, but it is robust enough to protect the internal components and go on for years. For moderate power needs, this is the one which you should buy. Moreover, the unit comes with 2 years of warranty.
