Generac 6500 Watt Generator Review

If you’re searching for a dependable portable generator, the Generac GP6500 is worth considering. This 6500-watt generator delivers reliable power for your home, appliances, and tools while prioritizing safety with its innovative CO-sense™ technology. This feature helps protect your family from carbon monoxide risks, making it a smart choice for both emergency and everyday use.

From my personal experience, the Generac GP6500 generator stands out for its performance and ease of use. Whether powering essential appliances during outages or running tools on a job site, it provides consistent energy without hassle. With its PowerRush™ advanced technology, you’ll benefit from an extra surge of power when starting heavy-duty equipment.

In this review, I’ll share why the Generac portable generator has become my go-to option and why it might be the right solution for your needs.

What is the Generac GP6500?

The Generac GP6500 is a reliable, portable generator that I’ve found perfect for powering essential appliances and tools during outages or on job sites. It delivers 6500 watts of surge power and 5000 running watts, with a 7.2-gallon gas tank lasting up to 11.5 hours at half load. Its 389cc OHV engine runs smoothly and includes features like splash lubrication and low-oil shutdown for durability.

I also appreciate the heavy-duty wheels and fold-down handle that make it easy to move. With multiple outlets and a sturdy steel frame, this Generac portable generator is tough, efficient, and simple to maintain.

What makes the Generac GP6500 stand out?

What sets the Generac GP6500 apart is its CO-sense™ technology, which I find invaluable for safety. It automatically shuts off the generator if carbon monoxide levels become unsafe and alerts you with an alarm and flashing light.

This feature gives me peace of mind, especially when using the generator near enclosed spaces. Another standout is its PowerRush™ advanced technology, which provides over 40% more starting capacity.

I’ve used it to power my refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and lights all at once without a hiccup. Plus, it’s fuel-efficient and keeps emissions low, making it a reliable, smart choice for both emergencies and heavy-duty tasks.

Fuel efficiency

I’ve been impressed with the Generac GP6500’s fuel efficiency, thanks to its PowerRush™ technology, which boosts starting capacity while cutting fuel use. At 50% load, it burns about 0.97 gallons of gasoline per hour, giving me around 7.4 hours of runtime on a full 7.2-gallon tank. It’s comparable to other models like the Westinghouse WGen6000 but stands out with its efficiency and reliability for long use during outages or projects.

Noise levels

The Generac GP6500 isn’t the quietest generator, producing about 74 decibels at 23 feet similar to a vacuum cleaner or lawn mower. While the noise might bother sensitive neighbors, I’ve found that placing it on a flat surface, using a muffler or sound enclosure, or moving it farther from the house helps reduce the impact. It’s a trade-off for the power it delivers, but manageable with a few adjustments.

Maintenance requirements

The Generac GP6500 generator requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The user manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule and procedures that you should follow. Some of the routine maintenance tasks include:

• Changing the oil and oil filter after the first 30 hours of use and then every 100 hours thereafter.
• Replacing the air filter annually or after 200 hours of use.
• Inspecting and replacing the spark plug every 100 hours or annually.
• Adjusting the valve clearance every 200 hours or annually (for engines without hydraulic lifters).
• Inspecting the lines and connections for fuel or oil leaks every time before starting the generator.
• Inspecting the enclosure louvers for dirt and debris every time before starting the generator.
• Looking for water intrusion every time before starting the generator.
• Assessing and cleaning the sediment trap as necessary every time before starting the generator (applies only to home standby units).
• Checking the battery voltage and inspecting the battery for any corrosion around the contact points every month.

Emissions compliance

The Generac GP6500 is not CARB-compliant, meaning it doesn’t meet California’s strict emission standards. If you live in California or a state with similar regulations, this generator might not be legal to use without restrictions. For me, this wasn’t an issue, but if emissions compliance matters in your area, you may want to explore CARB-certified options for cleaner operation.

Pricing and availability

The Generac GP6500 is reasonably priced, with a suggested 6500 watt generator price of $799. I’ve found it for less at local dealers or online stores like Amazon and Home Depot.

Generac’s product lookup tool is also helpful for finding nearby dealers or discounts. Compared to similar models like the Westinghouse WGen6000, which costs $849, the GP6500 delivers excellent value for its power and features.

What are the Pros and Cons of the Generac GP6500?

Based on my experience with the Generac GP6500, here are some of the pros and cons that I found:

Pros:

• Powerful: The Generac GP6500 can provide enough power for most of your essential needs in case of a power outage or emergency.
• Safe: The CO-sense technology protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a serious hazard when using generators.
• Reliable: The OHV engine and the steel-tube cradle ensure a long engine life and durability of the generator.
• Portable: The heavy-duty wheels and the fold-down handle make it easy to move and store the generator.
• Easy to use: The generator has a simple control panel with clear indicators and instructions. It also has an electric start option for convenience.

Cons:

• Loud: The Generac GP6500 is not very quiet, especially at high loads. It produces about 74 decibels of noise at 23 feet, which is comparable to a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower.
• Heavy: The Generac GP6500 weighs about 184 pounds, which makes it difficult to lift or carry by one person.
• Not CARB compliant: The Generac GP6500 is not certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which means it does not meet the emission standards for California. If you live in California or other states that follow CARB regulations, you might want to look for another generator.

How does the Generac GP6500 compare to other generators?

There are many other generators in the market that have similar features and specifications as the Generac GP6500. Here are some of them:

• Westinghouse WGen6000: This generator has a slightly higher running power of 6000 watts, but a lower surge power of 7500 watts. It also has a larger fuel tank of 6.6 gallons, but a shorter run time of 13 hours at 50% load. It has CO protect technology that shuts off the generator if carbon monoxide levels are too high. It is CARB compliant and has a remote start option.
• Champion Power Equipment 100519: This generator has a lower running power of 5000 watts, but a higher surge power of 6250 watts. It also has a smaller fuel tank of 4.7 gallons, but a longer run time of 17 hours at 25% load. It has a quiet technology that reduces the noise level to 63 decibels at 23 feet. It is also CARB compliant and has a cold start technology that improves performance in cold weather.
• DuroMax XP5500EH: This generator has the same running power of 5000 watts, but a lower surge power of 5500 watts. It also has a dual fuel capability that allows it to run on gasoline or propane. It has a smaller fuel tank of 3.96 gallons, but a longer run time of 20 hours on propane at 50% load. It has a low oil shut-off feature and a voltmeter. It is also CARB compliant and has an electric start option.

Summary of Comparision Table

Brand and Model	Power Output	Fuel Type	Run Time	Noise Level	Price
Generac GP6500	6500W/8125W	Gasoline	11.5 hours	74 dB	$799
Westinghouse WGen6000	6000W/7500W	Gasoline	13 hours	72 dB	$849
Champion Power Equipment 100519	5000W/6250W	Gasoline	17 hours	63 dB	$699
DuroMax XP5500EH	5000W/5500W	Gasoline/Propane	20 hours (propane)	69 dB	$599

Which generator is best for you?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, based on my research and experience, I would recommend the Generac GP6500 for the following reasons:

• It has a high starting capacity that can handle most of your appliances and tools.
• It has a CO-sense technology that protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a rare but important feature among generators.
• It has a long run time and a large fuel tank that can keep you powered for hours.
• It has a durable and sturdy design that can withstand harsh conditions.

Of course, you might have different priorities or requirements, so you should always do your own research and compare different options before making a final decision.

Conclusion

In my experience, the Generac GP6500 is a reliable and powerful portable generator, perfect for home use, appliances, or tools. Its CO-sense™ technology provides essential carbon monoxide protection, while PowerRush™ delivers a 40% boost in starting capacity. The durable design, long engine life, and user-friendly controls make it a solid choice. However, it’s worth considering its noise level, weight, and lack of CARB compliance before purchasing.

FAQs

1. How much is a back up generator?
   A back up generator costs between $3,000 and $15,000 or more, depending on the size, type, fuel source, and installation of the generator .
2. How to power home with generator?
   To power your home with a generator, you can either connect appliances directly to your generator or connect your generator to your home’s electrical grid with a transfer switch .
3. How much is a commercial generator
   A commercial generator costs between $8,000 and $250,000 or more, depending on the power output, fuel type, engine size, and features of the generator .
4. What is the best natural gas generator?
   The best natural gas generator for your home depends on your power needs, budget, and preferences. Some of the top-rated natural gas generators are Generac Guardian 24kW Standby Generator, DuroMax XP13000HXT Dual Fuel Portable Generator, and Generac G0071540 Portable Inverter Generator.
5. Are generators gas powered?
   Generators are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Some generators are gas powered, meaning they use gasoline or natural gas as their fuel source. Other generators use diesel, propane, solar panels, batteries, or other alternative fuels as their fuel source .