If you are looking for a portable inverter generator with 2200 starting watts that costs less than $1000, then the Generac GP2200i might be a possibility. Is it worth paying less for this Generac portable inverter generator, or should you rather save your money for a Honda EU2200i?

Generac GP2200i: Overview

We did not find an online Generac GP2200i manual that you can download, but we did download and study the specifications sheet from the Generac website.

The Generac GP2200i has a 80cc, gas-powered, four-stroke engine with a 1.2-gallon fuel tank. The recommended engine oil is the usual 10W-30. The oil pan has a 0.36 Qt oil capacity with a low oil level shutdown sensor.

The engine is started with a recoil pull starter cord. It does not have electric start because there is no space for an internal battery in such a compact, enclosed design. The off, run and choke switches have been combined into a single knob to simplify the starting process.

The GP2200i has an AC rated output of 1700 watts. Maximum output starting watts is 2200. The rated AC voltage and frequency is 120VAC, 60Hz. Rated 120VAC amperage is 14.1. Three types of power outlets are provided:

• 120V, 20A duplex receptacle (5-20R)
• 12VDC outlet
• 5VDC, 1.5A USB outlet for charging USB devices

The generator has a floating neutral that is not bonded to ground. There is no need to ground the generator if you plug in an appliance into the power panel. However, if you decide to connect the generator to a manual transfer switch, then you might need to ground the generator. Ask an electrician to sort this out, or contact your local electricity provider for safety guidelines.

What is the estimated run time?

The specifications state that its estimated run time on gasoline fuel is about 10 hours at 25% of the rated load (425 watts). Its fuel tank capacity is 1.2 gallons or 4.5 liters.

Will it run on propane?

The Generac model 7117 is a gas powered inverter generator. It requires fresh gasoline that has a maximum octane rating of 87 which contains no more than 10% ethanol. Of course, some generator owners say that you should never use gasoline that contains ethanol for running small engines because it inevitably gums up the carburetor. We have not seen a propane conversion kit for this generator. For that reason, propane is not recommended as a fuel source.

Can two GP2200i generators work in parallel?

There are parallel connection ports at the bottom of the control panel, but you need to order the parallel kit model 7118 which is sold separately. This parallel kit is specifically made for connecting two GP2200i generators together. For example, you cannot connect a 2200-watt model and a 2000-watt model in parallel.

What appliances can it power?

The Generac GP2200i is promoted as a 2200-watt inverter generator. However, this refers to its maximum surge wattage. Its normal running watts is only 1700! Therefore, it will not be able to start an appliance that requires more than 2200 watts. It will not run an appliance that requires more than 1700 continuous watts. Please check the wattage requirements of the tools you want to run.

Does it have a 30A outlet?

The Generac GP2200i does not have a 30-amp outlet. It only has one 120-volt, 20-amp 5-20R duplex outlet.

You might connect two of these inverter generators in parallel with a parallel kit if you want more power. The model number 7118 parallel kit has one L5-30R twist lock outlet and one TT-30R receptacle.

Otherwise, you could get a 3000-watt Generac portable inverter generator that has a 30-amp twist lock outlet, such as the GP3000i (view model on Amazon). However, you still have to buy a 30-amp RV adapter plug if you want to connect the GP3000i to your recreational vehicle.

GP2200i Decibel Level

It seems like Generac does not publish decibel levels for portable generators because they believe there is no industry standard for portable generators. Nevertheless, its noise level is definitely lower when compared to a 2000-watt open frame portable generator.

GP2200i Problems

The Generac model 7117 is said to be a 2200-watt generator, but this refers to its maximum starting watts. Its normal continuous power production is only 1700 watts. Therefore, add up your electrical power requirements and make sure that 1700 watts is enough for your needs. If not, then get a bigger generator.

If you are one of the few unfortunate people who get a lemon, you are going to have a sour experience. You have to take it to the nearest repair shop and hope that the problem can be fixed within the context of the warranty. This is where the lower quality manufacturing standards and cheaper price might become a big problem.

Generac GP2200i vs. Honda EU2200i

The difference between these two 2200-watt portable inverter generators is the quality of construction and components. For that reason, the Honda costs twice as much as the Generac. Nonetheless, many reviewers believe that the Generac GP2200i is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Honda EU2200i. A few buyers were disappointed because they thought the GP2200i was either too loud or not reliable enough.

Generac GP2200i vs. iQ2000

Generac promotes the iQ2000 as being quieter, smarter and cheaper than a Honda 2000-watt inverter generator. We are not going to comment on the noise levels, but the iQ2000 does have more features, and it is less expensive than a Honda. The iQ2000 has a smart-looking control panel with digital displays for the fuel gauge, run time and power bar.

So, how does it compare to the GP2200i? These generators are very similar when it comes down to performance, but there are a few minor differences.

Foremost, the GP2200i produces 1700 running and 2200 starting watts, whereas the iQ2000 produces 1600 continuous watts and 2000 peak watts.

Second, the GP2200i has a 1.2-gallon fuel tank, compared to the 1.06-gallon fuel capacity of the iQ2000.

Last but not least is the retail price. The GP2200i is cheaper with a list price of about $600 in contrast with the iQ2000 which has a recommended retail price of around $800. Is it absolutely necessary to pay extra for the pretty display of the iQ2000?

Conclusion

Is this portable inverter generator better than a Honda 2200-watt model? All things considered, the answer is no. It is probably not quieter nor more reliable than a Honda EU2200i. Then again, the Generac GP2200i beats the Honda easily on the issue of affordability.

If you have more than one thousand dollars to spend, then get the Honda. If you have less than $1000 available, then consider purchasing the Generac GP2200i inverter generator (buy it on Amazon).

P.S. You might also be interested in the Westinghouse iGen2200 portable inverter generator because it has similar features, and it provides 1800 running watts. You may read my iGen2200 review to learn more about this affordable gas powered portable inverter generator.