Is the Generac iQ3500 better than a similar size Honda inverter generator or not? My review of the Generac iQ3500 compares it to the Honda EU3000iS and answers a few questions before reaching a verdict.

Generac iQ3500 vs. Honda EU3000iS

It appears that Generac is targeting the Honda EU3000iS with the iQ3500 portable inverter generator (model 7127-0). They want to accomplish it by saying that the Generac beats the Honda by being both more powerful and quieter.

Firstly, this Generac portable inverter generator has more starting watts available: it provides up to 3500 watts compared to the 3000 watts of the Honda. Furthermore, the Generac has 3000 continuous running watts available compared to the 2800 rated watts of the Honda. Thus, the Generac iQ3500 is more powerful when compared to the Honda EU3000iS.

Secondly, the iQ3500 portable inverter generator is supposed to be over 5 dB(A) quieter than the Honda EU3000iS. It seems like a very bold statement to make, but this figure is based on independent third-party testing. We do not know which third party did the testing, so we can neither confirm nor deny that claim. Be that as it may, the Generac iQ3500 is a very quiet portable inverter generator.

Thirdly, the iQ3500 has an updated control panel with two USB outlets and a small LCD screen that can display information such as watts, hours and fuel level. The Honda EU3000iS does not have these two features.

Lastly, the retail prices should also be considered. The list price is where the Generac beats the Honda without a doubt. The Generac iQ3500 portable inverter generator is less expensive when compared to the retail price of the Honda, so it is simply the more affordable choice (see pricing on Amazon – paid link).

How big is the engine of the Generac iQ3500?

This 3500-watt portable inverter generator has a 212cc gasoline engine. Similar to most other portable generators, the engine has a low oil shutdown. The oil capacity is 0.6 qt.

The fuel tank has a 2.6 gallon (10 Liter) capacity. This gives the generator a run time of almost 9 hours at 50% of the rated load and 14 hours at 25% load as long as the economy switch is activated.

If you are looking for a fuel gauge, then you will not find it. It seems like a fuel level display is one of the modes of the digital smart LCD.

Does the Generac iQ3500 have an electric starter?

Yes, the iQ3500 is an inverter generator with an electric starter. It has a 12V DC 6Ah lead acid type internal battery.

I should mention the engine dial knob with its three integrated settings: Off, Run and Choke. In addition to the electric starter, this inverter generator has a recoil pull starter to use as an alternative starting method if the battery is without charge.

How many watts does the Generac iQ3500 produce?

It generates a maximum starting output of 3500 watts and continuous running output of 3000 watts. The inverter technology provides a clean and stable power supply. The total harmonic distortion of the power output is less than 3%, so it is safe to use for sensitive electronic appliances.

Is the Generac iQ3500 ready for parallel connections?

The iQ3500 is parallel ready with two parallel outlets: as a result, you can connect two iQ3500 portable inverter generators together for double the power output. You will need to buy the correct parallel kit (#7668) because it is not included with the generator.

How quiet is the Generac iQ3500 while running?

This generator is supposed to be very quiet due to its inverter system and enclosure design. It is suitable for recreational activities. However, Generac does not provide decibel information for their products, so I cannot give you a number on that. Nevertheless, it seems like owners are generally satisfied that it is a quiet inverter generator.

What is included with the generator?

This portable inverter generator is shipped with a bottle of engine oil, an oil funnel, a tool kit and an owner’s manual. The 12V lead acid battery for the electric starter is also included with the generator.

Verdict

The Generac iQ3500 is designed for either recreational or occupational activities. It has a durable steel enclosure that makes it both robust and quiet. However, the iQ3500 weighs almost 110 pounds (or 50 kg) and is too heavy for one person to carry around. A wheel kit would have been a useful accessory, making it much easier to move this inverter generator around. Nevertheless, you could always load it on some kind of cart or trolley if you need to move it more than a few feet.

To sum up, the Generac iQ3500 is an affordable alternative to the more expensive Honda EU3000iS portable inverter generator (buy on Amazon – paid link).