GENMAX GM1200i Portable Inverter Generator

A Review of the GENMAX GM1200i Portable Inverter Generator

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in posts.

Power outages are a real pain in the, um, you know, hassle. The right portable generator should keep your essential devices going for a few hours until the problem is fixed. This review might help you to decide if the GENMAX GM1200i fits your needs. We’ll look at its features, and we’ll check its value. I hope this helps you choose wisely.

GENMAX GM1200i: The Overview

The GENMAX GM1200i offers a few basic features for users that do not need a lot of backup power for a home. It comes with covered outlets to keep the ports safe from dust and dampness. Don’t worry, you can plug in appliances easily.

The GM1200i is light and small. It weighs only 25 pounds. Moving it is simple. This makes it good for people who carry a generator often. Its small size means easy storage. It only measures 16.5 by 9.4 by 15.7 inches.

The engine is a 4-stroke, 57cc OHV gas-powered unit with a 0.7-gallon fuel tank. The engine runs quietly. It makes about 58 decibels at low power. It should not bother anyone, unless you are sitting right next to it.

The GENMAX GM1200i is made for today’s electronics. It makes clean, steady power. Total harmonic distortion is less than 1.2%. This keeps your phones, laptops, and tablets safe. You can charge sensitive items without worry.

It runs at 1000 watts and surges at 1200 watts. It also has two USB ports. One is 1A, the other 2.1A. These make charging smaller items simple, right from the generator.

To summarize, the GENMAX GM1200i inverter generator is easy to use. A low oil alert prevents engine harm. An overload alert stops the generator from working too hard. A CO warning light turns on if carbon monoxide gets too high. It also has an Eco mode. This saves fuel and cuts down on noise. You get two regular 120V/20A outlets. There is also a 5V/1A outlet and a 5V/2.1A outlet.

The GENMAX GM1200i might not be as good as a Honda, but it will still run stuff.

Does the GENMAX GM1200i include a carbon monoxide safety sensor?

Yes, the GENMAX GM1200i has a CO safety sensor. It stops the generator if it finds too much carbon monoxide. This helps prevent poisoning. You can relax knowing your power source is safe.

How quiet is this generator?

Noise matters when picking a portable generator. The GENMAX GM1200i runs quietly. It makes as little as 58 dBA at 25% load, 23 feet away. It works great for camping or tailgating. You will not disturb anyone. The generator also saves fuel. It runs for about 6 hours at half load. An economy mode helps save even more fuel, while reducing unnecessary noise.

Is this generator suitable for powering sensitive electronics?

Yes, the GENMAX GM1200i powers sensitive electronics well. It is an inverter generator. This means it makes clean power. The power has less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD). The power stays steady. You can run a TV, lights, or small items. Charging your smartphone is also simple. This generator handles them all.

User Experiences with the GENMAX GM1200i

People really like the price point GENMAX GM1200i. Most users give it good reviews. They are often surprised by its power, even though it only has a 1200-watt peak power output. It runs non-stop for up to five hours. That is great for its small size, seeing as it does not hold much fuel.

This 1200-watt inverter generator is a great size for camping. In a power blackout, it could potentially power your refrigerator, lights, and fans. You can also charge phones and tablets.

But, some users report a problem. The starter pull cord has issues. A few owners say the cord is weak. It might not last very long. If it breaks, the generator will not start. Think about this issue before you buy. It matters if you use it a lot. Or if you use it in tough places.

Conclusion

The GENMAX GM1200i is a very affordable pick. It is quiet and small. Use it for camping or tailgating. It could also be used during short power cuts.

Then again, it is not as tough as a Honda EU2200i portable inverter generator, and yet those Honda’s cost a lot more. In contrast, the GENMAX GM1200i costs a lot less. If you want a cheaper option, then this 1200-watt inverter generator might be for you. It gives basic power. Just know it may not last as long.

On the other hand, I noticed that GENMAX actually makes a 2200-watt inverter generator: it’s the GM2200i model. I should probably have written a review about that model, instead of the GM1200i. Anyway, too late now. I guess you can read more about the GM2200i on Amazon (paid link).

To conclude, the GENMAX GM1200i is not a bad 1200-watt portable inverter generator, especially if you need portable power on a budget. Most reviews are good, although some worry about the starter cord. This could cause problems later. If you take good care of it, then I think the GENMAX GM1200i should be good enough for outdoor trips or emergencies. Click here for current price on Amazon (paid link).