Sponsored Links

Generac 5724

*Est. $450

Reviewed October 2009
Generac 5724

Basic portable generator, 3,250 watts

pros
  • Fuel gauge
  • Low-oil shutdown
  • Includes fold-down handle and wheel kit
  • Good Housekeeping Seal
  • Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified
cons
  • Not CARB compliant
  • No DC outlet
  • Noisier than some similarly sized generators
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 
5 star:
(2)
4 star:
(0)
3 star:
(1)
2 star:
(0)
1 star:
(0)

Average Customer Review

(3 customer reviews)

for $449.99

Search Reviews

my inexpencive guard, October 20, 2009

Good generator for the money, but carefully count the load and starting amps. It has good Money/Watts ratio. Not for extencive use (see other review from oct 17 2009). Emergencies such 1-2 days once or twice in a year. Quiet and simple. Buy a funnel with extention, since oil hole is under the control panel. I bought it to power my 1hp water pump in a basement. Tested, pump started and ran smoothly, unit hasn't notice the load. That's all I need. I could even sell extra electricity to others :)))

expand

collapse

GP3250, October 17, 2009

I purchased this unit due to maneuverability, ease of starting, low oil shutoff, and published run time of 12.5hours. Additionally, I like the idea that I was purchasing something "made in the USA." While most of Generac's units are made in the USA, the smaller units use "generic OHV" engines which they "outsource" which translates to China! Further investigation, after purchase, I discovered that these engines have a plastic camshaft which does not bode well for longevity. The literature on this indicates 20Amp receptacles, yes they are, however, the breakers which feed them are 13.5A!! e.g. I have a large "side by side" frig/freezer which I will power during outages, it has a startup current of 14.2Amps, then a steady state of 1.2Amps. The GP3250 is able to start it as it has a "surge" capacity which allows the breakers to handle 15.6Amps for a short duration. I had to research and discover ths for myself as Generac tech support was seemingly unaware that their units have a "surge" capacity beyond the stated breaker capacity. My complaint is that the literature is very misleading. Calling Generac is a waste of time as all they will do is state whatever the manual does-period. Beyond that, "please return the unit to the place of purchase and buy a bigger one." I purchased this from Amazon and it came by truck. To return it, I'd have to repack and arrange truck pickup and pay freight-would they help me with this as their literature led me to purchase a generator which was potentially too small? "ABSOLOUTELY NOT!" If you're shopping for a generator, do a realistic assessment of the loads you plan on powering so a realistic evaluation can be made. Realistically I suppose this is a fair value for the $$$. It is easy starting, very quiet, and runs a long time on a tank (4 Gal.) of gas. Longevity of a chinese built engine with a plastic camshaft is of concern. The "cadillac" of portable generators is the Honda. However, they are designed and built to run 24/7 for extended periods and cost 4-6 times as much. My needs for this unit are for emergency power for a duration of 4-7 days every year and a half or so, based on history. Spending $3,000 for something to sit in the barn for years at a time didn't seem a prudent use of $$. Guess, "you pays your money and takes your chances." as the old cliche goes. In conclusion, the literature is misleading, not all generac's are made in the USA, and I found myself educating their tech support on how the machine actually worked.

expand

collapse

excellent generator for price, September 12, 2009
very compact, yet relatikvely powerful. Generator required little assembly (add wheels and handle). After I finaly opened the fuel valve correctly, it started on the first pull. Has four 110 outlets where many have only two. Very satisfied!!
Where To Buy
 
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. Northern Tool and Equipment

Owners give the Generac 5724 an average rating of 4.2 out of five stars here. One says it's so easy to handle that he bought one for his elderly parents; another writes that he used it to run his refrigerator, lights, furnace blower and a TV during a power outage. All find it very easy to start.

Review: Generac GP Portable Generator -- 3750 Surge Watts, 3250 Rated Watts, Model# 5724-0, Contributors to Northern Tool and Equipment

2. Amazon.com

Only one owner rates the Generac 5724 at Amazon.com, but that person gives it a perfect rating, saying it is very compact and starts on the first pull.

Review: Generac 5724 GP Series GP3250 3,750 Watt 206cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. Electric Generators Direct.com

Editors of ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com, a retailer that specializes in generators, recommend the Generac 5736, a 5,500-watt model in the GP series that has many of the same features as the Generac 5724. They write, "You can find cheaper...; generators, but nowhere near the quality of the Generac."

Review: Generac 5500 Watt Portable Generator, Editors of ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com

4. Good Housekeeping

This brief article from the editors of Good Housekeeping explains the Good Housekeeping Seal. The Generac 5724 has earned the Seal and is thus covered by the additional Good Housekeeping two-year, repair-or-replace warranty that comes with this recognition.

Review: About the Good Housekeeping Seal, Editors of Good Housekeeping

Portable Generators Runners Up:

Honda EU2000iA *Est. $1,100

5 picks including: Camping Life Magazine, Field & Stream…

Yamaha EF2400iS *Est. $1,300

3 picks including: Camping Life Magazine, Field & Stream…

ETQ TG1200 *Est. $150

3 picks including: Amazon.com, Galt Technology…

ETQ TG32P12 *Est. $345

3 picks including: Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com…

Generac 5734 *Est. $2,400

1 pick including: Electric Generators Direct.com…

     
 
image
ETQ TG1200 1,200 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator (Non-CARB Compliant)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $139.99   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
 
 
Sponsored Links

Back to top