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Larger portable generator, 5,500 watts Generac GP5500 *Est. $720

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Generac Guardian 04582

Discontinued

Reviewed

June 2008

Pros

Electric start
30-horsepower V-twin OHV engine
Meets EPA, CARB standards
Low-oil shutdown
Wheels make it portable

Cons

Uses a lot of gasoline
Can be tricky to tweak for smooth power
No hour meter

Where to Buy

for $2,533.00

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Reviews give the 15,000-watt Generac Guardian 4582 top marks for providing backup electricity for an entire house. It's powered by a Generac V-twin OHV engine built for durability with cast-iron sleeves, full-pressure lube and low-oil shutdown. Auto-idle adjusts the engine to four speeds according to the load, but owners say it can be tricky to adjust, and the Guardian 4582 still burns gasoline at an alarming rate. You can adapt it to burn propane or natural gas with an extra-cost kit (*Est. $400), which also makes it quieter. If you only need a generator to power essential appliances, the Briggs & Stratton Elite 30242 (*Est. $1,000) has about half as much power.

The staff at ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com compare available generators every year, recommending the best values for various size and price ranges. Owners also rate and review the Generac Guardian 4582 portable generator at this site, as well as at Northern Tool and Equipment, HomeDepot.com and Amazon.com.

Our Sources

1. Electric Generators Direct.com

Over a dozen owners give the Generac Guardian 4582 portable generator rave reviews at this retailer site. The professional staff here recommends the Guardian 4582 generator as the best extra-large portable generator for emergency use, based on its build quality, features and value for the money.

Review: Guardian UltraSource 15,000 Watt Electric Start Generator, Editors of and contributors to ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com

2. Amazon.com

More than 10 owners give the Generac Guardian 4582 generator mixed reviews. Some owners are very satisfied but others complain about noise, lack of 240/120v outlet and difficulty tuning the engine to provide smooth power.

Review: Generac 4582-2 Ultra Source 15,000 Watt Portable Generator, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. Epinions.com

Only one review of the Guardian 4582 generator appears here, but it's especially detailed about how well the generator performs during a long household power outage, running the air conditioner in addition to major appliances.

Review: Guardian 15,000 Watt Ultra Source 4582 Generator Review, Contributors to Epinions.com

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