In-Depth Review: Generac GP17500E and A-iPower SUA12000ED Portable Generators

Overview of Generac GP17500E

The Generac 5735 GP17500E is a powerful, electric start, gas-powered portable generator that offers a reliable backup power solution suitable for both home use and jobsites. It is a 49-State / CSA 17500-Watt generator packed with an electric start feature, ensuring quick and convenient operation.

  1. Unmatched Power: The Generac GP17500E, with its robust 992cc OHVI engine, is the most powerful portable generator in its class, providing reliable and consistent power for all your needs.
  2. Convenient Electric Start: It comes with a battery for effortless starting, and the included plug-in battery charger jack ensures the battery remains charged and ready for use.
  3. Enhanced Features for Efficiency: The generator comes equipped with an hour meter for tracking usage, low-oil level shutdown for engine protection, and an idle control feature for noise reduction and fuel conservation.
  4. Extended Run Time: The Generac GP17500E provides up to 10 hours of run time at 50% load thanks to its large 16-gallon fuel tank, ensuring continuous operation and a reliable power supply.
  5. Durable and Transportable: The generator is built to withstand tough conditions, featuring a hardened 1-1/4″ steel tube cradle for added durability and strength. The integrated lifting eye makes transport easy and secure, whether on the jobsite or during camping trips.
Attributes Specifications
Brand Generac
Wattage 17500 watts
Fuel Type Gasoline
Power Source Gas-powered
Recommended Uses For Product Security
Item Weight 390 Pounds
Voltage 120 Volts
Output Wattage 17500 Watts
Special Feature Electric
Included Components Generator

The Generac 5735 GP17500E is priced at $3,649.00, delivering a high-value power solution for various applications.

Overview of A-iPower SUA12000ED

The A-iPower SUA12000ED is a heavy-duty, dual-fuel portable generator that delivers 12000 watts of power, making it ideal for jobsites, RVs, emergency whole-house backup, and more. Its flexibility allows it to run on both gasoline and propane, providing an alternative fuel option during emergencies.

  1. Dual Fuel Capabilities: This generator produces 12,000 starting watts and 9,000 running watts on gasoline, and 10,800 starting watts with 8,100 running watts on propane (LPG).
  2. Powerful Engine: It is powered by a robust 459 cc OHV 4 stroke engine. The generator features a low oil alert light and low-oil automatic shutdown, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
  3. Extended Run Time: The large 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank provides an average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load, ensuring continuous power supply.
  4. Electric Start: The generator has an electric start feature, which provides quick, easy, and convenient generator start-up whenever required.
  5. Multiple Outlets: It includes 4 x GFCI 120V 20A NEMA5-20R, 1 x 120V 30A NEMA L-5-30R, 1 x 120/240V 30A NEMA L-14-30R, and 1 x 12V83A Multifunction Port USB Ready outlets, all with rubber covers for additional safety.
Attributes Specifications
Brand A-iPower
Wattage 12000 watts
Fuel Type Electric
Power Source Fuel Powered
Item Weight 214 Pounds
Voltage 240 Volts
Output Wattage 12000 Watts
Special Feature Electric
Included Components Manual
Color Red and grey

The A-iPower SUA12000ED is priced at $1,199.99, offering a cost-effective and versatile power solution for a variety of needs.

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Summary of Specifications: Generac GP17500E vs A-iPower SUA12000ED

Specifications Generac GP17500E A-iPower SUA12000ED
Brand Generac A-iPower
Wattage 17500 Watts 12000 Watts
Fuel Type Gasoline Electric
Power Source Gas-powered Fuel Powered
Item Weight 390 Pounds 214 Pounds
Voltage 120 Volts 240 Volts
Output Wattage 17500 Watts 12000 Watts
Special Feature Electric Electric
Included Components Generator Manual
Color N/A Red and grey
Price $3,649.00 $1,199.99

User reviews of Generac GP17500E

Summary of Positive User Reviews for Generac GP17500E

  • Many users appreciate the Generac GP17500E’s power and ability to run whole houses, including multiple appliances and even large air conditioning units.
  • The generator is praised for its robustness and durability, having continued to perform well for several years for some users, even with significant usage during power outages.
  • Users are particularly impressed by the generator’s thoughtful features, such as an elapsed-hours meter for better oil change timing, a gas cap retainer string to prevent loss during fueling, and a replaceable spin-on oil filter for easier maintenance.
  • Some users also appreciate the generator’s relative quietness for its size, with one user even noting that the exhaust noise is well-dampened by the unit’s muffler.
  • Several users have noted the generator’s fuel efficiency, particularly under lower loads, as a positive aspect.
  • Although some users have found the generator heavy and difficult to move, they have also suggested solutions such as replacing the stock tires or adding an extra wheel or wheel-set.
  • The generator’s value for money is frequently mentioned, with one user describing it as “fantastic for the money.”

Critical User Reviews of Generac GP17500E

  • Many users report issues with the generator’s durability, with one user noting that it uses the same stator as the 15 Kw version, thus lasting only as long as the warranty period before failing. Another user noted issues with oil leaks and suspected lower quality parts on newer models.
  • A common complaint is about the loud noise generated when the unit is running.
  • Several users faced difficulties in starting the generator due to an improperly calibrated choke throttle, with one user even depleting the battery in the attempt to start it.
  • Maintenance is another concern. Users have to be comfortable with engine maintenance or be prepared to hire someone for it, which can be inconvenient.
  • Some users reported issues with fuel leakage, either from the fuel shut-off or from the exhaust pipe. One user even had gas fill up the oil compartment.
  • Several users received their unit with a dead battery, which is not covered by the warranty.
  • One user reported that the unit couldn’t run their 2.5 ton A/C unit at full capacity, which could potentially damage the A/C unit.
  • Multiple users mentioned poor customer service from Generac, with issues ranging from not offering help for a dead battery to lackluster response when a defective unit was received.
  • One user received a unit that was covered in oil and had a cracked battery that leaked acid, damaging parts of the generator and causing flat tires.
  • There is a review in Spanish that reports heating issues and suggests the fuel tank had to be relocated due to fears of an accident from the high temperature.
  • One user received a completely defective unit that didn’t work at all, and had trouble getting assistance from both the seller and Generac.

User reviews of A-iPower SUA12000ED

Summary of Positive Reviews for A-iPower SUA12000ED

  • Most users praise the generator’s power capability, noting that it runs various heavy-duty tools and appliances efficiently, which includes welders, plasma cutters, HVAC units, water heaters, stoves, and clothes dryers.
  • Customers find the assembly of the product easy, and the instructions straightforward and easy to follow.
  • The generator’s reliability during power outages is highly appreciated. Users mentioned that it performed exceptionally well during hurricanes and storms, running continuously for several hours without any issues.
  • Users note that the generator starts up quickly after oil and fuel are added, which is a major plus for them.
  • Despite its power, the generator has been praised for handling loads effortlessly, even when multiple appliances are running at once.
  • While some users find the generator’s noise level high, they consider it a minor inconvenience compared to its overall performance and cost-effectiveness.
  • Customers have expressed satisfaction with the generator’s solid construction and durability, particularly its heavy-duty frame.
  • Lastly, the generator’s value compared to its price is appreciated by users, some of whom have mentioned that they bought the A-iPower SUA12000ED over more expensive options and were satisfied with their decision.

Summary of Critical Reviews for A-iPower SUA12000ED

  • Several users reported poor customer support from the manufacturer.
  • Some users faced issues with changing the oil as the drain plug bolt was hard to remove.
  • There were instances of the generator arriving damaged.
  • Some generators didn’t work as expected, specifically, the breakers on the household receptacle plugs did not click in and couldn’t be reset.
  • A few users experienced their generators dying after only a few hours of operation.
  • There were concerns about the generator’s reliability, with reports of catastrophic engine failure at around 54 hours of operation.
  • Problems related to oil leakage due to damaged valve covers were reported.
  • Some users reported the motor failing after only 10 hours of operation.
  • There were instances of broken pull strings on multiple generators.
  • Issues with the electric start feature not working were reported, and replacement parts were not received despite promises from the manufacturer.
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Pros and Cons of the compared products

Pros and Cons of Generac GP17500E

Pros Cons
High power capacity capable of running entire houses, including multiple appliances and large air conditioning units. Some users reported issues with durability, with the generator lasting only as long as the warranty period before failing.
Praised for its robustness and durability. Complaints about loud noise when the unit is running.
Impressive features such as an elapsed-hours meter, gas cap retainer string, and replaceable spin-on oil filter. Difficulties in starting the generator due to an improperly calibrated choke throttle.
Relative quietness for its size, with well-dampened exhaust noise. Need for regular engine maintenance, which can be inconvenient for some users.
Noted fuel efficiency, particularly under lower loads. Issues with fuel leakage from the fuel shut-off or the exhaust pipe.
Value for money. Reports of units received with a dead battery, which is not covered by the warranty.
Solutions provided by users for its heavy weight and difficulty in moving, such as replacing the stock tires or adding an extra wheel or wheel-set. Some users reported that the unit couldn’t run certain appliances, like a 2.5 ton A/C unit, at full capacity, potentially damaging the appliance.
Poor customer service experiences, including a lack of help for a dead battery and lackluster response to defective units.
Receiving units in poor condition, like one covered in oil with a cracked battery that leaked acid, damaging parts of the generator and causing flat tires.
One review reported heating issues and that the fuel tank had to be relocated due to fears of an accident from the high temperature.
Complaints of receiving completely defective units and difficulty getting assistance from both the seller and Generac.

Pros and Cons of A-iPower SUA12000ED

Pros Cons
Powerful enough to run heavy-duty tools and appliances efficiently, including welders, plasma cutters, HVAC units, water heaters, stoves, and clothes dryers. Poor customer support from the manufacturer.
Easy assembly and straightforward instructions. Difficulty changing the oil due to a hard-to-remove drain plug bolt.
High reliability during power outages, performing exceptionally well during storms and hurricanes. Instances of the generator arriving damaged.
Quick startup after oil and fuel are added. Malfunctioning breakers on the household receptacle plugs that did not click in and couldn’t be reset.
Effortless handling of loads even when multiple appliances are running at once. Generators dying after only a few hours of operation.
Despite its noise level, users appreciate its overall performance and cost-effectiveness. Concerns about reliability, with reports of catastrophic engine failure at around 54 hours of operation.
Appreciation for the generator’s solid construction and durability, particularly its heavy-duty frame. Oil leakage due to damaged valve covers.
Value for money, with some users choosing the A-iPower SUA12000ED over more expensive options and being satisfied with their decision. Motor failure after only 10 hours of operation.
Broken pull strings on multiple generators.
Issues with the electric start feature not working, and unfulfilled promises of replacement parts from the manufacturer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Generac GP17500E and the A-iPower SUA12000ED are powerful and reliable portable generators with their distinct features and capabilities. When choosing between the two, consider your specific power needs, budget, and the fuel type that is most accessible and convenient for you. The Generac GP17500E, while pricier, offers more power and is designed to withstand tough conditions. The A-iPower SUA12000ED, on the other hand, offers dual fuel flexibility and is more budget-friendly. Ultimately, the best generator for you depends on your individual requirements and preferences.