Pulsar G12KBN-SG Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator Overview
The Pulsar G12KBN-SG is a heavy-duty portable dual fuel generator that is CARB compliant. It is designed to deliver a high power output of up to 12,000 peak watts when fueled by gasoline, making it a reliable power source during power outages, natural disasters, or for recreational purposes.
- Brand: Pulsar
- Wattage: 12000 watts
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Power Source: Fuel Powered
- Recommended Uses For Product: Residential
- Item Weight: 209 Pounds
- Voltage: 120240 Volts
- Output Wattage: 12000 Watts
- Special Feature: Electric
- Color: Space Gray
- Price: $899.99
The Pulsar G12KBN-SG showcases a powerful 457cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, air cooled, OHV engine with an electric start. The engine is housed within a durable powder coated frame for added protection and longevity. With its dual fuel capability, you have the flexibility to choose between gasoline and LPG fuel sources. This feature comes in handy during emergencies or natural disaster situations where LPG might be more readily available and easy to store.
The generator comes with a generous 8-gallon fuel tank that promises up to 12 hours of continuous operation at half load when running on gasoline. In terms of power outlets, it provides (4) 120V 20A AC outlets, (1) 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, (1) 120V/240V 50A outlet, and (1) 12V DC output. This variety of outlets makes it suitable for powering a wide range of appliances, tools, and other devices.
A-iPower SUA12000ED 12000 Watt Portable Generator Overview
The A-iPower SUA12000ED is a robust portable generator that is gas and propane-powered. It is specifically designed for jobsites, RVs, and as a whole house backup during emergencies, offering a substantial power capacity of up to 12,000 starting watts with gasoline and 10,800 starting watts with propane (LPG).
- 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
- Price: $1,199.99
The A-iPower SUA12000ED is powered by a potent 459cc OHV 4-stroke engine. This engine comes with a low oil alert light and an automatic shutdown feature when oil levels get too low, ensuring the generator’s optimal performance for years to come. The generator’s large 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank provides an average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load.
For user convenience, this generator features an electric start capability that allows for a quick and easy startup whenever needed. The generator’s outlets include 4 x GFCI 120V 20A NEMA5-20R, 1 x 120V 30A NEMAL 5-30R, 1 x 120/240V 30A NEMA L-14-30R, and 1 x 12V83A Multifunction Port USB Ready. To enhance safety, all outlets come with rubber covers.
Summary Table of Pulsar G12KBN-SG and A-iPower SUA12000ED Specifications
| Specifications | Pulsar G12KBN-SG | A-iPower SUA12000ED |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Pulsar | A-iPower |
| Wattage | 12000 watts | 12000 watts |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Power Source | Fuel Powered | Fuel Powered |
| Item Weight | 209 Pounds | 214 Pounds |
| Voltage | 120240 Volts | 240 Volts |
| Output Wattage | 12000 Watts | 12000 Watts |
| Special Feature | Electric | Electric |
| Included Components | N/A | Manual |
| Color | Space Gray | Red and grey |
| Price | $899.99 | $1,199.99 |
User reviews of Pulsar G12KBN-SG
Positive Reviews Summary of Pulsar G12KBN-SG
- Reliable even in tough conditions, providing power for essential appliances during power outages. Users found it to be dependable in powering whole homes and specific utilities like air conditioners, fridges, and TVs.
- Despite some complaints about noise levels, many users found the noise manageable and quieter than other brands. The noise did not disturb users’ sleep or daily activities.
- The generator’s fuel efficiency was praised by several users. It can run for extended periods before requiring a refill, and some users reported it running for approximately 12 hours, or even up to 16 hours.
- The generator was found to be easy to assemble and start. The simplicity of its design was appreciated, with users liking its manual choke and electric start. Some users were able to start it even in cold temperatures.
- It was commended for its dual-fuel feature, offering the flexibility to run on either gasoline or propane. This feature was seen as a useful backup option.
- Fast shipping and good packaging were noted by some users. They were impressed with how quickly the product arrived and how securely it was packaged.
- The customer service of Pulsar was praised by a user who had an issue with their unit. They found the response from Pulsar to be prompt and helpful.
- Some users appreciated the unit’s powerful output, with one mentioning it can run an entire house without any noticeable difference in the power quality. This gave them confidence in connecting it to their homes without fear of damaging sensitive appliances.
Critical Review Summary: Pulsar G12KBN-SG
- Many users experienced issues shortly after purchase, including backfiring and complete loss of power.
- Several customers reported poor customer service, including lack of response to inquiries and unsatisfactory resolutions to problems.
- Several users reported issues with the electric start feature, either not working at all or not charging the battery.
- There were complaints about the generator’s noise level, with many considering it louder than advertised.
- Some users found the generator to emit a strong propane smell during operation, which they could not trace or resolve.
- There were instances of damage upon arrival, such as a bent air filter and crankcase.
- Some reviews indicated that the generator caused flickering lights and restart of appliances when a large load was added, indicating instability in voltage output.
- Several users found the generator too heavy and difficult to handle without help.
User reviews of A-iPower SUA12000ED
Positive User Reviews Summary of A-iPower SUA12000ED
- Users are impressed with the capability of the A-iPower SUA12000ED to power heavy-duty tools and appliances, with some even claiming that it performs better than a 220 or 120 wall plug.
- Many have praised the easy assembly and immediate startup of the generator, making it user-friendly and reliable.
- The clear and understandable instructions are another positive aspect noted by users.
- Despite its power, the generator is lauded for its compact and well-built design and is admired for its heavy-duty use.
- A surprising feature for some was the total power rating accounted for all the outlets combined, providing flexibility in usage.
- Users have also appreciated the generator’s ability to withstand long hours of use without any hiccups during power outages.
- Despite it being loud, it is considered a minor inconvenience given its performance and price.
- It was able to handle high starting loads, demonstrating the generator’s robust performance.
- Users also lauded the company’s expedited shipping and customer service.
- Despite being a little loud, users reported that the machine has no issues even after 300 hours of use.
Summary of Critical User Reviews for A-iPower SUA12000ED
- Several users have reported issues with the customer support service, stating that their calls and requests for help were not answered.
- Some users have found it difficult to change the oil due to the drain plug bolt being impossible to remove.
- There have been instances of the generator arriving damaged, as seen in the pictures provided by one of the users.
- One user had issues with the breakers on the household receptacle plugs, rendering the generator useless during a power outage. The breakers did not click in and could not be reset.
- There are cases of the generator ceasing to function after a few hours of use. In one such case, the generator could not be started after shutting off under load during a power outage, even after the replacement of several parts.
- A user voiced his disappointment over the generator’s reliability, describing an instance when the generator backfired and stopped working during a hurricane after 48 hours of operation, never to start again.
- Oil leakage has been reported by some users. In one particular case, oil leaked onto the user’s patio due to the valve cover being smashed into the bent valves.
- A user reported the motor of his generator failing after just 13 hours of use. He found several cracks in the motor after inspection.
- A user who ordered multiple units reported broken pull strings on two of the five units ordered.
- Some users have had issues with the electric start function. One user reported that despite contacting the warranty department and being assured of a new starter, he has not received it after waiting for a month and a half.
Pros and Cons of the compared products
Pros and Cons of Pulsar G12KBN-SG
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable in tough conditions, providing power for essential appliances during power outages. | Users experienced issues shortly after purchase, including backfiring and complete loss of power. |
| Manageable noise level that did not disturb users’ sleep or daily activities. | Poor customer service reported, including lack of response to inquiries and unsatisfactory resolutions to problems. |
| Praised for its fuel efficiency, running for extended periods before requiring a refill. | Issues with the electric start feature, either not working or not charging the battery. |
| Easy to assemble and start. Users liked its manual choke and electric start. | Noise level considered louder than advertised. |
| Dual-fuel feature, offering the flexibility to run on either gasoline or propane. | Emits a strong propane smell during operation. |
| Fast shipping and good packaging. | Instances of damage upon arrival, such as a bent air filter and crankcase. |
| Praised customer service for prompt and helpful response. | Instability in voltage output, causing flickering lights and appliance restarts when a large load was added. |
| Powerful output, capable of running an entire house without any noticeable difference in power quality. | Heavy and difficult to handle without help. |
Pros and Cons of A-iPower SUA12000ED
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive capability to power heavy-duty tools and appliances, with some users claiming it performs better than a wall plug. | Issues with customer support service, with unattended calls and requests for help. |
| Praised for easy assembly and immediate startup, making it user-friendly and reliable. | Difficulty in changing the oil due to the drain plug bolt being impossible to remove. |
| Clear and understandable instructions. | Instances of the generator arriving damaged. |
| Compact, well-built design suitable for heavy-duty use. | Issues with the breakers on the household receptacle plugs, rendering the generator useless during a power outage. |
| Total power rating accounted for all the outlets combined, providing flexibility in usage. | Instances of the generator ceasing to function after a few hours of use. |
| Ability to withstand long hours of use without any hiccups during power outages. | Reliability issues, with a user reporting the generator backfired and stopped working during a hurricane. |
| Despite being a bit loud, the generator has no issues even after 300 hours of use. | Reports of oil leakage, in one case oil leaked onto the user’s patio due to the valve cover being smashed into the bent valves. |
| Handled high starting loads, demonstrating robust performance. | A user reported the motor of his generator failing after just 13 hours of use. |
| Praised for expedited shipping and customer service. | Broken pull strings on multiple units reported by a user who ordered multiple units. |
| Despite being a little loud, users reported that the machine has no issues even after 300 hours of use. | Issues with the electric start function, with a user reporting that he has not received a new starter after contacting the warranty department. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Pulsar G12KBN-SG and the A-iPower SUA12000ED are robust and reliable generators designed for a variety of applications. Your final choice should largely depend on your specific needs and budget. If you need a lighter and slightly cheaper option, the Pulsar G12KBN-SG would be a good pick. On the other hand, if you need a generator that offers a slightly higher run time and comes with a manual, the A-iPower SUA12000ED might be the better choice. Ultimately, both products offer great value for their price, making them worthy of consideration.
