By
Rodney Nestor
Rodney Nestor
Research Writer
Rodney holds a Master’s degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023

Generac GP2200i Review

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By
Rodney Nestor
Rodney Nestor
Research Writer
Rodney holds a Master’s degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary read more
Last updated: August 09, 2023
Propaneva is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Editor's Rating
9,7
out of 10
  • Portability
    9.8
  • Power
    9.4
  • Noise
    9.8
  • Safety
    9.7
Users’ Rating
4.3
out of 5
161 Users’ Rating
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rating
rating rating rating rating rating
4.3
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5
161 Users’ Rating
  • 5 stars
    42%
  • 4 stars
    53%
  • 3 stars
    3%
  • 2 stars
    2%
  • 1 stars
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More and more people are investing in portable generators. As well as providing a potentially life-saving source of energy in emergency situations, these units can help to make your camping experiences more enjoyable, power up your tools for working projects, and provide energy for other appliances around the home too. The Generac GP2200i is a very popular model of portable generator, and our Generac GP2200i review will tell you all you need to know about this model.

A gasoline powered inverter generator, the Generac GP2200i features a recoil starting method, an 80cc engine, and some impressive performance statistics, able to offer more efficient and safer running than conventional models. But how effective really is this generator and should you choose it over the other options out there? Read on to learn all about the Generac GP2200i, including its features, run time, portability, noise level, and overall performance.

This product's also been included into these rankings:

Our #4 pick for the best generac generators
Our #7 pick for the best inverter generator
Our #4 pick for the best quiet generator
Our #7 pick for the best portable generator
Our #8 pick for the best 2000 watt generator

Specifications

Generator type
Inverter
Fuel type
Gasoline
Surge watts
2200
Running watts
1700
AC voltage
120V
Engine
80cc
Starting method
Recoil
Fuel tank capacity
1.2 gal.
Run time
7 hours at 50 % load
Noise level
51 dBa
Outlets
1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R), 1x 12V 8A, 1x 5V USB port
Dimensions
19.7 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches
Weight
46.6 lbs
Warranty
2-year limited (residential), 1-year limited (commercial)

Generac GP2200i Review

Generac GP2200i ReviewThe first thing to notice about the Generac GP2200i is just how lightweight and compact it is. Weighing in at under 47 lbs, it’s one of the lightest portable generators you can find today, able to be picked up and carried around from place to place. It’s also very versatile, offering a great range of outlet options to suit a wide selection of devices and appliances. Plus, it’s super silent, with a noise level of just 51 dBa. See below for more information on the various features and aspects that set the GP2200i apart from the competition.

Overall performance

The most important question of all in regard to any portable generator is what kind of overall performance can it offer? With a powerful, reliable, 80cc engine under the hood and TruePower Technology from Generac, the GP2200i can offer clean, stable power with no fluctuations and peak levels of 2200 watts. It’s perfect for powering up sensitive electronic devices, tools, and appliances, and it even has an Economy Mode to help save energy, cut down on fuel usage, and even make the generator quieter too. This portable generator is also parallel ready, so you can invest in a GP2200i Parallel Kit to connect two units together and enjoy double the power and double the performance.

Fuel tank capacity and run time

The fuel tank capacity is an important factor for many portable generator owners, as it tells you how often you’ll need to refill the tank. It’s always more practical and convenient when you don’t need to stop the generator for constant refills, and the Generac GP2200i, as an inverter generator, is very energy efficient and has features to optimize its fuel usage. Its tank is relatively small, at 1.2 gallons, but you won’t need to refill it too often, thanks to how efficient it is. In terms of run time, it can offer 7 hours of constant performance at 50% load.

Outlets

Generac GP2200i ReviewHaving more outlets on your portable generator gives you more options in terms of the devices and appliances you can use it with, and the Generac GP2200i really excels in this department, boasting no less than four different outlets. It comes with two 120V 20A (5-20R) outlets, a 12V 8A receptacle, and a 5V USB port for USB powered devices and battery charging. All of the outlets are covered to keep them safe from dust, bugs, and the elements, and the generator gives you enough options to power up everything from big appliances to handheld gadgets.

Ease of use

If you don’t have too much experience with generators and are worried about getting to grips with the Generac GP2200i, you don’t need to worry at all, this particular model is considered to be one of the best Generac generators not for nothing. This inverter generator is very easy to use, being designed with simplicity and seamless operation in mind. It comes with a range of LED indicators to let you know all you need to know, at a glance. The LED lights will show you when the oil tank is getting low, when the unit is overloaded, and when it’s ready to use. The GP2200i also features a simple recoil start system, as seen on many other generators.

Safety features

Generac GP2200i ReviewSafety is a vital aspect to consider when investing in a portable generator, and one of the main reasons many people choose inverter models over conventional counterparts is that inverters tend to have better safety ratings. As mentioned above, the Generac GP2200i comes with LED lights to let you know if the unit is overloaded and give you an indication of when it’s ready to use, and it also has those covered outlets to prevent any interference or interruptions in your power supply. It comes with a low-oil level shutdown too, automatically protecting the engine when the oil gets too low, and the whole thing is housed in a tough, durable body that can withstand extreme conditions with ease.

Noise level

As well as safety, efficiency, and eco-friendliness, one of the key aspects that helps to make inverter generators better than conventional generators in many ways is their reduced noise levels. The Generac GP2200i is a perfect testament to this, as it has a noise level of just 51 dBa. For reference, many conventional generators have noise levels in excess of 70 dBa, so it’s clear to see that the GP2200i is veritably silent compared to a lot of the competition, and you won’t need to worry about it bothering you by being too loud while running.

Portability

If you’re looking for a generator you can carry around with ease, transporting from place to place without any real inconvenience, the Generac GP2200i is a terrific option to choose. It measures up at 19.7 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches and weighs in at only 46.6 lbs, making it one of the smallest and most lightweight generators on the market today and definitely one of the most compact models from Generac Power Systems. It even comes with a handle on the top, letting the user lift it up and carry it around with ease, ideal for situations like camping trips.

Maintenance and warranty

The Generac GP2200i is a very low maintenance portable generator that mostly takes care of itself. All you’ll really need to worry about is ensuring that the fuel tank stays above the low levels (but the automatic shutdown feature will handle this if you forget) and treating the unit with care. The generator is designed to be extremely resistant, with its covered outlets and durable housing, so it won’t need much maintenance at all. If you do encounter any issues, the GP2200i also comes with 2-year limited (residential), 1-year limited (commercial) warranties.

Key features

  • Parallel ready for double the power
  • LED indicators let you know when oil is low and unit is ready to use
  • Super quiet with a very low noise level
  • TruePower Technology and Economy Mode for energy efficient, high-power performance
  • Very compact and lightweight with carry handle too
  • Multiple outlets, all featuring protective covers
  • Low-oil automatic shutdown safety feature
  • USB port for charging devices like smartphones

PROS CONS
  • Very small and portable
  • Whisper quiet operations
  • Economy Mode helps save you money and fuel
  • Eco-friendly and efficient
  • No power fluctuations
  • Plenty of outlet options
  • Durable, long lasting design
  • Parallel ready
  • Gasoline only
  • Not the longest runtime

 

 

10 comments
avatar
Averie Cantrell

How much oil does the generac gp2200i hold?

avatar
Walker Stokes

The manual says it holds 0.36 quarts, which is around 11 ½ oz. Btw, the recommended oil is 10W-30.

avatar
Leo Dickson

Can anyone say where this is manufactured? I’ve found no info about that in the review.

avatar
Regan Edwards

Hey Leo, I’ve found no clear information about it either. Most sources say these are made in China.

avatar
Reginald Robinson

They have facilities in Wisconsin, where G-FORCE and OHVI engines are designed and manufactured. However, their OHV engines are not made in the US, according to their website. And the engine type of GP2200i is indicated as OHV in the specs. The funniest thing is that the brochure says that these are engineered in the US, despite the info in their own FAQ section. So, all in all, no clear information here. Probably, China it is!

avatar
Shelby Shaffer

Hey guys, I just got this generator, and it surges. It is fine when there is no load, but when I plug in a 200w sander or anything else like that, it surges. It does not matter if I am in eco mode or not. The gasoline is fresh from the gas station, and I’ve only used it for two hours total at most before this started happening. Any ideas?

avatar
Brynn Howe

Hey, where did you buy this from? To be honest, I would exchange it now. If it’s new, you shouldn’t have to fix it. It should work right away. The warranty on them is 2 years, so there shouldn’t be any problems with returning either.

avatar
Malakai Dean

A question to those who own GP2200i and have actually used it. How loud these generators really are?

avatar
Morgan Webb

Depends on the load. I’d say I get around 60 db on average. You can cut it down to 52-55 db on ¼ load.

avatar
Esteban Stanton

I’ve measured the sound level at 1500W and it was approx. 70db at 25 feet. As mentioned before, the level of noise depends on the load, and also on how far you are from the generator.

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