Generac GP2200i Review: Is It Good Enough?

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Find out whether the Generac GP2200i is good enough for your situation and what other options could be even better.

Generac GP2200i review in short

Generac GP2200i

The Generac GP2200i is a good small inverter generator in terms of features and reliability.

However, its somewhat higher price makes it so you will likely prefer other good 2200 watt generators.

The WEN 56225i 2250 seems to be similar in reliability and other features but is a lot more budget-friendly than the Generac GP2200i.

You can also go for the Pulsar PG2200BiS if you want a dual fuel generator around this power level.

Pros

  • Very positive customer reviews
  • Light weight is easy to carry around
  • Compact dimensions

Cons

  • A few exceptional cases of technical issues
  • Somewhat pricier for this power level

Some of the best uses for the Generac GP2200i include:

  • Small amount of backup power
  • Camping
  • RVs
  • Tailgating
  • Running certain power tools
  • Fishing
  • Boat trips

Generac GP2200i performance in important categories

To complete the mini part of the review, it can be helpful to see how the Generac GP2200i performs in certain important areas.

Performance CategoryGenerac GP2200i Score*Performance CategoryGenerac GP2200i Score*
Power Capacity4.5Fuel Efficiency6.5
Run Time7Ease Of Use7
Quiet Operation?Portability9.5
THD<5%Price Category$$
Reliability Reputation9Overall Expert Rating8.5
Current PriceCheck Price
Generac GP2200i performance on a score of 10 compared to other generators*

Individual reviews compare the specific model to portable generators in general and sometimes scores are based on customer input

Generac GP2200i key features

You generally don’t have to know about every single detail to figure out whether the Generac GP2200i is good enough for your situation.

Instead, the key features right here often give a good idea of what to expect.

FeatureGenerac GP2200i Detail
Fuel TypeGasoline
Starting Watts2200 Starting Watts
Running Watts1700 Running Watts
Run Time @25% Load10.75 Hours
Noise LevelsNot Mentioned
Outlets(1) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R
Outlets, (1) USB Port,
(1) 12V DC Outlet
THD<5%
Warranty*2 Years Limited Residential And
1 Year (Or 1000 Hours) Limited
Commercial Warranties
Price Category**$$
Check Current Price
Generac GP2200i key features

*Warranties can vary from seller to seller

**Price category at the time of writing

What will a Generac GP2200i run?

Just seeing how many watts the Generac GP2200i offers is not always enough to know what appliances and tools it will actually run.

For a more detailed overview, you can check out the article on what 2200 watt generators will run.

However, I’ll also mention a few examples in this review.

Some of the stronger devices Generac GP2200i should be able to run separately are a hair dryer, a 10k BTU window air conditioner, or an air fryer.

You can also use this inverter generator to run a few smaller appliances and tools together.

For example, the Generac GP2200i should be able to run an energy-friendly refrigerator, slow cooker, TV, and coffee maker at the same time.

Keep in mind that these are rough general examples. Your specific devices may need different amounts of power to run.

Generac GP2200i customer reviews insights

The specifications of the Generac GP2200i are an important part of the review but you want to check the customer reviews too.

Sometimes generators look good in terms of specifications but come with a high rate of problems or other unexpected downsides.

To save you time and effort I looked at the Generac GP2200i customer reviews and noted a few general principles right here.

There are a few exceptional cases where customers had technical problems with the Generac GP2200i.

A decent number of these reviews involved getting a Generac GP2200i that did not function as desired on arrival.

That being said, the customer reviews are still relatively positive overall.

This implies the Generac GP2200i is a reliable portable generator.

Generac GP2200i alternatives

The Generac GP2200i is a good small inverter generator overall but its somewhat higher price makes it so certain alternatives are likely a better choice.

For example, the WEN 56225i 2250 seems to be similar in reliability and other areas but is a lot more budget-friendly than the Generac GP2200i.

You could also consider the Pulsar PG2200BiS if you want to be able to generate power from propane too.

Besides these alternatives, you can look at the following generator comparisons that include the Generac GP2200i:

Is the Generac GP2200i worth it?

In terms of the value you get, the Generac GP2200i can be worth it for purposes like camping, a small amount of backup power, DIY sessions, and more.

At the same time, it is important to note that you will likely find the alternatives mentioned in this review even better overall.

Especially if you are interested in specifications like a dual fuel feature, a 30 amp outlet, or an even better reliability reputation.

Generac GP2200i

Other Generac GP2200i specs

Before concluding whether or not the Generac GP2200i is the right choice for you, you may want to know about certain other specs.

Additionally, the Generac GP2200i manual can offer extra information about things like what to do if it won’t start, what a red light means, certain parts like the carburetor, and more.

SpecificationGenerac GP2200i Detail
Voltage120 Volts
PortableYes
Fuel Tank Capacity1.2 Gallons
Fuel Efficiency
(kWh Per Gallon)
3.807
Outlet CoversYes
Engine Displacement80cc
Recoil Pull StartYes
Electric StartNo
Low Oil ShutdownYes
Oil Type10W-30 For -10°F to 40°F
SAE 30 For 32+°F
Or Synthetic 5W-30 After Break-In
Fully Enclosed DesignYes
AC Frequency60 Hz
Remote StartNo
Built-In
Digital Smart LCD
No
Hour MeterNo
Fuel GaugeNo
Wattage MeterNo
Run Time RemainingNo
Engine Type4 Stroke
Remote
Generator Operation
No
Parallel ReadyYes
WheelsNo
CO-MinderNo
Country Of OriginNot Mentioned
Dimensions19.7″ L x 11.4″ W x 17.9″ H
Weight46.6 lbs (21.1 kg)
Check Current Price
Other Generac GP2200i specs

Generac GP2200i FAQ

How long will a Generac GP2200i run?

A Generac GP2200i will run for around 10.75 hours at 25% load on a full tank of gas.

How much oil does a Generac GP2200i take?

The Generac GP2200i has an oil capacity of 11.52 fluid ounces or about 0.34 liters.

Can a Generac GP2200i run a refrigerator?

A Generac GP2200i should be able to run a reasonably energy-friendly refrigerator.

When in doubt, it is smart to check the power needs of your individual model.

Will a Generac GP2200i run an air conditioner?

A Generac GP2200i should be able to run devices like a 10k BTU window air conditioner or an 11k BTU RV air conditioner.

For stronger air conditioners, the Generac GP2200i will likely be too small.

Can the Generac GP2200i power a table saw?

The Generac GP2200i will generally not be able to power a table saw.

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Author:

Mats is the founder and head editor of Generator Decision. With a combination of critical thinking, tireless research, and a healthy interest in electronics he helps people find the right generators and how to use these. At this point in the journey, Mats has done research on hundreds of portable generators.