The Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500 vary in relatively small amounts. Find out what option is better for your situation.
Some of the main differences between the Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500 are that the Generac IQ3500 has a slightly longer run time, better fuel efficiency, and longer warranties.
On the other hand, the Predator 3500 has wheels, a CO-minder, and a price that is a nice amount lower.
If you plan to stay in one place, want better fuel efficiency for intense usage, and/or want longer warranties, you could find the extra investment in the Generac IQ3500 worth it.
That being said, at their normal prices, you will likely prefer the Predator 3500 for its wheels and the lower investment required.
Especially if you don’t see yourself carrying around a 100-pound (45.4 kg) generator.
One thing to note is that there are sometimes temporary deals that do make the Generac IQ3500 more attractive.
Important differences Generac IQ3500 vs Predator 3500
The Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500 are very similar but they have a variety of small differences.
Luckily, you don’t need to free up the time to look at all of these.
The main differences between the Generac IQ3500 and the Predator 3500 are often enough to make a decision.
| Feature | Generac IQ3500 | Predator 3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Run Time @25% Load | 14.1 Hours (Eco Mode) | 11 Hours |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 4.067 | 3.541 |
| Wheels | No | Yes |
| CO-Minder | No | Yes |
| Warranties* | 3 Years Limited Residential Warranty, 1 Year Commercial Warranty | 2 Years Limited Engine Warranty, 90 Days Limited Product Warranty |
| Price Category** | $$$ | $$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500
If you do have the time, courage, and interest in checking out the smaller differences and common features of the Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500, the table below can be helpful.
| Feature | Generac IQ3500 | Predator 3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Running Watts | 3000 Running Watts | 3000 Running Watts |
| Starting Watts | 3500 Starting Watts | 3500 Starting Watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
| Noise Levels | Reviews Mention Around 50 To 88 dB Depending On Distance | 56 dBA |
| Outlets | (1) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R Outlets, (1) 120V 30A L5-30R Twist Lock, (2) USB | (1) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R Outlets, (1) 120V 30A L5-30R Twist Lock Outlet, (1) Two-Pin 12VDC |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes | Yes |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | Yes | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Engine Displacement | 212cc | 212cc |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | Yes | Yes |
| Hour Meter | Yes | No |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Wattage Meter | Yes | Yes |
| Run Time Remaining | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke |
| Low THD | Less Than 3% | Less Than 3% |
| Remote Generator Operation | No | No |
| Covered Outlets | No | No |
| Parallel Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 109.1 lbs (49.5 kg) | 102 lbs (46.3 kg) |
| Run Time @50% Load | 8.9 Hours (Eco Mode) | Not Specified |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.6 Gallons | 2.33 Gallons |
| Dimensions | 23.7″ L x 18″ W x 21.7″ H | 22.75″ L x 17.3″ W x 20″ H |
| Country Of Origin | China | Not Mentioned |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Generac IQ3500 vs Predator 3500 explained
The table of differences between the Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500 and a quick look at the prices is often enough to choose between these two generators.
At the same time, it is possible that you could benefit from a more in-depth explanation of a few of these differences.
Run time and fuel efficiency
Generators are basically machines that turn fuel into usable power.
While this concept applies to all generators, their fuel capacities, fuel efficiencies, and run times can still vary.
For example, the Generac IQ3500 has a fuel tank capacity of 2.6 gallons which allows it to run for 14.1 hours at 25% load.
On the other hand, there is the Predator 3500 with a 2.33-gallon fuel capacity and an 11-hour run time at 25% load.
With these numbers, you can also roughly estimate how many kWh each generator gets out of a gallon of fuel.
For the Generac IQ3500, this estimation is 4.067 kWh per gallon of fuel.
On the other side, there is the Predator 3500 with around 3.541 kWh per gallon of fuel.
In short, the Generac IQ3500 tends to last longer on a full fuel tank and offers more power per gallon.
This can save you some refueling time, can save you some money, and is slightly better for people with environmental concerns.
Winner: Generac IQ3500
CO-minder
In the process of turning fuel into power, generators emit carbon monoxide which is a gas that is toxic to people.
This is one of the reasons why you don’t want to run a generator indoors.
And even when following the safety guidelines, it is possible that there is a buildup of carbon monoxide around the generator.
To add an extra layer of safety, some generators like the Predator 3500 come with a CO-minder that turns the machine off if it notices too much carbon monoxide.
This does not mean you can not run the Generac IQ3500 safely.
However, the extra safety from the Predator 3500 tends to be welcome.
Winner: Predator 3500
Price
The Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500 are very similar but each generator has its small upsides and downsides for certain situations and people.
Something that can make decisions like this easier is if there are any big differences in the investment required for each generator.
While this can change over time, the Predator 3500 currently tends to be a nice amount more budget-friendly than the Generac IQ3500.
You do want to check if there are any temporary deals since these can change this difference the other way.
Winner: Predator 3500
User reviews Generac IQ3500 vs Predator 3500
Looking at the price and feature differences between the Generac IQ3500 and the Predator 3500 is a great start.
However, you do want to keep in mind that generator brands do not always deliver on the promises in the feature lists.
For this reason, you also want to take the customer reviews into account when comparing two generators.
While it is hard to find the overall positivity for the IQ3500 reviews, customers tend to be happy with their Generac generators.
One thing customers do mention a few times is that the Generac IQ3500 is somewhat inconvenient to move around due to the lack of wheels.
On the other side, besides a few exceptional technical issues, customer reviews are very positive about the Predator 3500 too.
In short, customers tend to be positive about both of these generators.
Is the Generac IQ3500 or the Predator 3500 better?
Overall, the Generac IQ3500 has a slightly longer run time, better fuel efficiency, and longer warranties.
On the flip side, the Predator 3500 has wheels, a CO-minder, and a price that is a nice amount more budget-friendly.
People who plan to keep their generator in one place, want the better fuel efficiency, and/or want the better warranties can consider investing a bit more into the Generac IQ3500.
That being said, many people will also prefer the mobility and price of the Predator 3500 which is our top pick for the best 3500 watt inverter generator.
One thing to keep in mind is that these generators sometimes come with temporary deals. These could make your decision easier.
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