The Generac RS8000E and GP8000E are very similar generators. Find out their differences and how to choose.
Some of the main differences between the Generac RS8000E and GP8000E are that the Generac GP8000E has a slightly lower weight, an optional CO-minder, and a lower price.
On the other hand, the Generac RS8000E has a slightly longer run time and slightly better fuel efficiency.
If the Generac RS8000E was easy to find, many people would be ok with investing just a bit more for these features.
That being said, the Generac GP8000E is about as good, a lot easier to find, and a bit more budget-friendly.
In turn, you will likely prefer this second generator.
Differences Generac RS8000E vs GP8000E
The Generac RS8000E and GP8000E are two very similar generators but there are still a few differences. You can find these in the table below.
| Feature | Generac RS8000E | Generac GP8000E |
|---|---|---|
| Run Time @50% Load | 10.5 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.5 Gallons | 7.9 Gallons |
| Weight | 213.8 lbs (97 kg) | 198 lbs (89.8 kg) |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 5.600 | 5.063 |
| CO-Minder | No | Optional |
| Dimensions | 30″ L x 27.1″ W x 25.7″ H | 27.2″ L x 27″ W x 26.5″ H |
| Run Time @25% Load | Not Mentioned | 15 Hours |
| Price Category* | $$ (Often Slightly More) | $$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Common features Generac RS8000E and GP8000E
Before investing in either the Generac RS8000E or GP8000E, you may also want to check their common features too.
| Feature | Generac RS8000E | Generac GP8000E |
|---|---|---|
| Running Watts | 8000 Running Watts | 8000 Running Watts |
| Starting Watts | 10000 Starting Watts | 10000 Starting Watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Voltage | 120/240 Volts | 120/240 Volts |
| Decibels | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Start | No | No |
| Outlets | (2) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R GFCI Outlets, (1) 120/240V 30A L14-30R Twist Lock | (2) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R GFCI Outlets, (1) 120/240V 30A L14-30R Twist Lock |
| Outlet Covers | Yes | Yes |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | No | No |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Engine Displacement | 420cc | 420cc |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | Hour Meter Only | Hour Meter Only |
| Hour Meter | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Wattage Meter | No | No |
| Run Time Remaining | No | No |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke |
| Low THD | Not Mentioned | Customer Mentions 14.5% With A Moderate Load |
| Remote Generator Operation | No | No |
| Parallel Ready | No | No |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Warranties* | 3 Years Limited Residential And 1 Year Limited Commercial | 3 Years Limited Residential And 1 Year Limited Commercial |
| Country Of Origin | Not Mentioned | Not Mentioned |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Generac RS8000E vs GP8000E in-depth
Most of the differences between the Generac RS8000E and GP8000E are relatively straightforward.
That being said, it is also possible that you benefit from a bit more explanation about the details and consequences of certain features.
Fuel efficiency
Generator brands often do not include any form of fuel efficiency but I like to include a rough estimation of this since it is somewhat relevant.
This fuel efficiency basically comes down to more or less how many kWh a generator gets out of a gallon of fuel.
In this comparison, the numbers from the Generac RS8000E imply that this generator can get 5600 kWh out of a gallon of fuel at 50% load.
On the other side, the Generac GP8000E seems to get “only” 5063 kWh out of a gallon of fuel.
This fuel efficiency is relevant in terms of the cost to run the generator over time, in situations where you don’t have unlimited fuel, and for environmental concerns.
As you can see from the numbers above, the Generac RS8000E does a bit better in these areas.
Winner: Generac RS8000E
CO-minder
In the process of converting fuel to power, generators typically emit carbon monoxide which is a gas that is toxic to people.
To add an extra layer of safety, some generators come with a CO-minder which is basically a sensor that turns the machine off when the carbon monoxide levels around it get too high.
This is not the most essential part of a generator as you can see from the fact that many models, including the Generac RS8000E and GP8000E, are available without it.
However, it can be nice to know that the Generac GP8000E does have a CO-minder as an option if you want to play it safer.
Winner: Generac GP8000E
Price
The Generac RS8000E and GP8000E vary to small extents in certain areas.
Each generator can be just a bit better for certain people and situations in terms of features.
That being said, how much of an investment each machine requires likely matters to at least some extent to you too.
At the time of writing, the price of the Generac RS8000E is just a bit higher than the Generac GP8000E.
One thing you do want to keep in mind is that the Generac RS8000E seems to be more fuel-efficient.
If you plan to use your generator a lot, this could move the price difference the other way in the long term.
Winner: Generac GP8000E in terms of initial investment
User reviews Generac RS8000E vs GP8000E
When comparing two generators like the Generac RS8000E and GP8000E that come from the same brand, the features and prices are typically enough to choose.
That being said, even in cases like this, customer reviews sometimes reveal unexpected downsides of one generator.
However, it is challenging to compare the Generac RS8000E and GP8000E in this area because it is just hard to find Generac RS8000E in general.
When it comes to the Generac GP8000E, there are a few cases where customers experienced wear and tear.
Additionally, some people got a model with the CO-minder while they actually wanted a Generac GP8000E without one.
Due to the lack of specific reviews, you can temporarily assume the Generac RS8000E would get similar reviews (minus the CO-minder mentions).
Is the Generac RS8000E or GP8000E right for you?
Overall, the Generac RS8000E has a slightly longer run time and slightly better fuel efficiency.
On the other side, the Generac GP8000E is slightly lighter, has an optional CO-minder, and has a price that is slightly lower.
Something to note is that the more efficient fuel usage could make the Generac RS8000E more budget-friendly with heavy use.
If you are able to find a Generac RS8000E, the extra run time could be worth the tiny extra investment.
At the same time, the Generac GP8000E is basically just as good, more budget-friendly, and easier to find.
This makes it so many people will prefer this second option.
