Find out in this review whether the Powerhorse 4500 inverter generator or the alternatives are the right choice for you.
Powerhorse 4500 inverter review in short
The Powerhorse 4500 inverter generator is a good generator for a variety of purposes ranging from tailgating to a decent amount of backup power.
At the same time, there are generators in this power category that many people will like even more.
The main example is the Westinghouse iGen4500 which has more running watts, quieter operation, better fuel efficiency, and more customers.
You can also check out the other best 4500 watt generators if you have specific needs or preferences.
Pros
- Relatively quiet operation
- Good value for the price
- Relatively positive customer reviews
Cons
- Relatively short run time
- Bad fuel efficiency
- Relatively short commercial warranty
- The occasional issue with the electric start battery
Some of the best uses for the Powerhorse 4500 inverter include:
- RV or regular camping
- Tailgating
- Small businesses like food trucks
- Running certain power tools
- Construction sites if you don’t mind the 90 days commercial warranty
- Home backup power for a few small to medium essentials
Powerhorse 4500 inverter performance in important categories
Besides the more general mini review, pros, cons, and uses, you may also want to see how the Powerhorse 4500 inverter performs in certain categories.
| Performance Category | Powerhorse 4500 Inverter Score* | Performance Category | Powerhorse 4500 Inverter Score* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Capacity | 7 | Fuel Efficiency | 4 |
| Run Time | 7 | Ease Of Use | 8.5 |
| Quiet Operation | 9 | Portability | 7 |
| THD | <2% | Price Category | $$ |
| Reliability Reputation | 8.5 | Overall Expert Rating | 8.5 |
| Current Price | Check Price |
Individual reviews compare the specific model to portable generators in general and sometimes scores are based on customer input
Powerhorse 4500 inverter review table of contents
Powerhorse 4500 inverter key features
Before digging through every single detail, you will be glad to hear that a few key features can give a good idea of what you can expect from the Powerhorse 4500 inverter generator.
| Feature | Powerhorse 4500 Inverter Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Starting Watts | 4500 Starting Watts |
| Running Watts | 3500 Running Watts |
| Run Time @25% Load | 10 Hours |
| Noise Levels | 57 dBA |
| Outlets | (1) 120V 30A TT-30R Twist-Lock Outlet, (1) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R Outlets, (2) USB Ports |
| THD | Less Than 2% |
| Warranty* | 2 Years Limited Residential And 90 Days Limited Commercial Warranties |
| Price Category** | $$ |
| Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
What will the Powerhorse 4500 inverter run?
What you can run with this 4500 watt inverter generator from Powerhorse is one of the most important details.
The most accurate way to figure this out would be to calculate the power needs of your devices and see whether the Powerhorse 4500 inverter capacity can deal with this.
However, there are also a few general statements I can make so you can quickly get some idea of what you can expect.
First of all, the Powerhorse LC4500i should be able to run a nice amount of small to medium appliances and tools.
One example of a combination that should be possible is an electric grill, a coffee maker, a laptop, and a TV.
Besides that, some of the bigger machines the Powerhorse 4500 inverter should be able to run separately include a window air conditioner (15,000 BTU), a 1 HP air compressor, and a table saw.
Powerhorse 4500 inverter customer reviews insights
Even though the Powerhorse 4500 inverter looks good in terms of features, you want to know that generator brands do not always deliver.
Going over the experiences of the customers before you with the help of their reviews is typically a good way to uncover unexpected downsides.
That being said, customers tend to be relatively positive about the Powerhorse 4500 inverter generator in their reviews.
Something you do want to keep in mind is that there are a few cases of issues with the electric start battery (but there is also the recoil start).
Additionally, there are a few cases where customers initially got a Powerhorse LC4500i that did not function as desired.
These two things need to be noted but again, the customer reviews of the Powerhorse 4500 inverter are relatively positive overall.
Powerhorse 4500 inverter alternatives
The Powerhorse 4500 inverter is a relatively good generator but there are alternatives too.
And because the category of 4500 watt generators is such a popular one, there are even alternatives that you will likely prefer over the Powerhorse LC4500i.
More specifically, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is similar to the Powerhorse LC4500i but with 200 more running watts, quieter operation, better fuel efficiency, and more customers.
You can also consider something like the WEN 56455i if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind the smaller number of customer reviews.
Is the Powerhorse 4500 inverter worth it?
The Powerhorse 4500 inverter is not perfect but it is a relatively good generator that can be worth the money in terms of the benefits it offers.
At the same time, you do want to know that there are 4500 watt generators that offer these benefits with longer run times, quieter operation, and/or a lower price.
In simpler words, the Powerhorse 4500 inverter can be a good choice if you stumble upon any really good deals but you will likely prefer the alternatives I mentioned above.

Other Powerhorse 4500 inverter specs
There are also other Powerhorse 4500 inverter specs I did not mention yet in the review.
These are not always relevant but could be in your situation so I put them in the table below.
You can also look at the Powerhorse 4500 inverter generator manual for even more details about this machine.
| Specification | Powerhorse 4500 Inverter Detail |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Portable | Yes |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.6 Gallons |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 3.365 |
| Outlet Covers | No |
| Generator Oil Type | 10W-30 (API Service SE type or higher) |
| Engine Displacement | 212cc |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Remote Start | No |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | Yes |
| Hour Meter | Yes |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Wattage Meter | Yes |
| Run Time Remaining | No |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke |
| Remote Generator Operation | No |
| Parallel Ready | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes |
| CO-Minder | No |
| Country Of Origin | Vietnam |
| Dimensions | 22.8″ L x 17.3″ W x 20″ H |
| Weight | 99.2 lbs (45 kg) |
| Check Current Price |
Powerhorse 4500 inverter FAQ
How long will a Powerhorse 4500 inverter run?
A Powerhorse 4500 inverter generator will run for about 10 hours at 25% load on a full tank.
How much oil does a Powerhorse 4500 inverter take?
The Powerhorse 4500 inverter has an oil capacity of 20.3 fluid ounces which is about 0.6 liters.
How many decibels is a Powerhorse 4500 inverter?
A Powerhorse 4500 inverter is about 57 A-weighted decibels (dBA) at 25% load and a distance of 23 feet (7 meters).
