Generac 7127 iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator
We bought this Generac 7127 iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator. This is a very good little generator, super quiet, with good solid power. We bought this generator in spring to have it for boating and hurricane season. This unit was big enough to power the essentials in the house and small enough to bring on my boat for overnight trips. Living on the Jersey Shore, we frequently lose power, sometimes for extended periods. During the last storm, we lost power for a day. I broke out the Generac, and it started the first pull.
Looking for a powerful, quiet, and efficient portable generator? Inverter technology in generators has helped significantly reduce the noise these machines produce. Numerous generators on the market today offer top performance and quiet operation. Generators like the Generac 7127 iQ3500 are so quiet that you can take them to the campsite or use them at home without disturbing your neighbors. Read our review of the Generac iQ3500 portable generator to see if it has what you’re looking for.
Comparison Between Generac 7127 iQ3500 and Others
- Power: 3100 Watts / 3400 Watts
- Engine: 192cc
- Run-time: 7.5 Hours (Gas), Up to 14.5 Hours (Propane)
- Noise Level: 59 dBA
- Outlets: 2 – 120V 20A, 120V 30A RV, 12V DC outlet with dual USB Adapter
- Fuel Tank: 1.6 Gallons
- Size: 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3 Inches
- Weight: 95.7 Pounds
- Parallel Ready: Yes
- Warranty: 3-Year
- User Rating: – 4.70 Out of 5 – 1.9K Customers
- Expert Score: – 4.80 Out of 5
- Power: 2800 Watts / 3100 Watts
- Engine: 212cc
- Run-time: 7.5 Hours
- Noise Level: 57 dBA
- Outlets: 2 – 120V 20A, 1 – 120V 30A RV, 1 – 12V 8A DC, 2 – 5V USB Port
- Fuel Tank: 1.85 Gallon
- Fuel Consumption: 0.25 GPH
- Size: 23 x 16.5 x 19.5 Inches
- Weight: 81.4 Pounds
- Parallel Ready: Yes
- Warranty: 2-Year
- User Rating: – 4.20 Out of 5 to 40+ Customers
- Expert Score: – 4.30 Out of 5
- Power: 3000 Watts / 3500 Watts
- Engine: 212cc
- Run-time: 14.1 Hours
- Noise Level: 65 dBA
- Outlets: 1 – Duplex 120V 20A, 1 – 120V 30A, and 2 – 5V USB Port
- Fuel Tank: 2.6 Gallons
- Size: 19.7 x 16.5 x 16.4 Inches
- Weight: 74.3 Pounds
- Parallel Ready: Yes
- Warranty: 3-Year
- User Rating: – 4.70 Out of 5 – 250+ Customers
- Expert Score: – 4.70 Out of 5
Generac 7127 iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator review
The Generac 7127 iQ3500 has great features, such as being 40% quieter than its closest competitor, the Honda portable inverter generator. Ultra-quiet operation is made possible by a housing design that offers optimum quiet performance. And that’s not all. The Generac 7127 iQ3500 is also 16% more powerful than the Honda. This is thanks to the revolutionary Power Rush technology.
These great features make this portable generator ideal for both work and play. It comes with a sturdy steel case that is sturdy and durable. This generator can be easily used at work or recreational locations.
Design of Generac 7127 iQ3500
The first thing I noticed when unpacking the Generac IQ3500 was that the device was completely encased in a steel case. The overall design of this device looks and feels sturdy. It also looks good. Working in many job sites in my past life, I was used to running wide-open frame generators so loud that we spent several hours building a fence around them. Immediate, persistent noise elsewhere so we don’t all get a headache from noise at the end of the day. Thinking about those days makes me happy. Now I’m sitting at a desk, haha. When I opened the metal case, I noticed it was also insulated for noise reduction. We’ll get to the noise levels later.
The IQ3500 has a dry weight of 109 pounds. It’s neither light nor heavy compared to other generators in its class. The IQ3500 comes with two handles on each side on the top. I’m used to wheeled generators that can be moved around a job site or camping. I’m not weak (discussion, yes), but I certainly don’t exercise. I could lift and move the unit, but any type of long-distance transportation and would prefer a friend’s help. Due to its size and weight, it isn’t easy to move. The 2.6-gallon fuel tank gives the iq3500 a good run time of 8.9 hours. We ran it for 6 hours with two refrigerators drawing power without running out of fuel.
The IQ3500 control panel is well-designed and easy to operate. Do you want to run the generator? Spin the large orange dial to run, or you’ll choke and walk away if you haven’t run. Pull the starter rope or push the red starter button.
Generac iq3500 It’s so easy even my two-year-old did it by accident. She was scared and backed away quickly. I was hoping you could keep your eyes off it for five seconds, I’m telling you… The IQ3500 has two 20 amp 5-20R outlets, 2 USBs, 1 30 amp L5-30R outlet, and a 25 amp socket connecting two Generac in parallel for power outputs. The LCD screen is nice; you can scroll through power, estimated run time, engine hour meter, and fuel level. While it is nice, it has a fuel gauge; it is not easy to find or see. Looking at the Generac iq2000, that unit has bright green LED lights in the shape of a dial to indicate the fuel level. This is easy to see from a distance or indoors, which is great fun. I wish Generac had made this a standard feature across the IQ line.
Setup Process:
The IQ3500 is almost ready for use. Open the front access panel and connect the wiring to the battery. Open the side panel and fill the motor with the supplied 10W-30 oil using the supplied filler funnel. Fill it up with gasoline, and that’s it. Fire it up! It was interesting to find that sufficient fuel can contain up to 10% ethanol. This means that you can use a normal fuel pump. I expected to use engineered fuel or no ethanol. So I have no complaints about this man’s deception.
Operation of the generator:
Starting the IQ3500 is easy. Two options pull the recoil cable, which does not require much effort. Or press the electric start button. Very cool. Now Busted Wallet has reviewed another generator with remote starting. It’s a pretty handy feature that would come in handy if you have your IQ3500 in a long-term location. This is advertised as one of the quietest generators on the market. It is even 40% quieter than a Honda. That’s how it is? The first time I pulled the starter rope, I laughed. “Does it work?!” This thing is so quiet I can’t get over it. You can even activate the eco mode, which lowers the engine and becomes quieter. I could argue with someone while this thing walked between us without raising my voice. This generator is much quieter than any generator I’ve ever seen. Perfect for any safe camping or tailgate. This thing spins, and you barely notice it.
Power:
The IQ3500 has two 5-20R 20 amp sockets, 2 USB plugs, 1 L5-30R 30 amp socket, and a 25 amp socket for paralleling two Generac sockets. As an inverter generator, you also get some nice clean power. The iq3500 also features Powerrush technology which gives the unit 50% more starting power to jump-start your equipment. Coincidentally, when I unpacked the IQ3500 to check it out, we lost power in our house and were told it was Generac. I turned on two fridges/freezers, two lights, a TV, and our cable box (the Michigan State game was on) without any problems. It’s not a maximum load, but a good first test. I also put two hairdryers on full blast at once, close to full charge. I also simultaneously plugged in my 3 HP air compressor, circular saw, and 10″ miter saw. When I accidentally started the generator with the compressor plugged in and running, I turned off the generator circuit. The unit handled everything very well. This generator would power any typical scenario.
This is late February in Michigan. It was cold, and we needed warmth. I thought about going to the hardware store and buying a flexible electrical cable to connect the generator to our furnace. I plugged everything in, plugged it in, turned on the oven, and boom… I’m the hero. Then the oven went out. After several attempts and conversations with Generac, this device is not made to power an oven or electronic equipment. I checked that the generator had sufficient capacity to power the furnace. The maximum consumption appears in my oven at 9.6 amps. So we spent one cold night at home and the next at the in-laws. Generac says the IQ3500 is designed more for job sites, tail lifts, and camping. I read that Generac whole house generators have a biased stator that is supposed to provide a smooth output for electronic equipment.
Fuel Consumption and Safety Features
With a 2.6-gallon fuel tank, the Generac iQ3500 can run for a long time without refueling. This means you rarely have to take extra fuel with you to work/camping.
In addition, you never have to manually open the fuel tank to check if it is empty. This generator has a digital display that shows the fuel level in the tank at any time. The screen warns you when your fuel is running low and gives an estimate of the run time remaining so you can plan if necessary.
Runs on Gas
Regarding safety, you must never leave unused fuel near the generator while running. It would help if you watched for fuel leaks or spills, as they can cause a fire. It is not recommended to use this generator indoors. All generators, including inverter generators, should always be operated in well-ventilated areas to avoid the build-up of carbon monoxide gasses.
Generac 7127 iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator Final Words
Overall, the Generac 7127 iQ3500 (available on Amazon) is an amazing portable generator with many great features, such as advanced inverter technology, compact design, quiet operation, durable housing, easy installation, low fuel consumption, and high power output. Capacity. This generator is also quite affordable compared to some more expensive models. Overall, Generac’s inverter generator has a lot to offer with very few drawbacks.
Generac iQ3500 - 3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
$1,299.00
$999.00
in stock
Generac 7127 iQ3500 Portable Generator Price History
Generac 7127 iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator, Generac
as of August 27, 2023 6:57 am
Price History
Statistics
Current Price
$1,199.00
August 27, 2023
Highest Price
$1,285.06
July 24, 2023
Lowest Price
$899.10
June 25, 2023
Last price changes
$1,199.00
July 31, 2023
$1,285.06
July 24, 2023
$1,199.99
July 18, 2023
$899.10
June 25, 2023
$999.00
May 3, 2023
Blown away by the IQ3500. Quiet and Powerful. We have been using this Generac IQ3500 for over 300 hours now without issues. We camp on our houseboat and instead of using the onboard generator that uses 1.6 Gal/Hr, we have a 30A twist lock into the boat to run all of the 110v. It generally runs 12-16 hours depending on load. Its super quiet in Eco mode and isn’t very loud running full open. This has allowed us to extend our camping time and save money in gas to run everything except the 220V HVAC! I am thoroughly impressed with this generator. The onboard display center shows me hours, gas percentages, load, and estimated time. It has made it easy to keep up on maintenance for oil changes, spark plug and checking air filter/spark arrest filter. Would recommend this to anybody that is looking for clean power to camp, run power tools, microwave, or anything in the 30a and below range.
Flawed Product. I purchased this unit 6 months ago from menards.com.
Overall, this seems to be a good generator with the features necessary to support sensitive electronics and it is very quiet. However, it has some production flaws. The first thing I noticed is that the exhaust pipe does not line up with the grill that covers it. After a run of several hours, I’m guessing that the plastic grill will be melted where the exhaust pipe is pointing. The second thing I noticed is related to the maintenance of the unit. The oil drain for the unit does not actually exit the outside casing of the unit, leaving it up to your creativity how you are going to get the oil to drain out of the unit without making a mess on the inside of it. If someone has some suggestions to make this process clean and simple, I may increase the product rating slightly. So far a search of FAQs on Generac’s website and a thorough search through the internet has not amounted to anything. The third thing I’ll make note of is the quality. After just 6 months and 2 uses, the electric start on the unit no longer works.
Unbelievably quiet! After doing lots of research online I chose this generac model and have not been disappointed! It is incredibly quiet even under load. The efficiency mode is a nice option for lighter loads to conserve fuel. The only issue I have is the generator is a bit heavy for one person but can be managed if necessary. A wheel kit would make it about perfect if one were available. The electric start is a great feature and pull start is not difficult if needed. Started right up out of the box and have had no issues, it runs the ac unit on my 32 foot travel trailer with no problem. Highly recommend this model, quality well built generator as the ne would expect from Generac.
Quiet Little Powerhouse. This is a well built generator with lots of features. We moved across the country and left our old generator with the house. My wife is on oxygen and we wanted something just in case of an extended power outage. It doesn’t happen much here in AZ compared to where we lived before so just wanted something to run her machine, the refrigerator and a few lights. I like the electric start but it does start easy with the recoil starter. The fuel gauge and information center is nice. Compared to our old generator this is really quiet. It doesn’t make as much noise as the A/C unit outside, which is important living in a subdivision now. After a lot of research we decided on this one and have been happy so far. I will be adding a transfer switch in the future to make it even easier to connect. One note, it is heavy for one person to move around. I bought a moving dolly that is the perfect size, so rolling it around is not bad.
Excellent and can be better. I am a event rental company owner. We rent generators for many different applications. Purchased us to run our restroom trailers which have RV generators. What we really liked about it is that one person could move it. It is very quiet. We would love to see this with an EFI option.
I’ve had the iq3500 for 3 months. … and it cranks good and runs quiet , — until I plug in something in. Then it makes a whistling or whining noise that is louder than the motor. Called all repair people in my area to check it out and all that are still in business say they only work on whole home generators. 2 of them kindly looked at it and listened and said it may be supposed to make that noise. It charges fine an for now I’ll try to enjoy the whistling.
Solid Quality Construction. I have a iQ2000 and wanted another Generac with more wattage. Bought this for camping and as a backup to our larger generator. Arrived in perfect condition, started on the second pull (very smooth) and started later with the electric start. Followed all recommended break in procedures and it is very quiet for a generator this size. It’s 109 lbs. dry so I built a dolly for maneuverability in my building. Highly recommend the iQ3500!
Don’t be ‘one of those guys’ while camping. I bought this to use with our 26 ft. camper. Sites with hook-ups are becoming more difficult to get with the increase in post-pandemic campers. I wanted to have full use of my camper but didn’t want to listen to (or have my neighbors listen to) a loud, open-frame generator.
This generator is SO quiet. It is barely louder than ambient noise at the campground when sitting in our site, and is virtually in-audible by the time you are 50 ft away. Set up was super easy. Connect battery cables. Add oil and good gas (91 octane with zero ethanol is BEST.). Turn on and push start…
It is very well built. None of the problems noted in other reviews.
My only ‘complaints’ is the weight and the oil drain design. 100+ pounds seems heavy for a unit this size. But I knew the weight prior to buying it. The oil drain design could use some work. A 4″ hose that would slip out through the bottom oil drain port would be a HUGE improvement.
Very Quiet As Advertised. I purchased this for the same reason as many others. I wanted a reliable power supply for my travel trailer. I also wanted something quiet so others wouldn’t be annoyed at camping areas.
Set up was simple. Connect the battery, put in the oil and gas and it is ready to go. Started right up and ran smooth and quiet.
However, while running, I heard a slight vibration noise that didn’t sound normal. After a little investigation I saw that one of the standing frame supports was cracked where it mounts to the base of the unit. (Access door side on the left)
I’m certain this is not a manufacturing flaw, rather something that happened during the shipping process.
I called the Generac customer support number (On a Saturday during a holiday weekend) and spoke with a very nice woman named Linda. She registered my product and informed me that this is something that would be covered under the warranty. She was able to get me in contact with a local authorized repair shop. I have since contacted them and they have the replacement part on order.
Service after the sale is extremely important. I was pleasantly surprised how smooth this process has been to get the repair done.
Get what you pay for. Definitely not the cheapest, but it’ll be worth the money in the long run. All features are as advertised, quiet, powerful, LCD screen provides very useful information. Parallel kit to use two at once works perfect as well. Would recommend to anyone.
However, NO WHEELS. Being an inverter generator, this is heavy. So I was surprised when I could not find a wheel attachment for this. It would make moving around so much easier.