Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator Review
The Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator is the ideal generator to power desired loads in a variety of outdoor environments, including parks, campgrounds, backyard parties, and tailgating events. Third-party testing has shown the Generac iQ2000 to be quieter than its competitors*, allowing users to power the loads they want without disturbing those around them. The generator can be connected to a wide range of sensitive devices, including electronics because the digital inverter module converts the raw power it produces from direct current to alternating current.
You’re probably looking for a lightweight and quiet portable inverter generator if you’re reading this article. You might be going camping, but it’s getting hot, so you’ll want to be able to run a fan for a while. Or maybe you like to follow closely and want a way to enjoy the game, including atmospheric in-game sounds, without being drowned out by generator noise.
Or maybe you need a portable generator to use your tools outdoors or for some other reason. Whatever the reason, we’ll help make your purchase decision easier by providing a comprehensive overview of the Generac iQ2000.
Generac has been making generators since the 1950s and has become a firm favorite with many. They may be less well known than Yamaha or Hyundai, but the Generac iQ2000 portable inverter generator is one of the most popular options on Amazon, and for a good reason.
In this article, we will take a look at its features, power, and runtime. We’re also going to look at the design and noise levels and some of the issues other people have encountered. After reading this article, you will know for sure if this is the right portable generator for you. But first, let’s look at this generator’s main advantages and disadvantages.
Comparison Between Generac iQ2000 and Others
Honda EU2000I
- Power: 1600 Watts / 2000 Watts
- Engine: 98.5cc
- Run-time: 8h Hours at 1Gallon Gas
- Noise Level: 51 dBA
- Outlets: 2 – 120V 20A, 2 USB Port
- Fuel Tank: 1 Gallon
- Size: 20.1 x 11.4 x 16.7 Inches
- Weight: 45.6 Pounds
- Parallel Ready: Yes
- Warranty: 3-Year
- User Rating: ā 4.70 Out of 5 to 400+ Customers
- Expert Score: ā 4.80 Out of 5
- Power: 1600 Watts / 2000 Watts
- Engine: 79.7cc
- Run-time: 6 Hours, 9.4 Hours at Quarter-Load
- Noise Level: 58 dBA
- Outlets: 2 – 120V 20A, 1 5V USB Port
- Fuel Tank: 1 Gallon
- Size: 18 x 11 x 18 Inches
- Weight: 48 Pounds
- Parallel Ready: Yes
- Warranty: 2-Year
- User Rating: ā 4.50 Out of 5 – 3K+ Customers
- Expert Score: ā 4.70 Out of 5
- Power: 1600 Watts / 2000 Watts
- Engine: 79cc
- Run-time: 10.5 Hours at 25% Load
- Noise Level: 51.5 dBA
- Outlets: 2 – 120V 20A, 1 – 12V DC 8A Outlet
- Fuel Tank: 1.1 Gallons
- Size: 19.3 x 11 x 17.9 Inches
- Weight: 44.1 pounds
- Parallel Ready: Yes
- Warranty: 3-Year
- User Rating: ā 4.50 Out of 5 – 500+ Customers.
- Expert Score: ā 4.60 Out of 5
Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator at a Glance:
Advantages:
It has 3 modes: Economy, standard, and Turbo.
Low oil Indicators.
Quiet Portable
The clear runtime display panel
Easy to use and user-friendly.
Parallel-ready, to generate twice the amount of power.
Low noise level and extremely quiet operation.
Affordable option
PowerDial integrates start/run/stop functions into 1 easy-to-use dial.
Disadvantages:
Shorter battery life than many
Less power than bigger portable generators
Features of Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator:
One of the main advantages of the Generac iQ2000 portable inverter generator is its ease of use. This portable generator has a great design that makes it a really easy option for anyone, even if you’ve never used one.
The main feature that makes this portable generator so easy is its clear LED display. There is a fuel gauge on the screen, so you can see how much fuel you’ve used and how much you have left. When it comes to inverter generators, the noise level score is much better than conventional generators. The iQ2000i displays the fuel gauge and power.
There’s also a power bar showing how many watts you’re currently using and how much is still available. Then there is a runtime screen at the top, which shows how much time you have left to charge.
As far as using the generator is concerned, it is super easy. On the side is a power dial with a start, run and stop functions. Then there is again a simple button on the screen that allows you to choose between the three settings.
It is highly rated when it comes to ease of use. The Generac iQ2000 is a strong competitor in the 2000-watt inverter generator category. It scores well for portability, runtime, and ease of use.
The first is Economy mode. This is the quietest setting, the most efficient, and is best for less demanding loads. The default mode is the middle one and probably the most suitable for your general needs. Then there’s the Turbo mode, which gives you the most powerful but the most noise and shortest run time. It comes with 3 modes: economy mode, standard, and turbo modes. Note that Turbo mode is the loudest. Switching between these modes gives you more control over fuel consumption.
Another great feature of the Generac iQ2000 inverter generator is the generator status. This is a small set of indicator lights that let you know how much time is left before it runs out of fuel and alerts you to a low oil level. But it also warns you when there is a danger of overheating or overload and is very easy to use.
If you think you need more power than it can deliver because it’s done in parallel. This means you can hook up another generator simply by using a parallel kit, allowing you to run it longer or supply larger loads. Finally, there is the fact that it is easy to transport.
It weighs 46 pounds and has a handle that makes it easy to carry. The manufacturers are also confident in the product they have made as it comes with a three-year warranty. This is in it for the long term.
Power of Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator:
The Generac iQ2000 has a fuel capacity of 1.06 gallons. The initial rated AC output watts are 2000; the running watts are 1600. Its rated amps are 13.3 amps at 120 volts, and it has a rated AC voltage of 120 VAC, with a frequency of 60 Hz.
The first thing to clarify about the Generac iQ2000 is an inverter generator. This makes it a smart choice for many reasons, but the main reason is that it is a much more efficient choice of generator, and we’ll briefly explain why. You must turn a rotary knob on the side to start the engine. This is just below the drawstring for your manual recoil system.
A conventional generator produces alternating current (alternating current) directly, meaning a lot of fuel is wasted. In contrast, an inverter generator produces AC according to the demand load. It then converts it into raw DC (DC) current before converting it back into cleaner AC, which discharges their electrical appliances.
This may sound like more power, but you use a lot less fuel this way. Plus, it means it’s currently sensitive for all your electronics and appliances. Inverter generators are also much quieter, making them more useful for everyday use.
Run-time:
We mentioned earlier that the Generac iQ2000 has a starting power of 2000 watts and a running power of 1600 watts. This 1600 watts of power would be the generator at full capacity, at which point it would last much less time.
The official runtime at 25% capacity is 7.7 hours, although several people who have reviewed the generator have found it to last up to 10 hours at 25% capacity. This would, of course, be the case if you were to use the generator for something smaller.
If I were to run the generator at 50%, it would last about 5.7 hours. This puts it in the middle of the range of comparable generators. It lasts longer than some, but it’s not the best out there regarding runtime.
It is generally not recommended to run the generator at full power as this can cause damage and shorten its life. However, one reviewer saw a man charging his Tesla car with a Generac iQ2000, drawing 12 amps of power. If we consider that the maximum power it can deliver is 13.3 amps, we can see that this means that it was using it with a load of about 90% (or 1440 watts).
The displayed run time was 2 hours 35 minutes, and there were 8 bars of 12 on the fuel gauge. This means that if you had a 90% fuel tank, the run time would be about 3 hours and 52 minutes. But unless you’re charging a car, you probably won’t need to run it on that much power that often.
Noise level:
One of the biggest concerns people have when buying a generator is the amount of noise. Many campgrounds have strict limits on when generators can be used and how much noise they can make.
It’s not uncommon to hear that inverter generators can only run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or that there is a 60 dB (decibel) limit.
Well, if you’re looking for a super quiet generator, it doesn’t get much better than this one. The Generac iQ2000 runs at 53 dB at 25% load. Of course, it will be a bit noisier when it’s running on a higher load or higher settings. However, most people tend to place a generator about 70 meters away from them. At that point, this generator won’t bother you.
The Generac iQ2000 has been specifically designed to be quieter than its Honda competitors, which claim to be the quietest portable generators on the market, and third-party testing has confirmed this. So if you’re looking for a silent generator, it doesn’t get any better than this one.
Issues of Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator:
The Generac iQ2000 is a popular choice, and it’s pretty good at what it does, so the number of reported issues is quite limited. Some people have reported that he is not very well informed.
While this is a valid problem, Generac is not alone; it affects all generators. The air is thinner, and this affects how well they work. Some people have also reported fuel leak issues. Most of the time, the reason for this is simply that the carburetor drain is not closed. However, the manual is very comprehensive, so you should find a solution there. And if not, the three-year warranty should fix most defects.
Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator Conclusion
The Generac iQ2000 is popular for a reason. When it comes to portable generators, this is one of the smallest and lightest options and is reasonably priced. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s not often you’ll want to use a portable generator for something it can’t handle.
As long as you don’t use it at full power, it will last 5-8 hours and be quieter than most generators. Most importantly, it is very easy to use. Simple dials and indicators let you know exactly what you’re doing, how much power you’re getting and how long you can keep using it.
Generac iQ2000 2000 Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
Generac 8250 GP2500i 120V 18.3 Amp Portable 2500 Watts Corded Inverter Generator
Generac 3500 W Pull Cord Start Inverter Generator
$1,299.00
$999.00
in stock
Generac XT8500EFI - 8,500 Watt Electric-Start Portable Generator with 459cc EFI Engine & CO-Sense Technology, RECONDITIONED
Generac iQ2000 Portable Generator Price History
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Powered Inverter Generator, Generac
Price History
Very Impressed. I don’t like giving 5’s but a 4 (“Good”) didn’t seem like enough. 4.5 is where I’d like to be. Let me start by saying I’ve never owned a generator, but we wanted one that could get us through an extended power outage and could be used to run a few power tools in a remote location. I probably didn’t need a 3500 but I’m sick of going small and regretting not getting the bigger one, so I went with the iQ3500.
First all the things I like. The generator looks great (I know that doesn’t matter, but trust me, it does), and it feels like a tank. After I filled it with gas and oil, I went to start it. It’s got an electric start but I wanted to see how the cord start felt. I pulled the cord out super slow to see how long the recoil would be and it started! Seriously, I barely pulled the cord and it started first try. The next thing I noticed is how crazy quiet it is! And when you put it on Eco mode, you could have it in the middle of a tailgate and people would tell you to turn own the music before they told you to turn off the generator. I used it to power up my table saw, drill, shop vac (not same time), which were no problem, and of course plugging in lots of low pull items like a radio, fan, etc. is nothing for this thing.
Now the thing I don’t like: I mentioned it is built like a tank….well, it’s as heavy as one too. To call it portable is a stretch. My wife and I can move it around, but we wouldn’t want to carry it too far. Either it needs to be made with wheels or some sort of cart should be an add-on.
But that’s the only bad thing I’ve found so far. Really impressed with this, and it’s a U.S. company too!
Unbelievably Quiet! I bought this generator to run my Ice House/Camper. All of the 2000 units were not powerful enough to run my AC Unit. This unit has been great, I was able to run the AC, Refrigerator, TV, DVD, Lights, and Coffee maker all at the same time.
The IQ3500 is also the quietest unit I have seen, it is as quiet as the 2000 watt units.
Only thing I would like to see improved is the LCD display, on bright days it is a little hard to read and I would like it to stay on hours remaining. You have to scroll though all options each time. Either way not a big deal.
Over all a great unit and I would highly recommend it.
Hard ramp up, but after that a great unit ! First day I got it was really hard to get it working, 5 attempts or more every time I wanted to start the Inverter, the second day was a little bit easier.
Its been in use for 4 days now, starting is no longer a problem, I can get it running every time at the first try. DonĀ“t know if it was part of the break in period or what.
Unit is super capable, I can run an electric grill and a Makita saw at the same time with no trouble.
Fuel efficiency is great on econo mode.
The only down to this product is the weight, You need two strong guys to load it into a pickup truck, if you are camping with the wife probably the generator will stay in the car ’cause its really heavy.
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.
Very quiet. I purchased this to use at an off the grid tiny house and really wanted something quiet. This works perfect for a quiet power source.
The only thing I’d like to see addressed is having the oil drain out of the bottom instead of the side. The side drain isn’t very user friendly.
Excellent Generator for the price, but… This is an excellent little generator and produces enough power for its size. if 2KW is what you need, this will do the trick. However, two things were disappointing. One, it is a lot heavier than the Honda equivalent. And two, it is no where near as quiet as the claim. It is downright noisy. Unfortunately, to get lighter and quieter, a Honda will cost you almost double the price. So for the few times you may need backup power, this will do just fine, and you will not be disappointed. But if you want to use this for camping, or extra power for a farmer’s market or swap meet, it may be a bit too heavy and noisy for that. So 4 stars because it is a very good device. Minus one for weight and noise.
Price was affordable and shipping was fast
Wow. Great price, great brand, good product for the price. I purchased this at a sell price that was a hundred dollars off suggested retail which was a super buy. I had considered a Honda, but for the price, this unit is the bomb! Just a quiet as a Honda and MORE running watts, two 20 amp outlets, two usb charging ports and capable of charging a car battery. The Good: The generator is quiet, easy to set up and start, portable, comes with the battery charging cables, initial oil and worked flawlessly during my one hour initial test. I am very happy with the performance of it. The Bad: fit and finish has a lot to desire. The control panel was bulging at one corner and a screw on the panel was striped out.The spark plug is difficult to access, removing the plug wire is a chore. What could be Better: Filing the oil is also strangely difficult, they provide a funnel but the fill port is at a right angle to the unit and at the bottom. Basically when oil stops going in while filling, it is full (messy). Filling the gas tank is also odd. You have no way of knowing how much gas is in the tank. When filling, the spout of the gas can fills the opening which has a screen inside of it and you cannot gauge how full you have it. I see a big problem when filling a hot generator this way! Side panel is removable with two phillips screws, but hand twist screws would be so much better! This allows access to fill/check the oil, drain the carb for storage, and the air filter. I wish it had a digital read out for watts used but at this price point I understand. Why can’t manufacturers engrave the maintenance schedule and oil type/amount, plug type, etc on the generator so it would always be handy?? Would I buy this again? Absolutely! The price, brand and running watts makes this an outstanding deal. I can live with the minor flaws.
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!
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.
Overheats when using 1800 watts. Broke it in as suggested.. this thing can NOT keep up with even under 2000 watts. Would never buy again from this company
Is perfect for camping or general use. I actually bought this late in the season on our last camping weekend. I was pleased with the easy pull start. Started up right away. Did a great job charging the camper battery. Will run everything except the a/c.
Trouble starting generator. Recently purchased GP2500 generator. Add the oil and fuel as stated in start up guide. The generator fired right up and used it for about 20 minutes running an electric trimmer. Stored it in my shop for month. I got it out last week added fuel. Now it won’t start, checked the oil level. Still won’t start up. Do you have any things to try before I find an authorized dealer that does repairs.
Began positive. I have had several carb issues. I worked where we sold Generac generators, and always spoke highly of them. I owned a GP5500 prior w/ few problems. I always kept ethanol free gas or gas w/ Stabil in my IQ3500 . Which purchased 9/2019. I had one carb replacement a year ago ,after a month wait for parts from Generac. It would start but not run and the ECO setting would shutter and shut the engine off. Now it is repeating problems, after only being run on ethanol gas for less than 1 hour. We used it to run the 13.5K A/C or to run heater fan and charge RV batteries. We were able to do one or the other at a time. It was never able to pull the 25 Amp specs.
Runs good, good value, but hard to start- found workaround. I bought the GP2500i new a the beginning of December 2021 to provide some backup power if the electricity went out. I wasn’t looking for a home backup- just to charge cellphones, led lights, run a single 1500W heater, power the fridge or freezer now and then to keep things from spoiling.
From the unit’s initial start-up, it took 5+ pulls to get it started. Successive starts were the same. 8-10 pulls to get it to start. Fresh fuel, 90+ Octane, no difference. From other reviewers on other websites, this seems to be a problem with this unit.
However, I saw a post from a reviewer on another website with the same problem and he suggested 5-6 slow pulls with the unit set on Run, flip to Choke and then quick tugs to start. I tried his suggestion and it worked- 6 slow pulls followed by 3 actual quick pulls and it started and ran with no problems. I then ran it 20 min with 3/4 load. Stopped it for 5 mins to add fuel and it restarted on Run with 1 pull. This is with 60 day old, 91 octane gas treated for ethanol and storage protection.
I would give the unit 5 stars if it started better. Other than that, it’s a a great value for the money for the usable wattage it has.
I hope this information is helpful.
Great little generator easy to handle. Great little generator very powerful and easy to start.
Happy so far. Just got this. But so far great and super quiet. The only thing I wish it had was wheels. It overall it’s great. I will let try to write another review after we use it.
Great Product GP2500i. I purchased back in February of 2021 after a few days of a hard freeze in Oregon. I added as a 2nd generator for all around use. Finally took out of box (11/2022) LOL! All prepped up. Not too bad!
Generator is lightweight, started on third pull, quiet. So far so good. Future plans would be getting a 2nd one, with parallel kit. Generator will be great for home, outdoor activities.
Ill test more and put a review back up.
More Power. Overall great unit. However, room for improvement on power options and design.
Pro’s – Super Quiet and Fuel Efficient.
Cons – Not available in bigger options. Would love to see something in the 4000-5000W range with some sound dampening. Or, design a cover for your open frame options.
Lastly, please add some wheels to this thing!