Recommend a small generator for my mother.

[D_Nyholm]

After the last hurricane that knocked out my mothers power for a little over a week, we were looking at getting her a small generator. Something in the 2000-3000 watt range that is easy to use, easy to start, and quiet. I immediately thought of Honda generators. The 2k watt one is less than 50 lbs, super quiet, and will run about 10 hours on a small tank of gas. Unfortunately, it is over $1000!!! Thier 'economy range is 2500 watts and it about $900, so not so economy in my mind. I was hoping there might be something similar in the $500-$600 range, but I don't really know much about small engines to know what is a good and what is a rip off. She only needs something that will run her refrigerator, and maybe 1-2 lights. I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have.

 

[FUNX650]

After the last hurricane that knocked out my mothers power for a little over a week, we were looking at getting her a small generator. Something in the 2000-3000 watt range that is easy to use, easy to start, and quiet. I immediately thought of Honda generators. The 2k watt one is less than 50 lbs, super quiet, and will run about 10 hours on a small tank of gas. Unfortunately, it is over $1000!!! Thier 'economy range is 2500 watts and it about $900, so not so economy in my mind. I was hoping there might be something similar in the $500-$600 range, but I don't really know much about small engines to know what is a good and what is a rip off. She only needs something that will run her refrigerator, and maybe 1-2 lights. I'd appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Home Depot carries the Husky brand generators such as this:

Husky 5000W Generator, HU40500

in the $400-$700 dollar range.

Bob

 

[Buckskincolt]

Costco has a HoneywelL 2000 watt inverter type (like a Honda) for $530 shipped. My father in law has one and they are really nice but a little more noisy than a Honda.

 

[Flash Gordon]

Honda gets my vote

Check Craigslist and your local Pawn Shops

 

[D_Nyholm]

Honda gets my vote

Check Craigslist and your local Pawn Shops

Seems this is the case. What I want is a Honda without the Honda price! Where are the Hyundais?

Costco has a HoneywelL 2000 watt inverter type (like a Honda) for $530 shipped. My father in law has one and they are really nice but a little more noisy than a Honda.

Checked it out and the 2 reviews basically say it is similar to the honda, just much louder. I'll have to see if that will make a huge difference to my mother.

Home Depot carries the Husky brand generators such as this:

Husky 5000W Generator, HU40500

in the $400-$700 dollar range.

Bob

Have you used this generator? It is way overpowered for what she would need it for and not really as portable, though the price is right. Wonder how loud it is?

 

[Flash Gordon]

Seems this is the case. What I want is a Honda without the Honda price! Where are the Hyundais?

Thats why I sent you to CL or PS

 

[FUNX650]

Have you used this generator? It is way overpowered for what she would need it for and not really as portable, though the price is right. Wonder how loud it is?

Yes, I have this one. The one with the Briggs&Stratton powerplant. I plan on a whole house standby unit in the near future.
To me not too loud...but when the power's out, noise is not on the top of my worry list. It's to be ran outdoors only. Neighbors? Still not on top of my worry list in power outage situations.

I don't think it's way overpowered. IMO...Your mother will need use of more than what you listed in your original posting:

"She only needs something that will run her refrigerator, and maybe 1-2 lights"

How about the HVAC units....I like those to run also. And maybe a TV to pass the time.

Bob

 

[Kristopher1129]

ETQ makes some decent fairly priced generators. I paid about $400 for my 4000 watt. It's pull start, but it's pretty simple to get running.

 

[D_Nyholm]

Yes, I have this one. The one with the Briggs&Stratton powerplant. I plan on a whole house standby unit in the near future.
To me not too loud...but when the power's out, noise is not on the top of my worry list. It's to be ran outdoors only. Neighbors? Still not on top of my worry list in power outage situations.

I don't think it's way overpowered. IMO...Your mother will need use of more than what you listed in your original posting:

"She only needs something that will run her refrigerator, and maybe 1-2 lights"

How about the HVAC units....I like those to run also. And maybe a TV to pass the time.

Bob

I'm all about more power myself. She MIGHT use a little more power, if anything, a window A/C unit. I do not know the wattage of those though. TV won't work with power out since the cable won't come through (all digital around here), so i'm thinking 3K at the most for her needs?

Is this a difficult unit to start? She can start a lawn mower, but not a pressure washer, of course she could get a neighbor to come over to help her, but like you said, when the power is out, neighbors aren't on the top of your list.

She is more concerned about keeping her food in the fridge since she lost everything in the last power outage and she is a hoarder when it comes to frozen meats and stuff!

 

[Flash Gordon]

I'm all about more power myself. She MIGHT use a little more power, if anything, a window A/C unit. I do not know the wattage of those though. TV won't work with power out since the cable won't come through (all digital around here), so i'm thinking 3K at the most for her needs?

Is this a difficult unit to start? She can start a lawn mower, but not a pressure washer, of course she could get a neighbor to come over to help her, but like you said, when the power is out, neighbors aren't on the top of your list.

She is more concerned about keeping her food in the fridge since she lost everything in the last power outage and she is a hoarder when it comes to frozen meats and stuff!

Whichever unit you choose, be sure and tell her not to run the machine in the house or garage. It needs to be outside the premises

 

[D_Nyholm]

Whichever unit you choose, be sure and tell her not to run the machine in the house or garage. It needs to be outside the premises

I appreciate you saying this as you never know who you are dealing with on the internet. There was actually a post on Slickdeals for a generator and someone asked a question about running it in thier house. It also had electric start, so another person asked a SERIOUS question about how he was going to start it when the power was out. He 'guessed' he'd have to drive to an area that had power, start it, and then drive it back to his house. Where is the common sense these days?!!? Maybe this post should be in the pet peeves thread!