WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY AMAZON, ACME TOOLS, EBAY, TRACTOR SUPPLY OR TOOL NUT ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Generac XT8500EFI - 8500/10000W Portable Generator

The Generac XT8500EFI (7247) is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 8,500 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W.

CompareShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 154

Generac XT8500EFIGenerac XT8500EFIGenerac XT8500EFIGenerac XT8500EFI
Set Price Alert
×
Notify me when the price drops
Set an alert for the Generac XT8500EFI - Current lowest price: $1,193.17
Price History
×
Price history for the Generac XT8500EFI
Latest updates:
  • $1,193.17 - May 6, 2023
  • $1,431.81 - January 28, 2023
Data source: ebay.com
Since: January 28, 2023
  • Highest Price: $1,431.81 - January 28, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $1,193.17 - May 6, 2023

Description

Generac’s XT8500EFI portable generator boasts electric start capabilities, consistently smooth power and enhanced protection from the elements to ensure reliable power is available when and where it’s needed most. Also equipped with COsense® Technology that STOPS, ALERTS, SAVES. (source: Generac (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Generac XT8500EFI

In a nutshell, the Generac XT8500EFI is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Generac XT8500EFI in use

The Generac XT8500EFI

The Generac XT8500EFI's core is the 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 8,500W and a peak wattage of 10,000W.

This generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism and also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).

The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system enhances the engine's reliability, lowers fuel consumption, improves startup, reduces servicing, boosts stale fuel resistance, and offers better altitude adaptability.

The XT8500EFI can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.89 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 8 gallons.

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the XT8500EFI produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

Since the XT8500EFI bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

Portability

With its dimensions of L31.4 x W20.5 x H26.5 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Generac XT8500EFI offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 214 lbs. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Generac XT8500EFI

The XT8500EFI's control panel

Monitoring of the XT8500EFI's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.

The XT8500EFI also benefits from Generac’s COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. This technology senses and manages CO output and shuts down the unit when necessary, to protect you from CO poisoning.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Generac XT8500EFI also comes with some accessories: funnel, battery charger and oil are included.

Emissions

The Generac XT8500EFI is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.

The Generac XT8500EFI versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac XT8500EFI compare to generators of similar power (between 8000 and 9000 W).

  • Having a dry weight of 214 lbs, the Generac XT8500EFI belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 8000 to 9000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Dewalt DXGNR8000, weighing just 183 pounds.
  • Autonomy-wise, with around 9 hours on a full tank at a 50% load, the XT8500EFI is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Champion 100416, with around 12.5 hours.
  • Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.89 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Pulsar PG10000B16. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.55 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 8000-9000W generators, the Generac XT8500EFI is on the average side of the price range.

Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • COsense® technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Electric start
  • Clean sine wave
  • Electronic Fuel Injection
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (214 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • No remote start
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Generac XT8500EFI and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts8,500 W
Starting watts10,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)70.8/35.4 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)83.3/41.7 amps
Run time @50% load9 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 8 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight214 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)31.4 x 20.5 x 26.5 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 5%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit
UPC696471078336

Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.

Spec Improvement×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

About Generac

Generac Power Systems is an American based generator and power equipment manufacturer, founded in 1959. As its name suggests, the main focus of Generac are power generators, and other related electric equipment, such as switches, paralleling systems and small engines. The company has several manufacturing facilities based in the US, thus, their products are engineered and built in the USA. However, their components can be a mix of domestic and foreign parts.

Warranty Information

The Generac XT8500EFI is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Generac generators, please consult Generac's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Electric fry pan15001500
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Dish washer15003000
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Printer600600
Total6792 W8292 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Rice cooker650650
Total6790 W7380 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Drill600900
Bug zapper8080
Total5480 W9980 W
What is the noise rating of the XT8500EFI?

Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.

Hi. Does the battery need a charge in order to run the fuel injection system? Will it run without the battery??? (Asked July 15, 2020)

The battery does need a charge for the fuel pump and electronics to run. If the charge is not sufficient, the EFI fault indicator light will flash and the generator will not start.

Can the xt8500efi be connected to a transfer box to power a gas home furnace/AC? (Asked August 05, 2020)

It absolutely can. Best way would be through Generac's HomeLink transfer switch (opens in a new tab), but a licensed electrician should be able to do the connection to your existing transfer box.

The instructions and everywhere else I read say to change the oil filter. Where is the oil filter? (Asked September 30, 2020)

It is located near the dipstick. Look page 5 of the owner's manual. Make sure to check the PDF version (opens in a new tab), as it will allow you to zoom in.

Which Genertor cord should be used with XT8500EFI ? What should be the Amperage and gauge of the cord? (Asked October 18, 2020)

As a guideline, you can refer to the table below:
Extension cord cable size table

Does the Generac XT8500EFI automatically charge the starting battery used for it's electric starting system? If so, do I still have to employ a trickle charger when the generator is not in use?? (Asked October 24, 2020)

Running the generator automatically charges the battery. However, the engine will not start if there's not at least 10V at the battery connections, which can happen if the unit is left unused for too long. In that case, you'll need the trickle charger.

Given the aforementioned issues with the battery, can you simply use the pull cord to start it and then allow it to self charge or will it not start at all if the battery isn’t charged? (Asked November 01, 2020)

The unit cannot run if the battery isn't charged. The EFI engine contains electronics that need power from the battery in order to operate.

What is the life span of the generator? (Asked November 15, 2020)

Life expectancy of any generator is dependent on maintenance, conditions of operation, and overall care it receives.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

Ask a question

Your name and email address will not be publicly published. We only need them to be able to answer you directly

Generac XT8500EFI
9.5 Total Score
6 reviews
Add your review
Price
9.8
Value
9.7
Quality
8.8
Performance
9.5

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 4.65
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    70
    Performance
    100

    If you need a gen this is the one to buy. Runs whole house minus range,dryer,hwh. Runs 2 ton mini split and 2 ton carrier heat pump along with entire house 120volt at same time.

    + PROS:
    • Runs all needed during outage. No carb problems.
    - CONS:
    • Noise
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  2. 4
    Price
    90
    Value
    80
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    70

    I have one and the battery goes dead within 2 weeks. was sent new battery, same problem. It is a great generator but pull to start does not work if battery is dead. Can jump it to start.

    + PROS:
    • great generator , runs great
    - CONS:
    • nothing works if battery is dead. Goes dead within 2 weeks. Pull start does not work if battery is dead,
    Helpful(4) Unhelpful(3)You have already voted this
  3. 4.75
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    100

    Love this generator. For the $1k price, I couldn’t find another name-brand 240v generator with this much power that had <5% THD (clean power for sensitive electronics) and a relatively low noise level, both of which were my must-haves for home backup. It's much quieter than my neighbor's Troy-Bilt XP7000 but roughly the same as my Honda EG2800i inverter. (I registered 77db @ 23 feet on my phone's decibel meter app with no load). The battery does drain after a few weeks when the unit is off and the manual pull start doesn't work if the battery is less than 10 volts, so I keep the battery hooked up to a battery tender at all times when not in use. Works great. It's always ready to go and hasn't let me down yet.

    + PROS:
    • Price
    • Low THD - clean power for sensitive electronics
    • Relatively low noise level
    • Great size for storing in my tight garage
    - CONS:
    • Battery drains when off
    • No load/power meter
    Helpful(11) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  4. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    As far as I can tell, the battery issue is because it is not being trickle-charged when not in use. In order to maintain the freshness of the battery, and to have it ready to be used at 100% when it’s needed, please keep the charger on it at all times when it’s not in use.

    + PROS:
    • Good price at about $1K for a generator that is non-inverter, has <5% THD, most others are <20%, which could fry your sensitive electronics (gratuitously over-priced phones and such).
    - CONS:
    • Run time is not as good as others given the fact that it has EFI (which has been touted as one of the reasons why it SHOULD have a longer run time). But hey, thanks to Trump, fuel is cheap, so there you go.
    Helpful(32) Unhelpful(18)You have already voted this
  5. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Had to use it for the first time a few days ago because of a power outage. Worked great. It ran just about everything in my house including the pump for the well and refrigerator and freezer. My only problem was the battery was dead after less than a month so I had to boost it from my truck to get it started

    + PROS:
    • Everything was good
    - CONS:
    • Short battery life.
    Helpful(19) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  6. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    It Works flawlessly. For this price a reliable engine with EFI and <5% THD nobody has anything like it on the market except Honda @ $4000+. Only issue is the noise level seems a bit high. Call to Generac corporate to confirm the dBA rating was unsuccessful. Rep had me on hold and cane back and said Generac does not publish dBA ratings on any of their portable generators. If you can find one buy it

    + PROS:
    • EFI
    • Weight
    • <5%THD
    • Price
    - CONS:
    • None
    Helpful(20) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0