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Generac iQ3500 - 3000/3500W Inverter Generator With Electric Start

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Generac iQ3500Generac iQ3500Generac iQ3500Generac iQ3500
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Price history for the Generac iQ3500
Highest Price
$1,213.99
Lowest Price
$1,199.00
Current Price
$1,199.00

Description

Quieter. More powerful. Easy to start. The iQ3500 inverter generator lets you bring power wherever life takes you. From tailgating parties to camping trips and beyond. The durable, yet lightweight design is specifically engineered for easy portability. The intuitive PowerDial™ integrates the start, run and stop functions into one simple-to-use dial, along with Electric Start (battery included) capability, all conveniently located for quicker startup. Select from two engine speeds, depending on your need, to significantly reduce noise and fuel consumption, or to maximize power response. (source: Generac (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Generac iQ3500

In short, the Generac iQ3500 is a compact portable inverter generator adequately designed for:

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience

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

Power & Run Time

The Generac iQ3500 in use

The Generac iQ3500

Generac iQ3500 runs on gasoline, powered by a 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,000W alongside a starting wattage of 3,500W. Furthermore, the parallel capability (Generac 7668 Parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) offers the advantage of doubling power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, delivering expanded energy capacity and flexibility for various applications.

Its starting mechanisms include a conventional pull-start mechanism and a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included). It features Generac's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.

Featuring a 2.6 gallons fuel tank, the iQ3500 can provide power for up to 14.1 hours on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.18 gallons per hour).

With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the iQ3500 delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

Moreover, it boasts 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.

Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Generac generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

The Generac iQ3500 is distinguished by its enclosed inverter generator design (L23.7 x W18 x H21.7 in), providing improved aesthetics and quieter performance compared to traditional, open frame units. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.

Even at 109.1 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its portability. Thus, you may also want to consider purchasing a wheel kit for this generator, similar to this one (opens in a new tab).

Features

Panel of the Generac iQ3500

The iQ3500's control panel

Monitoring of the iQ3500's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the fuel level, remaining run time, power output and lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.

In addition to this info, the device’s light indicators will display if the oil level is too low, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

The iQ3500 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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Generac iQ3500, the following accessories are also included: oil, funnel and tool kit.

The Generac iQ3500 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac iQ3500 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).

  • Considering its dry weight of 109.1 pounds, the Generac iQ3500 is one of the heavier inverter generators producing between 2500 and 3500 running watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of just 46 pounds.
  • The iQ3500's runtime of up to 14.1 hours at a 25% load on a full tank positions it within the average autonomy range compared to other inverter generators with similar power. If runtime is a priority for you, the Champion 200977 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 22 hours of continuous use.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. With a fuel usage of about 0.18 GPH at a 25% load, this inverter generator falls within the typical gasoline consumption range observed in comparably powerful products. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Energizer eZV3500P, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the Generac iQ3500 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
  • Electric start
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No remote start
  • On the heavy side (109.1 lbs)

Do you own the Generac iQ3500 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Running watts3,000 W
Starting watts3,500 W
Running amps25 amps
Peak amps29.2 amps
Run time @50% load8.9 h
Run time @25% load14.1 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port
Data centerPower output, fuel level, lifetime run hours and remaining run time
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank2.6 gal
Fuel gaugeDigital
Misc
Weight109.1 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23.7 x 18 x 21.7 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 3%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, and battery
Other model numbers7723
UPC696471103922

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×

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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 iQ3500 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 sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Blender400850
Total2392 W3392 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Radio100100
Total2380 W2800 W
For workGrinder14002500
Reciprocating saw730960
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total2380 W3480 W
What is the noise rating of the iQ3500?

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

Does the IQ3500 have an automatic throttle control were the more power needed the higher the RPM? (Asked April 04, 2020)

Absolutely. Engine speed is automatically adjusted according to the load.

What do I need and how often do I need to do maintenance on this unit? (Asked June 08, 2020)

Here's the maintenance schedule recommended by Generac for the iQ3500:
Generac iQ3500 Maintenance Schedule

Can it be connected to bluetooth? (Asked January 23, 2021)

Unfortunately, this unit does not have such a feature. You may check our list of all units with Bluetooth connectivity.

If I have running since 10:30pm night time n shut off about 11am how can I see a gas level o a Gage that tells me how much gas it have left (Asked September 21, 2022)

The unit's digital display provides information on remaining fuel level.

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Generac iQ3500
6.4 Total Score
3 reviews
Add your review
Price
6
Value
5.7
Quality
6.3
Performance
7.7

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 3.5
    Price
    50
    Value
    60
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    90

    My review is a bit premature as I haven’t run it in “real world” conditions yet.I have only run it for an hour to break it in.

    + PROS:
    • Started right away.
    • Very quiet, especially in economy mode.
    • Overall look is nice and looks good.
    • Has a fuel meter showing how much fuel is left as well as how many hours of run time are left.
    • Battery was defective out of the box, but Generac sent me one right away with no fuss.
    - CONS:
    • Battery was defective.
    • A bit pricey for how many watts it generates.
    • Comes with SAE30 oil which isn't meant to be operated below 0'C so depending on where you store it, you may need to preheat it before starting.
    • It isn't light.
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 1.15
    Price
    30
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    40

    I have 90 hours on mine and started to smoke. Called service to buy piston rings. They don’t have the parts. Don’t know how th get them.

    + PROS:
    • Quiet
    - CONS:
    • Now boat anchor can’t get parts
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  3. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Fired right up, out of the box, battery connected, oil and fuel added. two quick pushes on the electric starter swithch and it was up and running.

    + PROS:
    • Simple to set up, start and test.
    - CONS:
    • None so far. It hasn't been stressed tested, yet. Once I get three more extension cords to share power with the neighbors in our condo, once the grid goes out later this fall, will be the real test.
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(3)You have already voted this

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