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

The Generac iQ3500 (7723) is a compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,000 W and a starting wattage of 3,500 W. (Read full specs)

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Generac iQ3500

Price history for the Generac iQ3500

Lowest price $1,049
Highest price $1,049
Current price $1,049

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.

Zoom on the Generac iQ3500

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

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source

In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Generac iQ3500 in use

The Generac iQ3500

Featuring a 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, the Generac iQ3500 operates using gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,000W and a starting wattage of 3,500W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (Generac 7668 Parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), its power may be doubled if linked to a second compatible unit.

This inverter generator offers two starting options: a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism and an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included). It features Generac's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.

The iQ3500's fuel tank holds 2.6 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for up to 14.1 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.18 GPH).

Thanks to its low <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the iQ3500 produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

Furthermore, it showcases 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.

While this Generac generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

With an inverter generator design, the Generac iQ3500 features a closed construction (L23.7 x W18 x H21.7 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring reduced noise levels, offering a distinct advantage over standard, open frame generators. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.

The iQ3500's dry weight of 109.1 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. In addition, its nifty double handle (molded in the case) improves grip, ensuring easy transport of the iQ3500 from place to place.

It is also possible to purchase a wheel kit, such as this one (opens in a new tab), to help you transport the iQ3500 more easily.

Features

Panel of the Generac iQ3500

The iQ3500's control panel

The iQ3500's control panel is equipped with a digital data center, furnishing detailed information on the lifetime run hours, remaining run time, power output and fuel level for you to easily track its activity and status.

In addition to this info, light indicators on the device will signal if the generator is ready, the generator is on overload and its oil levels are insufficient.

From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.

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.

Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Generac iQ3500 is bundled with additional accessories: tool kit, oil and funnel.

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).

  • With a weight of 109.1 lbs, the Generac iQ3500 sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among inverter generators rated from 2500 to 3500 watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of only 46 lbs.
  • Compared to inverters of similar power, the iQ3500 stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting up to 14.1 hours at 25% load. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 200977, reaching up to 22 hours.
  • While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.18 GPH at a 25% load, this inverter generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.14 GPH, the Honda EU3200i is a device you could look out for.

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
  • Electric start
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • 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

We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.

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 wattage calculator.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home AC (10,000 BTU) 1500 2200
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
Rice cooker 650 650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs 55 55
Total 2397 W 3397 W
For camping RV AC (11,000 BTU) 1010 1600
RV refrigerator 180 600
Water heater (10 gallons) 1000 2000
Mixer 200 200
Total 2390 W 3390 W
For work Grinder 1400 2500
Reciprocating saw 730 960
Drain cleaner 250 250
Total 2380 W 3480 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(2)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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