Generac GP2500i - 2200/2500W Inverter Generator
The Generac GP2500i (8251) is a compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,200 W and a starting wattage of 2,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
An affordable solution for recreational applications, the GP2500i is the perfect size for tailgating,camping and power on the go.
Zoom on the Generac GP2500i
In short, the Generac GP2500i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Generac GP2500i runs on gasoline, powered by a 98 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 2,200W alongside a starting wattage of 2,500W. Additionally, the parallel capability (7118 parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) facilitates doubling of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, offering enhanced energy capacity and reliability for diverse requirements.
This inverter generator starts operation using a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 1 gallon, the GP2500i can operate for up to 8 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.13 GPH).
The <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the GP2500i ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 2 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (1 x USB-A) with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently and a 12V 8A receptacle making battery charging a breeze.
Portability
With its enclosed inverter generator design (L19.7 x W11.4 x H17.9 in), the Generac GP2500i offers superior aesthetics and operates with minimized noise levels, distinguishing itself from standard, open frame generators. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The GP2500i's weight, at just 48 lbs, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a lightweight and portable generator. Moving it around should pose no challenge for a single person, allowing for power availability wherever you go. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.
Features
When the generator is overloaded, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
The GP2500i 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 GP2500i is bundled with additional accessories: funnel, oil, tool kit and battery charging cables.
Product Video
The Generac GP2500i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP2500i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- With a dry weight of 48 lbs, the Generac GP2500i sits comfortably within the expected weight range for inverters generating 1500 to 2500 rated watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Genmax GM2000i is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 34.2 pounds.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the GP2500i, reaching up to 8 hours at a 25% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other inverters of a roughly equal output. If runtime is a priority for you, the DuroMax XP2300iH stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 13 hours of continuous use.
- 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 inverter generator doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 0.13 GPH at a 25% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Westinghouse iGen2800c, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.08 gallons per hour.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1500-2500W inverter generators, the Generac GP2500i 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
- In the expected price range
- COsense® technology
- Several accessories included
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Decent weight (48 lbs)
- No data center
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 98 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,200 W |
| Starting watts | 2,500 W |
| Running amps | 18.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 4.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | 8 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 48 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 19.7 x 11.4 x 17.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and battery charging cables |
| Other model numbers | 82512 |
| UPC | 696471003946 |
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.
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 GP2500i 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 1750 W | 1750 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 1740 W | 2330 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1590 W | 1590 W |
What is the noise rating of the GP2500i?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




User Reviews
These machines are crap. Probably not just brand generic probably all inverter generators if you’re not a mechanic. If you just need a one time use out of the box ok but don’t count on it after first use.
It works well but support from Generac for the small portables is pathetic. I won’t buy another one.
I lost power due to a storm bought this 2500 to get me through great little generator. I ran my refrigerator my furnace, my fish tank and a couple of lights ran 4 1/2 hours until the power came back on and only used a half a tank of gas. For the money great product.
Drinks gas at anything past idle which is any load over 5 amps
EXTREMELY NOISY!! Even with light load. I placed it 30 ft from my camper with the exhaust pointed away and it kept me up all night. If I could get all my money back on this, I would do it and buy a better one that wasn’t so noisy. Had one years ago that was so quiet I couldn’t hear it at all from 30 ft