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
Zoom on the Generac GP2500i
In short, the Generac GP2500i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
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 GP2500i
Running on gasoline, the Generac GP2500i operates with a 98 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 2,200W and a peak wattage of 2,500W. Furthermore, its parallel capability (7118 parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) allows power output to double when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
This inverter generator is started via a manual recoil starter system.
Featuring a 1 gallon fuel tank, the GP2500i can provide power for up to 8 hours on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.13 gallons per hour).
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 features the following 2 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (1 x USB-A) ensuring convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets, for connectivity on the go and a 12V 8A receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
Portability
With an inverter generator design, the Generac GP2500i features a closed construction (L19.7 x W11.4 x H17.9 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring reduced noise levels, offering a distinct advantage over standard, open frame generators. The featured design follows the latest trends and is ideal for easy and recreational use.
Considered a lightweight portable generator, the GP2500i weighs just 48 lbs. Designed for easy mobility, one person can move it around without any difficulty, ensuring power on the go. In addition, a handle (molded in the case) lets you carry it easily and further increases its convenience.
Features
The GP2500i's control panel
The generator's light indicators provide visual feedback when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Generac GP2500i, the following accessories are also included: tool kit, funnel, oil 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 weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM2000i with only 34.2 pounds.
- Regarding its autonomy, the GP2500i can run for up to 8 hours at a 25% load, aligning it with the lower performers in its type and power range. For those prioritizing autonomy, the DuroMax XP2300iH could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching up to 13 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Compared to its peers, this inverter generator is not exactly fuel-efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.13 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen2800, with a fuel consumption of 0.08 GPH could be in your good books.
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 | CARB, EPA |
| 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 | 8251 |
| UPC | 696471099942 |
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.
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 | |
| Game console | 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
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