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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| Price history for the Generac GP2500i |
|---|
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Highest Price
$679.47
Lowest Price
$468.44
Current Price
$468.44
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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 hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
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
The Generac GP2500i
The Generac GP2500i's core is the 98 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 2,200W and a peak wattage of 2,500W. In addition, the parallel capability (7118 parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) empowers doubling of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
This inverter generator starts operation using a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
Thanks to its 1 gallon fuel tank, the GP2500i can run continuously for up to 8 hours on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.13 GPH).
With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the GP2500i delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features 2 AC outlets as follows:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (1 x USB-A) providing convenient charging capabilities for mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices and a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the Generac GP2500i showcases a closed design (L19.7 x W11.4 x H17.9 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Considered a lightweight portable generator, the GP2500i weighs just 48 lbs. It's easy for one person to move around, ensuring power availability on the move. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.
Features
The GP2500i's control panel
Several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and its oil levels are insufficient.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Generac GP2500i's package also includes these accessories: oil, funnel, battery charging cables and tool kit.
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).
- At 48 lbs in dry weight, the Generac GP2500i fits well within the typical weight bracket for inverter generators producing 1500 to 2500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Genmax GM2000i, weighing just 34.2 pounds.
- In terms of its autonomy, the GP2500i can operate for up to 8 hours at a 25% load, placing it within the lower bracket among generators of similar type and power range. 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 time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. Compared to similar devices, this inverter generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.13 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 25% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the DuroMax XP2300iH, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.08 GPH, could be an option to consider.
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
Do you own the Generac GP2500i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1482 W | 2482 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 1750 W | 2170 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Drain cleaner | 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