Generac GP18000EFI - 18000/22500W Portable Generator With Electric Start And EFI Engine
The Generac GP18000EFI (8917) is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 18,000 W and a starting wattage of 22,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Generac GP18000EFI
In short, the Generac GP18000EFI is a powerful portable generator adequately designed for:
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
- Small homeowners in search of a full power backup solution
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
With a 816 cc Generac G-Force OVHI 4-stroke engine, the Generac GP18000EFI operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 18,000W and a starting wattage of 22,500W. The impressive running wattage makes this unit the 2nd biggest portable generator currently on the market, along with the Powerhorse s27000d.
Its starting mechanism is based on a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system enhances the engine's reliability, lowers fuel consumption, improves startup, reduces servicing, boosts stale fuel resistance, and offers better altitude adaptability.
With a full tank, the GP18000EFI can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 1.58 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 14.2 gallons.
The GP18000EFI ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 7 AC outlets:
Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this Generac generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP18000EFI is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
Measuring L58.5 x W30.9 x H36.5 in, the Generac GP18000EFI showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 442.8 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult. However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The GP18000EFI's control panel is equipped with a digital data center, furnishing detailed information on the lifetime run hours for you to easily track its activity and status.
With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.
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 GP18000EFI 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.
Beyond the regular documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick start, Generac has included some oil in the packaging of the GP18000EFI.
The Generac GP18000EFI versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP18000EFI compare to generators of similar power (between 14000 and 20000 W).
- As its weight is 442.8 pounds, the Generac GP18000EFI falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 14000-20000 rated wattage category. If you are mindful of weight, the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 348.3 pounds.
- Regarding its runtime, the GP18000EFI operates for around 9 hours at a 50% load, positioning it at the lower spectrum among comparable products. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Westinghouse WGen20000 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 11 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel-efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 1.58 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.95 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 14000-20000W generators, the Generac GP18000EFI is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- COsense® technology
- GFCI Outlets
- 4 different AC outlet types
- G-Force engine made in USA
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Decent weight (442.8 lbs)
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 816 cc Generac G-Force OVHI 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 18,000 W |
| Starting watts | 22,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 150/75 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 187.5/93.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 14.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 442.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 58.5 x 30.9 x 36.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 696471101324 |
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 GP18000EFI 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Water heater (50 gallons) | 5000 | 8000 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 14392 W | 17392 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 14380 W | 18880 W |
What is the noise rating of the GP18000EFI?
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.



