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Generac GP3600 - 3600/4500W Portable Generator

The Generac GP3600 (7721) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)

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Generac GP3600

Description

The GP3600 portable generator is an excellent choice for emergency power when backing up multiple appliances. Featuring PowerRush™ ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, it delivers 40% more starting capacity allowing you to do more with less.

Zoom on the Generac GP3600

In a few words, the Generac GP3600 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working

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 GP3600 is powered by a 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,600W as well as a peak wattage of 4,500W.

This generator features a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.

The fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons allows the GP3600 to operate for around 9.3 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).

Due to the high THD (<25%) of the GP3600, it is advised against using it for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

This Generac generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

With dimensions of L24 x W22.5 x H21.3 in, the standard open frame design of the Generac GP3600 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

The 105 lbs of the GP3600's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Furthermore, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, shifting the generator once it's placed is a breeze.

Features

Panel of the Generac GP3600

The GP3600's control panel

A digital data center, one of the features of the GP3600's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.

Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.

In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use.

The GP3600 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.

Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Generac GP3600 features extra accessories: tool kit, oil and funnel.

The Generac GP3600 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP3600 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 105 lbs, the Generac GP3600 belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN 56432iX, standing at just 52.9 lbs.
  • Regarding its runtime, the GP3600 operates for around 9.3 hours at a 50% load, positioning it at the lower spectrum among comparable products. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the NorthStar c5500 shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 15.1 hours.
  • While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.4 GPH at a 50% load, this generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.23 gallons per hour.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Generac GP3600 vs Generac iQ3500.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • COsense® technology
  • GFCI Outlets
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (105 lbs)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Relatively low run time

Do you own the Generac GP3600 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts3,600 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps30 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% load9.3 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 3.7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight105 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24 x 22.5 x 21.3 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 25%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit
SeriesGP
Other model numbers7721
UPC696471086270

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.

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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 GP3600 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 generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Freezer8101750
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total2857 W3857 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Slow cooker270270
Radio100100
Total2860 W3450 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W
What is the noise rating of the GP3600?

Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.

What make is the engine? (Asked April 19, 2020)

The engine is Generac-branded, but neither engineered nor manufactured in the U.S.

Will this gp3600 run an electric pressure washer ? (Asked August 08, 2020)

A basic electric pressure washer usually has a 12 to 13-amp motor, which operates on 120V. 13x120=1560W.

What type of oil and when does it need to be changed (Asked August 14, 2020)

Recommended oil is SAE 10W-30. Here's the oil change schedule recommended by Generac for the GP3600:
Generac GP3600 Maintenance Schedule

What's the purpose of cleaning the spark arrestor every 50 hours ,unfortunately I bought my unit used so I don't have the manual is supposed to go it also where is the serial number located on the generac 3600 Watt unit and last question how many runtime hours before oil changes please let me know thank you so much (Asked September 05, 2021)

You may find the owner's manual here (opens in a new tab). It should give you the answers to all your questions.

Is it necessary to run non-ethenol gasoline? (Asked October 08, 2024)

Up to 10% ethanol is acceptable.

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Generac GP3600
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    So far I got to say I really do like my used generac 3600 watt generator is quieter than a typical lawn mower overall seems like it would be great for camping purposes do you believe I’ll enjoy having it

    + PROS:
    • It was just what I was looking for
    - CONS:
    • No problems with it so far
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