Powermate PM1200i - 1000/1200W Inverter Generator
The Powermate PM1200i is a compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,000 W and a starting wattage of 1,200 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Powermate PM1200i |
|---|
| Highest Price $429.00 Lowest Price $429.00 Current Price $429.00 |
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Description
The PM1200i is compact and lightweight for easy storage and convenient transportation. Best of all, the unit’s fully-enclosed design allows PM1200i models to operate quietly, leaving neighbors and surrounding wildlife undisturbed.
Zoom on the Powermate PM1200i
In short, the Powermate PM1200i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- 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 Powermate PM1200i
With a 54 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Powermate PM1200i operates on gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 1,000W and a starting wattage of 1,200W.
Its starting mechanism is based on a manual recoil starter system.
Equipped with a 0.79 gallon fuel tank, the PM1200i ensures continuous operation for up to 7 hours with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.11 gallons per hour).
Featuring a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the PM1200i delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features 2 AC outlets as follows:
Portability
With an inverter generator design, the Powermate PM1200i features a closed construction (L18.3 x W10.3 x H15.7 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring reduced noise levels, offering a distinct advantage over standard, open frame generators. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
The PM1200i's weight, at just 33 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. Adding to its convenience, the handle (molded in the case) enables easy carrying.
Features
The PM1200i's control panel
Light indicators on the device will notify you if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is on overload and the generator is ready.
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).
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual to assist with setup, the Powermate PM1200i ships with supplementary accessories: tool kit and funnel.
The Powermate PM1200i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powermate PM1200i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1000 and 2000 W).
- As for its weight, the Powermate PM1200i weighs only 33 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 1000-2000 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGD16iSCO with only 24 pounds.
- As for its runtime, the PM1200i runs for up to 7 hours at a 25% load, placing it towards the low end among comparable inverters. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the DuroMax XP2300iH, boasting with up to 13 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This inverter generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.11 GPH at a 25% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Westinghouse iGen1500c, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.07 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1000-2000W inverter generators, the Powermate PM1200i is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Inverter
- Lightweight (33 lbs)
- No data center
- No parallel ports
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Powermate PM1200i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 54 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,000 W |
| Starting watts | 1,200 W |
| Running amps | 8.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 10 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 5.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | 7 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 0.79 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 33 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 18.3 x 10.3 x 15.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Funnel and tool kit |
| Other model numbers | P0080400 |
| UPC | 696471078909 |
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 Powermate
Powermate’s history is somewhat enigmatic, but they claim to have been on the market for over 40 years, selling portable generators and various outdoor power equipment. In 2009, they have signed under what they call “partnership” (more accurately ownership) with the Italian PRAMAC. In 2014, Generac acquired Powermate from PRAMAC.
Warranty Information
The Powermate PM1200i 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 Powermate generators, please consult Powermate's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-445-1805.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Total | 192 W | 1192 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 730 W | 1180 W | |
| For work | Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 |
| Total | 730 W | 960 W |
What is the noise rating of the PM1200i?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Powermate (Generac) does not provide their units' noise levels.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
