Powermate PM3000i - 2300/3000W Inverter Generator
The Powermate PM3000i is a compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,300 W and a starting wattage of 3,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
The Powermate PM3000i portable inverter generator provides ample power for a variety of outdoor settings and festivities. The PM3000i provides clean, stable power to sensitive electronics, tools and appliances for optimal operation.
Zoom on the Powermate PM3000i
In summary, the Powermate PM3000i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Powermate PM3000i's engine, 149 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 2,300W and reaches a peak wattage of 3,000W.
This inverter generator gets running thanks to a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism. It features Powermate's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.
The PM3000i can operate for up to 5.8 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 1.06 gallon.
Featuring a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the PM3000i delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
This Powermate generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready.
Portability
With an inverter generator design, the Powermate PM3000i features a closed construction (L22.2 x W13.3 x H18.4 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.
Weighing 59.5 lbs, the PM3000i is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. Additionally, a conveniently placed handle (molded in the case) enhances grip, greatly aiding in moving the PM3000i across any distance.
Features
Light indicators on the device will signal if the generator is ready, the oil level is too low and the generator is overloaded.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during operation.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Powermate PM3000i also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, oil and tool kit.
The Powermate PM3000i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powermate PM3000i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 59.5 pounds, the Powermate PM3000i is one of the heavier inverter generators producing between 1500 and 2500 running watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Genmax GM2000i is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 34.2 pounds.
- Regarding its runtime, the PM3000i operates for up to 5.8 hours at a 25% load, positioning it at the lower spectrum among comparable inverters. 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 0.18 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 25% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen2800c, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.08 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1500-2500W inverter generators, the Powermate PM3000i 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
- Inverter
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- On the heavy side (59.5 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 149 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,300 W |
| Starting watts | 3,000 W |
| Running amps | 19.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 25 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 4.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | 5.8 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1.06 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 59.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 22.2 x 13.3 x 18.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and tool kit |
| Other model numbers | PM0080600 |
| UPC | 696471078916 |
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 PM3000i 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 1837 W | 2837 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 1835 W | 2425 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1730 W | 2830 W |
What is the noise rating of the PM3000i?
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.


