Labor Day
Powermate PM4500E - 3600/4500W Portable Generator With Electric Start
The Powermate PM4500E 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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Description
The PM4500E features a steel frame and a compact design with integrated wheels and handle that makes it easy to move and put in place. With 4500 starting watts and 3600 running watts, this generator is powerful enough to run small electrical appliances at any picnic, campground or tailgate and versatile enough to power tools for your next DIY project.
Zoom on the Powermate PM4500E
In short, the Powermate PM4500E is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
Powermate PM4500E is equipped with a 224 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,600W alongside a starting wattage of 4,500W.
This generator can be started via a conventional pull-start mechanism, or a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 5 gallons, the PM4500E can operate for up to 20 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.25 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Even if this Powermate generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.
Portability
With dimensions of L26.3 x W22.9 x H21.6 in, the traditional open frame design of the Powermate PM4500E ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 114 lbs. However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The PM4500E's control panel
Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the PM4500E offers you convenient access to essential information about the lifetime run hours, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
In addition to the standard documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for prompt setup, Powermate has also included some oil in the packaging of the PM4500E.
Product Video
The Powermate PM4500E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powermate PM4500E compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a dry weight of 114 lbs, the Powermate PM4500E falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN 56432iX, standing at just 52.9 lbs.
- Among its devices with similar power, the PM4500E offers one of the higher run times, running for up to 20 hours at 25% load. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the DuroMax XP4850HX, boasting with up to 23 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. Among generators of similar output, this generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 0.25 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Champion 201319, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.16 GPH.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Powermate PM4500E 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- High run time
- Decent weight (114 lbs)
- No remote start
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Powermate PM4500E and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 h |
| Run time @25% load | 20 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 114 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.3 x 22.9 x 21.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, battery, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | P0081300 |
| UPC | 696471080353 |
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 PM4500E 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 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2867 W | 3867 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Total | 2840 W | 3430 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
What is the noise rating of the PM4500E?
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.
