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 summary, the Powermate PM4500E is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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
With a 224 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, the Powermate PM4500E operates on gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W.
Its starting mechanisms include a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism and a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included).
The fuel capacity of 5 gallons allows the PM4500E to operate for up to 20 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.25 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Powermate generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
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. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 114 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
Included in the control panel of the PM4500E, a digital data center assists in tracking its status and activity by providing details on the lifetime run hours.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during use.
Alongside the typical set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, Powermate has 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. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of only 52.9 lbs.
- At 25% load, the PM4500E boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful products, reaching up to 20 hours. If runtime is a priority for you, the Firman WH03662OF stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 25 hours of continuous use.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. 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 minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Champion 201319 is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.16 gallons per hour.
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
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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2857 W | 3857 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2860 W | 3450 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.


