ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 16
Harbor Freight 
eBay 
Amazon | Price history for the Predator 1400 | |
|---|---|
| Latest updates:
Since: October 8, 2022 |
|
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Predator 1400
In a nutshell, the Predator 1400 is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Amateur DIY lovers
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Predator 1400
The Predator 1400's design includes a gasoline-fueled 54 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 1,100W and also a peak wattage of 1,400W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), its power may be doubled if linked to a second compatible unit.
Enjoying a noise rating of 60.4 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 0.74 gallon, the 1400 can operate for up to 7.3 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.1 GPH).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 1400 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 2 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets and a 12V 5A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Portability
Since the Predator 1400 is an inverter generator, its closed design (L18.5 x W10.7 x H15.5 in) has an esthetical advantage over conventional, open frame devices. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Labeled a lightweight portable generator, the 1400 weighs just 33 lbs. A single person should not have any problems moving it around and thus, enjoy power availability on-the-go. Further convenience is provided by its handle (molded in the case), as it allows you to carry it effortlessly.
Good to know: This unit ranks 9th in our list of the 10 smallest portable generators.
Features
The 1400's control panel
The light indicators show you if the generator is ready, the oil level is too low and the generator is overloaded.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
The unit also benefits from the Predator's CO SECURE™ carbon monoxide detection. This system monitors the accumulation of CO gas while the generator is running and will shut off the engine if the levels become dangerously high.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Predator 1400 also comes with several accessories, including: battery charging cables, funnel, oil and tool kit.
Emissions
The Predator 1400 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
The unit also meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.
Product Videos
The Predator 1400 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 1400 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1000 and 2000 W).
- As for its weight, the Predator 1400 weighs only 33 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 1000-2000 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM1200i, with a dry weight of just 25.3 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest noise of 60.4 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU2200i with only 48 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing up to 7.3 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 25% load, the 1400 falls into the low end in comparison with other inverters of a comparable power output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the DuroMax XP2300iH, which is able to run for up to 13 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. As this inverter generator uses an estimated 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Genmax GM1200i, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.07 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 1000-2000W inverter generators, the Predator 1400 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
- CO SECURE™ technology
- Several accessories included
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (33 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- Weak warranty
- On the noisy side (60.4 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 54 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,100 W |
| Starting watts | 1,400 W |
| Running amps | 9.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 11.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 7.3 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port 1x 12V 5A receptacle |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 0.74 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 33 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 18.5 x 10.7 x 15.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 60.4 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and battery charging cables |
| Other model numbers | 59186 |
| UPC | 193175459077 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Predator
Predator portable generators are solely distributed by the Harbor Freight Corporation, which has an impressive list of over 200 trademarked products. The Predator brand is one of their newer lines of outdoor power products. As with many other makes and models of power equipment sold by Harbor Freight, Predator generators are manufactured in China.
Warranty Information
The Predator 1400 is covered under a warranty for up to 90 days. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Predator generators, please consult Harbor Freight's warranty policies stated in the user manual (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support : 1-800-444-3353.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Desktop computer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 392 W | 1392 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 875 W | 1295 W | |
| For work | Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 810 W | 1040 W |
What is on off switch on fuel cap for?? (Asked July 04, 2021)
It's the vent switch. It should be OFF for storage or transport, and ON to run the unit.
I have a old school swamp cooler AC unit in my home and during summer time my electricity gets shut off. Will the predator 1100 power this kind of unit? It's a small 120v unit mounted inside my home. Not the big ones on roof tops (Asked July 27, 2021)
It is unfortunately not feasible to answer the question accurately without more specifics. The unit can output a maximum of 9.2 running amps and 11.7 starting amps. You'd have to look at your AC power requirements (rating plate).
Is this generator waterproof (Asked October 04, 2021)
The unit is not waterproof and should be properly sheltered. We recommend reading our article on generator operation in bad weather.
How much oil do I mix in the gas (Asked February 23, 2023)
None. The unti has a 4-stroke engine that does not require an oil/gas mixture.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I love this predator inverter generator 1400/1100 watts. Best little generator. Does everything I need it to do. I highly recommend buying one. I plan on buying a 2nd one so I can put them together and have double the power.
You get what you pay for. Cost low reliability even lower when it runs its does what it supposed to do Frustrating shut downs for no reason oil level is good fuel is new and absolutely will not start again for hours. Possibly vapor locking Zero stars
So far I’m loving it but day one and the thunder and lightning started right off the bat so I really need to know is this generator waterproof