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Pulsar PG3250 - 2500/3250W Portable Generator

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Pulsar PG3250Pulsar PG3250Pulsar PG3250
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Price history for the Pulsar PG3250
Highest Price
$349.99
Lowest Price
$349.00
Current Price
$349.99

Description

Designed for bigger portable jobs, this 3250 peak watt generator is large enough to operate a major appliance and small enough to take to a job site or outdoor events such as hunting, fishing, camping, tailgating or even on a boat. Operating for up to 16 hours on 4.0 gallons of gasoline at only 68 dB of noise, the PG3250 has two 120V and one 12V outlet to power anything from battery chargers to refrigerators, yet this unit is light enough to carry and compact enough to fit in the trunk of many cars. (source: Pulsar (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Pulsar PG3250

To sum up, the Pulsar PG3250 is a compact portable generator tailored for:

  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

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

The Pulsar PG3250 in use

The Pulsar PG3250

The Pulsar PG3250's design includes a gasoline-fueled 208 cc (7 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 2,500W and also a peak wattage of 3,250W.

Operating at a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than an office), this generator starts up with a manual recoil starter system.

With a fuel capacity of 4 gallons, the PG3250 can run for around 16 hours at 50% load when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.25 gallons per hour).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output enabling simple battery charging for added ease.

Portability

At L23.6 x W17.5 x H17.9 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Pulsar PG3250 ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

Weighing 87 lbs, the PG3250 is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. Additionally, the generator’s mobility is enhanced by its open frame design, as it can be easily grabbed and shifted.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG3250

The PG3250's control panel

When the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.

The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.

From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the Pulsar PG3250's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start it right off the bat.

The Pulsar PG3250 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG3250 compare to generators of similar power (between 2000 and 3000 W).

  • As its weight is 87 pounds, the Pulsar PG3250 falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 2000-3000 rated wattage category. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN 56280iX, standing at just 41.9 lbs.
  • When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 68 dBA is on the noisier side. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU3000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 50 dBA.
  • Since the PG3250 boasts with a run time of around 16 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as one of the devices with the highest run time among those of a comparable output.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.25 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Cummins Onan P2500i, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.13 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2000-3000W generators, the Pulsar PG3250 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (87 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • 1-year warranty
  • On the noisy side (68 dBA)

Do you own the Pulsar PG3250 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine208 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty1 year
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts2,500 W
Starting watts3,250 W
Running amps20.8 amps
Peak amps27.1 amps
Run time @50% load16 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A output
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tank4 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight87 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23.6 x 17.5 x 17.9 in
Noise (lower limit)68 dBA
THDUnknown
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedNo
UPC819699010364

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.

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About Pulsar

Pulsar is a brand registered under the Pulsar Products inc., based in California, USA. The company offers a decent choice of air compressors, pressure washers and of course, generators – which range from 1,2 kW to 10 kW and include dual fuel and RV-Ready designs. Pulsar has several facilities scattered throughout the US, including two distribution centers – one in California and second in Illinois. However, the production of their products seems to be outsourced overseas, to the continent of Asia.

Warranty Information

The Pulsar PG3250 is covered under a warranty for up to 1 year. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Pulsar generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Total1992 W2992 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Blender400850
Radio100100
Total1980 W2430 W
For workGrinder14002500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Drain cleaner250250
Bug zapper8080
Total1980 W3080 W

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Pulsar PG3250
9 Total Score
2 reviews
Add your review
Price
7.5
Value
8.5
Quality
10
Performance
10

User Reviews

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  1. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Paid 299 plus tax.
    Excellent performance.
    Run my refrigerator, water heater, TV/Internet.
    Not noise. Strongly recommended!

    + PROS:
    • Price
    • Run time
    - CONS:
    • Only 2 120V outlets
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 4
    Price
    50
    Value
    70
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Bought this generator at advance auto store for $469.00. I paid too much.

    + PROS:
    • 16 hour run time
    - CONS:
    • No electric start
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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