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Pulsar PG3250 - 2500/3250W Portable Generator

The Pulsar PG3250 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 2,500 W and a starting wattage of 3,250 W. (Read full specs)

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Pulsar PG3250
Price History
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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.

Zoom on the Pulsar PG3250

In a few words, the Pulsar PG3250 is a compact portable generator perfectly suited for:

  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.

Power & Run Time

The Pulsar PG3250 in use

The Pulsar PG3250

Pulsar PG3250 is equipped with a 208 cc (7 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120V, boasting a running wattage of 2,500W alongside a starting wattage of 3,250W.

The generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music).

Equipped with a 4 gallons fuel tank, the PG3250 ensures continuous operation for around 16 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.25 gallons per hour).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output providing easy battery charging capabilities.

Portability

With its L23.6 x W17.5 x H17.9 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Pulsar PG3250 provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

The PG3250 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 87 lbs. Additionally, the open frame design of the generator ensures easy grabbing and shifting for relocation.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG3250

The PG3250's control panel

A light indicator allows you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient.

The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

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.

Besides the features previously mentioned, accessory-wise, the Pulsar PG3250 comes with the usual documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) needed to get you promptly started.

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).

  • With a dry weight of 87 lbs, the Pulsar PG3250 sits comfortably within the expected weight range for devices generating 2000 to 3000 rated watts. If you are mindful of weight, the WEN 56280iX is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 41.9 pounds.
  • When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this generator's lowest possible noise rating of 68 dBA places it in the louder category. If you value reduced noise levels, the Honda EU3000iS could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 50 dBA.
  • As the PG3250 features an autonomy of around 16 hours at 50% load, it has one of the highest run times in comparison to the other generators of its power range.
  • 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 an estimated fuel consumption of 0.25 GPH at a 50% load, this generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Cummins Onan P2500i, with a fuel consumption of 0.13 GPH could be in your good books.

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
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (87 lbs)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
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

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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 size calculator.
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
Drain cleaner250250
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
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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