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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
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Price history for the Pulsar PG3250

Lowest price $349
Highest price $367.46
Current price $349

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 nutshell, the Pulsar PG3250 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
  • 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 houses a 208 cc (7 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 2,500W along with a peak wattage of 3,250W.

With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator features a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.

The PG3250's fuel tank, boasting 4 gallons, allows it to operate for around 16 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.25 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

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

Portability

Measuring L23.6 x W17.5 x H17.9 in, the classic open frame build of the Pulsar PG3250 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Weighing 87 lbs, the PG3250 is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG3250

The PG3250's control panel

A light indicator on the device will signal if its oil levels are insufficient.

Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.

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.

As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Pulsar PG3250 also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away.

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).

  • At 87 lbs in dry weight, the Pulsar PG3250 fits well within the typical weight bracket for generators producing 2000 to 3000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN 56280iX, weighing just 41.9 pounds.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 68 dBA can be judged as noisy. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU3000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 50 dBA.
  • The PG3250 provides one of the highest run time among similarly powerful devices, reaching around 16 hours at 50% load.
  • While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. The generator burns fuel at a rate of around 0.25 GPH when running at a 50% load, which is consistent with the average fuel usage of models of comparable power output. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.13 GPH, the Cummins Onan P2500i is a device you could look out for.

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
  • 1-year warranty
  • No electric start
  • 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.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Microwave (1000 watts) 1500 1500
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
Slow cooker 270 270
Total 1962 W 2962 W
For camping RV AC (11,000 BTU) 1010 1600
RV refrigerator 180 600
Toaster oven 800 800
Total 1990 W 2580 W
For work Grinder 1400 2500
Electric fence (25 miles) 250 250
Drain cleaner 250 250
Bug zapper 80 80
Total 1980 W 3080 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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