Looking for a generator, but don’t need a large one to provide a lot of backup power? A 3,000 watt generator will power a microwave, refrigerator, a sump pump, a TV, and several lights which is perfect for an emergency situation where power is not available because of a storm. It can be overwhelming to know what generator is right for you, especially because the market is flooded with options. We’ve made the work a bit easier on you – researching countless generators and narrowing down our list to three of the best 3000 watt gas generators.
Best Overall 3,000 Watt Gas Generator For 2014/2015 – Champion Power Equipment 75531i
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B003N9AT5G” cloaking=”default” height=”117″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Pnvxngq5L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]This generator[/easyazon_image]Our Best Overall in the 3,000 watt category goes to the WEN 56352. It will run a constant 3,000 watts, but has a motor powerful enough to provide an additional 500 watts. This is an excellent feature for when you need to start an appliance that requires a surge of power to run.
You’ll have a number of power outlets on the generator. There are two 120-volt three prong outlets, as well as a 120/140-volt twist outlet for use when either voltage is required. A simple switch allows you to toggle back and forth between voltages, as needed. There’s also a cigarette lighter style 12V plug, for use with that type of charger – ideal for cell phones and other portable devices that use a travel charger.
Thanks to an indicator light above the outlet, you’ll always know when power is available for it. There’s no need to try to read a power meter, which can be both difficult and confusing. The digital hour counter shows you how much runtime you’ve used the generator overall. This is ideal for seeing when necessary maintenance tasks should be performed. If you for any reason miss the lubricating oil level check, the engine will automatically shut off when the oil level is low. This prevents engine damage, to help avoid costly repair or replacement.
Our best 3000 watt gas generator features a manual starter, which in most cases will only require one pull to start. It also has a four gallon fuel tank, which will run for 11 hours at a half-load. There is a mobility kit included to help making moving the generator easier, but the frame, motor mounts, and wheels keep the unit steady on the ground when running.
This unit is ideal for keeping your family safe during a power outage, but also works well at a construction site where power is required to run tools. This unit features a two year limited warranty.
[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B003N9AT5G” cloaking=”default” layout=”left” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]This generator[/easyazon_block]
Looking for something a bit bigger? Check out our backup generator for your house.
Best Portable 3,000 Watt Gas Generator For 2014/2015 – Champion Power Equipment 75531i
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B00BBDCE1S” cloaking=”default” height=”112″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tI8eyLlxL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]This generator[/easyazon_image]Our Best Portable 3,000 watt gas generator goes to the 3100 watt Champion Power Equipment No.75531i Inverter Generator. Though it runs at 2,800 watts rated, it has a maximum capacity of 3,100 watts. It offers a quiet source of power for RVs, camping, and in emergency situations where power is out due to a bad weather event. The 3,000 watt inverter generator provides clean, safe power whenever and wherever you need it.
On a full tank of gas (1.59 gallons), you can expect to run eight hours at ¼ load. The inverter technology features an economy mode that puts the generator into idle when the electricity load is lowered, to increase fuel efficiency. It’s lightweight, weighing only 80 lbs, when full, and includes everything you need (full enclosure and handle) to carry it from place to place as needed.
This generator features a 120-volt power outlet, a 12 volt outlet (cigarette lighter style), and one TT-30 outlet so it is RV ready. It also has overload protection to keep it from experiencing damage should the unit try to pull too much wattage. There is a low oil sensor, to notify you when the oil needs to be replenished, so you can prevent engine damage, as well. This unit features a two year limited warranty.
[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B00BBDCE1S” cloaking=”default” layout=”left” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]This generator[/easyazon_block]
Looking for something smaller? Try the Pulsar PG2000
Best 3,000 Watt Propane Generator For 2014/2015 – Generac 6000
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B005BXE9S0″ cloaking=”default” height=”154″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514QRvmcSPL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]best 3000 watt propane generator[/easyazon_image]Our Best 3,000 Watt Propane generator goes to the Generac 6000. It features 3,200 watts of power capacity, with an additional 500 watts to provide power when a surge is needed to start an appliance. This portable unit features a tank holder that will house either a 20 lb or 30 pound propane tank, however, the tank is not included with the generator. This is a nice feature because it eliminates the need to carry the bulky tank and purchase a separate hose line to connect the tank to the generator.
The unit is a nice choice for people who don’t want to rely on the expense of gasoline. Since propane can be stored indefinitely without degradation, it’s an ideal option for people who want to always be ready for an emergency where power may not be available, or for people who are looking for more efficiency at a job site.
Our best 3000 watt propane generator features two standard 120-volt outlets, as well as a single 120/140-volt outlet that can be adjusted to fit either voltage, depending on your needs. The length of time a single tank will last depends on the size of the tank and the load, however, it will last anywhere from eight to 12 hours at half load capacity, with the higher length of time associated with the larger propane tank.
Your new generator will serve you well, so long as you treat it with kindness. Since you’ll most likely only need to use it in emergency situations, it’s a good idea to check on it from time to time, and make sure that it will not only start, but that there are no routine maintenance tasks to be done. How often you do maintenance will depend on how long you use the generator – but you’ll need to do things like check the oil, and change it periodically. Failing to do routine maintenance could impact fuel efficiency, and will likely shorten the lifespan of the unit. You’ll pay for it one way or the other – in higher fuel costs to run the unit, or in the repair or replacement of the engine.
[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B005BXE9S0″ cloaking=”default” layout=”left” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]