Generators: Quiet or Powerful?

[Anonymous]

I am debating over the only two portable generators that Home Depot Online offers. I will run up to my local store before purchasing anything to see if they might have something else that's would do me better than these, but for now, I'm between these.

Both are $399 and both are Coleman Powermate.

Would you go for quieter or more power/mobility? I am torn between the two. The smaller generator is plenty for me at a cook-off and that's the only reason I'm getting the dang thing.

On the other hand, I could run the fridge and stuff on the other one in the event of an emergency. A good "planning ahead" purchase, ya know?

I do want a quiet generator though. I hate talking over those things. The one on the dolly cart is louder, but easily moveable to a quieter location. And it is off the ground in case of rain. Both good things.

The only thing I can really find better about the 1850 is the noise. I wish noise wasn't such a big deal to me.

Your opinions are welcome.

#1 - 1850 Watt Recreational Generator
http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/165506_1.jpg
Power for those on the go. This 1850 maximum watt recreational generator is designed for camping, boating, recreation, tailgating and more. Quieter than most generators, it is fully enclosed for reduced noise and added protection. Two handles provide easy portability. Spark arrest muffler is approved by the U.S. Forest Service. Equipped with a 12 volt, 15 peak amp battery charger and charging cables. Small and compact for ease in transporting and storage. Features two 120 volt outlets. Runs up to 7 hours at 50 percent load.

#2 - 3750 Watt Generator With Portability Kit
http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/165507_1.jpg
Perfect generator for power on the jobsite or use at home. This 3750 maximum watt generator comes fully assembled on a dolly style cart for superior portability on any terrain. Features a 6 hp OHV engine for improved fuel efficiency, longer life, easier maintenance, and less noise than conventional engines. Two 120 volt outlets are easily accessible. Provides enough power to run circular saws, sprayers, drills on the jobsite or fans, lights, radios, and televisions at home during power outages. Also great for lawn and garden chores with hedge trimmers, lawn edgers, or leaf blowers.

[snook]

Fatz, a few years ago after being without power for 3 days, I bought a 4200 watt generator from sears on sale. A buddy of mine is a great electrician (comes in handy) and we put up a transfer box next to the service box. I Ran the wire out to the garage to a plug in box so I can leave the generator in the garage (with doors open) and stay out of the weather. I can run 2 fridges, a chest freezer, well pump, furnace blower (gas) ,washer and dryer(gas) , numerous lights, and family room with TV all at the same time. Just don’t try to start up all these at once. It isn’t real quiet but when you need it who cares? I guess it really surprised me that a 4200 watt would do so much. Seems to me the bigger the generator the louder you get.

[Fred]

As for me / on site / I want quite / I don't want to run my gen. from a distance / I will occasionally run live music & I don't want to play over the generator /

I want a Yamaha for the General

[BBQ101]

I need one also. I want it quit but it has to have a 110 and 220/240 30 amp circuit so we can use the stove or dryer in a outage.

[bigwheel]

If you will confine your choices to Honda or Onan you cant go wrong. Hondas are legendary for being quiet and dependable. Onans mainly dependable. If it say Generac its junk.

bigwheel

[gordo]

Fatz- I would go for the quite one- one thing to look at is the run time before refueling. I only run couple of lights, radio, electric knife, maybe a coffee pot in the morning, or a fan on a hot day. I hav alittle used 600watt, job that I found for a hundred bucks, but it only runs 2 1/2 hrs
on a quart of gas, but been using it ok, if I dont run everything at the same time. I found a 1000w Troy Built at lowes for 349.00- bought it also and it runs 6hrs without a refill. I found I dont need much at elec cookoffs
only the things listed above. Go for what ever will cover what you plan to run off it, Im a small time one guy type cookin team and keep it as simple as I can... kinda like that Troy gen, its not too loud...

later
gordo

[redneck cooker]

I hjave a 5600 watt Craftsman from Sears, 11 hp Briggs & Stratton OHV, 5 gal fuel tank, low oil sensor and auto shut off. It will run for approx 10 hours running my A/C on my Travel trailer in the summer. It is very queit, caught it on sale for $549... :D :D :D

[TAR RIVER RAT]

What ever you buy, don't get a piece of crap HOMELITE. I had a new one ,and when I needed it, it ran for 10 min and the stator went out. Was not overloaded, but was one month out of warranty. Homelite said, tough
luck fella.
Tar

[gatorpit]

Go for more watts. By the time you plug in a few 500 watt halogens to light up the night and a couple of other things, you will blow breakers on the smaller unit. The later looks more durable. Check out running times before refueling. Mobile is nice as you may be moving that thing around at the site and as you stated, it is off the ground some. I have a 5500 watt and I have used ever bit of it. You will find that you may end up being real nice and sharing some of your juice with the neighbors. Not that you have too, but we always get asked by some one next us for some and if we can supply it, we do. Your pit can't be big enough and neither can your generator. :lol: Ritch

[BBQ101]

Ritch did share power with us at Floatonia when I was a guest of Swilly, Redneck Cooker and Flap Daddy. It was nice not having to cook with flashlights. We did not need the power really The Texas Legend was lit up light a Christmas Tree. A true thing of beauty your team created.

[Race R Us]

yeah ritch is right with share with your neighbor, we are still thankful he shared an outlet with us in a very very cold january this year not to mention a shop heater.

you never know when you need the little extra juice.