Generac IQ3500 Review – Portable Inverter Generator For Your Need 2023

Founded in 1959, Generac Power Systems is an American manufacturer of power equipment and generators. The Generac 7172 iQ3500 is a powerful 3500-watt inverter generator with an excellent engine and a number of cutting-edge features. It is one of the most reliable and versatile generators available, offering stable power for a variety of outdoor activities and home emergencies.

In this review, we will be exploring the features and benefits of the Generac iQ3500 and determining whether it is the right generator for your needs. 

Generac IQ3500 Review

Generac iQ3500 Generator at a Glance

The Generac IQ3500 is a powerhouse in the 3500 watts inverter generator category. It is a strong competitor to Honda and Yamaha in the generator market.

This generator comes with three operating levels – economy, standard, and turbo which allows you to adjust the power output to meet the load. Its useful LED display is another eye-catching feature, which is not found in many high-end generator models from Honda.

This makes monitoring the generator super easy.  Inverter generators use advanced technology to convert raw DC (Direct Current) power into cleaner and more reliable AC power.

The IQ3500 inverter generator is highly portable, has a long run time, and is very easy to use. Its easy-start technology gives you higher control by allowing you to switch its three different modes.

In addition to this, it has a parallel capability. This allows you to use two generators in parallel if the 3500 watts is not enough for you. 

The generator also comes with a status light to inform you of everything you need to know whilst it is running.

The status meter alerts you of ready, low oil, overload, and overheating, so you don’t have to guess when the generator is going to run out of fuel.

Now, is this generator actually worth the hype? Does it perform the way it claims to do? Is it well worth the price? Well, I am here to give you my honest opinion about this generator! Read on to find out all the answers to your questions before spending the fistfuls of cash.

In this generator review, I am going to give you a tour of the generator, talk about the specifications and how I use it for my home backup power, and how it performs in real-world Pacific Gas and Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

Technical Specs of Generac iQ3500

Power Output 

The Generac iQ3500 Generator is an excellent choice for your home or travel needs. It has a Generac OHV engine that produces 3500 starting watts and 3000 Running Watts.

This engine’s design aims to deliver maximum power production with the least amount of vibration, noise, and fuel consumption

. The Generac IQ3500 has the best fuel flexibility because it can run on either gasoline or propane. It is perfect for camping, tailgating, and recreational use because it has two 120V 20A domestic outlets and a 30 amp RV outlet. But remember, you will need an RV generator adaptor with a locking 3-prong.

It may also be used in an emergency to power home appliances. Additionally, the Generac IQ3500 has a power dial that allows simple startup and shutdown as well as a low-oil shutdown. This is something 

I didn’t think of it initially, so make sure you remember to get one before you need it! This generator also has an electric start and a push-button interface, making it easy to use.

It’s also designed to be quiet and fuel-efficient, so you can use it without worrying about waking up the neighbors or running out of fuel.

Run Time

The Generac iQ3500 has quoted run times of 8.9 Hours @ 50% Load and 14.1 Hours @ 25% Load, which appear to be accurate.

During a week-long dry camping experience, the generator was run from 9 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm. The first two days, with temperatures in the high 80s and no shade, necessitated running the air conditioner full blast, at which point the generator used a full tank of 2.6 gallons of gasoline in 4 hours.

For the remainder of the week, with cooler temperatures, the air conditioner was not used, and the 2.6 gallons of gasoline lasted 8 hours.

Other power-consuming amenities, such as the electric hot water heater and 12v refrigerator, were also utilized.

Outlets

The Generac generator features three 120-volt outlets, one 240-volt outlet, and one 12-volt DC outlet.

The three 120-volt outlets are ideal for running typical home items including microwaves, PCs, and refrigerators. For larger equipment like air conditioners or electric stoves, the 240-volt outlet is perfect. The 12-volt DC plug is also excellent for powering small electronic gadgets or charging batteries.

Portability

The Generac iQ3500 is 109.1 pounds in weight. For a generator of this class, this is comparatively in the middle of the road.

There is no integrated wheel kit included.  This is one of the generator’s few shortcomings, in my opinion. The fact that it has grips on either side makes team carrying it with a partner quite simple.

Its dimensions are 23.7 x 18 x 21.7 inches, so it is relatively compact and can fit in the trunk of most cars. 

Features That Got Us Hooked

Easy Start Technology

The EasyStart technology includes a pull start or you can push the electric start button on the side that is right below the pull cord of its recoil manual system.

There is a power dial with start, run, and stop functions that offer excellent control. Then, back on display, a simple button allows you to pick between the three settings.

This technology boosts the rating of the Generac IQ3500 model and shows how user-friendly the inverter is. PowerDial integrates start/run/stop functions into 1 easy to use dial.

LED Display

One of the coolest features this model offers is its vivid LED display. On display, there is a fuel gauge so that you can see how much fuel you’ve used and how much you have left. 

The LCD display screen is attractive and allows you to cycle through the generator status – engine hour meter, fuel level, predicted remaining runtime, and watts output.

It makes monitoring more accessible and easy by allowing you to switch between three different modes (Turbo, Standard, and Economy). And the vivid screen is easy to read; it’s perfect for professional use.

Low Noise Level

Well, if you’re looking for an ultra-quiet generator, you can’t get much better than this. In fact, the Generac iQ3500 was mainly designed to be quieter than its direct competitor Honda EU3000is.

The Advanced inverter technology and enclosure design offer the quietest performance possible. Honda EUi generators are said to be the most quieter generators but Generac can win the game in terms of noise.

It runs at 54 dB with a 25 percent load. Of course, it will be a bit nosier if you’re running at a higher load, which is almost 60dB, and that’s nothing compared to other portable generators.

So if you’re looking for a quiet generator for camping, you really can’t get much better than this. Overall, the model will be an excellent addition to your home if you enjoy peace.

Fuel Gauge

The Generac IQ3500 features a fuel gauge. You might think this would be a common feature. It, in fact, isn’t included in a lot of generators. This is as helpful as you don’t need to guess when the generator will run out of fuel. You’ll always have power!

PowerBar monitors and displays wattage using electronic fuel gauge displays, remaining fuel, and Runtime Display shows how much time is left before refueling.

Status Light

The iq3500 has a power bar. The wattage meter shows you the wattage you are currently using and how much it is still available. It also shows what you have plugged into the generator and the percentage of the generator’s capabilities that you’re using at any one time.

That gives you an idea of how much time you have left of charge. It also warns you when there’s a danger of overheating and overload issues.

Fuel-Efficient

The Generac IQ3500 inverter generator is a fuel-efficient generator. Although fuel consumption depends on its usage and electricity load, switching between the modes gives you more control over fuel consumption.

When the generator is in economy mode, reduces noise and fuel consumption. However, in turbo mode, its fuel capacity goes over one gallon and offers nine hours of running time.

Parallel Capability

If you think that you will need more energy than this can provide, you can add another Generac IQ3500 to run alongside the one you are currently using.

This parallel-ready is a very convenient feature, especially when you need the supply of a bigger load for your side job, DIY project, or RV camping.

The use of a parallel kit lets you gain even more runtime.

Digital Module Inverter

Another eye-catching feature of the Generac IQ3500 is its ability to convert raw power through a built-in module inverter. You can monitor the power consumption in real time.

Easy To Maintain

With regular standard servicing, the Generac IQ3500 can last for years. It comes with a comprehensive user manual, helpful instructions, and information that makes maintenance pretty easy.

Generac iQ3500 Control Panel

• Idle Control Switch: Turbo, Standard, Economy
• Economy mode automatically adjusts fuel consumption and extends run time and is ideal for not putting as much pressure on the generator. It’s best for the less demanding load.
• Turbo mode allows the user to take full advantage of what this model has to offer.
• Standard mode is the ideal middle point where the user will get the best of both worlds whilst not using as much fuel. It’s best for general loads.
• 2x 120VAC Power Outlets and 1x 12V DC Power Outlet
• Run time remaining display: Shows how much time is left before you need to refuel
• Status lights: Alert you to low fuel, low oil, and overload or overheat.
• Power bar: monitors and instantly displays wattage use.
• Parallel ready outlet: Allow the user to connect two inverter generators for twice the power with an IQ3500 parallel kit (sold separately)
• The built-in fuel gauge allows the user to check the fuel level easily.
• For safety concerns, the generator can be used with peace of mind. It has the safety feature of overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil level shut-off.
• USB ports and 30A TWIST LOCK OUTLET – Harness the full power of the generator
• Easy-to-read LCD display, a 7-button interface, and an illuminated start button /stop button.

Emissions

The Generac IQ3500 is EPA-approved CSA and CARB-compliant. Therefore, it can be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.

The generator also meets all USDA standards. Moreover, it can be used in forested areas, meaning it is safe and eco-friendly to take on an RV adventure or camping trip.

Price

The Generac IQ3500 is slightly more expensive than other wattage output models at $999 off-list.

But based on what I’ve seen, this product is incredibly quiet, well-made, and name-brand, with a wonderful three-year warranty.

Whether you are at a job site, campsite, or tailgate, I think a generator that is 40% quieter than the competition is worth a few extra dollars.

All things considered, the Generac IQ3500 is an excellent generator for the money you pay, HONESTLY. When looking for a portable generator, I would advise giving the IQ3500 serious consideration because it is quite capable for the majority of uses.

Warranty Information

Generac has a solid reputation for excellent customer service. This generator comes with a 3-year warranty for commercial and residential use. It seems like the manufacturers are confident of the product they’ve made too.

The customer support team is always ready to help if you have any inverter generator issues. You can say this one’s in it for the long haul.

Download Generac iQ3500 Manual

Generac iQ3500 Manual

Generac iQ3500 Vs Other Generator Models

Generac Iq3500 Vs Honda Eu2200i

Both the Honda EU2200i and the Generac iQ3500 are small, portable inverter generators with a range of functions for outdoor use. The power outputs of the two models are comparable, with the Honda EU2200i providing slightly more power (2200 watts) than the Generac iQ3500 (3500 watts).

The Honda EU2200i is more fuel-efficient than the Generac iQ3500, consuming only 0.95 gallons of gasoline per hour at its rated load.

The Honda EU2200i weighs only 46.5 pounds as opposed to the Generac iQ3500’s 79 pounds, which makes it substantially lighter than the Generac iQ3500. 

Generac Iq3500 Vs Predator 3500

Both portable inverter generators, the Generac IQ3500 and Predator 3500, deliver outstanding performance, making them perfect for camping and outdoor activities. But which is superior? Let’s look at the specifications to find out.

The Predator 3500 has a continuous output of 3,000 watts and a maximum output of 3,425 watts, whilst the Generac IQ3500 has a continuous output of 3,100 watts and a maximum output of 3,500 watts.

In addition, the Generac IQ3500 has a gasoline tank with a capacity of 4.7 gallons as opposed to the Predator 3500’s 3.4 gallons. At 25% load, the Generac IQ3500 is quieter than the Predator 3500, generating 58 dB of noise as opposed to the Predator 3500’s 61 dB.

Generac iQ3500 Vs Wen 56380i

Although the WEN 56380i is a respectable portable inverter generator, it falls short of the Generac iQ3500. Although it has a 212cc 4-stroke engine and is capable of producing 4375 peak watts and 3500 operating watts, it is marginally less efficient than the iQ3500.

It also includes an automatic low-oil shutoff, which is handy, but the iQ3500’s TruePower Technology is a much better option for delivering clean, dependable power.

The 56380i is additionally noisier than the iQ3500, operating at 57 decibels at 25% load. 

The Generac iQ3500 is hands down the best portable inverter generator on the market. It offers all the dependable and effective power you need for your next excursion thanks to its powerful engine, TruePower Technology, and whisper-quiet sound.

Generac IQ3500 Vs Gp3300i

The portable inverter generators Generac IQ3500 and GP3300i are both made to run small appliances.

The starting and running wattages of the Generac IQ3500 are 3500 and 3000 respectively, while those of the GP3300i are 3300 and 2800 respectively.

While the GP3300i uses straightforward dials and switches to regulate power output, the Generac IQ3500 has an intuitive LCD display and simple push-button controls.

The IQ3500 is a little bit quieter than the GP3300i, and it also includes an innovative power management system that helps to cut fuel consumption.

Both models offer silent running and fuel economy. The Generac IQ3500 is a superior option for prolonged power outages because it can run for longer than the GP3300i.

FAQ’s

Feel The Power

Do you own a Generac iQ3500 – Ultra-Quiet Electric Start Portable Inverter Generator and agree or disagree with these Pros and Cons? Let us know, and write your own review.