The Pros & Cons Of Harbor Freight's Super Quiet Generator And If It's Worth Buying

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There are lots of reasons why people buy generators, but it can be a complex subject. It's easy enough to pick up a lightweight, portable generator for running power tools or for camping, but for home backup, you need to work out what size you need for power outage readiness, and everyone's home is different. Harbor Freight's super-quiet 5000W Predator generator is claimed to fulfill a whole host of different demands. Being able to run off gasoline or propane makes it a versatile device, and it appears to be packed with useful and user-friendly features. Do they make it worth buying? Let's look at the pros and cons.

The Harbor Freight 5000W Predator is an inverter generator. These are typically more fuel efficient than conventional generators, are quieter, and have lower emissions. They are usually smaller and lighter. They also deliver a steady flow of electricity, making them safe with sensitive electronics like laptops. Traditional models fluctuate, potentially causing damage.

The downside of inverter generators is their price. The Predator costs $1099, and although that's competitive for a machine of its type, a traditional model like the WEN 5,600W Dual Fuel Generator is only around $400. On balance, however, inverter generators are generally considered a better buy than conventional models, and the Predator's impressive performance figures and feature set should put it firmly in this category. That said, it's worth taking a detailed look at what you get before making a decision.

The 500W Predator comes with both push-button and remote starters. There are two standard outlets, an RV outlet (the cable is extra), a 12V DC outlet, and both USB-A and USB-C connectors. It will run for up to 18 hours on gas and 14.6 hours on propane (although propane only produces around half the carbon dioxide, gas delivers more energy). If you check out how to use your generator safely in wintertime, it's reassuring that there's also a safety shutoff for high carbon monoxide levels. It's also parallel capable, so you could connect two 5000W Predators together for double the power, although the necessary kit is not included.

Harbor Freight claims the Predator generator is suitable for home use. That's true, but the right way to hook up a portable generator to your house is to use a transfer switch, and these must be installed by a qualified electrician. There's also something important to know about the 5000W figure. That's the startup wattage, but output drops to 3900W when actually running. Harbor Freight is not being deceptive; it's an industry-standard approach. All generators do this, and all generator manufacturers use the higher figure in descriptions.

All things considered, the Harbor Freight 5000W Predator super quiet generator is a competitive device on every level and should be well worth buying. However, it's a good idea to spend some time assessing exactly what power you need from a generator before you buy.