Good Cheap generator i should buy For the >>Outage<< we will be having tonight??? SUggestions?

I got a 5500Watt from HD with a SUBARU 7HP engine. Always starts on 1 pull and sips gas. Used it dozens of times so far. 5 Stars!

Price please?

Check out the HD website.

the 5500 watt is just above your price ( 649.00 ) .. its a good unit that will run your home. if you have central air it is not enough. but it will run what you have and a mid-sized window air conditioner.

hope this helps. even though its just over your price range.

good luck

We have a lot of generators due to our business- if you are going with gas (which is all your budget will allow) go with a Honda engine. They are absolutely the best gas generators IMO- start every time and don't give us any trouble. Most of our generators are diesel, but those are WAY more expensive. Stick with a Honda!

Remember to get a big chain and a padlock! You can't run a generator inside a building, so you have to put it outside. Somebody might hear it and get jealous!!!

That is doable thanks!!!!
Looks like ill get another $250.00 and get a Honda or Subaru!

5500Watt Powermate at HD only $549.

^ Many "excellent" comments.

Re: 5500, "Great for the $$" reviews @ HD website.

Due to this heatwave, I've been thinking about generators. The question is what do you do when you cannot get gasoline at the pumps, when the grid goes down. Has anyone developed a generator that is solar powered. With all the sun we're getting now, this would be a good option.

Forget the fridge, take the contents of the freezer to family or friends that will have electricity.

Get a large cooler and ice.

Get the little harbor freight 2cycle 900watt generator.
Two 5gallon gas cans filled and a gallon of 2cycle oil.

Will run forever on 10 gallons of mixed gas (dont mix until needed).

Not to noisy, very compact and good 800-900watt output.

Cheap $90-149.00 depending on the current sales.

yes they have,, they are called solar panels,, hook a battery bank to them to store your power to use at night..

There different levels of noise ratings for generators also. Usually the quieter, the more expensive. Most campgrounds require a certain decibel rating or you cannot even use it.
In an emergency though, I don't think it would matter too much.
I have been thinking about getting one I could run my refrigerator on for a few days, IF I had to.

We ended up with solar generators. Zero noise factor.

OP you have $500 for a generator but how much have you saved up for fuel? You'll need at least 15 gallons a day for a 5kw. Better if you looked to a propane generator with a couple 100 gal tanks.

Tks a/c. I was in HD yesterday & on my way out noticed a large solar panel on display in the entrance way. No price on it though. So how does this work with generators, since they are gasoline???? sorry I'm clueless about this, but want to learn, soon.

Can you tell us more about them? Where did you buy them, size etc. Tks.

Isn't this what we should be talking about?

Nothing wil happen!!

Go to walmart and buy a QUALITY generator for 183


[link to www.walmart.com]

just spoke to a good friend of mine who is high up at con ed and he sayd theres nothing currently going on

I have no idea if OP is role playing or what...however...

guys in the field vs. the 'higher ups' AKA "streets vs. suites"

I'll take the streets

Just sayin'

[link to www.homedepot.com]

Sportsman Clean Burning LPG 4000 Peak Watts Portable Propane Generator

Standard rule of thumb applies here:

1. if you dont have a genny already its to late.
2. if you dont have fuel stored its already to late.
3. if you havent wired the house for a generator its already to late.
4. if you havent done 1, 2 or 3 yet forget the fridge and freezer contents and central AC working.

Get by with what you can pick up tommorrow.

Generators are helpful, no doubt. In upstate NH, they are used as commonly as lawn mowers and snow throwers. Fuel is definitely a consideration, as consumption will vary based upon use. Try not to rely on supplemental electricity any more than necessary though, but rather work on what you might do to get by without it at all. If the SHTF because of a grid failure, and the failure cascades, you're looking at a complete lifestyle change (and if you're in NY, I'm not talking SOHO here). Propane and diesel are definitely more economical and versatile fuel sources. In a state as densely populated as NY, particularly NYC, you'll likely find yourself at a loss for fuel, or under assault for what you have in very short order.

like a poster above said they are called solar generators.
You are buying a kit. It has solar panels a big plastic box that has probably two heavy 12 volt solar batteries and in this big plastic box is an inverter. Changes dc power from the batteries to ac power to run stuff like your house appliances. The batteries have heavier thicker plates that release dc power slower unlie a automotive battery with lots of plates, smaller and lighter. Releases dc power fast to crank over the engine.All of this stuff in the kit you can buy and put together probably for cheaper. But less appealing to look at. And no guessing or thinking just use it. I have about five small cheap gens 1000 watts to 3500 watts. A guy above was recommending a honda engine. you can buy 8-10 of these cheap units for the price of a honda. All of my cheap units run. They are all copies of honda anyhow but clearly cheaper quALITY. Save money for gas and get the smallest unit you thin you will need. 1000 watts is all you need to charge batteries or power a vacuum. alot of lites. If your running air cond...you need a big heavy 3500 fuel hog. go nuts and build a biomass gasifier. very easy. no gas neeeded. I have not used mine but know it will work. Simple.

if the power is off, use a broom instead of a vacuum cleaner???