Head to head
Generac iQ3500 vs Firman WH03242
Generac · Inverter Generator
Generac iQ3500
~$1,249
3,000 W / 3,500 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
Firman · Inverter Generator
Firman WH03242
~$1,280
3,200 W / 4,000 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
Quick takeThe Generac iQ3500 lists about $31 lower; the Firman WH03242 puts out more sustained power (3,200 W); the Generac iQ3500 is quieter at 52 dB.
| Spec | Generac iQ3500 | Firman WH03242 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$1,249 | ~$1,280 |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Dual Fuel (Gas/Propane) |
| Running / output watts | 3,000 W | 3,200 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 3,500 W | 4,000 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 52 dB | 58 dB |
| Runtime | 8.9 hrs @ 50% load, 14.1 hrs @ 25% (2.6 gal) | Up to 9 hrs at 25% load on gasoline (1.8 gal tank); 58 dB at 1/4 load |
| Outlets | 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R), 2x 120V 20A (5-20R), 2x USB | 1x 120V 20A duplex (5-20R), 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R), 1x USB (2.1A), 1x 12V DC |
| Fuel tank | 2.6 gal | 1.8 gal |
| Weight | 109 lbs | 90 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | No | No |
| Warranty | 3-year limited | 3-year |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Generac iQ3500
- +As quiet as anything in the 3,000W class, Honda included
- +Electric start and idiot-proof PowerDial controls
- +Data display shows load, fuel, and time remaining
- +Starts 13.5k BTU RV air conditioners
- +14-hour quarter-load runtime
- −109 lbs with no wheels, so owners add a wheel kit
- −Carb needs religious fuel treatment before storage
- −Past recall history on early units shadows the model
- −No 240V output
- −Parallel kit is proprietary and pricey
Firman WH03242
- +Dual fuel: 3,000 running watts on propane
- +Electric start with recoil backup
- +TT-30R RV outlet, 20A duplex, USB and 12V DC
- −$1,280 is above WEN and DuroMax dual fuel units with more output
- −Firman lists 90 lbs; retailers list up to 111 lbs
- −58 dB is a quarter-load figure
- −1.8 gal tank gives only 9 hrs at 25% load