Last Updated on December 3, 2024
Powermate offers consumers a range of portable generators for a variety of needs—so the challenge lies in finding the right fit for your lifestyle. Depending on how much power you need, where you need it, and what you want to operate, there’s a Powermate generator for that purpose.
From gasoline to liquid propane gas, 2200 to 12500 Watts, ultra-portable to hundreds of pounds, electric start to pull-cord, and everything in between, you’ll find what you need with Powermate. Here are our Powermate generator reviews for the top four portable models the company offers so you can see which model will work best for you.
Powermate Generator Reviews
Powermate portable generators offer four primary types of generators that are either equipped with wheels or are light enough to carry (often by one person). Offerings range from electric start to pull-cord, and many offer clean inverter power that’s safe for electronics, too.
Our Powermate generator reviews give you an overview of each portable generators specs, the pros and cons, and our overall impression of the equipment.
1. Powermate 10000001790 PM2200i
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A compact unit with basic features that are performance-focused, Powermate’s PM2200i electric portable generator offers up 2200 Watts in a portable and lightweight package.
It can go nearly anywhere, and it doesn’t take a lot of instruction to get going.
It comes with an electric start.
- Safe power for sensitive electronics
- USB port
- Off/run/choke knob
- Electric start
- Fully enclosed
- Weighs just 52 pounds
- Parallel compatible
Basic operational features (a knob that switches from off to run to choke) make Powermate’s entry-level portable inverter generator an excellent option for budget-minded shoppers. It may lack the intuitive features of larger generators, but you probably won’t need help moving it around.
There’s also a USB port, something many larger units often lack, so that is a welcome forward-thinking feature. The inverter generator offers clean power with less than three percent total harmonic distortion; it’s safe for all types of electronics.
Plus, the operation of this portable generator is reasonably quiet given the fully-enclosed casing.
However, this portable generator still not the type of unit you’ll want sitting a few feet away from you while it operates.
Also, according to the manufacturer’s notes, the PM2200i portable generator is suitable for all 50 states and meets CSA regulations.
Beyond the basic control knob, there are no other adjustment features, meaning no cycling to preserve gasoline and no readout to determine what Wattage it’s producing or what the power draw is on it.
There’s a lot of guesswork involved, but in most applications, it’s a reasonable tradeoff given the portability and power output of this inverter. You can take it anywhere you need it and know that it will produce reliable and safe power for even the smallest of electronics.
In short, if you want a super-portable inverter generator that offers basic functions and reliability, Powermate’s P2200i might be the ideal fit for your power needs.
PROS
- Weighs only 45 pounds
- Safe for portable electronics
- USB port
- Comes with oil
- Relatively quiet operation
CONS
- Limited settings/no readout/display
2. Powermate PM0601258 Portable Generator
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(Discontinued by Manufacturer)
The PM0601258 electric powered portable generator is a 12500-Watt model with the most power out of our top picks.
A full control panel with multiple outlets and gauges helps you monitor power output and performance, and auto shutoff is a welcome safety feature. It also comes with an electric start and One 120V 30A outlet and four 120V 20A GFCI protected outlets
- 12,500 running Watts
- 15,625 max Watts
- 22 HP Subaru V-Twin engine
- Electric start
- Low-oil shutdown
- 8-gallon gas tank
- Fuel gauge
- Non-CARB compliant
- Four 120V 20A GFCI protected outlets
- One 120/240V 50A outlet
- One 120V 30A outlet
- Up to six-hour runtime at 50 percent load
- Circuit breaker protection
At 12500 Watts, the PM0601258 electric-powered portable generator features starting Watts level of 15625 to power even the most demanding appliances. Its 22 HP Subaru engine delivers performance when you need it, and a whole host of power outlets let you connect and power any device or appliance (a total of six outlets appear on the control panel).
In terms of performance monitoring, there is only a fuel gauge and an automatic low-oil shutdown, two basic features we would expect on a generator this powerful. It does come with two one-quart bottles of oil and a 12V 34AH battery, which again, we would expect at this level.
The Powermate portable generators pneumatic wheels—a staple in most Powermate gas-powered units—help with maneuverability, but it does weigh 360 pounds. Therefore, the collapsible handles are a necessity for multiple people carrying it. Also with this, you do not have to worry about the power outage.
In terms of construction, we were impressed; the fuel tank is steel, and the fuel gauge isn’t a cheap plastic component. A bit of assembly is required, of course, but nothing too strenuous for a generator this size.
One drawback—at least for those living in California—is the electric-powered portable generator is not CARB compliant. Therefore, you cannot order the generator for use in the state as it doesn’t adhere to regulatory guidelines on emissions.
PROS
- Fuel gauge
- Auto shutoff
- Includes two bottles of oil and a battery
CONS
- Non-CARB compliant
- Extremely heavy
3. Powermate 6958 DF7500E Portable Generator
With a 7400-Watt generator and dual fuel options, the Powermate 6958 electric start portable generator has features no other generator in its class can offer.
Plus, with its dual fuel and run time monitoring, you won’t struggle to determine how much fuel is left.
It also comes with an electric start.
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- Gasoline/LP fuel selector dial
- Electric start (battery included)
- Dual fuel options.
- Covered outlets
- GFCI Duplex 120V Outlets
- Fuel gauge
- 10-hour run time at 50% load on natural gas
- 9-hour runtime on 30lb LPG tank
- 3-hour runtime on 20lb LPG tank
- Digital engine runtime meter
- Low oil shutdown
- 7-gallon fuel tank capacity
Powermate’s 7500-Watt electric start portable generator offers dual fuel selection; use the fuel selector to switch between gasoline and liquid propane gas reserves.
Performance and runtime depend on which fuel type you use, plus what appliances you’re running, but you can expect between five and ten hours’ worth of power at 50 percent load.
Like other Powermate portable generators, the 6958 has two wheels and handles for portability, ideal given its 200-pound weight.
The handles fold down for compact storage but also have grips for easy maneuverability. Never-flat wheels are helpful on rough terrain, also it comes with an electric start.
And from the moment you get it in place and turn it on, this dual-fuel option delivers. An OHV engine relies on a low engine oil shutdown mechanism to prevent damage, and the digital multimeter provides a timeline for maintenance.
But with a seven-gallon fuel tank, you can expect plenty of runtime before needing to top off your fuel. Covered outlets help protect against the elements, and the unit comes with an LP hose connector and evaporative recovery hose.
PROS
- Dual fuel selection
- Comes with an OHV engine
- Fuel gauge and digital runtime meter
- Long runtime thanks to backup fuel options
- Electric start
CONS
- Maneuverability is still a bit limited given the wheel size and unit weight
4. Powermate PMC143500 Portable Generator
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Powermate’s 3500-Watt option—the PMC143500 portable generators—is a medium-duty generator with essential features. Its compact and portable package ensures continuous performance no matter where you need to go.
- Digital multimeter for engine runtime tracking
- Powermate OHV engine
- Low-oil level shutdown
- CARB
- 3500 Watts
- Weighs just over 100 pounds
A wattage meter lets you keep track of output with the 3500-Watt PMC143500, and three power outlet options let you connect multiple devices. Peak wattage tops out at 4375 Watts, which helps accommodate spikes when starting up appliances.
It comes with an OHV engine the low-level oil shutdown prevents engine damage, a handy feature given the lack of performance metrics or other measures (save for the engine runtime display).
Overall, the 107-pound generator is not exactly a lightweight unit, but its wheels and foldable handles—Powermate trademarks—aid with maneuverability. Its slight size belies its weight, but also means it’s easy to stow away when you’re not using it.
Although, in contrast with other lower-wattage units, this 3500-Watt model isn’t fully enclosed, which means it produces a bit more noise than other Powermate options with casing.
The mid-range weight is a decent compromise, considering the heft (and bulk) of larger units, and for 3500-Watt output, we can’t really complain. Although more performance measures would be nice—such as eco throttling—the output indicator is enough for most users.
Tracking engine runtime is helpful for determining maintenance intervals, something not every generator (even in Powermate’s line) has, so we appreciate its incorporation here. And, CARB compliance means you can have this generator shipped to any state and it’s compatible with local environmental regulations.
PROS
- Low-oil level shutdown
- Relatively low weight and maneuverable
- Digital multimeter tracks runtime
CONS
- Limited performance tracking
Concluding Thoughts:
Powermate portable generators offer a line of generators to suit nearly any application and power requirement. From the stowable handles and pneumatic tires to the engine-protection functions key to performance, each of Powermate’s models provides a reliable user experience and, at times, additional features for monitoring and fuel efficiency.
Whether you need a couple of thousand Watts or over 17000, there’s a Powermate generator to fit the bill. From low noise output to high energy demands, each Powermate unit has unique features to appeal to different power or emergency scenarios. Plus, with fuel source options, you have the peace of mind in knowing that there’s always power available should you need it—and wherever you might need it.
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Actually the Powermate 10000001790 PM2200i weghs 52 pounds without liquids and your write up reads more like an advertisement then an actual critical review. Do you get a kick back from the retailer ?
Thank you for pointing that out, I’ve made the correction on our review now. We handle a lot of product specs and reviews and an occasional error will get past us.
We focus on providing high quality reviews that people will enjoy reading and make good decisions based on their needs. If something sounds positive, it’s because we really feel that way.
We have no connection with any manufacturer and there is ZERO financial incentive from any of them to us to make things seem rosier then they truly are for any particular brand or model.
Thank you for reading.