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Powerhorse portable generators are sold by Northern Tool + Equipment. The company was founded in 1981 by its current CEO Donald Kotula and started out as a mail-order company.
They gradually grew into one of the largest hardware retailers in the US with over 1,500 brands, staff strength of 3,000 and presence in 17 states. Although Northern Tool + Equipment has a testing facility in Faribault, Minnesota, the Powerhorse generator models are manufactured in China. We reveal our favorite Powerhorse portable generator below.
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Our Favorite Powerhorse Portable Generator
Powerhorse Portable Inverter Generator - 2000 Surge Watts, 1600 Rated Watts
Pros
- Clean, safe power for sensitive devices
- Rugged and reliable engine
- Super fuel efficient with Engine Smart Controls
- CARB and EPA compliant
Cons
- 1,600-watts might be insufficient for most uses
- Electric start convenience (battery included)
- Overload protection
- Parallel-ready design (cables sold separately) allows connecting two Powerhorse units (2000 Watt or 3500 Watt) for up to twice the power
- U.S. Forest Service qualified spark arrestor
- Low oil alert
< Click Here For A More In-Depth Powerhorse Portable Generators Review >
The Powerhorse Generator Brand
The Northern Tool testing facility is where the Powerhorse generators are put through thousands of hours of rigorous test situations to ensure optimum performance and maximum durability.
Northern Tool offers a wide range of Powerhorse generators to meet different power needs ranging from 2500 watts all the way up to 13,000 watts. They have conventional and inverter generator models in their line-up which are all gas-powered. They do not offer home or commercial standby generators or mobile generators.
The Powerhorse generators are designed in the US but are built in China. However, Northern Tool ensures that the units are tested to maintain the expected quality standards.
They are driven by overhead valve (OHV) engines that are built for superior durability with “industrial-strength cast iron cylinder sleeves and dual ball bearing high-performance forged crankshafts” as stated by the company.
A premium 100% copper-wound generator head allows operation at full load continuously for weeks without overheating. The company claims that the generators produce relatively clean power with harmonic distortions less than 5% to power your delicate electronic devices without worry.
All the models come with a Low Oil Shutdown feature to keep the engine safe in the event the oil drops below unsafe levels. Many of the Powerhorse models come with an electric start as well as a recoil start system. However, you must purchase the battery separately as the company doesn’t include a battery in the main purchase.
The larger models come with a wheel kit (which you’ll install yourself) to improve ease of handling and manoeuvrability.
Not all their models are listed on Amazon. But Northern Tool claims to always have all the model stocks. In addition, if you purchase directly from them and subsequently need repairs, the company has a professional in-store service department that performs all repairs on site.
They also stock replacement parts at their warehouses which are all ready to be shipped same day order is received. All models apart from the 13,000 watts have a manufacturer’s 2-year consumer warranty and 90-day commercial warranty.
Powerhorse line of portable generators can be used for virtually any power solution application. They are great for:
- camping
- RVs
- Tailgating
- outdoor events, etc.
As a home emergency power back up, they can conveniently run:
- ACs
- TVs
- refrigerators
- lights,
- and appliances of all sizes.
They come in quite handy during extended blackouts caused by natural disasters.
To select the appropriate Powerhorse generator, you need to add up all the power required to run each appliance and choose the right wattage of generator based on the calculated figure.
Our #1 Recommended Powerhorse Generator is…
When it comes to having a reliable, fuel efficient and compact generator you can't go wrong with the Powerhorse 2000W Portable Generator. It is lightweight and portable, and produces clean power for sensitive electronics, making it a great choice for many outdoor activities, as well as emergency back-up power.
- Electric start convenience (battery included)
- Overload protection
- Parallel-ready design (cables sold separately) allows connecting two Powerhorse units (2000 Watt or 3500 Watt) for up to twice the power
- U.S. Forest Service qualified spark arrestor
- Low oil alert
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I bought the powerhorse 9000 surge 7250 running back in 14 from Northern Tool. I have had nothing but a great performance
from this generator. It powered our place after Irma got her jollies and every day for a week She ran fine, A big stove burner, fridge freezer lights t.v. and central air. Almost like we never had a storm!
The only time it muft up was due to leaving gas valve on but that was fixed, I did it myself. Cleaned out the carb. It is a fine generator for sure.
I made a cord of 4 conductor as this geny gives
120/240 and has a ground, made sure ‘MAINS’ were OFF’
after that, it worked just great!
Hi
Are powerhorse generators made in China?
Are there any generators NOT made in China?
Hi William
Powerhorse generators are designed in America and built in China.
Briggs and Stratton build portable generators in America. See our Briggs and Stratton reviews
Mike
Having problem with my power horse generator going off on overload with one cord plugged in I have a backup but would like this one fixed it’s only 3 yr only run it in summer
Hi Ray
10powerup.com is a generator review site. For advice about servicing and repairs we suggest you approach Powerhorse direct or the dealer you purchased your generator from. Best of luck
Mike
I purchased a Powerhouse 7500i from Northern tools 9/2019 to power our RV air conditioning . I ran it four days strait. On day two the electric start quit working, but is easy to start with the recoil starter. Also the display went out.
On return from camping trip took to Northern tool for warranty repair. They have had it for three months, when I call to inquire on stattus tech says he has no idea what is wrong. Finally went to store today for refund. They tell me they ordered the electric start module and it just came in. Now that would have been the first thing I would have tried three months ago. So no gen, no refund, will let me know Tuesday if that part fixed it.
More upset at Northern Tool than the generator, when the gen works it works good.
Hi Gary, sorry to hear about your troubles with the 7500i – hope the electric start module will fix the issue. Let me know how you go. Mike