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.
The Northern Tool testing facility is where the Powerhouse 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 Favorite Powerhorse Portable Generator
Powerhorse Portable Inverter Generator – 2000 Surge Watts, 1600 Rated Watts, CARB Compliant
Pros
- Clean, safe power for sensitive devices
- Rugged and reliable engine
- Super fuel efficient with Engine Smart Controls
- Lightweight and portable
- Quiet operation
- CARB and EPA compliant
Cons
- 1,600-watts might be insufficient for most uses
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