Generac IQ2000 Review 2023 – Feature Details and Comparison

Generac iq2000 brief Review and Summary

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 might be one of the best portable generators on the market that doesn’t break your bank account. It’s lightweight, whisper-quiet with decent power output. What an ideal generator for outdoor activities such as camping, garden BBQ parties, and picnics!

Our Generac iQ2000 review will give you an in-depth look at the model to see if things get even better. The 6866 iQ2000 has a digital inverter to connect the equipment to other sensitive appliances. It is also parallel capable, which means the power output can be raised to any level you want. This fantastic model integrates innovative technologies like LED display or EasyStart technology, not to mention the advanced status indicators, including low fuel, overload, and overheating alerts.

Moreover, this equipment comes with three modes of operation, consisting of the Turbo mode, Standard mode, and Economy mode. These three modes represent three different power output levels that fit in each actual usage case, depending on your power demand or the surrounding environment.

Specifications and Features

Generac iq2000 – Pros and Cons

Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts Gas Powered Inverter Generator

• AC Rated Output(Running/Starting): 1600/2000 Watts;
• AC Rated Voltage: 120V
• Fuel Capacity: 1.06 Gallons
• Oil Type: SAE 10W-30
• Runtime (50% Load): 5.7 hrs
• ...⇩⇩⇩

Generac iq2000 Detailed Review

Suppose the above information is attractive enough to make you add this item to your cart. In that case, the following detailed Generac iQ2000 review might decide whether you make a payment for it. In this section, we’ll dig through all prominent features of a generator, including functions, technical specs, integrated technologies, then compare this model to another inverter generator within the same range.

Engine and Power Output

The first thing to notice about this generator is that it’s an inverter. Machines with an inverter module can convert generated power from DC to AC for sensitive modern appliances. This kind of generator also delivers silent operation compared to conventional ones. Besides, this model has a manual recoil system with a heavy-duty pull string that offers a smooth, non-resistant start.

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 offers excellent performance in terms of power output and fuel efficiency. It has a fuel capacity of approximately 1.06 gallons, a 2000 starting wattage, and a 1600 running wattage. The fuel tank capacity is not so impressive, but it’s a relatively standard specification for a compact, inverter machine. This model can run for over 9 hours, with a 500W load. The overall runtime goes down to 7.7 and 5.7 hrs, at 25% and 50% load, in that order. Besides, the gasoline consumption rate at full load is 2.85 gallons/hour.

This is considered high-efficiency runtime relative to other alternatives. At this level of electrical output, the 6866 iQ2000 is best used for electronics such as mobile devices, laptops, TV, electric fans, cameras for camping trips, garden parties, mini sports events, etc.

To be honest, it isn’t the most powerful inverter generator in the industry, but don’t worry, the iQ2000 itself already has a solution. The parallel kit is equipped to help you connect two units together and make them operate as a whole new generator. By this way, you can double the power and runtime to use the generator for more devices, or for longer runtime, or both. Also, keep in mind that the parallel kit model 6877 is sold separately.

Compact Design

We can say with certainty that the 6866 iQ2000 has one of the most convenient and portable designs in the 2000W inverter generators segment on the market. It weighs only 46.2 lbs and measures 20″ x 12.6″ x 16.9″ (L x W x H). These dimensions fit perfectly inside the trunk of a sedan or a bed of a normal truck. They also support the parallel capability that allows you to store, carry, and run two generators simultaneously.

Even though this weight and dimensions aren’t the lightest nor the smallest, the 6866 iQ2000 is still compact compared to other competitions. Besides, there’s an ergonomic U-shaped handle located right above the engine, a.k.a the most massive part of the equipment. If it was put on any other parts, you would feel unbalanced when carrying because the machine will swing back and forth. The handle’s design and position offer a solid grip that just one single person can transport the machine.

Modern Technology

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 integrates some exciting innovations that make it an easy-to-use modern portable generator.

The first function indicating this idea is PowerDial technology. There is a simple turning knob on the side of the machine, right below the pull cord. Twist it to start, run, and stop the engine.

Second, the generator comes in 3 different modes: Turbo mode, Standard mode, and Economy mode. Use a button to switch between them so that you can control the fuel consumption and power output level to fit the connected load you want. You can check the loading status on PowerBar (located on the control panel) for more accurate adjustments.

• Economy mode, as its names say it, consumes a small amount of fuel and is ideal for a low rated load. Thus, it results in a whisper-quiet operation.
• Turbo mode lets the machine run at full load and creates the loudest noise among the three modes.
• Standard mode is for regular use.

We see this feature as a selling point since most compact inverter generators don’t have up to three different power modes.

Control panel

The innovative and intuitive control panel helps you monitor the whole operation of the equipment simply and clearly.

Some groundbreaking digital status readouts including:

• The PowerBar displays the percentage of available wattage and how much you have left.
• Runtime display shows how much runtime is remaining before refueling (at current load). It’s really convenient for outdoor activities.
• Electronic Fuel Gauge displays remaining fuel.
• The indicator lights let you know when fuel or oil is low and warn you about overloading and overheating.

Noise level

Noise level is another prominent feature that makes this model the must-have item for everyone. In fact, you must be familiar with the “silent operation” feature that every single inverter generator always claims but isn’t capable of proving so in practical use. Let’s see what this model can do!

According to the manufacturer’s description, the 6866 iQ2000 operates with 53 dB loud at 20 feet away, and when the distance increases to 50 feet, it’s nearly silent. Just to let you know, it’s the same level of a normal conversation.

Besides, all things about this generator speak its quiet operation: the built-in inverter, the Economy mode, the small size, etc.

With these obvious pieces of evidence, we’re sure that this is one of the quietest generators you can get on the market nowadays.

Generac iQ2000 vs. Honda EU2200i

In this Genera iQ2000 review, we also compare today’s model with its main rival, the infamous inverter generator EU2200i from Honda. The two generators have many common features, such as portability, the parallel capability to connect with other generators, etc. But there’re noticeable differences that make the Generac stand out.

Power Output

The Honda EU2200i runs at 1800W, assists more equipment and appliances than the Generac 6866 iQ2000’s 1600 running watts.

The 2200 starting watts also allow Honda EU2200i to give more power to start larger equipment. These pieces of equipment require an extra boost to get their engine running than the 2000 starting watts of Generac. Whether it’s an oversized air conditioner in your room, a tailgate party, or a large driller at the construction site, the Honda EU2200i is stronger.

Moreover, the Honda EU2200i also offers a longer runtime than the Generac iQ2000, 8.1 hours compared to 7.7 hours at a quarter load.

Control Panel

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 is equipped with an informative LED control panel that clearly displays the generator’s operating status. On the other hand, the EU2200i’s control panel is just a basic one and doesn’t allow you to track data.

Noise Level

Both the Generac iQ2000 and Honda EU2200i run below 60 dBA under load, making them ideal for camping and tailgating.

The noise level at rated load of iQ2000 and EU2200i is 53 dB(A) and 57 dB(A), respectively. Although the 5-decibel difference is not too large, it’s still noticeable by ears. So the Generac iQ2000 totally wins.

Easy to Start

Another win for Generac iQ2000! The Powerdial integrates start, run, and stop functions. It allows you to dial to start the generator like 1-2-3 steps. The Honda EU2200 uses the basic manual recoil starting system instead.

Price & Warranty

Also being covered by a 3- year limited warranty, there’s a vast difference in price between the two competitors. The Generac 6866 iQ2000 has the same weight, same dimensions, same parallel kit, same warranty with the Honda EU2200i, but it only costs half as much as the EU2200i.

Overall, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 is the absolute winner: it’s cheaper, it’s quieter, and it’s smarter. We totally agree with Generac’s marketing campaign that this model “beats Honda.”

Conclusion

Regardless of some little downfalls, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 is still enticing. It’s a feature-rich portable generator that comes at a reasonable price and totally worth the money.

People might say that it’s obviously not the most powerful inverter generator, and Generac is also more well-known for its home standby generators, not portable ones. However, you need to keep in mind that this particular model has parallel capability, portability, and many fantastic features, which means you can get rid of these disadvantages by using simple methods. Therefore, these concerns are not really big problems if you want to go for this model.

We hope our Generac iq2000 review will help you select the best generator that can meet your demands and preferences. If you would like to require further information, feel free to leave a comment down below, and we’ll answer it as soon as possible.