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Customer reviews for Generac 8917 GP18000EFI 18,000-Watt Gas-Powered Electric-Start Portable Generator for
Generac 8917 GP18000EFI 18,000-Watt Gas-Powered Electric-Start Portable Generator
4.6 out of 5 stars
stars
1,729 ratings1,729 reviews
  1. 5 stars78% (1,354)
  2. 4 stars15% (253)
  3. 3 stars2% (41)
  4. 2 stars1% (20)
  5. 1 star4% (61)

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Showing 61-70 of 1,729 reviews
Dec 6, 2025
Reviewer name: saras1470_7269
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Good in a pinch!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This portable generator will work in a pinch if there is a power outage. It's easy to use, easy to move, and has enough output to power most appliances. Buyers should understand that generator won't be able to power multiple major appliances, but you can power a refrigerator or freezer just fine! The GP5500 runs on unleaded gasoline and has a run time of about 10hrs. It was easy to assemble and took about 20mins to put on the handle, wheels, and rubber feet. I've only put about 4hrs of time on it so far and it has worked great. Overall, if there is a major power outage, you can count on this generator to function when you need it.

Review from influenster.com
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Jan 29, 2026
Reviewer name: chrisfromct
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Overall, very good quality and features.

Just bought this a month ago and haven't had the need to use it yet. But I did have to assemble the handle, wheels, add oil and gas and start it. My review is solely based on that. The wheels were relatively easy to assemble, keeping in mind that the machine is heavy and you will need to lift it on blocks, or use a helper. They give you a perfectly shaped funnel to add the oil. Don't lose it. The handles are easy to install and conveniently fold down when not in use. They make it very easy to roll around on the two wheels. You also need to connect the battery wires, which they don't explain very well. Remember Red is positive, Black is negative. My only gripe is with the gas tank cover, though. It is very large, and very low profile, and it is in a sunken area of the tank. It is very difficult to get a grip on it to remove as it is also very tight. Why did they make it like this? I've never had any machine have a cap like this. It does have a convenient fuel level bubble. The gas tank is 8 gallons, not just 5 like my older model. It is rated at a continues 8KW, although the 240V 4-prong cable that connects to the breaker panel is only capable of carrying 7.2KW. You need to use the 2 120V outlets to get a total of 8KW. Keep in mind that the battery does not get recharged by running the engine. You have to use the included wall charger. Although, a single start is not going to use much power, so you don't need to worry too much about always keeping the wall charger connected. But definitely charge it fully when it is new. It has picture-based instructions on the frame. But they aren't very useful as they pictures are too small to figure out what they are saying. Remember to turn the fuel shutoff to ON and set the choke to ON when starting it.

Review from generac.com
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Dec 9, 2025
Reviewer name: ashleyjean6_4660
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Amazing Generator!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Generac Power Systems GP4000 Dual Fuel 49 ST Portable Generator works amazingly well. We have power outages a lot where we live, especially in winter with all the rainstorms, so this has already come in handy a few times. It's a big generator and will work to power your essentials, but not so big you that it's ridiculously hard to get out of storage and get started. It's a pull start which is easy to use. I do wish it had a push start option as well, but it's not a dealbreaker. This gave us enough power to run essentials, like my espresso machine, recliner chair, lights, fridge, and chargers. It was easy to put together. And the wheels and handle make it super easy to maneuver around. I love that it's dual fuel. You can use either propane or gasoline. It's a nice generator and will be used for years to come.

Review from influenster.com
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Dec 29, 2025
Reviewer name: Lambo
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars review

after purchasing a different brand and having problems right out of the box with both products I bought this generac portable generator with a generic transfer switch and having it installed by a licensed electrician and approved by my local county all systems are go fortunately have not needed to use it this winter yet but I've had a generac in the past that served me very well

Review from generac.com
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Nov 10, 2025
Reviewer name: glacyt_394
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Recommend

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This generator has been an absolute game-changer for our family. We used for cooking during camping trips , also at our house since we have some powers outrages lately. My husband was so excited when he found out it's propane-powered - no need to lug around extra gas cans. Setting up was easy enough and is also light to carry and not super loudly. We definitely recommend and the price is another great point.

Review from influenster.com
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Dec 9, 2025
Reviewer name: connoisseurofsorts_1640
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Better safe than sorry!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This generac generator is perfect for our needs and I'm glad we have it! Fortunately, we have not had to run it for an extended period of time since receiving; however, test runs have been successful and it seems like it will work efficiently and as expected for when we need it to run for hours. The generator came on a pallet and was packaged well. It is HEAVY without the wheels and handles. About 170 lbs I believe. So you'll want at least two people to lift (or just rip the box open like I did). Instructions are clear and assembly was pretty quick - about 20 minutes or so. It's definitely easier to assemble if you have more than one person. Once the handles and wheels are attached, it is easy to move around. While I'd recommend moving it with both hands, I was able to push it with one arm and record with the other and I'm not that strong. The generator itself feels very heavy duty and high quality. It seems like it'll last a long time. It's easy to start up and not excessively loud (it's a generator after all, so there is some sound to it running). I like that the wheels don't need air so they won't go flat. I also like that there are several outlets with attached outlet covers for protection. Lastly, as someone who is very anxious I greatly appreciate that this generator has onboard carbon monoxide monitoring. Overall, I'm incredibly satisfied with this generator and I'm happy we're prepared for the future!

Review from influenster.com
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Nov 10, 2025
Reviewer name: staceyh36_4089
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Dependable generator

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Took our new generator to deer camp this weekend and wow what an incredible generator. It is the perfect size for what we needed. Easy to move around and transport, not overly heavy. Is a dependable unit and had no issues at all. Easy to install parts for wheels, handle and legs. My 10yr old put it all together and filled it with the supplied oil. I highly recommend a generac system for all your needs. Generac even makes whole home systems for if you loose power. We will be looking into purchasing one of those for our home.

Review from influenster.com
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Nov 3, 2025
Reviewer name: kimberlyg9ad1_5036
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Important to have!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This generator is perfect for me in Florida due to the hurricanes and storms that cause massive power outages. Recently we had a 2 day long power outage and this generator helped to keep me and my family cool and kept our food from spoiling. What a life saver.

Review from influenster.com
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Oct 31, 2025
Reviewer name: tarynreviewsit_6314
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Perfect peace of mind for backup power

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As we head into the winter months, I'm so grateful to have the Generac Power Systems GP5500 Single Fuel Portable Generator. Power outages are pretty common where I live, and having this gives me real peace of mind knowing I can keep our outdoor refrigerator running and save our perishables if we lose power. The generator itself is quite large, but that's to be expected given its power and capacity — and setup was surprisingly easy with minimal assembly required right out of the box. It feels solid, well-built, and dependable. While I mainly use it as a backup for power loss, it's strong enough to handle outdoor work or hobby use as well. It's one of those purchases you hope you don't need often, but you're so thankful to have when you do.

Review from influenster.com
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Dec 30, 2025
Reviewer name: Ray A
5 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars review

Solid, well-made unit.

This generator is everything it claims to be. Easy to set-up, use and is reliable. I hooked it up to my home for a test-run the day after I received it. It started up instantly and powered the entire "critical function" sub-panel in my home (HVAC, water/well, freezers/refrigerators, water heater (gas), water softener, garage door, washer/dryer (gas), WIFI/network and critical lights/outlets). We built our home in 1998 (just prior to "Y2K", ha!) and included the sub-panel. I toyed with the idea of now installing a whole-home generator - but that would have been an $8-10K investment - this was <$1K. For the roughly one power outage we experience every 2-3 years, this is a good, economical solution.

Review from generac.com
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