Gererac was my first choice, spent a lot of dark days before I purchased the GP6500E. Plenty of features, easy setup. I chose this model especially for the Electric Start feature, and the efficient fuel consumption rate. I also matched this generator with the Generac Transfer Switch kit.

Bought the 6500 in 2015 after losing power for 5 days after a storm. I went with Generac because of the trusted name and reviews. Recently lost power in a winter storm for two days. This baby ran for 48 hours straight through a transfer switch and powered my heat, two refrigerators, three tv's, all my lights no problem! Best $800.00 i ever spent.

My review is based on the DeWalt 6500 made by Generac. DeWalt a name that is associated with quality products. No matter if it's tools or a generator. DeWalt is a name that is synonymous in the industry for quality. This generator is made by Generac for Dewalt which also is a name that is synonymous in the power generator industry for reliable generators. The bigger the watts on the generator usage, the longer run time at 50% power before refueling. In other words if you run the generator at half load (in this particular case 2 divided into 6500 watts = 3250 watts) you will decrease the fuel consumption by about half. The generator will not have to run at maximum speed to produce a continuous 6500 watts. That is why if you plan on purchasing a generator, always purchase a bigger generator in terms of wattage than you will need. This will decrease your fuel consumption by the generator and you'll be able to run for an extended period of time on the same amount of fuel. Living in South Louisiana along the Gulf Coast, we experience hurricanes often.This generator will allow me the peace of mind knowing that the size of this DeWalt generator will allow me to know that this generator will meet my most critical needs after my power has been knocked out and knowing that the DeWalt name is behind this generator. This generator will allow me to keep my refrigerator and freezer (packed with seafood) continually working and keeping my family comfortable in the hot and humid Louisiana weather. One thing to remember, when using a generator, plug-in one appliance at a time to keep the generator from spiking. All appliances have a capacitor which kicks in when first starting the appliance. This draws quite a bit of wattage from the generator. The capacitor is used to to start the unit and once the unit is up and running the capacitor will disengage and the unit will be running normal. Once this is accomplished the next appliance can be plugged into the generator outlet. Repeat the procedure for the next appliance. This procedure will keep the generator from spiking and shutting down. This DeWalt generator is packed with many features that makes it practical and versitly for a portable generator. DeWalt uses two words to define their array of products "GUARANTEED TOUGH" and that is the truth!

We live in western Massachusetts and in October we got hit with the snow storm and we lost power for 7 days because of it. Luckily I had the GP6500E in my garage ready go. I also had a 6 circuit transfer switch connected to my main electrical box which is a nice thing to have. Connected to the transfer switch I had all of the lights in the house including the outside lights, furnace, water heather, 1 refrigerator, 1 freezer, 1/3 of the outlets in the house where I had 2 LCD TVs with game consoles and satellite boxes and 1 LED TV with satellite box. I ran the generator between 8 to 12 hours a day when it was need it and let me tell you it handled everything very well and efficiently, little loud when near it but when inside the house and away from it won’t bother you at all. One night a ran it all night to try it and it ran 11 hours on a full tank with enough fuel left to keep running for a little longer, (remember only a few things running at night like furnace, frig., etc. (average 500 watts) very little wattage used here only when they kick in). Good thing to have when you need it specially in cold weather.

I don't write many reviews but we are in an ice storm power outage. I dusted off my Generac 6500 XL which I purchased in 1999. It started right up and is running my entire house - well pump, furnace, frig, and lights including Christmas lights. . It is 17 degrees out. This generator is great. It starts first or second pull every time. It will be hard to find a replacement to match this one if it every wears out. Happy generating.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This generator is fantastic in quality, as one would expect from the leaders in generators. We live in Florida and store insulin along with medical equipment that has to be charged regularly so this is a must for power outages. I hated not knowing if we'd have enough gas to last us, but having three fuel sources relieves my mind. Our house has natural gas already, and we regularly have multiple LP tanks, so it's nice not having to worry about gas fumes from storing gasoline or trying to find gas during storm prep unless we want to. It's a bit large for traveling with it, but this would be an awesome unit for camping if you need a lot of plug-ins powered up and have a truck bed to load it on. The unit itself is easy to start, and easy enough to wheel around short distances. It has multiple outlets to connect into, and a panel to show how long it's running. It's really simple to use, although we have solar on our house so we can't connect into the main panel without some extra costs, so extension cords are the maximum of our experience so far. The unit is quieter than our previous model despite it being larger.

We purchased this unit as a home back up power source to insure our furnace and well pump were operational during winter storms. I found this unit to be an easy set up for that purpose, and a whole lot more. Although the weather has been cooperative this winter so far, I've found the portability of this unit to be valuable in powering all sorts of tools and lights in my newly built pole building. I recommend this unit to anyone needing a standby power source. It's great!

Last winter was an easy one here in the east. I bought this product after some internet searching. I was told at Home Depot that it would be 6-8 weeks before it would be delivered. To my surprise I got it in 1 week. Set up was a snap, and all was right with the world. Now waiting for a black-out. Didn't happen until July. 14 hours without power. Fired up the Gen and turned on all that I needed. With the exception of the somewhat loud muffler system, I have no complaints whatsoever. As I put in the review summary, great for the money. I looked at cheaper ones, but was willing to spend a few more bucks for something that got great reviews and ratings from other owners. Well worth looking at a Generac. Plus I spent about $100 more for the Electric start just in case I was not home when a problem occurs to make it easier for my wife to just push a button and light up the house. Ain't love grand!!!

I bought this in the fall of 2012 after Katrina ripped through the Northeast. Our area was ten days without power being restored. We suffered through three days without power before getting this. Our home water supply comes from a well. No power, no water. Or heat, or showers, or communications. This unit has enough power to run the well, satellite, refrigerators, freezers, lights, coffee pot, microwave, televisions, and the list goes on. I just pulled it outside and started it up again for the second time this year. It powered up on the second pull and was running strong. I never worry about losing power now. Get the biggest one you can afford, but the 6500 will get you through any power outage with minimal disruption to your life. No regrets on this purchase. Quality machine.

I bought this electric start Generac Portable generator for its Electric Start Feature. I have owned a Generac Non Electric Start Model for approximately 10 years and have been very satisfied with it. I bought this model for the Electric Start feature. I wish Generac kept the previous style handles which were separate and could be easily locked into position with the spring loaded pins. The new model uses a pin on a cable which is harder to use and flimsy. Also I do not know why Generac placed the Sticker with the Serial and Model number just below the generator motor with about 2 inches of clearance with the frame making it very difficult if not impossible to see and photograph. I had to lay on my garage floor in the cold with a digital SLR camera to photo the serial and model number and did not get the quality photo I would have liked. The Serial and Model Numbers could have been easily seen and photographed if the sticker was placed on the opposite bar of the frame which has plenty of space to be photographed which I do in the event of theft. Other than the handles and the sticker I am very pleased with the unit.