Last Updated on October 16, 2022 by Manager Access
What is the worst thing about generators? They’re noisy!
Especially when operating at max load, most of the generators on the market make a significant amount of noise. Generac saw an opportunity and decided to make a super quiet portable generator.
The Generac iQ2000 is indeed quiet, but it also features additional attractive qualities.
Functions and Ease of Use
The iQ2000 is simple to use. You power it up with a heavy-duty pull cord. A simple power dial lets you start, run, and stop the generator.
A button lets you choose from the Economy, Standard, and Turbo modes.
- Economy mode is great for smaller loads and because it takes less gas results in much quieter operation.
- Turbo mode is the noisiest option but it lets you operate with full power.
- For the rest, there is the middle ground Standard mode operation.
A really nice aspect of this generator is that it provides the user with a lot of helpful information.
On the front, there are several displays that present information in a large and easy-to-understand format.
There is a fuel meter to help you keep an eye on how much gas you have left in the tank.
A wattage meter shows you what percentage of load you’re currently operating.
Another meter shows the total estimated runtime based on the current load.
All of this data is on the front and it tells you everything you need to know.
A panel of easy-to-understand status lights alerts you when the generator is running low on fuel or oil or if it’s on the verge of overheating or overloading.
Noise Level – Just How Silent Is It?
At one point, this was the quietest generator on the market.
There are currently a few quieter options, but the Generac IQ2000 still holds up as one of the quietest portable generators out there.
With a 25% load, the noise rating from about 20 feet away is 53 dB.
For comparison, 50 dB is the noise rating for “quiet suburb, conversation at home,” according to IAC Acoustics.
In other words, this generator has an extremely quiet operation.
The noise level will go up when operating at a higher load or if using the Turbo mode.
The quietest operation will occur in the Economy mode and when running a lighter load.
Gas Consumption & Capacity
- Rated amps: 13.3 amps @ 120 volts
- AC maximum output starting Watts: 2000W
- AC rated output running Watts: 1600W
- Rated AC voltage: 120 VAC
- Frequency: 60 Hz
The iQ2000 portable generator has a fuel capacity of 1.06 gallons.
With a 500W load, it will run for approximately 9 hours.
As mentioned previously, a great feature of this generator is the runtime display.
As you adjust the load, you’ll be able to see instantly how much time you have left.
The parallel kit for the iQ2000 portable inverter makes the generator parallel-ready to help you multiply your power and your runtime.
With two units and a parallel kit to connect them, you’d be able to power more devices at once or just longer runtime with your typical load.
This generator is an inverter. A digital inverter module converts the raw power that is generated from DC to AC power.
The inverter function means that you can use it to power sensitive appliances and electronics.
Service, Manual & Warranty
Generac is a US-based company with a reputation for solid customer service, so in the event of any issues, they are likely to be helpful and responsive.
Although they do have an 800-number (1-866-749-6699), they seem to respond more quickly to email.
Whether used for residential or commercial use, the Generac iQ2000 Inverter is backed by a solid warranty. Both the machine and the engine feature a 3-year warranty.
This generator is extremely user-friendly and quite intuitive to use, but it does include a comprehensive manual that is clear and easy to read.
The manual includes instructions for maintenance and gives you suggestions to troubleshoot a number of potential problems.
Looking through the manual online before purchasing is a good idea, as it explains in detail how to use it and how to take care of it.
Generac iQ2000 Portable Generator vs. the Competition
The iQ2000 holds its own in the field of several good portable generators.
What makes it stand out are the quiet operation and the helpful feedback displays. This makes it one of the more user-friendly models on the market.
IQ2000 vs. Honda EU2000i
The bestselling Honda EU2000i has about the same weight and runtime but it’s just a bit louder.
It also lacks a user-friendly information display.
In a head-to-head comparison, the iQ2000 has more going for it. Nonetheless, Honda has a better reputation overall and higher ratings.
Vs. Yamaha EF2000iSv2
Another competitor, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2, beats the Generac for being just a tiny bit quieter.
It’s not a huge difference but it is there. In addition to being quieter, the Yamaha is also just a bit smaller and lighter than the Generac.
They have matching power ratings, but the Generac features a longer runtime.
In a head-to-head comparison, the Yamaha edges out the Generac since it is just a hair quieter, and it also features a really compact and lightweight size.
Reviewing the Generac IQ2000, Honda, and Yamaha generators, I found that they are all excellent portable inverter generators.
They’re very similar in most ways, but each model has something to offer that makes it stand out just a bit.
For Generac, it’s that it’s quiet (though not the very quietest) and user-friendly and features a very helpful display of important data on the front panel.
Online Reviews and Scores
Compared to both the Honda EU2000i and the Yamaha EF2000iSv2, the Generac iQ2000 doesn’t fare quite as well in customer reviews.
That said, it does do quite well on Amazon, at the time of publishing this review.
Over 50% of reviews are a perfect 5-stars and those happy with the generator praise it for being quiet, compact, and easy to use.
Several of the unhappy reviewers reported that it eventually stopped working or could no longer handle much of a load.
On YouTube, Doug Bigley reported his initial reaction to the generator was very positive. Check out his video below:
One commenter on Doug’s video review of the iQ2000 pointed out that the generator is made in the USA, a nice bonus.
Another mentioned that it has a great heavy-duty pull cord, a better one than some of the other models.
Potential Problems / Known Issues
Several people report having trouble with the generator at higher altitudes.
This is a known issue that affects all generators, not just the Generac iQ2000.
Some generators are able to adjust for altitude, but the Generac doesn’t do a very good job at this.
Another recurring issue with the iQ2000 is fuel leaking. Often, it might just be that the carburetor drain isn’t closed.
This and other potential issues are covered in the user manual.
With the suggested regular maintenance, this generator should function well for years. You should check the oil after every use, clean or replace the air filter every 50 hours, and do several more involved tasks after 100-200 hours or every season.
It doesn’t hurt to think of your generator like a car. You have to put in some effort to take care of it.
When you don’t, frustrating things can happen. When you do give it the regular care it deserves, it will keep powering your devices without problems.
Summary: Should You Buy It?
What’s the most important thing you’re looking for in a generator?
If the noise factor is high on your list, this is one of the very quietest generators. Is it really important to you that your generator be easy to use?
The Generac iQ2000 6866 stands out with its simple controls and extremely helpful and easy-to-understand feedback displays.
If you want the generator with the absolute most power, this isn’t the best choice for you.
This is a pretty middle-of-the-line tool in terms of power, runtime, weight, and size.
It’s the quiet and user-friendliness that makes this generator special. If that appeals to you, the Generac iQ2000 is definitely worth your money.
Images Attribution
The images used in this post are supplied by Generac Power Systems, Inc – Website | Facebook
Generac IQ2000 Inverter
Pros
- Real time Displays
- Very User-friendly
- One of the most silent portable Inverters
- Made in USA with 3-years Warranty
Cons
- Not Ideal for High Altitude Use
Scott Krager purchased generatorgrid.com in the summer of 2020 and quickly began to buy every generator under the sun! He currently has over a dozen generators and the number is growing quickly. He lives in Portland, OR near his family and friends.
GeneratorGrid.com is an independent review business. I am not affiliated with any manufacturers and do not accept paid reviews. When you buy through my links, I may earn a commission which helps me purchase more generators for testing. - Scott Krager
iq2000 specs rate 13.3a rated load. in fact, unit will not carry more than 9-10amps continuous without shutting down. After less than 8 months use, inverter ($600 replacement part) failed and not covered by warranty. Three year warranty that does not cover electrical parts is useless, USA made or not.
Where do you find the carburetor drain to check it…. as I have fuel leaking on the IQ2000?
I too have fuel leaking and I see the comment about the carburetor drain but I can not find it. Any pictures, etc?
we are on our 2nd one in a year the first one made it 6 months no the one that was sent to replace the original one is on it’s way out. We are now ordering a new carb and hope that gives use more time very frustrating when you pay 800 for them and they dont make it a year. very sad.
I’m curious; what altitude challenges the iq2000?
We live at 1 084 metres asl and often camp well above this altitude.
I have been running my iq2000 pretty much 24/7 for the past year with no breakdowns. Most of the time it is running on turbo at 20% at night I would kick it down to economy be quiet but couldn’t run very many electronics which was fine. up until just recently now i can not run economy any more as I think the step motor is not allowing it to rev up like it should win like a light kicks on the breaker kicks off almost every time it gets a sudden load change. not sure why exactly it’s doing that but other than that it’s a great generator been going for almost a year running our 5wheel