The Ryobi Generator 6500 Hands-on Review: Buyers Guide and Customer Reviews

Last Updated on September 28, 2023 by kiezelamquiz

Are you looking to buy a Ryobi 6500 generator? You’ve come to the right guide. In this review, we’ll focus specifically on the Ry0bi 6 500-watt gasoline-powered portable generator with a CO shutdown sensor. Not only will we tell you what makes this one of the best generators on the market; we’ll share how it will perform based on its features, pros, and cons.

With that in mind, let’s dive into our Ryobi review. And by the end of the guide, you will decide if this is the generator for you.

What is Ryobi?

Ryobi is a well-known manufacturer of generators and power equipment. It has been producing automotive and electrical components since 1943. Lately, the company launched its generator line.

Its generator series compete with manufacturers such as Honda and Yamaha. The generator sets are manufactured in China and are thought to be some of the most budget-friendly generator units you can find on the market.

The company is also innovative. Some of Ryobi’s portable generators use Bluetooth to monitor the condition of the generator. Simultaneously, some units have apps that you can use to track fuel use and oil levels.

You can find Ryobi products in stores like Home Depot.

The Ryobi-6 500 Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator with CO Shutdown Sensor Features

The Ryobi RY906500S 6 500-watt gasoline-powered portable generator with a CO shutdown sensor is one of the best power sources for your job site or home. Its sturdy 10-inch wheels and durable wrap-around hand truck frame design make the generator easy to transport. It also prevents damage to the generator from any impact.

Aside from these incredible features, here are some of the features of this gasoline-powered portable generator:

1. 6500 running watts and 8 125 starting watts of power
2. Carbon monoxide shutdown sensor
3. 6-gallon fuel tank with up 10 hours run-time at 50% load
4. At full load, fuel consumption is 0.93-gallons/hr
5. 420cc engine
6. Recoil start function
7. The automatic voltage regulator ensures reliable and consistent power
8. Low oil shutdown
9. Overload protector
10. A digital display screen that shows the number of hours used, frequency, and voltage
11. Noise level of 72.3 decibels
12. The control panel has 4 120 volt 20 A GFCI-protected outlets
13. One 120 240V 30A Twist-Lock outlet
14. EPA certification
15. Warranty – 3-year limited warranty

This generator is the perfect power solution for budget-minded homeowners

What makes the Ryobi 6 500 Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator with CO Shutdown Sensor Special?

Here are standout factors from the list that make the 6 500 watts gasoline powered portable generator with CO shutdown sensor a special buy:

The CO Detect Feature – Carbon Monoxide Detector

The Ryobi 6 500-watt gasoline-powered portable generator comes with a unique CO Detect sensor. This sensor is continually measuring the carbon monoxide levels. Once it gets too high, the engine is automatically shut off.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause sickness, and in extreme cases, death. The great thing about this feature is it reacts to way less CO levels than average. This ensures that you are never at risk. Once the sensor shuts down the engine, you’ll notice a red blinking light that notifies you that CO levels are high.

In such instances, give the generator area some time to reduce CO levels before you walk into that space.

Easy Start

Most generators usually have an electric start feature. However, the Ryobi 6 500-watt gasoline-powered portable generator with a CO shutdown sensor doesn’t have that feature. But Ryobi does an excellent job of making kickstarting the engine easy.

The gen has three Easy Start settings:

• Off
• Cold Start
• Run

When you turn the knob from OFF to Cold Start, the fuel valve opens halfway, and the electrical circuit kicks into operation. Once the knob gets to Run, your fuel valve is entirely open at that point.

The disadvantage of this feature is you can’t turn off the fuel valve separately so that you can drain all the gas out of the carburetor. If you need to store away your generator, you can unscrew the carburetor and manually drain it out.

The on/off switch is located beside the CO shutdown sensor.

Starting Watts and Running Watts

The Ryobi 6 500 watts gasoline-powered portable generator with CO shutdown sensor delivers 6 500 running watts and 8125 watts of starting power, and 6500 watts of power. At the construction job site, this generator delivers consistent power while preventing damage from work left undone.

If you need a generator set for emergency power, it can comfortably handle your refrigerator, lights, fans, and more.

Any appliance with a 120V plug will work with the Ryobi 6500-watt portable generator. Its four GFCI-protected outlets and twist-lock 240V outlet helps the Ryobi portable generator meet all your power needs.

Unfortunately, the total harmonic discharge is more than 5%. This means the Ryobi 6500 watt doesn’t produce power that’s clean enough for sensitive electronic appliances.

Run-time

The Ryobi 6500 Watt run time at a 50% load is about 10 hours on a full fuel tank. The engine has a 6-gallon tank. This depends on what you’ll be powering with your generating set.

If you connect an AC or water heater to your generator, the run time might be shorter. At construction sites, the gen. set might run for longer as you don’t use it for long periods, unlike a home where it will probably be on for extended periods at a time.

Storage and Transportation

The Ryobi 6500 watt portable generator with CO shutdown sensor’s hand truck frame and 10-in wheels help protect the unit from sudden impact and make it easy to transport. Most generators come with a wheelbarrow-style handle, but the Ryobi hand truck style is somewhat useful.

All you need to do is raise the handle and push forward for the wheels to roll.

The 10-in semi-pneumatic wheels are great on hard and soft surfaces, such as soil, concrete floors, and grass. Once you are done using the unit, all you need to do is roll it to its storage point and tuck the handle away.

What will a Ryobi 6 500 Watt Generator Run?

A Ryobi 6 500-watt portable generator with a CO shutdown sensor can run several appliances. However, you need to check your electrical device’s rated power and surge demand before connecting it to your generator.

If the generator’s surge power and rated power are more significant than the rated power and surge demand of the appliance, it should power it comfortably. Your 6 500 running watts generator can power the following devices:

• Refrigerators
• Window air conditioners
• Electric clothes dryers
• Televisions
• And most common house appliances

It powers most of these appliances comfortably without tripping on the overload switch.

Ryobi Customer Ratings and Reviews

On the Ryobi 6500 watt generator website, reviewers rated the unit 4.8-stars out of a 5-star rating. On average, over 80% of the reviewers rated it 5-stars. Reviewers also rated the unit high on the following points:

• Durability
• Power
• Ease of use
• Performance
• And affordability

What We Liked and Didn’t Like About the Ryobi 6 500 Watt Portable Generator with CO Shutdown Sensor

Now that you know the features of the Ryobi 6 500-watt gasoline-powered portable generator with a CO shutdown sensor, let’s discuss what we liked and didn’t like about this powerful solution.

Pros

• The carbon monoxide detector instantly shuts down the generator once CO levels get too high
• It’s a terrific value purchase, considering the features you get at an affordable price
• It’s easy to set up
• It’s easy to start and maintain
• It has a sturdy frame and power a durable wrap-around hand
• The easy access control panel has four 120 volt 20 amp GFCI protected outlets and one 240 volt 30 amp twist-lock outlet to meet your power needs
• The 3-year limited warranty

Cons

• It’s a bulky appliance
• It isn’t quiet
• It might damage sensitive electronics

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict: Should You Buy the Ryobi 6500 Watt Portable Generator?

It’s a YES from us.

We love the wide range of features the Ryobi 6500 Watt unit comes loaded with from the go. It’s healthy 8125 starting watts allow you to run your energy-hungry devices with ease. The CO Detect feature is vital to keeping you and your loved ones safe.

We also find the hand truck-style frame great for easy transport; an automatic voltage regulator guarantees clean energy. Its affordability also means price-conscious homeowners and contractors can own a powerful generator without blowing a hole in their wallets.

This generator unit is a must-have.

Ryobi 6500 Generator

8.5

Noise

7.0/10

Reliability

9.0/10

Ease of Use

9.0/10

Value

9.0/10

Scott

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.