Best Budget Friendly Generator? (ULTRA QUIET) Costco VS Harbor Freight
Autos & Vehicles
Introduction
If you're in the market for a quiet inverter style generator under $ 1,000, you've probably come across two popular options: the Predator 3500 from Harbor Freight and the Firman Whisper Series available at Costco. Both generators offer great performance and can be used for backup power at home, camping, or for business purposes. In this article, we will compare the features, pros, and cons of each generator, and conduct a decibel level test to determine which one is quieter.
Predator 3500 from Harbor Freight
The Predator 3500 is a reliable generator that has been used extensively in businesses. It features an electric start, which is a convenient option for easy power-up. The generator has an onboard display that shows the power output. It also has an Eco throttle for increased fuel efficiency. The Predator 3500 can be paralleled with another unit and offers a 30 amp RV connection. It has two 120 volt outlets, a 20 amp circuit, and a DC 12vt connection. The unit has four small wheels and can be locked in place for stability. The Predator 3500 is priced at $ 6.99, making it a budget-friendly option.
Firman Whisper Series from Costco
The Firman Whisper Series is another high-performing generator available at Costco. It comes with a unique feature of dual fuel technology, allowing you to run it on either gas or propane. The generator has a gas fill-up port and a propane dial for easy fuel selection. It also comes with all the necessary adapters for running on propane. The Firman Whisper Series features an electric start with a choke pull, and it has a power display for monitoring. It offers a 30 amp RV connection, two 20 amp 120 volt outlets, and a DC 12vt connection. The generator is equipped with two larger wheels for easy maneuverability. The Firman Whisper Series is priced at $ 7.99 at Costco.
Decibel Level Test
To determine which generator is quieter, a decibel level test was conducted. The Predator 3500 registered between 59-63 dB at a 30-foot distance, making it exceptionally quiet. The Firman Whisper Series recorded between 67-68 dB at the same distance, indicating a slightly higher noise level. When tested closer to the generator, the Predator 3500 measured 74 dB, while the Firman Whisper Series measured 80 dB. Overall, the Predator 3500 proved to be quieter in both scenarios.
Keyword
- Predator 3500
- Firman Whisper Series
- Inverter style generator
- Quiet generator
- Backup power
- Electric start
- Dual fuel technology
- Decibel level
- Harbor Freight
- Costco
FAQ
Q: What is the price of the Predator 3500 and the Firman Whisper Series? A: The Predator 3500 is currently priced at $ 6.99, while the Firman Whisper Series is priced at $ 7.99 at Costco.
Q: Can both generators run on propane? A: Only the Firman Whisper Series has the dual fuel technology to run on both gas and propane.
Q: Which generator is quieter? A: Based on the decibel level test, the Predator 3500 was found to be quieter than the Firman Whisper Series.
Q: Can both generators be used for camping? A: Yes, both generators are suitable for camping as they are quiet and offer reliable power.
Q: Do the generators come with an electric start? A: Yes, both the Predator 3500 and the Firman Whisper Series come with an electric start for easy power-up.