Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) review: our full analysis
Brand: Anker SOLIX · Ranked 161st of 174 · Our methodology
5.8/10 Power6.7 Runtime— Noise5.6 Features9.1 Portability4.7 Watts per dollar4.3 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $1,800–$2,500 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: starting watts, propane starting watts, runtime, parallel capability, outlets.
Pros
- Runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas, with 3,600 W of 120 V AC on all three fuels.
- Up to 4,500 W of DC output to recharge an Anker SOLIX E10 home battery directly.
- NEMA 3R weatherproof enclosure, app start and scheduling, CO shutdown and a water-level sensor.
Cons
- AC side is limited to one 5-20R and one TT-30R: no 240 V outlet.
- Not CARB compliant, so it cannot ship to California.
- 110 lb, and the 4,500 W DC output only works with Anker SOLIX batteries.
Best for
- RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet
- Essential home backup with clean power for electronics
Specifications
| Type | Tri fuel inverter (inverter: clean power) |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,600 W gasoline · 3,600 W propane · 3,600 W natural gas |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W gasoline |
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane, natural gas |
| Fuel tank | 2.64 gal |
| Runtime | Not published |
| Noise | 69 dB(A) (manufacturer figure) |
| Weight | 110.0 lb |
| Outlets | 1 × 120 V household outlet (5-20R) · TT-30R 30 A RV outlet |
| Transfer switch ready | No (no 240 V outlet) |
| Start | Remote key fob + electric push-button + recoil |
| CO shutoff sensor | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| Emissions | EPA compliant |
| Engine | 224 cc |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)3,600 running W · Tri fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500
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Who is it for?
The Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) is mostly suited to:
- RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet.
- Essential home backup with clean power for electronics.
3,600 running watts: what can it power?
The Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) delivers 3,600 W continuously and up to 5,500 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 3,600 running watts, 0% less. On natural gas: 3,600 running watts. It handles 12 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor. As an inverter, it produces clean power suited to laptops, TVs and furnace control boards.
| Appliance | Running / starting watts | Will it run? |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router and modem | 20 W / 20 W | ✅ Yes |
| CPAP (no humidifier) | 50 W / 50 W | ✅ Yes |
| Laptop or TV | 150 W / 150 W | ✅ Yes |
| Full-size refrigerator | 700 W / 2,200 W | ✅ Yes |
| Chest freezer | 500 W / 1,500 W | ✅ Yes |
| Furnace blower (1/2 HP) | 800 W / 2,350 W | ✅ Yes |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W / 2,150 W | ✅ Yes |
| Microwave (1,000 W) | 1,000 W / 1,000 W | ✅ Yes |
| Space heater | 1,500 W / 1,500 W | ✅ Yes |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W / 3,600 W | ✅ Yes |
| RV roof AC (13,500 BTU) | 1,800 W / 2,800 W | ✅ Yes |
| Circular saw | 1,400 W / 2,300 W | ✅ Yes |
| Well pump (1 HP, 240 V) | 1,000 W / 4,000 W | ❌ Needs 240 V |
| Central AC (3-ton, soft start) | 3,800 W / 5,500 W | ❌ Needs 240 V |
Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.
Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)3,600 running W · Tri fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500
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Runtime and fuel
The fuel tank holds 2.6 gallons of gasoline. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.
69 dB(A): how loud is it?
The manufacturer rates the Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) at 69 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is a typical open-frame level, comparable to a vacuum cleaner: fine for home backup at 20 feet, loud for a campground.
Outlets and home connection
Its panel offers 1 × 120 V household outlet (5-20R), TT-30R 30 A RV outlet. It has no 240 V outlet: it runs plug-in appliances through extension cords, not hardwired circuits or a 240 V well pump. The TT-30R outlet plugs straight into a 30 A RV.
Starting, safety and warranty
It starts with a remote key fob or the electric push-button, with a recoil cord as backup. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).
Typical price $1,800–$2,500: good value per watt?
Relative to its running watts, the Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) scores 4.3/10 on value: a high price per watt, which its other strengths may justify. Inverters always cost more per watt than open frames: compare it with other inverters. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.
Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)3,600 running W · Tri fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500
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Our verdict on the Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)
The Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) scores 5.8/10 and ranks 161st out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas, with 3,600 W of 120 V AC on all three fuels; up to 4,500 W of DC output to recharge an Anker SOLIX E10 home battery directly. It is best suited to RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet and essential home backup with clean power for electronics.
Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)3,600 running W · Tri fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500
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Featured in our rankings
Sources
- Official Anker SOLIX product page (specifications)
- Amazon.com listing (availability and typical price, November 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Will the Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) run a refrigerator?
Yes: its 3,600 running watts and 5,500 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.
Can the Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) power a house?
Only plug-in appliances through extension cords: it has no 240 V outlet for a transfer switch.
Does the Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) run on propane?
Yes, it is tri fuel: 3,600 running watts on propane and 3,600 on natural gas.
Is the Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel) quiet?
The manufacturer rates it at 69 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.
Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)3,600 running W · Tri fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500
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Anker SOLIX Smart Generator 5500 (Tri-Fuel)5.8/10 · $1,800–$2,500
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