Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter inverter generatorCheck best price → All photos, customer reviews and today's price →
Best value · Gas inverter · 3,700 W

Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter review: our full analysis

Brand: Genkins · Ranked 64th of 174 · Our methodology

7.3/10 Power6.8 Runtime7.0 Noise5.4 Features4.1 Portability9.6 Watts per dollar9.9 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: under $300 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. The Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter pairs a 3,700 W running rating with inverter technology for clean power, built for essential home backup with clean power for electronics. It weighs 56.0 lb, is rated at 70 dB(A) and runs about 8 hr at half load on a tank.

Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: outlets, noise level, CO shutoff.

Pros

  • 4,500 starting / 3,700 running watts with THD under 3% from a 212 cc engine.
  • L5-30R 30 A outlet for an RV.
  • 56 lb open frame with a 2.11-gallon tank rated for 8 hours at half load.

Cons

  • 70 dB at 7 m (about 23 ft): louder than enclosed inverters.
  • Only one 5-20R household outlet, and no USB port.
  • Recoil start and a 1-year warranty; no CO sensor listed.

Best for

  • Essential home backup with clean power for electronics

Specifications

TypeGas inverter (inverter: clean power)
Running watts3,700 W gasoline
Starting watts4,500 W gasoline
FuelGasoline
Fuel tank2.11 gal
Runtime8 hr at 50% load
Noise70 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight56.0 lb
Outlets1 × 120 V household outlet (5-20R) · L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock
Transfer switch readyNo (no 240 V outlet)
StartRecoil (pull start)
CO shutoff sensorNot listed
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine212 cc
Warranty1 year
Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter3,700 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter is mostly suited to:

  • Essential home backup with clean power for electronics.
1

3,700 running watts: what can it power?

The Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter delivers 3,700 W continuously and up to 4,500 W for a few seconds to start motors. 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.

ApplianceRunning / starting wattsWill it run?
Wi-Fi router and modem20 W / 20 W✅ Yes
CPAP (no humidifier)50 W / 50 W✅ Yes
Laptop or TV150 W / 150 W✅ Yes
Full-size refrigerator700 W / 2,200 W✅ Yes
Chest freezer500 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 heater1,500 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 saw1,400 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.

Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter3,700 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price
2

How long does it run on a tank?

The fuel tank holds 2.1 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 8 hr on a full tank. That is about 0.26 gallon per hour at half load, or 6 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.

Fuel tank2.1 galgasoline
At 50% load8 hrmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 6 gal24 h at half load
3

70 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter at 70 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.

4

Outlets and home connection

Its panel offers 1 × 120 V household outlet (5-20R), L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock. It has no 240 V outlet: it runs plug-in appliances through extension cords, not hardwired circuits or a 240 V well pump.

5

Starting, safety and warranty

It starts with a recoil (pull) cord. The manufacturer does not list a CO shutoff sensor: be strict about placement, 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 1 year (residential use).

6

Typical price under $300: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter scores 9.9/10 on value: one of the best results in our catalogue. 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.

Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter3,700 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price

Our verdict on the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter

The Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter scores 7.3/10 and ranks 64th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 4,500 starting / 3,700 running watts with THD under 3% from a 212 cc engine; L5-30R 30 A outlet for an RV. It is best suited to essential home backup with clean power for electronics.

Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter3,700 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Best inverter generators31st of 120Best 4500 watt generator15th of 44Best generator under $5006th of 54Best generator under $1,00029th of 111Best generator under $1,50049th of 142Genkins generators: reviews and lineup comparison3rd of 4

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 3,700 running watts and 4,500 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter power a house?

Only plug-in appliances through extension cords: it has no 240 V outlet for a transfer switch.

How long does the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter run on a tank?

About 8 hr at half load according to the manufacturer.

Does the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter run on propane?

No, it runs on gasoline only.

Is the Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 70 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.

Genkins GK4500iF Lite 4500W Open Frame Inverter3,700 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price

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