GENMAX GM10500iETC review: our full analysis

What will a 10,500-watt generator run?

The GENMAX GM10500iETC delivers 8,500 W continuously and up to 10,500 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 8,000 running watts (9,500 W starting), 6% less. On natural gas: 6,800 running watts (8,400 W starting). It handles 14 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.

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

GENMAX GM10500iETC8,500 running W · Tri fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500 Check best price

Fuel tank and runtime

The fuel tank holds 6.9 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 14 hours at a quarter load. At half load, count on roughly 8 hr 50 min (our estimate from the quarter-load figure). That is about 0.78 gallon per hour at half load, or 19 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. 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.

62 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the GENMAX GM10500iETC at 62 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is about the level of a conversation or a dishwasher: acceptable at a campground.

Outlets: home, RV and tools

Its panel offers 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V, 12 V DC outlet. The 14-50R outlet supplies 120/240 V, which is what a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box connects to, installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed the house through a wall outlet. It is parallel capable: linked to a second compatible unit with a parallel kit, the two outputs combine.

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 CARB compliant, so it can be sold in California. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

Typical price $1,800–$2,500: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the GENMAX GM10500iETC scores 4.9/10 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.

GENMAX GM10500iETC8,500 running W · Tri fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500 Check best price