Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) generatorCheck best price → All photos, customer reviews and today's price →
Remote start · Gas · 5,500 W

Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) review: our full analysis

Brand: Honda · Ranked 131st of 174 · Our methodology

6.5/10 Power7.8 Runtime8.7 Noise6.6 Features7.7 Portability4.2 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: over $2,500 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. With 5,500 running watts (6,500 W starting), the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) is mostly aimed at home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit. It weighs 231.7 lb, is rated at 64 dB(A) and runs about 9 hr 50 min at half load on a tank. Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor, remote start, a 240 V transfer-switch outlet.

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

Pros

  • 5,500 rated and 6,500 max watts, with 7,000 W for 10 seconds via iAVR.
  • Two GFCI 20 A duplexes, L5-30R and L14-30R outlets plus 12V DC.
  • Electric start and wireless start/stop through the My Generator app.

Cons

  • 231.7 lb on wheels.
  • 64-66 dB(A).
  • Not for sale in California.

Best for

  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit

Specifications

TypeGas (open frame)
Running watts5,500 W gasoline
Starting watts6,500 W gasoline
FuelGasoline
Fuel tank6.2 gal
Runtime9 hr 50 min at 50% load
Noise64 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight231.7 lb
Outlets4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock · 12 V DC outlet
Transfer switch readyYes
StartRemote key fob + electric push-button + recoil
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine389 cc
Warranty3 years
Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN)5,500 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) is mostly suited to:

  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.
1

Power output: running and starting watts

The Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) delivers 5,500 W continuously and up to 6,500 W for a few seconds to start motors. 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.

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✅ Yes
Central AC (3-ton, soft start)3,800 W / 5,500 W✅ Yes

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

Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN)5,500 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500 Check best price
2

Runtime and fuel

The fuel tank holds 6.2 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 9 hr 50 min on a full tank. That is about 0.63 gallon per hour at half load, or 15 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.

Fuel tank6.2 galgasoline
At 50% load9 hr 50 minmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 15 gal24 h at half load
3

64 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) at 64 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 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock, L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 12 V DC outlet. The L14-30R 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.

5

Start type, CO shutoff 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).

6

Typical price over $2,500: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) scores 4.3/10 on value: a high price per watt, which its other strengths may justify. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN)5,500 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500 Check best price

Our verdict on the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN)

The Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) scores 6.5/10 and ranks 131st out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 5,500 rated and 6,500 max watts, with 7,000 W for 10 seconds via iAVR; two GFCI 20 A duplexes, L5-30R and L14-30R outlets plus 12V DC. It is best suited to home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.

Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN)5,500 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Best gas generators (open frame)19th of 24Best portable generator for home backup66th of 68Best generator for construction and jobsites49th of 51Best generator with remote start49th of 52Best generator with electric start86th of 92Best generator with a CO shutoff sensor103rd of 129Best 7500 watt generator18th of 19Honda generators: reviews and lineup comparison3rd of 8

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 5,500 running watts and 6,500 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) power a house?

It can back up the essentials through a transfer switch or interlock kit connected to its L14-30R outlet.

How long does the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) run on a tank?

About 9 hr 50 min at half load according to the manufacturer.

Does the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) run on propane?

No, it runs on gasoline only.

Is the Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN) quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 64 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.

Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN)5,500 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500 Check best price

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