Pulsar PGD16iSCO inverter generatorCheck best price → All photos, customer reviews and today's price →
Easy to carry · Gas inverter · 1,200 W

Pulsar PGD16iSCO review: our full analysis

Brand: Pulsar · Ranked 145th of 174 · Our methodology

6.2/10 Power4.2 Runtime6.0 Noise9.2 Features6.3 Portability7.9 Watts per dollar5.3 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: under $300 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. The Pulsar PGD16iSCO is a gas inverter generator rated at 1,200 running watts and 1,600 starting watts, built for camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet. It weighs 24.0 lb, is rated at 56 dB(A) and runs about 6 hr 30 min at half load on a tank. Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor.

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

Pros

  • 24 lb, one of the lightest gas inverters with a CO shutdown sensor (CO Sentry).
  • 56 dB rating, with two 5-20R outlets and two USB-A ports.
  • Parallel capable, CARB and EPA certified, 3-year limited warranty.

Cons

  • 1,200 running watts: enough for a fridge or a coffee maker, not both.
  • 0.63-gallon tank: about 6.5 hours at half load.
  • No 12 V DC outlet and no RV outlet.

Best for

  • Camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet
  • Places where noise matters: campgrounds, close neighbors

Specifications

TypeGas inverter (inverter: clean power)
Running watts1,200 W gasoline
Starting watts1,600 W gasoline
FuelGasoline
Fuel tank0.63 gal
Runtime6 hr 30 min at 50% load
Noise56 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight24.0 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · USB ports
Transfer switch readyNo (no 240 V outlet)
StartRecoil (pull start)
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableYes
EmissionsCARB and EPA compliant
Engine57 cc
Warranty3 years
Pulsar PGD16iSCO1,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Pulsar PGD16iSCO is mostly suited to:

  • Camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet.
  • Places where noise matters: campgrounds, close neighbors.
1

1,200 running watts: what can it power?

The Pulsar PGD16iSCO delivers 1,200 W continuously and up to 1,600 W for a few seconds to start motors. It handles 5 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❌ No
Chest freezer500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Furnace blower (1/2 HP)800 W / 2,350 W❌ No
Sump pump (1/2 HP)1,050 W / 2,150 W❌ No
Microwave (1,000 W)1,000 W / 1,000 W✅ Yes
Space heater1,500 W / 1,500 W❌ No
Window AC (10,000 BTU)1,200 W / 3,600 W❌ No
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W❌ No
Circular saw1,400 W / 2,300 W❌ No
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.

Pulsar PGD16iSCO1,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price
2

Fuel tank and runtime

The fuel tank holds 0.6 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 6 hr 30 min on a full tank. That is about 0.10 gallon per hour at half load, or 2 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.

Fuel tank0.6 galgasoline
At 50% load6 hr 30 minmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 2 gal24 h at half load
3

56 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Pulsar PGD16iSCO at 56 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is quieter than a normal conversation: suitable for campgrounds and close neighbors.

4

Outlets: home, RV and tools

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), USB ports. It has no 240 V outlet: it runs plug-in appliances through extension cords, not hardwired circuits or a 240 V well pump. It is parallel capable: linked to a second compatible unit with a parallel kit, the two outputs combine.

5

Start type, CO shutoff and warranty

It starts with a recoil (pull) cord. 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).

6

Typical price under $300: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO scores 5.3/10 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.

Pulsar PGD16iSCO1,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price

Our verdict on the Pulsar PGD16iSCO

The Pulsar PGD16iSCO scores 6.2/10 and ranks 145th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 24 lb, one of the lightest gas inverters with a CO shutdown sensor (CO Sentry); 56 dB rating, with two 5-20R outlets and two USB-A ports. It is best suited to camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet and places where noise matters: campgrounds, close neighbors.

Pulsar PGD16iSCO1,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Best inverter generators96th of 120Best quiet generator19th of 46Best generator for camping40th of 61Best lightweight portable generator35th of 55Best generator with a CO shutoff sensor112th of 129Best parallel capable inverter generator77th of 98Best 2000 watt generator8th of 24Best generator under $50038th of 54Best generator under $1,00090th of 111Best generator under $1,500117th of 142Pulsar generators: reviews and lineup comparison7th of 10

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Pulsar PGD16iSCO run a refrigerator?

Not reliably: a full-size fridge can need about 2,200 W for a moment when the compressor starts.

Can the Pulsar PGD16iSCO power a house?

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

How long does the Pulsar PGD16iSCO run on a tank?

About 6 hr 30 min at half load according to the manufacturer.

Does the Pulsar PGD16iSCO run on propane?

No, it runs on gasoline only.

Is the Pulsar PGD16iSCO quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 56 dB(A), quiet enough for most campgrounds.

Pulsar PGD16iSCO1,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price under $300 Check best price

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