Generac GP6500E
#8 in Mid-sizeFull review
A mid-size gasoline generator for running a home’s essentials through a transfer switch at a low price. A good fit for buyers who don’t need propane.
Amazon $899$899
The Generac GP6500E is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.0 to 3.6. The Generac GP6500E leads on value and run time. The Generac GP6500E costs $200 less ($899 vs $1,099).
Generac GP5500E EFI
#13 in Mid-sizeFull review
A mid-size gasoline generator with fuel injection for buyers who want an easy start after months in storage, and the pick for California. Others get more watts per dollar.
Amazon $1,099$1,099
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Generac GP6500E for value ($0.14 per running watt vs $0.20 per running watt) and run time (11.5 hours on a tank at 50% load vs 10.5 hours on a tank at 50% load).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Generac GP6500E | Generac GP5500E EFI |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 77 $0.14 per running watt | 48 $0.20 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 75 11.5 hours on a tank at 50% load | 65 10.5 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 0 gasoline only | 0 gasoline only |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Generac GP6500E | Generac GP5500E EFI | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 6,500 W running, 8,125 W starting | 5,500 W running, 6,875 W starting |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L14-30 | 4 × 120 V, L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | No | No |
| Price per watt | $0.14 | $0.20 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Tank | 7.9 gal | 5.4 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 11.5 hr at 50% load | 10.5 hr at 50% load |
| Engine | 389 cc | 298 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | No | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Electric and recoil |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 27.2 x 27 x 26.5 in | 27 x 27 x 25 in |
| Weight | 182 lb | 163 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-12 | 2025-08 |