Generac iQ3800 DF
#2 in Mid-sizeFull review
A dual-fuel mid-size inverter with long run time and electric start, suited to home essentials and jobsites. RV owners will need an L5-30 adapter for the 30 A outlet.
Amazon $849$849
The Generac iQ3800 DF is the better inverter generator overall, rated 4.0 to 3.9. The Generac iQ3800 DF leads on run time. The Generac iQ3800 DF costs $190.75 less ($849 vs $1,039.75).
Generac iQ5200 DF
#4 in Mid-sizeFull review
A dual-fuel inverter with enough surge for an RV air conditioner and long propane run time. A good fit for home essentials and 30 A campers willing to use an adapter.
Amazon $1,039.75$1,039.75
Prices were last checked October 22, 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 iQ3800 DF for run time (20 hours on a tank at 25% load vs 15 hours on a tank at 25% load).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Generac iQ3800 DF | Generac iQ5200 DF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 67 $0.28 per running watt | 71 $0.27 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 50 noise level not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise level not published (neutral score used) |
| Run time 15% | 100 20 hours on a tank at 25% load | 75 15 hours on a tank at 25% load |
| Fuel options 10% | 70 gasoline or propane | 70 gasoline or propane |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Generac iQ3800 DF | Generac iQ5200 DF | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 3,000 W running, 3,800 W starting | 3,900 W running, 5,200 W starting |
| Propane | 2,700 W running, 3,400 W starting | 3,500 W running, 4,700 W starting |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L5-30, USB | 4 × 120 V, L5-30, USB |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 3% | under 3% |
| Price per watt | $0.28 | $0.27 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline, propane |
| Tank | 3.3 gal | 3.2 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 20 hr at 25% load | 15 hr at 25% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 19 hr | 20 hr |
| Engine | 212 cc | 223 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Electric and recoil |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 20.3 x 22.4 in | 24.6 x 20.3 x 22.5 in |
| Weight | 107 lb | 107 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |