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 3.3. The Generac iQ3800 DF leads on run time and fuel options. The Pulsar PGD40ISCO wins on value. The Pulsar PGD40ISCO costs $398.93 less ($450.07 vs $849).
Pulsar PGD40ISCO
#13 in Mid-sizeFull review
A light, inexpensive 4,000 W inverter for RV owners who need to start a rooftop air conditioner without hauling a heavy generator. Expect frequent refueling.
Amazon $450.07$450.07
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 5.3 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%)) and fuel options (gasoline or propane vs gasoline only).
- Choose the Pulsar PGD40ISCO for value ($0.14 per running watt vs $0.28 per running watt).
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 | Pulsar PGD40ISCO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 67 $0.28 per running watt | 100 $0.14 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 50 noise level not published (neutral score used) | 44 59 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 100 20 hours on a tank at 25% load | 0 5.3 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) |
| Fuel options 10% | 70 gasoline or propane | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 50 CO shutoff not stated (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 50 starting method not stated (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Generac iQ3800 DF | Pulsar PGD40ISCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 3,000 W running, 3,800 W starting | 3,200 W running, 4,000 W starting |
| Propane | 2,700 W running, 3,400 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L5-30, USB | - |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 3% | - |
| Price per watt | $0.28 | $0.14 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 3.3 gal | 1 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 20 hr at 25% load | 4 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 19 hr | - |
| Engine | 212 cc | - |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | - | 59 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | - |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 20.3 x 22.4 in | 18.9 x 11.4 x 17.3 in |
| Weight | 107 lb | 47.3 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |