Pulsar Portable Generator Reviews: Top 5 Compared and Reviewed

Pulsar is one of the fastest-growing generator brands. It offers the best portable inverter and conventional generators at affordable prices. It manufactures not only single fuel generators but also offers dual fuel generators to its users. You can use these units to meet your home, camping, and job site power needs.

So, if you need one, here we have a list of the five best portable generators from Pulsar.

Pulsar Generator Reviews

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Pulsar PG2300iS Portable Inverter Generator

  • less than 3% THD rating

  • 6-hour runtime at 50% load

  • Low-oil indicator

Pulsar PG5250B Portable Generator

  • Switch and Go Technology

  • 12-hour runtime at half load

  • Low-oil shutdown

Pulsar PG1202S Portable Generator

  • 72cc, 2HP 2-stroke engine

  • 1.1-gallon gasoline tank

  • 1 year warranty

Pulsar PG10000 Portable Generator

  • 420cc, 15HP 4-stroke OHV engine

  • 12 hours of runtime at half load

  • 1 year warranty

Pulsar PG7500 Portable Generator

  • 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine

  • 13-hour runtime at 50% load

  • Electric and recoil start system

1. Pulsar PG2300iS Portable Inverter Generator – Best Pulsar Inverter Generator

Pulsar gas powered generator

Engine: Pulsar PG2300iS is a portable inverter generator powered by an 80cc 4-stroke single-cylinder, OHV engine.

Output Power: It produces 2,300 starting watts and 1,800 running watts.

With this power output, Pulsar PG2300iS is suitable for camping, tailgating, and DIY projects.

Stable Sine Wave Technology: Its sine wave technology ensures clean and stable power with less than a 3% THD rating. It allows users to power their sensitive electronics like smartphones, laptops, PCs, and other items without any worries.

THD is the measurement of the total harmonic distortion available in an electrical signal.

Parallel Capable: If the starting and running watts are insufficient for you, the generator allows you to connect the same or compatible generator to double the power. But for this, you are required to purchase a parallel kit separately.

Tank Size and Runtime: Pulsar PG2300iS comes with a 1.18-gallon gasoline tank that delivers up to 6-hour runtime at 50% load. It consumes around 0.2 gallons of gasoline per hour.

Economy Switch: Economy mode allows the engine to change its speed to meet the load applied. It ensures better fuel economy and quieter operation.

Starting Method: It has a recoil start system.

Power Receptacles: The control panel of PG2300iS has two DC outlets and two AC outlets. DC outlets include a 5 Volt USB port and one 12 Volt 8 Ampere outlet. AC outlets include two 120 Volt 13 Ampere outlets.

You can charge your smartphone or tablet through a USB port. 12 Volt DC outlet is to charge batteries. And two 120 Volt outlets are to power small AC appliances.

Status Lights: Low-oil indicator shows that the remaining level of oil is below the minimum level. The overload indicator light turns on when the generator gets overloaded. And the output indicator shows your generator is generating power.

Safety Features: Safety features of PG2300iS include an automatic voltage regulator and low-oil shutoff.

The automatic voltage regulator provides stable voltage despite varying load and operating temperature.

On the other hand, low-oil shutoff doesn’t allow the engine to run on a lower oil level and automatically shuts it.

Weight and Warranty: Pulsar PG2300iS weighs only 47 pounds and offers a 1-year warranty.

My Opinion:

Pros: Pulsar PG2300iS is a highly fuel-efficient inverter generator. It has a handy suitcase design, a variety of power outlets, and a choke switch. Also, it is a parallel capable unit. 

Cons: An RV ready port is missing.

2. Pulsar PG5250B Portable Generator – Best RV-Ready Pulsar Generator

Pulsar dual fuel generator

Engine: Pulsar PG5250B is a dual fuel RV-ready portable conventional generator. It comes with a 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine featuring an air-cooled cooling system.

Switch and Go Technology: Its ‘Switch and Go Technology’ allows easy conversion between gasoline and liquid propane gas. Even during operation, you can switch from gasoline to propane and vice versa.

Output Power: This generator is suitable to power homes, RVs, and construction sites.

On gasoline, it produces 5,250 watts of starting power and 4,250 watts of running power. But with propane, generates 4,750 starting watts and 3,850 running watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: A 4-gallon gasoline tank gives around a 12-hour runtime at half load. It consumes 0.33 gallons of gasoline per hour.

On the other hand, with a 20-pound propane tank, it offers around a 13-hour runtime where it consumes 0.36 gallons of propane per hour.

Starting Method: Users can only start the generator manually.

Power Receptacles: Pulsar PG5250B features four AC outlets that include two 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) outlets, one 120 Volt 30 Ampere (TT-30R) outlet, and one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere (L14-30R) outlet.

5-20R receptacles are to power AC appliances, whereas the TT-30R receptacle makes the generator RV-ready. Also, it is a transfer switch ready unit because of the L14-30R receptacle.

Hour Meter: Its control panel also has an hour meter, which shows volts, frequency, and lifetime operation hours.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown and overload protection are the two safety features.

Overload protection (circuit breaker) activates when you apply extra load. It turns off the engine to prevent damages.

Weight and Warranty: It has a 1-year warranty and weighs 115 pounds.

My Opinion:

Pros: Pulsar PG5250B is an RV-ready generator. It runs on both gasoline and propane. It is an inexpensive machine that gives decent runtime. Also, it features an hour meter to easily monitor the status and activity of the generator.

Cons: It fails to provide clean power.

3. Pulsar PG1202S Portable Generator – Cheapest Pulsar Generator

Pulsar 2-Stroke generator

Engine: Pulsar PG1202S is a portable conventional generator. It is equipped with a 72cc, 2HP 2-stroke engine.

Output Power: This generator is only suitable for campers and tailgaters. Also, you can run small power tools.

It gives 1,200 peak watts and 900 rated watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: It features a 1.1-gallon gasoline tank that allows you to power your essentials up to 8.5 hours at half load.

Its fuel consumption is 0.13 gallons per hour.

Starting Method: Pulsar PG1202S only offers a recoil start mechanism.

Power Receptacles: One 12 Volt DC outlet can be used to charge batteries. On the other hand, two 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) outlets are to power small AC appliances and devices.

Safety Features: It only comes with overload protection.

Weight and Warranty: Pulsar PG1202S is the lightest generator available carrying only 37.5 pounds weight.

If we talk about its warranty, then it is only for one year.

My Opinion:

Pros: Pulsar PG1202S is a lightweight generator that makes it highly portable. It is a fuel-efficient generator that operates without making much noise. Also, it is an inexpensive machine to buy.

Cons: Its output power is very limited.

4. Pulsar PG10000 Portable Generator – Powerful Pulsar Generator

Pulsar generator

Engine: Pulsar PG10000 is an RV-ready portable conventional generator. It has a 420cc, 15HP 4-stroke OHV engine featuring air-cooled technology and a powder-coated frame.

Output Power: Through this generator, you can easily power big appliances and other tools and devices. It delivers 10,000 surge watts and 8,000 rated watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: You will get up to 12 hours of runtime at half load on an 8-gallon gasoline tank. The generator consumes around 0.67 gallons of gasoline per hour.

Starting Method: Pulsar PG10000 is quite easy to start, thanks to its electric start system.

Power Receptacles: It has one 12 Volt DC outlet, four 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) outlets, one 120 Volt 30 Ampere (TT-30R) outlet, one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere (L14-30R) outlet, and one 120/240 Volt 50 Ampere (14-50R) outlet.

TT-30R and L14-30R make the generator RV-ready and transfer switch ready, respectively.

5-20R outlets allow to power small and big AC appliances whereas 14-50R outlet is used to run heavy-duty power tools.

Hour Meter: An hour meter displays runtime, frequency, and voltage.

Safety Features: In safety features, we have an automatic voltage regulation system and a low-oil shutoff sensor.

Weight and Warranty: Its weight is 204 pounds, and it features a 1-year warranty.

My Opinion:

Pros: Pulsar PG10000 is a powerful generator equipped with a powerful engine. It comes with an electric start system. It is both an RV-ready and a transfer switch ready unit. Also, it features an hour meter.

Cons: It operates at 77 dB (A).

5. Pulsar PG7500 Portable Generator – Best Pulsar Generator under $800

Pulsar portable generator

Engine: Pulsar PG7500 is also a portable conventional generator, which has a 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine.

Output Power: Anyone can use this generator to power their essentials, including an RV owner, a homeowner, a food truck owner, and a tailgater.

It generates 7,500 starting and 6,000 running watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: It offers around 13-hour runtime at 50% load on a 6.6-gallon gasoline tank.

Starting Method: Electric start system with a recoil backup.

Power Receptacles: Four 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) outlets, one 120 Volt 30 Ampere (L5-30R) outlet, one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere (L14-30R) outlet, and one 12 Volt DC outlet.

Hour Meter: Shows voltage, runtime, and frequency.

Safety Features: Overload protection along with low-oil shutoff

Weight and Warranty: It also has a 1-year warranty. And the weight of this generator is 185 pounds, which makes it lighter than Pulsar PG10000.

My Opinion:

Pros: Pulsar PG7500 is a fuel-efficient generator that gives extended runtime. It can be easily connected to a transfer switch. Also, it features an hour meter and a 12V DC outlet. 

Cons: It is a noisy generator. Also, its oil changing is a bit difficult.

Buyer’s Guide

What factors you must consider when buying a Pulsar generator? Here in this guide, we are going to explore them.

Traditional or Inverter

Both types of generators have their advantages and disadvantages.

Inverters produce clean power but fail to provide higher power output, whereas most conventional generators fail to provide clean power but give higher power output.

Inverter machines are compact and lightweight. On the other hand, traditional generators are heavier, but most of their models are portable.

Conventional units can power big appliances and heavy-duty power tools. Inverter generators are not able to power heavy-duty power tools.

Inverter engines are fuel-efficient, whereas many of the conventional engines are not fuel-efficient.

Hence, if you need a generator for camping, tailgating, DIY projects, or power small home appliances, use a Pulsar inverter generator. If you need to power big home appliances, RV appliances, or heavy-duty power tools, go for a traditional generator.

Power Output

Once you have decided which type of generator is best for you, you need to figure out your power needs. If you are not careful while calculating your power needs, you will have to face problems later. The first step in power calculation is listing all the appliances you need to run on your generator. Once you have mentioned all the appliances, find out their starting and running wattages. You can do this in the following way.

Appliances Starting Wattage Running Wattage
Refrigerator 1400 300
1/2 HP Furnace 2350 875
TV 400 400
Lights 300 300
AC 1800 1200
Total 6250 3075

In the setup above, 6250 watts are needed to start all the appliances together and 3075 watts are needed to keep them running. The difference in the starting and running wattage is because of the motorized machines. You can manage this difference by adding such appliances one by one and keeping the unnecessary things switched off. If you know load management, you can get more out of a smaller generator. Buying a smaller generator has its perks as you have to pay less initially, and its working cost is also low.

If we talk about Pulsar generators, Pulsar PG2300iS is best for camping, tailgating, and small homes. It will power only the necessary appliances. For large power needs, Pulsar PG5250B or PG10000 are excellent. They deliver 4250 and 8000 running watts.

Type of Fuel

The next big thing to consider is the type of fuel. Pulsar manufactures one of the best dual fuel generators. The selection of the fuel type must be based on your usage pattern. If you live in a severe climatic region and face problems getting gasoline during natural disasters or emergencies, go for a dual fuel generator. Similarly, if you want to be sure that you will have plenty of fuel during outdoor trips and on your RVs, a dual fuel generator is helpful. If we compare gas and propane, we find that gas has a shorter shelf life (8-10 months) than propane but burns better and provides more power. However, it is not as environmentally friendly as propane is. On the contrary, propane has a lower energy rating, is cheap, and keeps the environment clean. Handling and storing propane is safer than gas. Gas is prone to spillage and hazards, so you must be careful with it.

Control Panel

Pulsar offers one of the best features on the control panel in the industry. Its generators are easier to control and operate. You get power outlets, on/off buttons, various meter readings, choke and warning lights for low oil and overloading. Please make sure that your selected model has all the features on the control panel.

Power Outlets

Always look for your required power outlets on the generator. If you are buying a generator to connect it with your home, power outlets don’t matter much as you will be connecting the generator to your home’s electrical panel. For RVs, outdoors and worksites, power outlets are very important. A generator must give you all the options to run your appliances directly. Inverters must have USB outlets, car adapter outlet, and AC/DC outlet. Conventional models offer various 120/240V outlets, so you can connect heavy machines as well. Generators bought for RVs must be RV ready.

Eco Mode

This feature helps keep the running cost low. It adjusts the generators’ output according to the load applied to it. It reduces the engine RPM when the load is not high and results in fuel saving. When you put more load on the generator, the engine boosts up and provides high power.

Paralleling Capabilities

If you are buying an inverter, it must be parallel capable. A parallel capable generator can be connected with another same model generator, and you get double power output. It comes in handy when you need to run heavy machines and also provides you with more outlets.

Sound Level

Conventional generators make more operational sound than inverter generators. Take the example of Pulsar PG1202S. It is a traditional generator that operates at 65 dB (A) but only features a 72cc 2-stroke engine and produces 900 running watts. On the other hand, Pulsar PG2300iS has an operational sound of 59 dB (A). It has an 80cc 4-stroke engine that produces 1800 running watts.

So, it is better to avoid buying a Pulsar conventional generator if your power requirement is on the lower side. Otherwise, you can add noise-reducing mufflers and keep a generator away from you to get as little noise as possible in your ears.

Runtime

Always try to buy a generator featuring a fuel-efficient engine to get extended runtime. But if you are buying a conventional generator, make sure it has a big fuel tank. More giant fuel tanks give higher runtime than smaller fuel tanks. Also, the amount of load applied changes runtime. At a 25% load, your generator will provide a different runtime than at 50% or 100%.

Portability

Pulsar offers wheels along with handlebars in conventional models. In inverters, you get ergonomic carry handles. Portability is one feature where you don’t need to worry while buying a Pulsar generator. Inverters are lightweight and conventional models are easy to move around.

Starting Mechanism

If you don’t like pulling the starting rope every time you start your generator, go for an electric start model. Recoil starting models are cheaper than electric start models but need more physical strength to start them.

Safety

The safety of your generator is another most important thing. Pulsar offers AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation), Overload (Circuit Breaker) Protection, and Low-Oil Shutdown.

AVR keeps the voltage stable to protect your generator from damages. Overload protection turns off the engine because of the extra load applied to the generator. And low-oil shutdown shuts off the engine when the generator runs with a lower oil level.

Warranty and Certifications

Pulsar offers an impressive warranty on its units. Its customer services and after-sale services are also at par with other leading brands. You can call their helpline to get all your issues sorted out.

Price

The best thing about Pulsar generators is that they come with a fair price tag. You get all the latest features at the most economical prices.

FAQ

Which company makes Pulsar generator engines?

Ducar makes Pulsar generator engines. It makes both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines for Pulsar generators.

Which oil is recommended to use in Pulsar generators?

It is recommended to use supreme quality SAE 10W-30 oil in Pulsar generators. After the first 20 hours of operation, drain all the oil and refill the SAE 10W-30. After that, change the oil every 50 hours of operation.

Can I connect my generator with an RV if it features an L5-30R outlet?

Yes, you can connect your generator with an RV if it has an L5-30R outlet. Make use of an L5-30P to make a simple RV connection to the TT-30R adaptor.

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