5500 Generac (QUICK | CHECKLIST)

When the lights go out, or when the job site needs silent, reliable energy away from the grid, few names command as much respect as Generac. For decades, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer has dominated the home standby generator market. However, in the portable space, one specific model number keeps surfacing in forums, contractor reviews, and emergency prep lists: the 5500 Generac .

Because it is a gasoline generator (not dual fuel), ethanol blends destroy the carburetor if you leave fuel in it for 6+ months. If you stored it wet in the shed, the 5500 Generac will not start next hurricane season. Solution: Run the bowl dry before storage or use non-ethanol fuel. 5500 generac

Look for a used 5500 Generac on Facebook Marketplace. Because so many people forget maintenance, you can often find a "non-starting" unit for $150. Clean the carburetor ($15 for a rebuild kit), and you have a $700 generator for a fraction of the price. Disclaimer: Wattage needs vary by appliance brand and altitude. Always consult a licensed electrician before connecting a generator to your home's panel. When the lights go out, or when the

For $700–$800, you are buying redundancy, not luxury. You are buying the ability to flush your toilet (sump pump), save your food (fridge), and keep the basement dry. In the mid-range portable generator market, the 5500 Generac remains the undisputed king of value—provided you remember to drain the gas when summer ends. Because it is a gasoline generator (not dual