In 2021, how good are Firman generators? Well, generally — Yes, they are quite good for what you pay, and depending on the model. My main complaint is that their stock supplies are somewhat spotty, with models coming and going far too quickly. Brands need to support their products, which means “Keep them in stock so people can buy them!”
In this article we’ve hand-selected some of the best rated Firman generators on the market, as indicated by customer satisfaction over time, the only true marker of quality. Some of the generators have been discontinued in 2021, and the more popular models have not. Look around and see if there’s something worth your money.
Editors’ Picks — Top Firman Generators
Consider these models for your home. Customers are happy with these.
Compare — Firman vs WEN
Which brand offers the better value? Both are heavy-duty dual-fuel gas generators. Let’s take a look at their features…
Firman H08051 : 10KW / 8KW
A well-made dual-fuel generator from Firman. Customers are happy. It’s not cheaper in terms of price, so do you buy this or a brand name?
- Gas : 10,000W / 8000W
- Propane : 9050W / 7250W
- up to 12 hr. run-time (50% load)
- 8 gallon tank
- Electric start / Recoil
- 120V/240V – 30A/50A
- 10″ wheels / folding handle
- Includes : engine oil, funnel and assembly tool kit and 5.5 ft LPG regulator hose
- Outlets (covered):
5-20R 20A-120V GFCI
14-50R 50A-120/240V
L14-30R 30A-120V/240V Twistlock
L5-30R 30A 120V Twistlock - 439cc / low oil shut off / cast iron sleeve
- 235 lbs. / 3 year warranty
- Size : 29.8″ x 26.1 x 27.5″
- EPA / CARB
WEN DF1100T : 11KW / 8.3KW
Overall, you get more for your money with this WEN model. More power and it costs less by a fairly high margin. An excellent value heavy-duty generator. WEN has a longer history of reliability.
- Gas : 11,000W / 8,300W
- Propane : 9,500W / 7,500W
- up to 8.5 hr. run-time (50% load)
- 6.6 gallon tank
- Electric start / Recoil
- 120V/240V – 30A/50A
- 9.5-inch wheels
- Includes : bottle of oil, a 47-inch LPG connection hose
- 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine
- Automatic Voltage Regulator and Overload Protection
- Outlets :
120V GFCI outlets (5-20R)
120V 30A twist lock outlet (L5-30R)
120V/240V 50A outlet (NEMA 14-50R)
12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug - 213.8 lbs / Two-year warranty
- Size : 27.3″ x 20.6″ x 21.9″
- EPA / CARB
Quality — Firman Generators
It seems that some Firman generators are great, while others quickly fade away. I’m always apprehensive about recommending a lesser-known generator brand because it’s important that your purchase is supported long after the sale, which is why I prefer big brands like Westinghouse, Honda, Yamaha, Champion and Briggs and Stratton, to name a few.
BUT, as you will learn, the company behind Firman has been making generators for a long time, and therefore a highly underrated brand to consider, especially if you’re on a budget.
⚡️ Cheap Back-up Power — Firman P01202
It doesn’t get much more affordable than this!
Features :
- Max Pro 80cc FIRMAN engine — runs cool
- 1500 starting Watts / 1200 running watts.
- Quiet — 63dB : Whisper Series muffler
- Spark arrester : Approved by USDA Forest Service.
- ★ 10 hours of run time
- Rubberized recoil handle : Easy to start with gloves
- Power Stream alternator : Clean energy
- Voltmeter / Low Oil Shutoff Switch.
- Compact tubular roll cage
How to Decide on A Generator
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get reliable back-up power. I know, it’s always tempting to spend more money to get the best, or something better, but there’s another way to look at it. Write down what you’ll be using your generator for. Calculate what you intend to use it for, then choose the first quality generator you find that satisfies your needs.
There’s a theory of Satisficing vs Maximum your choices, which is important to think about, not just for buying a generator, but in life. Essentially, you can waste a lot of time by constantly pursuing the absolute best choice. The better approach is to choose the first thing (IE. Generator) that meets your needs (satisfies your needs). Sure, there’s always a few more dollars you can save, perhaps there’s a slightly better decision to be made, but there’s a cost in pursuing the absolute best of everything — the price is your time and energy that it takes to optimize. It’s counter-intuitive, but true.
💬 Make better Choices : Read — Paradox of Choice
“The alternative to maximizing is to be a satisficer. To satisfice is to settle for something that is good enough and not worry about the possibility that there might be something better.”
“Pay attention to what you’re giving up in the next-best alternative, but don’t waste energy feeling bad about having passed up an option further down the list that you wouldn’t have gotten to anyway.”
I know, because I used to be that way.; always trying to optimize every decision, but I value my time today more than I did when I was younger, so I don’t want to waste hours and days on making a decision to buy something. It’s a waste of energy and I have better things to do, as I’m sure you do as well.
At Chainsaw Journal we actually do our best to give you a range of products that we feel are worth spending your money on. Yes, there are other brands, other great generators, but It’s pointless to give you 50 options to choose from, and it’s exhausting. You know how it goes, you plan to do ‘a little research and before you know it, you’ve spent your entire day in front of the computer thinking “just a little more research and I’ll find it,” and then you do it the next day, and so on. Your time is valuable. Learn to satisfice your needs, not maximize every decision.
Read the book, Paradox of Choice to gain better insight on making better decisions. It’s a worthwhile read and will help you in all areas of your life.
Alright, back to generators. I’m guessing that’s why you’re here, not for philosophy.
Firman P03611 : Patriotic Edition
How Patriotic are you? Would you buy this? This will certainly draw attention. Why not have a stylish generator? I think it’s a cool design. Great generator as well.
Features — Patriotic Firman Generator
- 208cc Firman 0HV engine (Max-Pro Series)
- Outlets: 1 L5-30R Twistlock 30A-120VAC, 1 TT-30R 30A-120VAC, 1 5-20R Duplex 20A-120VAC.
- Cast iron sleeved engine / low oil shutdown protection.
- 4550 starting Watts and 3650 running watts
- Quiet : 68dB — Whisper Series muffler
- 14 hours of run time.
- Clean Power : Volt Lock automatic voltage regulator
Firman is a fast-growing generator brand owned by Sinomach, a China-based company that has manufactured over 10 million generators in the past 17 years. This is a massive company that makes industrial-grade power equipment — and you’ve probably never heard of them. They have been making generators for big brands like : Ridgid, Kohler and others, (which they do not disclose). Maybe they make your favorite brand generator.
In 2015, they decided to use their experience, knowledge and expertise to create their own brand, which they called “Firman.”
The generator market is competitive, especially with excellent generator brands like Westinghouse, Honda, Yamaha, Generac, WEN, Briggs & Stratton, Champion and more.
Firman is a brand that I can’t quite put my finger on. They have a lot of different models but it doesn’t seem as if they are keeping all models in stock. I prefer generator brands that continually replenish their stock of their top selling generators. The big brands do that repeatedly, such as : WEN, Briggs & Stratton, Westinghouse, Generac, DuroMax, DuroStar and Champion, to name a few.
Firman, the Brand
If you have any questions about Firman generators; want to know about their warranty or level of support, contact them on their site or call them directly and ask : 844-FIRMAN1 (844-347-6261)
It’s a brand known for value, and customer satisfaction is generally good, depending on the model you buy. Most people can’t afford a Honda or Yamaha generator, and to be honest, most people don’t really need them unless they require the quietest and most efficient generator on the market. Firman fills a nice gap for a lot of consumers.
When did you first hear about Firman Generators? Probably not, until recently — nor did I. In this article, we’ll be introducing a few of their generator products and give them a thorough investigation. Before reviewing their products, I think it would be a good idea to look into the company itself and find out what they’re all about.
As a relative newcomer to the portable power generation industry, some view this Chinese company with some skepticism. There have been a lot cheap imitations of machines designed by reputable manufacturers to come from Asia, so it’s only logical that many will question what they’re buying. This is not to say that all Asian products are junk, there have been many pleasant surprises. A lot of new companies hailing from Asia in recent years have given us high-quality products at very competitive prices and no one can complain about that.
So how does Firman rate in the very competitive technology market? I did some research into the company and was quite impressed with what I found. It looks like Firman generators are going to be a formidable force in the very new future. At the moment, their prices are fantastic for the product that you’re getting. Though if we look at some other great Asian manufacturers (the Korean company Hyundai comes to mind), as the world starts to realize how great they are, the prices of their products start to climb. It’s a good idea to get in on the ground floor – before everyone else learns about how great they are.
⭐Top Seller — Firman W03081 — 3300w starting / 3000w running
For many years, I’ve referred to Hyundai cars as the new Toyota and it turns out that this wasn’t too far from the truth. Like Toyota, Hyundai started out as bargain basement cars and in a matter of a few years, they’ve come to rival the best. Now I’m asking: Is Firman the new Hyundai? Okay, they’re not in the business of making cars, but the analogy remains the same. Is Firman going to end up rivaling established generator manufacturers like Honda, Briggs & Stratton and some of the other big guys in the industry? By all accounts, this looks very likely.
Firman is part of the SUMEC group of companies which was established in 1978. Not many westerners know much about Chinese history, so I’ll put this into context. 1978 was the year that Chairman Mau stepped down as leader of China and this was the beginning of their long journey toward becoming a global manufacturing giant. In short, SUMEC was one of the first Chinese companies since they started moving away from their strict communist rule. This gives them some standing.
Dual-Fuel Firman Generator (CARB) | Firman H05752
The SUMEC group has a long history in the manufacturing industry and has a massive global footprint. Though it was only in 2001 that the Firman brand was established, this is when they entered the global portable generator market. In 2007, Firman generators were ranked the number one export brand from China. It didn’t take this brand very long to become known as one of the best and able to compete in a global market.
In 2014 they joined forces with the long-established American brand Kohler Engines, this gave the company access to a wealth of experience going back more than 140 years. Anyone familiar with generators or gas and diesel engines knows the Kohler name well. By 2017 their portable generator production exceeded 10-million units.
►Inverter Gas Generator | Champion 100573
Looking at the company’s association with Kohler, I started to wonder if they weren’t just manufacturing cheap knock-offs of Kohler products. This turns out to be far from the case. The SUMEC group started their own R&D into the development of large power generation plants on the Asian continent back in 1997 and have been responsible for building some of the best large-scale grid-linked generators. It’s based on this experience that they moved into the retail generator market.
Over the years they’ve partnered with many established and respected global manufacturers to improve their products and develop new innovations that compete with the best. They use a number of different engines, Subaru being among them. The concept of teaming up with established engine manufacturers is nothing new in the development of quality generators – all the major brands do it. The fact is, Firman do a lot of product innovation at their R&D facilities and hold over 100 patents in several countries.
Firman P08003 | Highly Underrated Brand. Well-worth your Money.
They do high-level product testing and quality control, I’d say some the best in the world. An example of this that relates to the consumer generator market is the testing of one of their 10KW 2-cylinder generators. They ran the machine for 1000-hours continuously. To give you an idea of what this means, the industry standard for testing these generators is 250-hours. Exceeding the standard testing by four times the norm indicates to me that these guys are determined to compete with the best.
In conclusion, I’d say watch out world, here comes a force to be reckoned with. Having gained a lot of faith in the brand, I’m now ready to review their products with confidence.
Firman Hybrid Series H03651
Dual Fuel Firman Generator : Can run off of propane or gas making it more versatile during emergencies and natural disasters.
Dual-fuel firman generator with a 3 year warranty to give you peace of mind and a USDA certified spark arrestor making it safe to operate in US parks.
Features:
- Firman Dual-Fuel Electric Start Generator (Propane Tank Not Provided)
- 4550w (Starting)/ 3650w (Rated) when using gasoline
- 4100w (Starting)/ 3300w (Rated) when using propane
- Extended propane regulator hose (5-feet)
- Up to 14 Hours Of Power at 1/2 Load (5 Gal. Tank or 5 Gal/20 Lb. Tank)
- Push-Button Electric Start (Battery Included)
- Engine mounted recoil starter
- 208cc Firman Max-Pro Series OHV Engine w/ Low Oil Shutdown
- Cast-Iron cylinder sleeve increases engine life
- Automatic shutdown when oil pressure runs low
- Volt-Lock AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)
- Provides safe, clean power for your electronics & appliances
- TT-30 RV Receptacle : Easily connect your 30A RV cord (Not Included) for your power needs
- User-Friendly Control Panel w/ 3-In-1 Data Minder Monitor
- Monitor your voltage, frequency & operating hours
- Circuit Breaker Protection
- Whisper Series Quiet Muffler w/ USDA FS Certified Spark Arrestor
- Heavy-Duty 1-1/4″ Steel Tube Frame & 8″ Flat-Free Tires
- Safely transport your generator even over uneven terrain
- Includes: Engine oil, oil funnel and tool kit
- 3-Year Residential Warranty & 90-Day Commercial Warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL or the SPEC SHEET for the Firman H03651 generator.
Outlets:
- 120V, 20A Duplex (NEMA 5-20R)
- 120V, 30A RV (NEMA TT-30R)
- 120V, 30A Twist-Lock (NEMA L5-30R)
Overview | Firman Hybrid Series H03651
Because this is my first time reviewing Firman generators, I can only go my impression of the build quality and durability of the Firman Hybrid series. By all accounts, this generator looks like it will stand its own among the best of them. Even though it’s cheaper than most, I can’t see anything about this generator that suggests that it’s not just as good as the more expensive brands. In short, I think the Firman H03651 is incredibly good value for money.
I’ve gone through countless customer reviews to get an idea of what people have to say about their user experience. After all, this is where it counts. I’ve seen a few complaints about dealership service issues, though this doesn’t reflect on the Firman brand – it’s more about who you buy it from. The general public response to Firman generators has been an overwhelming thumbs up, so I’d say it’s worth considering.
The Firman H03561 uses a Firman 208cc (7HP), four-stroke engine capable of running on gas or propane. When running on gas, it pumps out 3650 running watts and 4550 starting (peak) watts. As with any hybrid generator, you’re not going to get the same output when using propane. So this is slightly lower at 3300W constant running power and 4100W peak starting power. With either fuel type, it’s the perfect size for your RV and can provide enough power to keep most of your household appliances running in an emergency.
It’s a very modern looking generator with plastic covers that probably go some way in reducing vibration. Though I think the purpose of these covers is more for appearance than anything else. Despite this, it still has a solid steel frame giving it good old-fashioned durability. It has solid 8” rubber wheels and the front end rests on thick rubber mounts, which will also help reduce vibrations.
The control panel is easy to use and perfectly laid out. It has all the outlets that you need – a duplex 120V outlet, giving you two standard household power outlets with circuit breaker protection. It also has two 120V 30A outlets, so it can be easily connected to your RV or a transfer switch running to your household wiring. You have the convenience of an electric starter motor and a recoil starter for emergency starting if the battery runs flat. It also has a digital display for frequency (hertz), volts, and hours.
The fuel economy of this generator is outstanding and competes with the best (even inverter generators with an economy mode). The gas tank holds 5-gallons and this will give you up to 14-hours runtime at 50% load. Though I don’t have any stats for the consumption when using propane, I’d guess that you’re going to get well over 20-hours from a 20 LBS propane tank.
The Firman H03651 hybrid generator weighs 134 LBS, not too light but still very reasonable for a generator of this size with a solid frame. It has a fold down handle with a soft grip, making it pretty effortless to wheel around.
When you compare this generator to similar hybrid offerings, you’ll see that you’re getting a lot for your money. I can’t vouch for their service backup, simply because I don’t know enough about them. I see that they do have service centers in many countries, including the US so I can’t see there being a big problem getting technical support.
✓ NOTE from MANUAL: Maximum wattage and current are subject to and limited by such factors as fuel BTU content ambient temperature, altitude, engine condition and etc. Maximum power decreases about 3.5% for each 1,000 feet above sea level; and will also decrease about 1% for each 10°F(-12.2°C) above 60°F(16°C) ambient temperature.
Firman H08051 | Dual-Fuel
Gas : 10,000W Starting / 8,000W Running — Propane : 9,050W Starting / 7,250W Running
Features:
- Starting wattage: 10,000 Watts on gas/9,050 Propane
- Running wattage: 8,000 Watt Gas/7250 Watt Propane
- Run on gasoline or propane fuel, giving you flexibility while out on the road or during an emergency.
- Extended propane regulator/hose (5.5ft) for convenience when running off of a larger propane tank.
- The FIRMAN 0HV engine (Max-Pro Series) for longer life/higher performance/lower maintenance.
- FIRMAN newly designed AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) VL (Volt-Lock) Series.
- Cast iron sleeved engine for long durability with automatic low oil shutdown protection.
- Largest tank in the industry with extended run-time (less re-fueling) with integrated fuel gauge for convenience.
- Quiet muffler (Whisper Series) with USDA FS certified spark arrester.
- Conveniently located multi-featured control panel with FIRMAN custom designed outlet cover protecting outlets from dirt, dust and debris.
- 3 in 1 Data-Minder monitors running hours, voltage and frequency.
Firman P03611 | Stars & Stripes
Let’s face it, most generators are boring — but not this one. Show off your patriotism; whether at home with your family or friends. A wonderful design coupled with a very affordable price tag makes this Firman generator a winner.
Features :
- 4550 Starting Watts / 3650 Running Watts
- 5 Gallon Tank
- 14 hour Run Time
- Outlets – (1) TT-30R (RV Ready) 120V – 30A, (1) L5-30R 120V – 30A Twistlock, (2) 5-20R Duplex 120V – 20A
- Reliable Recoil Start
- Volt Lock Automatic Voltage Regulator
- Power Stream Alternator
- Max Pro Series 208cc FIRMAN Engine
- Phoenix Fat Head Block for Enhanced Engine Efficiency
- Legendary 3 Year Warranty Serviced from the Firman HQ In Phoenix Arizona, USA
- Whisper Series Muffler
- USDA Forest Service Spark Arrester
- 4-in-1 Data Minder Measures Volts, Hertz, Hours and Low Oil Indicator
- Durable Compact Tubular Roll Cage Frame Design
- Weight – 117 Lbs
- Carton Measurements – 23.8”x18.1”x19.8”
Accessories Include : Oil, Spark Plug Wrench, Shipping Bracket Wrenches, Funnel and Manual.
FIRMAN W03082 | 3000W
Firman inverter generator to safely run your sensitive electronics.
Features:
- 3300 Starting Watts / 3000 Running Watts
- Parallel Capable (parallel cables not provided)
- 1.8 Gallon Tank
- 59 dB : As quiet as a normal conversation
- 9 hour Run Time
- Outlets – (1) TT-30R (RV Ready) 120V – 30A, (1) 5-20R Duplex 120V – 20A, 12V (W/Battery Charging Cables), (1) USB (5V, 2.1 amps)
- Built in Tuff-Stuff Handle & Wheels for easy portability and consumer convenience – no assembly required.
- FIRMAN Push Button Electric Start & First pull – Reliable Recoil
- Fuel Efficient Economy Mode
- Low THD (under 3%)
- Volt Lock Automatic Voltage Regulator
- Power Stream Alternator
- Max Pro Series 171cc FIRMAN Engine
- Phoenix Fat Head Block for Enhanced Engine Efficiency
- Legendary 3 Year Warranty Serviced from Our HQ In Phoenix Arizona, USA
- Whisper Series Muffler
- USDA Forest Service approved Spark Arrester
- Accessories Include Oil, Spark Plug Wrench, Shipping Bracket Wrenches, Funnel and Manual
- Durable Compact design with integrated ergonomic handle
- Weight – 96.8 Lbs
- Carton Measurements – 26.6″x18.5″x19.7″
Overview
Personally, I feel it’s worth spending the extra money on an inverter generator for one simple reason — they are quiet. The Firman W03082 in 59 dB, which is what you would expect from an inverter generator. Listening to a loud generator for an extended period of time can drive you a little crazy so I do realize they are more expensive but I genuinely feel they are worth it. Also, they produce clean power, enabling you to safely power all of your electronic devices.
Either way, everyone has their own reasons for buying a generator and I recognize that you likely have a budget you want to stick to. Luckily Firman offers a nice range of generators for whatever your needs are. Firman truly is an underrated brand.
Interested in more options, read our article : Best Portable Quiet Generators for the Money
Firman RD9000E Dual-Fuel
Versatility Firman generator makes an ideal choice for emergency situations where fuel sources are always scarce and hard to come by. With this model you can use either propane or gas.
Features:
- Firman 9000-watt generator’s dual design can be powered by either gas or propane
- Powered by a reliable air-cooled, single cylinder 15hp 439cc OHV Firman engine
- Easy to operate with an E start (Key switch) and recoil start system
- Easily-accessible control panel includes multiple Duplex and Twist lock sockets
- Rugged 1-1/4″ steel tubing keeps the generator protected in rough conditions
- Large fuel tank holds 6.6 gallons of gas and 5 gallons 20 lb. (LPG) propane tank (not included)
- Oil warning system automatically shuts down engine if the oil pressure runs low
- Integrated handle and large 10″ flat-free tires make the generator easy to transport
Overview | Firman RD9000E
There isn’t too much difference in the Firman Dual fuel range and the hybrid range, apart from the color of the machine. In all respects, they’re very similar machines and the Firman RD9000E has received as much praise, if not more than the smaller H03651.
The power of this generator makes ideal for home back up and off-grid use. You’ll get a peak starting wattage of 9375W using gas (8400W using propane) and a running wattage of 7500W using gas (6700W using propane). I read a report from one user who said it only pushes 7200W, I cannot confirm this and I’m not really sure how he came to this conclusion or if he was using gas or propane (not to mention what octane gas or at what altitude) – all of this needs to be considered before making a statement like that. I see no reason to doubt the official output as rated by the manufacturer.
The power is supplied by a mighty 439cc, 15 HP, OHV Firman engine. Naturally, this larger engine is going to a thirsty machine when compared to the H03651. You’ll get around 9 hours runtime from the 5-gallon gas tank. The Firman RD9000E is enclosed in really solid 1¼” steel tubing frame and has the same slick looking panels as the H03651. It weighs 210 LBS and this weight is made manageable by 10” solid rubber wheels and strong fold-down handles with comfortable grips. I’m glad to see that this model has steel wheel rims to handle the extra weight – the smaller model has plastic wheels (not my favorite).
It has a comprehensive control panel that includes 4 X 120V standard household outlets and a 30A 120V/240V twist lock outlet, all the outlets are protected by individual circuit breakers. You get the same digital display as the other model – giving you readings for frequency, volts and hours. This model also has both electric and recoil starting.
All-in-all this looks like a fantastic generator and offers you ample power for most conditions where you’ll be using a portable generator.
Dual Fuel gives you more options when fuel sources are scarce
Tech Specs:
- Gas : 9375 Watts (Starting) / 7500 Watts (Running)
Propane : 8400 Watts Starting) / 6700 Watts (Running) - *High Altitude – over 7,000 feet expect reduction in power up to 20%
- Engine Brand: Firman Dual Fuel
- Maximum Output: 15 HP
- Displacement: 439cc
- Starting System: Propane/Gas
- Oil Capacity: 37 oz.
- Run Time: 8.5 hours
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.5 Gallons (Tank Not Included)
- 4-in-1 Digital Display: Yes
- Wheel Type and Size: 10″ Flat-Free
- Weight: 220
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 35″ x 23″ x 25″
Firman PRE9000KE ECO Series
Features:
- 14hp — 429cc Kohler Engine
- Technology for less than 6% THD for greater efficiency supporting sensitive electronics with no annoying power interruptions
- Key switch for easy start-up
- 9,000 starting watts for all your power needs
- Monitor running hours, voltage, and frequency in conjunction with our low oil alarm
Overview | Firman PRE9000KE ECO Series
The first two Firman generators impressed by the spec level and quality that offer for their price. The Firman PRE9000KE has left me impressed, period. This is a fantastic generator with highly advanced technology and can proudly rank among the best generators worldwide. Even though it’s not an inverter generator, it can boast one of the lowest Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) figures, I’ve only seen this on top generator brands before now. In fact, the only other generators that I know of to offer this type low THD for a non-inverter type, come from DeWalt and CAT – this certainly takes Firman up a notch in my view.
This generator uses a Kohler 429cc 14 HP engine. I’ve had a lot of experience with Kohler engines and can certainly recommend them. This gives you 7500 running watts with a peak 9000 watts. The THD spec for this generator is 6% or less and this means that it’s one of the few non-inverter generators that won’t harm sensitive electronics. Of course, most inverter generators have a THD of 3% or less, but 6% is good enough. One of the advantages of using a generator that pushes out such a high peak wattage is that they seldom reach maximum output and at around 50% output I wouldn’t think that it would even reach 3% THD.
It has both an electric and recoil starter. The control panel has the basic power outlets that you’d expect on a generator with this capacity – 4 X 120V household outlets and a 30A twist lock outlet, all protected by circuit breakers. The gas tank holds 7.5 gallons and you can expect around 8½ hours runtime from this – very reasonable for a generator of this size.
Every aspect of this generator seems to display all the attributes of a high-quality, incredibly durable machine. It has a tough steel frame and weighs 238 LBS. The frame is mounted transversely across the centrally positioned wheels – most other generators have the wheels at the back and the handle at the front, using the length of the machine for leverage. The unique layout of this generator is going to make it much easier to maneuver the heavy machine but it may be a problem getting it through doors – you need to fit the full 35” length through, other generators will only need to fit the width. It has tough 10” wheels and the handle folds down over the gas tank when not in use.
The Firman PRE9000KE ECO is designed and built to compete with the big boys and is certainly going to give them a run for their money. When it comes to power equipment, I tend to favor the brands that I know to be the best. I’m prepared to go out on a limb here and say that even though this brand is new to me, it’s up there with the best. When I compare the price of this generator to any of the other brands that come close in terms of design, specs, and power, I would certainly give this one a try.
Firman W03083 — Whisper Series
Inverter Generator
Features:
- 3,300 Starting Watts / 3000 Running Watts
- 1.8-gallon fuel capacity provides 9 hours of run time
- Built in Tuff-Stuff Handle & Wheels for easy portability and consumer convenience
- Outlets TT30R, 2 120V Standard (5-20 Duplex), 12V (W/Battery Charging Cables), USB (5V, 2.1 amps)
- Durable Compact design with integrated ergonomic handle
✓ View or download the MANUAL or the SPEC SHEET for the Firman W03083 inverter.
Overview | Firman W03083 Whisper Series
The Firman W03083 inverter generator looks like most silent inverter generators. It has a sleek compact design with plenty of sound insulation panels. I wasn’t able to get a noise level spec for this model, but the 2000W generator in the same series has a rated noise level of 59dB – I would think that this one wouldn’t be much higher.
You get 3000W running power and 3300 peak watts from this generator. As with any inverter generator, it produces a pure sine wave with less than 3% THD. You get all the features that you will from the best high-end inverter generators, including remote starting. It also has a recoil starter for emergency starting.
The Firman W03083 has parallel connectivity, so you can double your power output to 6000 running watts by connecting a second W03083 in parallel. Because of this ability to increase its power output, it has a 30A twist lock receptacle alongside the duplex standard 120V outlet, 12V battery charging outlet, and USB outlet. It has a small 1.8-gallon gas tank, which is common on inverter generators because they are so fuel efficient. At 25% load, you’ll get about 9 hours runtime from this tank.
The Firman W03083 weighs around 100 LBS and is easy to transport, thanks to well-placed gripping points shaped ergonomically into the top of the generator and wheels at the back of the machine. It also has a USDA certified spark arrestor and the same digital output display that get on the other Firman generators.
The Firman W03083 has all the features that you’d find on any of the high-end inverter generators. If you consider that it has remote control starting and parallel connection ports, it beats many of its more expensive rivals. Like all the Firman generators that I’ve reviewed here, I’m astounded at how little it costs. It really matches the best inverter generators in every way but is one of the cheapest in its class.
Firman Generators — Conclusion
Generators worth the money? Yes!
The Firman brand is new to me, as it probably is to most people. For this reason, I can’t promise that my assumptions are true. However, after many years of experience when it comes to generators, I can say that I’m impressed. I’ll bet that two years from now, Firman generators are going to be way more expensive than they are today. They display every quality trait that I look for in generator and I’m a tough customer.
Firman are surprisingly excellent generators which has left me wondering why they aren’t a household name yet. My feeling is that they are severely lacking in their marketing department. In this day and age having a great product is only half of the battle. We are bombarded with an endless flow of advertising in our fast-paced lives. The companies that get our attention are the ones with sophisticated and clever advertising.
The executives at Firman need to put some serious money behind their advertising budget if they want to compete with some of the most popular generator brands available today, like : Yamaha, Honda, Briggs & Stratton, WEN, Champion Power Equipment, Generac and DuroMax, just to name a few.
Firman generators have an excellent catalog (37mb) showcasing all of their generators — A wonderfully diverse array of electric generators for any application.
What About Firman Support?
Either way, Firman make fantastic generators, with poor marketing but overall, the quality of generators are worth your money.
I will add, that despite Firman generators being of high quality as we’ve stated in this article, one of the biggest drawbacks is finding a retailer to purchase from. Because Firman generators are still relatively unknown to consumers, you may discover that it can be challenging to find a specific model. Now, at Chainsaw Journal we are an affiliate of Amazon and so we have provided links to Firman generators but I have noticed, even while writing this article, that in-stock quantities are low and the number of models available to purchase are low in comparison to the number of models they have available.
It’s important to purchase any product from a reputable seller, especially a generator because you want to ensure you get the support you need if there is a defect. Amazon is an excellent online retailer to purchase from as they always stand behind any products sold through their site. But, if down the road you have a problem with your generator then you’ll be dealing with Firman’s customer support so I would recommend contacting Firman directly and find out how they deal with warranty issues in your area.