Note from Editor : The Craftsman 3000i is now available in the US and Canada. For some reason this generator was only available in Canada initially. If you’re a Canadian like myself you’ll wonder we often get shortchanged when it comes to our generator selection. We don’t have access to the full range of models available from manufacturers, which is maddening. The Craftsman 3000i is an excellent lightweight inverter generator for a myriad of uses, like camping, your RV, home backup in case of a power outage, your food truck, tailgating, etc. If you need affordable portable power, the Craftsman 3000i might be a good choice, but there’s a lot of competition, which I show you. Welcome to our review of the Craftsman 3000i, and other inverter generators that might be a better buy for you.
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Inverters / Craftsman 3000i
Inverter generators are not always that powerful and can be expensive. The Craftsman 3000i has answered the call for a more affordable, more powerful portable generator providing clean, safe power. Wonderfully portable, with enough watts to satisfy most RV needs, the inexpensive Craftsman 3000W inverter generator has won the hearts of campers and homeowners. This review is going to explore the success behind this extremely popular generator.
The best innovation in portable generator technology has to be the inverter generator. Unlike conventional generators, these machines provide incredibly stable power with low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), thanks to digital inverter technology. The need for a clean power source, safe for electronic devices, was born out of necessity. Our modern intelligent appliances are easily damaged if not supplied with a reliable current without much distortion, ideally less than 3% THD.
Exceptional : CO Monitoring Dual-Fuel Inverter — Westinghouse iGen4500DFc
I love sharing new products with my readers. I consider it my job to introduce to the newest quality generators, even though you’re here for the Craftsman 3000i. I understand, but I spend all my time analyzing generators and this Westinghouse iGen4500DFc is a new updated model, which now has integrated carbon monoxide monitoring. Some people don’t know that generators output CO via their fumes and a lot of people die every year as a result of using generators improperly. Later in the article I show you the Briggs and Stratton P2400 (2400W) that also has CO monitoring. Ultimate you’ll have to decide what’s best for you, but I want to show you the models that I feel are the best value for the money — and safest.
Alright, let’s get back to Craftsman…
Anyone shopping around for a good quality inverter generator faces two challenges. There aren’t too many models that provide much more than 2,000W. Even small inverter generators can cost close to, or more than $1,000. When you start looking at your options in the 3,000W range, with enough power for an RV air conditioner, the prices climb steadily. This explains why the Craftsman 3000i has been met with such great enthusiasm. It costs roughly the same as the 2,2000W Honda EU2200i but provides a much more practical 3,000 peak watts, with 2,300W running power.
Now for the good news. If you live in the US, this generator is NOW available. Hooray! When I first wrote this article I was focused on Canada, so forgive me for any language that still remains from the original article. I’m editing it. Sometimes things squeak through in rewriting. If you’re a writer you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Interesting fact : the Craftsman 3000i inverter generator is manufactured by Generac, one of the most recognized American generator manufacturers. Generac sells the same generator but with Generac branding. Manufacturers do this all the time. TIP : Buy the Craftsman version because it’s cheaper. Ironically, the original version of this generator, the Generac GP3000i costs much more. At least this is the case in Canada, based on the Amazon list price for both generators.
Generac GP3300i — 3300W Inverter Generator
This Generac 3300i has a little more power than the Craftsman 3000i, but did you know that there’s a Generac 3000i which is identical to the Craftsman generator. This is not as uncommon as you might think. Apart from color and branding, the Craftsman 3000i and Generac GP3000i are identical. They are made in the same factory, by the same people. Essentially, you’re paying around more for the orange (Generac) version, than you would for the red Craftsman version.
If you’ve been searching for a reliable inverter generator to supply your RV, home, or a food truck, keep reading. This review of the Craftsman 3000i should guide you to spending your money wisely. I doubt there can be a better deal on a quality 3,000W inverter generator. We’re also going to offer a few alternatives for affordable inverter generators. To complete this review, we’ll be looking at the even cheaper, albeit less powerful, Craftsman 2200i, and the Briggs and Stratton P2400.
Craftsman 3000i – Review / Inverter
VIDEO — See if fresh out of the box. (Buy on Amazon.ca) or (Amazon.com)
Features :
- POWER BOOST: Boost of Power feature provides 50% more starting capacity so you can do more with a smaller product*
- ULTRA QUIET DESIGN: Unit is barely audible when in use, yet does not compromise on performance
- PORTABLE: Built-in-handle allows you to carry with one-hand for easy mobility
- CLEAN POWER: Steady Power technology makes safe, clean power for your tools and electronics
- EASY START: A Start / Stop / Choke dial makes starting quick and easy
- PARALLEL READY: This unit allows you to connect two inverters together for twice the power (parallel kit sold separately)**
- ECO MODE: Uses less fuel and produces less sound
- USB CHARGING: USB Port charges smart phones, tablets and other electronics
OVERVIEW —
The Craftsman 3000i looks the part of a modern, quiet inverter generator. The elegantly molded plastic enclosure appears tough enough to withstand the knocks and scrapes that a portable generator has to endure. All the working parts are perfectly protected, and the housing provides wonderful noise reduction, better than most.
Certified dBA levels for the Craftsman 3000i (or Generac equivalent) can’t be found anywhere. Though, customer reviews confirm that this is a blissfully quiet generator. I’m estimating in the 65dBA range. You can hold a normal conversation close to the generator, without raising your voice. This is excellent for a generator that’s powerful enough to run an RV air conditioner up to 15,000 BTU. Though, in most instances, I wouldn’t recommend a generator of this size for more than a 13,500 BTU AC. Even then, you won’t have much power left for your other appliances.
VIDEO | A Closer Look at the Craftsman 3000i
Powered by the Generac 149cc, OHV engine, the Craftsman 3000i is a superbly reliable machine. It delivers the inverter supplied 3,000 peak watts and 2,300 running watts with absolute ease. Fuel economy is reasonable. At 4.9 kilowatt-hours per gallon, the Craftsman 3000i is about average for a generator of this size. It is fitted with an economy switch that reduces engine speed when the power requirement is 25% or less than the rated output. This means that the generator will save on fuel, and run quieter, when your electricity consumption is less than 575W. At 25% rated load, you’ll get just under 6-hours runtime from the 1.06 gallon gas tank. You can expect about 4.5 hours at 50% rated load (1,250W).
The Craftsman 3000i has all the outlets one would want for an RV or home use. I’m pleased to see a 30A 120V outlet (TT-30R). Although this circuit is only rated for 20A, it is quite convenient for an RV or transfer switch setup for home use. If you need more power, ports for a parallel kit will allow you to connect a second Craftsman generator. Thereby doubling your power output.
The control panel has the regular 20A 120V household outlets, two of them. These are protected by a 20A breaker. It also has 2 X USB ports, providing a hassle-free means to charge your phones, tablets, basically any device using a 1A – 2.1A 5V USB charger. Three status LED indicators alert you to low oil, overload, or system ready.
Most of the smaller generators don’t include an electric starter, and the Craftsman 3000i is no exception here. Because the engine is relatively small, it doesn’t take much effort to start using the recoil starter. A single action dial for off, on, and choke, further simplifies things. The advantage of eliminating the electric starter and battery is reduced weight and, of course, it also lowers the cost of the generator. This means a weight of 59.5 LBS, giving the generator a fantastic power to weight ratio. A molded handle, at the top, makes it easy to carry the Craftsman generator.
The Craftsman brand is well-known for affordability, with the assurance of good quality. Although Craftsman don’t manufacture any of their branded tools or power equipment, they go to great lengths in sourcing high-quality products. The buyers negotiate discount prices, which is then conveyed to the consumer. When comparing the Craftsman 3000i price to the original manufacturer price for the Generac equivalent, you get a clear idea of the magnificent value the Craftsman brand has to offer. The rebranded, Craftsman generator, is significantly cheaper than the Generac original. It is the same generator, with the same 3-year residential (1-year commercial) warranty. If you need assistance for warranty repairs, or to buy spare parts, you can take your Craftsman generator to a Generac dealership, making after sales service just as good as if you’d bought the Generac version.
Review : Craftsman 2200i / Inverter Generator
Features :
- 1700W = Running / Starting : 2200W
- Run-Time : 7 hrs @ 50% Maximum Output
- Dry Weight : 46.6 lbs
- PORTABLE: Built-in-handle allows you to carry with one-hand for easy mobility
- CLEAN POWER: Steady Power technology makes safe, clean power for your tools and electronics
- EASY START: A Start / Stop / Choke dial makes starting quick and easy
- PARALLEL READY: This unit allows you to connect two inverters together for twice the power (parallel kit sold separately)**
- ECO MODE: Uses less fuel and produces less sound
- USB CHARGING: USB Port charges smart phones, tablets and other electronics
OVERVIEW —
Like the Craftsman 3000i, the 2200i is basically a Generac model (GP2200i) that has bears the Craftsman name and is Red, instead of the Generac burnt orange color. Other than these minor changes to the appearance, the Generac and Craftsman generators are identical. Though there’s a strange irony in pricing, a twist in the tale of two generators. When comparing the Craftsman 3000i to the identical model from Generac, the Craftsman is a much cheaper option. The opposite is true for the Craftsman 2200i. In the case of the latter generator, the Generac model is cheaper. It makes absolutely no sense to me. Though, what do I know about marketing?
The Craftsman 2200i looks just about the same as the larger 3000i. An enclosed inverter generator, with a molded plastic housing and has a single carrying handle. It is obviously smaller and lighter, as this generator has a smaller 80cc engine, providing 1,700 running watts and 2,200 peak watts. It is also a good deal quieter. This makes the Craftsman 2200i a real winner when it comes to portability. Weighing in at 46.6 pounds, it is remarkably easy to take anywhere you go. It is only 19.7” long, 11.4” wide, with a height of 17.9”. Like its big brother, the Craftsman 3000i, this smaller generator only has a recoil starter, giving it the same low weight advantage.
Despite having a smaller engine, compared to the Craftsman 3000i, this generator is not as fuel efficient as the larger model, providing a fairly dismal 3,81 kilowatt-hours per gallon. This probably explains why the smaller 2200i has a larger gas tank than more powerful Craftsman 3000i. This is not what one would normally expect but it does make the thirstier 2200i more practical in terms of runtime. At 25% load, this little machine will keep going for a wonderfully convenient 10.75 hours on a full tank (1.2 gallons). You’re using less gas, supplied by a larger gas tank, but you’re getting a lot less power at 25%. This is only 425W, whereas the Craftsman 3000i delivers 575W at 25% load. Hence the improved kilowatt-hour per gallon consumption rate for the larger generator.
The 2200i also has an economy mode which helps reduce fuel consumption, though not by much. This does, however, make it a delightfully quiet generator. Like the Craftsman 3000i, no sound levels are provided. Though it can certainly be called whisper quiet, probably in the 55 – 60dBA range.
The control panel fitted to this generator is very similar to the Craftsman 3000i. The 2200i has an advantage, being an 8A 12VDC outlet for charging your leisure batteries. It also has the same 2 X USB ports, making this a really versatile generator for camping and recreational activities. The AC outlets are not as comprehensive as the 3,000W Craftsman generator: 2 X 20A 120V household outlets (5-20R), but no TT-30R receptacle for convenient RV connection. Given that this generator only offers 14A rated load, a 30A RV outlet isn’t of much use. You can connect another Craftsman 2200i in parallel, which will double your output, bringing it very close to 30A. Fortunately, the parallel kit (sold separately) includes a 30A outlet.
Starting this generator is as easy as the 3000i. It has the same quick dial, moving from off, to on, then choke, in one easy turn. Tugging on the recoil starter takes incredibly little effort. After all, this is a pretty small engine, without as much resistance. Warning lights are the usual low oil, overload, and system ready. Because the Craftsman 2200i only delivers 14A, it has a single 20A circuit breaker for the duplex outlet, and an 8A DC breaker for the charging ports.
I was really impressed by the exceptional value offered by the Craftsman 3000i. I’m afraid I can’t say the same for the 2200i. You can buy the Generac GP2200i for less. It is, however, a great little generator, giving the legendary Honda EU2200i some stiff competition. Because the Craftsman 2200i is essentially a Generac product, you get the same fantastic warranty (3-years for residential use). You also have the wonderful benefit of the Generac dealership network for service and spares.
Briggs and Stratton P2400 / Carbon Monoxide Monitoring
Features :
- CO Guard Carbon Monoxide Shutdown
- Power : 2400W Start / 1800W Start
- Parallel Connector Port
- H-handle design lets one person easily carry the light generator when needed. It also allows two people to conveniently share the load.
- Two 230V household sockets, one 12V DC charging outlet, and two 5V USB port
- 79cc engine
- Quiet : At 58dB operating volume,
- Safe for Sensitive Electronics
- Designed for Camping
Although this Briggs and Stratton inverter generator has less power than the Craftsman 3000i, I still feel the need to share it with my audience because a lot of people aren’t even aware it exists. A lot of people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning from running generators in their garages, barns, or too close to open windows, doors or tents. Having an integrated CO monitor as this model has, might actually save your life. More and more generators are including this feature but for now, it’s still on a select inverter generators. Another exceptional model with more power is the Westinghouse iGen4500c
What can you run on 3,000W generator?
The Craftsman 3000i has a lot to offer. It is reasonably priced and easy to transport, being lightweight and compact. Though, with this, comes a limitation in the power it produces. It goes without saying, that a larger, heavier generator will provide greater wattage. The inverter offers a good advantage, especially when using all the watts that the generator has to offer. Conventional generators, without an inverter, become incredibly unstable as the load demand increases, making them less capable at delivering the full running load capacity reliably. With a quality inverter, you can push the generator to the limit of its capabilities, with the reassurance that the voltage and frequency always remain within a reasonable range. Though, there’s no way to get around having less watts, no matter how clean the power is.
When deliberating if a 3000W generator is going to live up to your expectations, we need define what a 3,000W generator is. Typically, a generator is rated by it’s peak, or surge power, not it’s running wattage. This can be misleading, as peak power is only available for a short period. You can’t use the full 3,000 watts constantly. The Craftsman 3000i is able to supply 2,300 watts constantly and reliably. The remaining 700 watts is reserve power to accommodate equipment with a high startup current.
Typically, surge power is required for inductive startup load. For most generator users, this applies to air conditioners, refrigerators, pumps, and microwave ovens. All these appliances, and some types of lighting, require additional power to start. There is no fool-proof means of calculating the startup load required for an induction electric motor. It will depend on the phase of the motor and the load placed on the motor. Depending on where the rotor is positioned, in relation to the stator, an induction motor may require up to 3-times its normal running current when starting. It will also depend on the load under which the motor starts. In the case of an air conditioner or refrigerator, this will depend on the pressure inside the compressor at the time. This can lead one into a false sense of security. Sometimes the motor will only require about double the running power. At other times it may be 3-times, possibly more.
To prevent unwanted tripping, it’s always best calculate the startup load demand for refrigerators at 3-times the rated watts. The rated power for an air conditioner does not only supply the motor, the fan constitutes a good proportion of the load requirement. The rated load for an air conditioner (including the fan) will be roughly half the starting load. Refrigerators generally use over 90% of the rated load for the motor and should be safely calculated at 3-times the running load for startup.
Probably, the most frequently asked question for the Craftsman 3000i (and similar generators) is: will a 3,000W generator run my RV air conditioner? The answer will always be the same: it depends on how much power the air conditioner requires.
Typically a 15,000 BTU air conditioner will require a running wattage of 1,200W – 1,800W and startup power of 2,600 – 3,600W. This places a 15,000 BTU AC in the upper limits of a 3,000W (peak load) generator. Many 15,000 BTU air conditioners will need more power than this generator can supply. For this reason, I don’t recommend a 3,000W generator for anything larger than a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner. Typically, these air conditioners start at around 2,600W – 3,000W, and run at about 1,300W – 2,300W. When supplying a 13,500 BTU AC, it’s doubtful that you will be able to use any other electrical appliances simultaneously. Using a 10,000 BTU air conditioner will afford you the opportunity to use a few low-watt appliances with the AC running. Of course, opting for an Energy Star, high-efficiency air conditioner will change things. With the correct rating, an Energy Star air conditioner can use less than half the power of a conventional equivalent.
I’m sure most RV owners want to use more than just the AC. A mid-sized refrigerator will obviously be out of the question. Though there is a very practical solution to this conundrum. One which offers many benefits. Deep cycle batteries and a power inverter provides a wonderful solution. If your generator is equipped with a 12VDC charging outlet, you can charge your 12V leisure batteries every time the generator is running. Since this charging port generally draws les than 100W, it shouldn’t place excessive load on the generator. Now that 12VDC outlet fitted to the Craftsman 3000i starts to make more sense.
To keep things affordable, a 12VDC camping cooler would be beneficial with this type of setup. This means your refrigeration will run directly off the batteries, without placing any extra load on the inverter, or generator. A 1,000W RV power inverter can cost well under $100. This will provide clean, pure sine wave, AC power for your lighting, TV, satellite receiver, laptop, and small appliances. It converts the power from a 12 battery into 120V AC power. These compact devices that can fit into a small part of a closet, without taking much valuable space.
Apart from supplying the extra watts to compensate for a smaller generator, the inverter has a few additional advantages. It is virtually silent, so you can use battery to inverter power during campsite quiet times. Basically, you only need to use your 3,000W generator when the air conditioner is required. The rest of your RV power can be supplied by deep cycle batteries, which will be charged whenever the generator is running.
If your generator does not supply a 12V charging current, you can use a power converter. This is an inverter and battery charger in one unit, that will convert the AC power supplied by a generator (or shore power) into a 12V battery charging supply. They cost more than a regular RV inverter, making a generator with a 12VDC outlet beneficial for this type of application.
Inverter power, supplied from a battery, is very efficient. The amount of additional fuel used to charge the batteries, when the generator is running, is negligible. You won’t notice it. When you’re using battery power, you not only have no generator noise, but you’re not using any gas. These savings do a lot to offset the cost of an inverter and batteries.
Review — Briggs & Stratton P3000 / Discontinued
Features :
- Inverter Generator Quiet Power Technology
- 10-Hour Run Time at 25% Load
- LCD Screen Displays Important Performance Stats & Maintenance Reminders
- (4) 120V Household Outlets
- 12V-5A, DC Outlet
- USB Port
- Parallel Port
- 24-Months Limited Consumer Warranty
OVERVIEW —
When Briggs & Stratton launched their Power Series inverter generators, a few years back, they did so with much fanfare. Bold claims were made, stating that the new Briggs & Stratton generators are the quietest and lightest, with the best peak power. While the Briggs & Stratton P3000 is blissfully quiet, reasonably lightweight, and more powerful than some. There are others that beat all these specs. The Briggs & Stratton Power Series generators are quieter and lighter than previous generation machines from the brand, but don’t quite compare to Honda or Yamaha. With that said, the P3000 is one of the better options amongst the cheaper inverter generators. In fact, it offers much more than most, and costs quite a bit less. Certainly worth considering as a viable alternative to the Craftsman 3000i.
Briggs & Stratton generators of old have always tended to be somewhat temperamental. While they last for years, they haven’t always been that easy to start, particularly in cold weather. In general, older model Briggs & Stratton generators have always been a little erratic. I’m happy to report that much has been done, in recent years, to correct this. Though, I’ve read several customer reviews indicating that the P3000 inverter isn’t the best. It doesn’t seem to handle peak loads as well as it should. While this is not ideal, it’s not a deal breaker for me. For the most part, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 is competent at handling an RV air conditioner. There may a brief moment where the generator fails to deliver a perfectly balanced frequency and voltage, it won’t harm your sensitive electronic equipment. This is not that uncommon with cheap inverter generators.
Now onto the good news. As with all Briggs & Stratton generators, the P3000 offers exceptional value for money. Comparing prices, from a number of retailers, you can buy this generator for less than the Craftsman 3000i. An argument can be made for the Craftsman generator, that it is probably of a higher quality standard. Being a Generac machine, this is probably true. The Briggs & Stratton generator is, none the less, a pretty worthy opponent, earning a respectable 4.2 star rating on Amazon.
Consider this — Briggs and Stratton P2200 (in Canada & US)
In terms of usable power, the Briggs & Stratton generator has a slight advantage over the Craftsman 3000i. It supplies the same 3,000W peak current, but offers a little more in running power (2,600W). The 171cc OHV engine is, in my opinion, the best to hail from the Briggs & Stratton stable. A vast improvement on the spluttering old clunkers of the past. The engineers have done much to improve cold weather starting and this a smooth running engine. Fuel consumption isn’t quite as good as the 3,000W Craftsman equivalent, at 4.33 kilowatt-hours per gallon. This is only marginally lower than the Craftsman 3000i and the P3000 has a larger (1.5 gallon gas tank), giving it almost as much runtime. At 25% load (650W), the Briggs & Stratton P3000 provides a superbly convenient 10-hours runtime. As with the other inverter generators in this review, runtime at 25% load is specified with the economy mode engaged and is contingent on a load that never exceeds 25%.
The Briggs & Stratton P3000 looks quite magnificent, with an extremely elegant design. The beautifully molded exterior is also technically brilliant, proving wonderful sound insulation, rated as low as 58dBA. Though this is at 25% load, from the usual 23-feet, with the ECO mode switched on. When you increase the load, it will exceed 60dBA by quite a bit. If anything, this generator is possibly a little louder than the Craftsman 3000i. However, without any substantiated noise level data for the Craftsman generator, this opinion can only be speculative. In the end, both generators are reasonably quiet, albeit not as good as many of the more expensive equivalents.
Apart from great looks, the P3000 has several design features that give it a distinct advantage over most other inverter generators of this size. It has a really cool 3-point handle, making it easier to carry. You can use two hands or one. It is also feasible for two people to carry the generator, sharing the load. This isn’t possible with generators that only have a single handle. It has a 10” built-in wheel kit with a retractable handle. Definitely the easiest of its kind for portability. Though, much of these wonderful portability features are offset by a considerably higher weight. The P3000 weighs 84-pounds, 24.5 pounds heavier than the Craftsman 3000i. That weight difference won’t go by unnoticed when lifting the generator, regardless of how great the handles are. The wheels certainly come in handy when moving this hefty machine around.
The P3000 definitely has the best control panel of the generators reviewed here. It has 4 X 20A 120V outlets and a 30A 120V RV outlet. It also has all the DC ports, a 12VDC automotive style outlet for charging 12V batteries, and a single USB port. They’ve included a digital “Statstation” display. This is a pretty advanced electronic management system, providing quick access to important information, like total running hours and your power consumption as a percentage of the available output. It also reminds you when to change the oil, sparkplug, and air filter. As with most inverter generators, the P3000 is equipped with ports for a parallel kit, enabling the use of two generators to increase the power output. The indicator lights are in keeping with the norm: low oil, overload, and system OK.
The Briggs & Stratton P3000 is packed with a myriad of mod cons and gizmos that set it apart from the average cheap inverter generator. It also delivers a few more constant watts than the Craftsman 3000i. The extra weight could be an issue for some, but the P3000 has several wonderful portability features to compensate for this. Above all, this is one of the cheapest 3000W inverter generators. Yes, you can find cheaper, though not from a recognized American brand. That counts for something. I don’t feel that this generator quite matches the Generac/Craftsman quality standard but is, by no means, a substandard machine. The brand has a widespread dealership presence and offer a 2-year warranty on this model.
