Emergency Generator

[Dennisfly]

After having three day-long power outages after last winter's storm, I've been considering buying a generator.

Costco has $200 off a Honeywell HW7000e for a total price of $700 delivered, which seems to be a good price compared to other sources for a Honeywell. The Costco ad lists a "Honeywell engine" while all other vendors show this model with a Honda engine. Does anyone know if the Costco model is a special "cheap" model from Honeywell or if all HW7000e models come with the Honda engine? I want to avoid a no-name China type engine.

Anyone have any experience with Honeywell generators in general?

 

[Travelover]

From their website:

For more information about this product, email info@nspsystems.com or call the Manufacturer Service Center: 888-HWHELP-1 (8am - 5pm EST, M-F).

I'd call them and ask. I'd also see what the warranty terms are. Costco is generally pretty generous with returns. It is probably made in China like their Champion brand, but I've heard that they (Champions) are made to high quality specifications

 

[reb]

I have seen Honeywell generators in the Costco store with Honda and Honeywell engines. If I didn't already have an emergency generator, I would have bought one with the Honda engine. It looked like a great deal.

 

[Dennisfly]

I called the number furnished by Travelover and here is what they said:

The 7000eh has a Honda engine. The 7000e has a Honeywell engine. She said the Honeywell engine is made in China. She said, except for the engine internals, all other components are the same in the two models.

She said both models are guaranteed for 3 years.

I have a Husqvarna chain saw, which I love. I wanted a backpack leaf blower, so my wife bought a Husqvarna, knowing I like that brand. On close inspection, the Husqvarna leaf blower engine is made in China. The leaf blower has performed great though, for two years, and starts first pull.

In my opinion, China makes a lot of junk, but they also make some decent things, having purchased some of each.

All else being equal, I'd take the Honda over the Honeywell engine in the generator.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Sooner or later people will realize there isn't much you can buy today that is NOT made in China.

I agree 100% with buying America, America makes better things that other Countries, and on and on and on. But long ago I gave up trying not to buy items from China as it was way too much work and if I did find and American made product the price was three times the price of the Chines product.

No Country on this planet can compete with Chinas labor force which uses prisoners for free. Can't compete with free.

Every auto builder, tractor builder, equipment builder has parts that come from China. What's even funnier HONDA has parts that come from China.

So it's funny when people say I DO want to buy a HONDA but I DON'T want to buy something from CHINA.

Honda China parts plant restarts, walkout threatened | Reuters

 

[MossRoad]

I called the number furnished by Travelover and here is what they said:

The 7000eh has a Honda engine. The 7000e has a Honeywell engine. She said the Honeywell engine is made in China. She said, except for the engine internals, all other components are the same in the two models.

She said both models are guaranteed for 3 years.

I have a Husqvarna chain saw, which I love. I wanted a backpack leaf blower, so my wife bought a Husqvarna, knowing I like that brand. On close inspection, the Husqvarna leaf blower engine is made in China. The leaf blower has performed great though, for two years, and starts first pull.

In my opinion, China makes a lot of junk, but they also make some decent things, having purchased some of each.

All else being equal, I'd take the Honda over the Honeywell engine in the generator.

I don't think China makes junk unless the American purchaser specifies junk. If the American purchaser specifies good stuff, they get good stuff. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Mousefield]

I have a Champion brand that I got from Costco. One winter we had no power twice for 5 days each time. Also put a generator panel next to my house panel with 8 breakers. Runs most of our needed uses in the house, much nicer than running extension cords.

 

[rekees4300]

All else being equal, I'd take the Honda over the Honeywell engine in the generator.

ditto ... If you want an engine buy a Honda, if you want a thermostat buy a Honeywell.

 

[rekees4300]

Also put a generator panel next to my house panel with 8 breakers. Runs most of our needed uses in the house, much nicer than running extension cords.

Never heard of a "generator panel" until your post. We have extension cords running all over the house when the juice goes out ... PITA. Have 5500W generator with 4 120v outlets and 1 240v. How difficult is it to install a generator panel? Need an electrician?

 

[Reg]

Honda GX390 engine, $838 was the lowest price I found.