Almost every owner report confirms that the plastic fuel float on the GP5500 sticks. You will look at the gauge, see "Half tank," and run out of gas 20 minutes later. Solution: Use a wooden dipstick or shake the tank.

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 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 .