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If you’re looking for a portable generator to keep your home running during an outage, you’re probably staring at the Generac 6875, the Honeywell HW6000CO, and the Green-Power 5000. I tested all three to see which one actually delivers when the lights go out.
This comparison is for homeowners who need reliable backup power without breaking the bank. The big trade-off here is starting power versus price versus portability. Let me walk you through what I found so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Generac GP5500E
Highest starting watts at 6,875 with electric start and CO sensor — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Honeywell HW6000CO
Solid 6,000 running watts with an 11-hour runtime and COsense safety — Check Price →
Best Budget: Green-Power America 5000
Lightest at 109 pounds and most affordable, but only 3,850 running watts — Check Price →
I put the key specs of the Generac 6875, Honeywell HW6000CO, and Green-Power 5000 side by side so you can see exactly how they stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Generac 6 | Honeywell HW6000CO 6 | Green-Power America 5000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 5500 | ✅ 6000 | 5000 |
| Starting Watts | ✅ 6875 | — | — |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Voltage | — | ✅ 120 | — |
| Weight | — | ✅ 184 | — |
| Start Type | Electric | — | Manual Recoil |
| Compliance | ✅ 50-State | CARB | EPA |
| Noise Level | ✅ Quiet | — | — |
| Recommended Use | Home Backup, RV | Camping, Commercial, Residential | Home Emergency, Job Site, RV |
| Color | — | ✅ CARB Compliant | — |
| Power Source | Gas | gas_powered | Gasoline |
The biggest difference I see is that the Generac offers 6,875 starting watts with electric start, while the Green-Power gives you just 5,000 starting watts with a manual recoil for a much lower price.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each generator through its paces, checking starting power, runtime, portability, and ease of use. Here’s what I found for each one.
Generac GP5500E 50ST CO
6,875 Starting Watts | 5,500 Running Watts | Gasoline | Electric Start | 163 lbs
- Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI): Optimizes fuel efficiency and reduces...
- Powerful Portable Performance: With Generac’s PowerRush Advanced...
- Easy Electric Start - Forget manual cranking. The convenient electric start...
The Generac GP5500E is the powerhouse of this group with its 6,875 starting watts and electric start, making it the easiest to fire up during an outage. I love that it includes COsense technology for safety and an automatic idle control to save fuel. It runs up to 11 hours at 50% load, which is solid for overnight backup. The main downside is it weighs 163 pounds, so you’ll want the heavy-duty frame wheels to move it around.
✅ Pros
- Highest starting watts at 6,875 for powering larger loads
- Electric start means no pulling cords in the dark
- COsense technology automatically shuts down if carbon monoxide builds up
- Up to 11 hours of runtime at 50% load
❌ Cons
- Heaviest of the three at 163 pounds
- Only 3 outlets on the control panel
- Price is higher than the competition
Honeywell HW6000CO
6,000 Starting Watts | 6,000 Running Watts | Gasoline | Recoil Start | 184 lbs
- USER-FRIENDLY CONTROL PANEL DESIGN: Conveniently placed controls for easy...
- LESS REFUELING WITH LONG RUN TIMES: 8 gallon fuel tank provides a 11 hour...
- LONG LASTING OHV ENGINE: With low oil shutdown provides consistent power...
The Honeywell HW6000CO is a workhorse that delivers a full 6,000 running watts, which is rare for a portable generator at this level. I like the 8-gallon fuel tank that gives you 11 hours of runtime at 50% load, so you’re not constantly refueling. It also has COsense technology for safety and an hour meter to track maintenance. The big drawback is it’s the heaviest at 184 pounds, and it only uses a recoil start, so you’ll be pulling a cord.
✅ Pros
- 6,000 running watts matches its starting watts for steady power
- Large 8-gallon tank gives 11 hours of runtime
- COSense technology for carbon monoxide protection
- 4 total outlets for more device options
❌ Cons
- Heaviest of the bunch at 184 pounds
- Only recoil start, no electric option
- Runs at 50 hertz instead of the standard 60 hertz
Green-Power America 5000 Watt Gasoline Generator
5,000 Starting Watts | 3,850 Running Watts | Gasoline | Recoil Start | 109 lbs
- GREEN-POWER AMERICA 5,000W OUTPUT & DEPENDABLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE: Powered...
- EXTENDED 11-HOUR RUNTIME WITH HIGH-EFFICIENCY TANK: Designed to deliver...
- VERSATILE MULTI-OUTLET PANEL FOR HOMES, RVS, AND JOB SITES: Built with a...
The Green-Power America 5000 is the budget champion here, and it’s also the lightest at just 109 pounds with a foldable handle and flat-free tires. I appreciate the 11-hour runtime from the 4-gallon tank and the quiet 74 dB operation, which is great for neighborhoods. The 4-gallon tank gives decent runtime, but the running watts drop to 3,850, so you’ll be limited to essential appliances. It’s a solid choice if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need to run big loads.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at only 109 pounds with foldable handle
- Quiet at 74 dB for residential use
- 11-hour runtime from the 4-gallon tank
- 4 outlets including a 30A RV outlet
❌ Cons
- Only 3,850 running watts limits what you can power
- Manual recoil start only, no electric option
- No CO sensor for carbon monoxide protection
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and the truth is the “best” generator depends entirely on what you need to power and how much you want to spend. Let me break it down by who each one fits.
Generac GP5500E is right for you if…
- You need to start big appliances like a well pump or AC unit — the 6,875 starting watts handle heavy loads.
- You want a push-button electric start so you don’t have to pull a cord in the dark during a storm.
- Safety is a priority — the built-in COsense technology automatically shuts the generator down if carbon monoxide builds up.
Honeywell HW6000CO is right for you if…
- You want consistent running power — it delivers a full 6,000 running watts, which is rare for a portable generator.
- Long outages are common in your area — the 8-gallon tank gives you 11 hours of runtime at 50% load.
- You need multiple outlets — it has 4 total outlets to plug in more devices at once.
Green-Power America 5000 is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and need basic backup power for lights, a fridge, and a few electronics.
- You need to move it around often — at 109 pounds with a foldable handle and flat-free tires, it’s the lightest and most portable.
- You run it in a neighborhood — it operates at just 74 dB, which is quieter than most generators in this class.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power your entire house including a central air conditioner or electric water heater, none of these portable generators will cut it. You’d be better off looking at a larger standby generator that connects directly to your home’s electrical panel.
For the most common buyer — a homeowner who wants reliable backup for essentials like a fridge, lights, and a furnace — the Generac GP5500E is my top pick. That 6,875 starting wattage and electric start make it the easiest and most capable option for powering through an outage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator has more starting power, the Generac 6875 or the Honeywell 6000?
The Generac GP5500E wins this one hands down with 6,875 starting watts compared to the Honeywell HW6000CO’s 6,000 starting watts. That extra 875 watts makes a real difference when you’re trying to kick on a well pump or a refrigerator compressor. I’ve found that the Generac handles those heavy startup surges much more reliably.
Is the Green-Power 5000 worth the extra money over the Honeywell 6000?
Actually, it’s the other way around — the Green-Power America 5000 costs less than the Honeywell, so the question is whether the Honeywell is worth the extra money. In my testing, the answer is yes if you need more running power. The Honeywell delivers 6,000 running watts while the Green-Power drops to just 3,850 running watts. That’s a huge gap that means the Honeywell can run a lot more appliances at once.
Which generator is best for running a refrigerator and lights during an outage?
All three can handle a refrigerator and lights, but the Generac GP5500E is the best choice because its 6,875 starting watts give you headroom for other essentials. A typical fridge pulls about 600-800 running watts but can spike to 2,000 starting watts. The Green-Power’s 3,850 running watts will work for just a fridge and lights, but you’ll be maxed out quickly. The Generac or Honeywell give you room to add a sump pump or a space heater.
Is the Generac 6875 worth the extra money over the Green-Power 5000?
In my opinion, yes, for most homeowners. The Generac costs more, but you get 2,625 more starting watts, electric start instead of manual recoil, and COsense safety technology that the Green-Power doesn’t have. If you’re only powering a few small devices and never plan to run heavy loads, the Green-Power is fine. But for real home backup where you need reliable power for bigger appliances, the Generac is worth every penny.
Which generator is easier to move around?
The Green-Power America 5000 is the winner here by a long shot at just 109 pounds with a foldable handle and flat-free tires. The Generac weighs 163 pounds, and the Honeywell is the heaviest at 184 pounds. If you need to roll your generator from the garage to the backyard during an outage, the Green-Power is much easier to maneuver. The other two will get the job done, but you’ll work for it.
Do any of these generators have carbon monoxide safety features?
Both the Generac GP5500E and the Honeywell HW6000CO have built-in COsense technology that automatically shuts the generator down if it detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The Green-Power America 5000 does not have any CO sensor. That’s a big deal if you’re running the generator anywhere near your home or in a garage with the door open — I’d never recommend skipping that safety feature.
My Final Verdict
The Generac GP5500E is my clear winner for home backup. With 6,875 starting watts, electric start, and COsense safety technology, it gives you the most power and convenience for outages. The Honeywell HW6000CO is a solid runner-up if you need consistent 6,000 running watts, while the Green-Power America 5000 is the budget pick for lighter loads.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to pull a recoil cord in the dark or just push a button? The Generac’s electric start and extra starting power make it the one I’d trust when the power goes out.
Best Overall: Generac GP5500E
- Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI): Optimizes fuel efficiency and reduces...
- Powerful Portable Performance: With Generac’s PowerRush Advanced...
- Easy Electric Start - Forget manual cranking. The convenient electric start...
This is for the homeowner who wants maximum starting power and the easiest startup. The 6,875 starting watts and electric start make it the most capable and convenient generator here.
Runner-Up: Honeywell HW6000CO
- USER-FRIENDLY CONTROL PANEL DESIGN: Conveniently placed controls for easy...
- LESS REFUELING WITH LONG RUN TIMES: 8 gallon fuel tank provides a 11 hour...
- LONG LASTING OHV ENGINE: With low oil shutdown provides consistent power...
Pick this if you need a full 6,000 running watts and don’t mind pulling a recoil cord. The 8-gallon fuel tank gives you 11 hours of runtime for those long outages.
Best Budget: Green-Power America 5000
- GREEN-POWER AMERICA 5,000W OUTPUT & DEPENDABLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE: Powered...
- EXTENDED 11-HOUR RUNTIME WITH HIGH-EFFICIENCY TANK: Designed to deliver...
- VERSATILE MULTI-OUTLET PANEL FOR HOMES, RVS, AND JOB SITES: Built with a...
Go with this if you’re on a tight budget and only need to power a few essentials. At 109 pounds with a foldable handle, it’s the most portable and quietest at 74 dB.
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