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PredatorModel 72912

Predator 3,500W Gas Generator Review

The PREDATOR® 4375 Watt Portable Generator is designed for home backup during emergencies and powering tools at jobsites. It features a 212cc engine, CO SECURE® carbon monoxide shutdown for safety, and offers a runtime of up to 16 hours at 50% load.

At a Glance

  • Running Watts
    3500W
  • Starting Watts
    4375W
  • Fuel Type
    Gasoline
  • Runtime (50%)
    16h
  • Noise Level
    72.5 dB
  • Weight
    107 lbs

Where to buy

Prices can change. We update these automatically.

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    Is this the right generator for you?

    Here's the quick tradeoff view — what this model does well, and where it may not fit.

    Pros

    • 212cc PREDATOR® gas engine
    • CO SECURE® carbon monoxide shutdown
    • 16 hours runtime at 50% load
    • GFCI outlets
    • Large fuel tank

    Cons

    • heavy weight of 107 pounds
    • no electric start option
    Best use cases

    Summary

    The Predator 72912 is a gasoline generator built around a 3500-running-watt output with 4375 starting watts. That combination points to a unit designed to handle steady electrical demand while also accommodating the extra surge required when certain devices first switch on.

    With gasoline as its fuel source, the 72912 keeps operation centered on a familiar refueling routine, making it straightforward to integrate into a home or workshop setup where portable power is needed.

    Power & Runtime

    Running at 3500 watts with 4375 starting watts, the Predator 72912 balances continuous output with added headroom for startup surges, which helps when powering equipment that draws more power at the moment it begins operating. Its noise level is rated at 72.5 dBA, giving a clear expectation for how loud it will be while delivering power.

    For longer sessions, the generator is rated for 16 hours of runtime at 50 percent load, which supports extended use without frequent refueling when the connected demand is kept to that mid-load level.

    Portability

    At 107 lbs, the Predator 72912 has a substantial carry weight that will influence how it is moved and set into place. Its physical size, listed at 23.3 x 18.6 x 19.23 inches, helps define the footprint you will need for storage and operation, and it also provides a practical reference for fitting it into a garage space or transport area.

    Features

    The Predator 72912 includes indicators, which adds a simple layer of at-a-glance feedback during operation. In day-to-day use, having indicators can make it easier to monitor the generator while it is running without needing to infer status from sound or load behavior alone.

    Recommended Audiences

    • Shoppers who prefer gasoline-powered generators
    • Homeowners needing emergency backup for essential circuits
    • DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists needing reliable portable power
    • First-time generator buyers looking for a dependable option
    Updated: Feb 24, 2026

    Score Breakdown

    3.6
    / 10
    Rank #76 of 78 in Conventional (2,500-5,000W)
    Value (25%)
    Quality (25%)
    Practical (18%)
    Features (12%)
    Percentile Rankings (within peer group)
    • Watts/$
    • Surge/$
    • Runtime/$
    • Warranty
    • THD (lower=better)
    • Build Quality
    • Noise (lower=better)
    • Portability
    • Outlet Variety
    • Feature Points

    What this generator can power

    At a Glance

    • Continuous:3,500W(recommended usable: 2,800W)
    • Surge:4,375W
    • Output:120/240V
    • Inverter:No

    Big-item compatibility

    Refrigerator
    Yes
    Sump Pump (1/3 HP)
    Yes
    Well Pump (1 HP, 240V)
    Maybe

    May struggle with startup surge

    Furnace Blower
    Yes
    Central AC (3 Ton, 240V)
    No

    Exceeds capacity

    Window AC (10,000 BTU)
    Yes
    Electric Water Heater (240V)
    No

    Exceeds capacity

    Electric Range/Oven (240V)
    No

    Exceeds capacity

    Air Compressor (1 HP)
    Maybe

    May struggle with startup surge

    Example setups

    Essentials

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Refrigerator
    • Furnace Blower
    • Sump Pump (1/3 HP)

    Est. running: 1,800W

    Peak surge (single motor): 2,000W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    Essentials + Comfort

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Refrigerator
    • TV + Entertainment System
    • Microwave
    • Furnace Blower

    Est. running: 2,500W

    Peak surge (single motor): 1,200W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    Jobsite / Tools

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Circular Saw (7 1/4")

    Est. running: 1,600W

    Peak surge (single motor): 2,800W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    These are estimates using typical wattage assumptions. Real appliances vary. Startup surges can be 2–6× the running wattage for motor-driven loads. 240V loads require a 120/240V generator and proper connection. Use a transfer switch or interlock kit; never backfeed a panel.

    Predator
    ReliabilityCAverage

    About Predator

    Predator is recognized for its budget-friendly, high-performance generators, popular among homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts for reliable power solutions.

    Founded1977
    HQCalabasas, California, USA
    Website (opens in a new tab)
    Support1-800-444-3353
    Support / Manuals (opens in a new tab)
    View all Predator generators

    Full Specifications

    Power

    Running Watts3,500 watts
    Starting Watts4,375 watts

    Engine

    Engine Displacement212 cc

    Electrical

    Voltage (AC)120/240V

    Dimensions

    Dimensions23.3 x 18.6 x 19.23 inches
    Weight107 lbs

    Other

    Automatic Low Oil ShutdownYes
    Carbon Monoxide SensorYes
    Electric StartNo
    IndicatorsYes
    InverterNo
    Noise Level72.5 dBA
    Parallel CapableNo
    Recoil StartYes
    Remote StartNo
    RV ReadyNo
    Starter TypeRecoil

    Core

    Fuel TypeGasoline

    Runtime

    Runtime @ 50%16 hours

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