If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and you do love fishing, then you might have heard of an Ice House. Today, some people use these structures to store fish and other foodstuffs. Most of these structures are in a remote area where there is no electricity, and the best option to keep the building alive is getting a generator.
However, many people end up buying a generator that does not provide enough power or a model that gives them a headache to operate on certain conditions. And for that reason, I’ve decided to provide you with this guide to help you find the best generator for ice house.
Top 6 Best Generators for Ice House for 2021
Now that you know what this guide is all about, here is the top best generators ideal for use in an ice house. Every model I’ve listed here is high-quality, high-performing, durable, and fuel-efficient.
1. Westinghouse WGen9500 Portable Generator
The list starts with a high-power generator from Westinghouse, The WGen9500 portable generator. It’s a heavy-duty generator that provides massive 9500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts of power. It’s a model ideal for those huge ice houses that require heavy-duty, portable power. It does feature an electric start and a remote start key fob, which adds more convenience while starting the generator.
On top of that, it does come with GFCI protected outlets with rubber covers for added safety. It’s powerful heavy-duty 457cc Westinghouse engine gives it command to provide enough and reliable power when needed. The unit also has an automatic low-oil shutdown, which protects the motor when the lubricating oil drops below the recommended level.
Pros:
- Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse OHV Engine
- Automatic Low Oil Shutdown
- Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve
- Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play
Cons:
- Quite Heavy to Lift
- Hard to change engine oil
2. Champion 100263 Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
Next is the mighty Champion 100263 portable inverter generator that provides a perfect combination of versatility and convenience. From starting the generator to changing oil and refilling the tank, this model is quite easy to operate. It runs on a quite powerful 192cc Champion engine, which allows it to give you reliable power.
The fact that it’s a dual fuel generator gives you the versatility of using either propane or gasoline, whichever is easily accessible for you. It does also come with a convenient electric start, which is fitted with a battery and Cold Start Technology for an easy and quick start in cold weather. With 7.5 hours run time on gasoline and 14.5 hours on propane, this a generator you might want to have in your ice house.
Pros:
- Portable Inverter Technology
- Versatility and convenience
- Low oil shut-off sensor
- Smart Economy Mode
- Cold Start Technology
Cons:
- No remote start
3. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you want a more powerful model, then you want to check out this ‘power beast,’ the DuroMax Dual Fuel Portable generator. It’s a generator designed to give you portable power and also versatility of a wide range of applications. On top of that, since it’s a dual-fuel generator, you also have the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
With this generator, you’re sure to power even the industrial-size ice house since it provides power found in those standby generators in a portable package. Its powerful 457cc DuroMax Engine feeds its fully loaded power panel, thus allowing you to pull enough energy to run a couple of appliances at a go.
Pros:
- User-friendly, keyed electric start
- Oversized noise-reducing muffler
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Fully-isolated motor mounts
- Heavy-duty all-metal frame
- Built-in spark arrestor
Cons:
- A bit weighty
4. Pulsar PG2000iSN Portable Inverter Generator
Pulsar PG2000iSN Portable Generator is another robust and reliable generator you can rely on while powering your ice house. The generator is designed to give you clean, stable, and portable power you can take anywhere you want. It’s powered by a robust single-cylinder OHV engine that allows it to provide a whopping 2000 peak watts and 1600 rated watts of power.
Another thing, it does operate quietly with minimal vibrations. Above that, the generator comes parallel, capable, giving you the option to connect another PG2000iSN when you need more power. It’s briefcase style, and the ergonomic handle makes this generator super portable and quite easy to store when not in use.
Pros:
- Compact-suitcase design
- Robust 80cc OHV Engine
- Up to the 8-hours run time
- Clean, stable power
- Parallel Capability
- CARB Compliant
Cons:
- High on the price
- Hard to change the oil
5. Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator
If you are a camping guy, then you might have come across this powerful Honda generator, The EU2200i. It’s a robust inverter ideal for operating a wide variety of appliances and makes a perfect choice for the ice house. Apart from giving your portable power, the generator does also gives your reliable, clean, and safe energy.
I also love this model for its super-quiet operation. And if you need more power for your ice house, you can connect another EU2200i to double the power. Its exclusive Eco-Throttle system allows the generator to provide excellent fuel efficiency. On top of that, it uses inverter technology to provide enough power in a compact, lighter package.
Pros:
- Reliable, clean, stable power
- Exclusive Eco-Throttle
- Super-quiet operation
- Inverter Technology
- Parallel capability
Cons:
- Weak rubber foots
- Expensive
6. Champion 7500 Portable Generator w/Wireless Remote Start
Lastly, we have the Champion 100161, a portable RV-ready generator. It’s a model loved by many for its portability, low-noise operation, and reliability. The generator runs on a powerful 439cc Champion engine to give you enough power to power your ice house. I also love the fact that it uses a convenient electric start together with a wireless remote start for a much more comfortable operation.
Another thing, the generator does feature Cold Start Technology, which makes it easy and possible to start the generator in low-temperature environments. The mobility kit, together with the U-shaped handle, makes it more comfortable to move the generator and store it. The generator also comes with an Intelligauge, which will help you monitor frequency, operating hours, and rate.
Pros:
- Folding handle with never-flat tires
- Single Cylinder Air Cooled Engine
- Wireless Remote, Electric Start
- GFCI protected outlets
- Durable steel frame
- Low Oil Shut-Off
- Intelligauge
Cons:
- Quite heavy to lift
Best Generator for Ice House [Buying Details]
The current generator market isn’t a place for joyriding. With the wrong choice, you might end up buying a low-quality, non-useful generator. As since I want you to have the best time and smooth process selecting your best generator for ice house, I give you considerations to keep on your fingertips as you make your selection.
1) Power Rating
Before settling on a generator to use to power your ice house, you need to size your power requirements. Mostly the ice houses act like freezers, and some people need to run a cooler to keep the ice frozen. That means you need a generator to power the light and the cooler. That requires you to sum up the total power rating of all your appliances and use this info to find an ideal generator. The power rating is in wattage, if not then you’ve to do some calculations with this formula:
Wattage=voltage x amperage
I.e., if your AC needs 240-volt connection and uses 20A circuit, then the wattage it requires from the generator is:
Wattage = 120 x 15 = 1800 watts
Do the same to all the other appliances and electronics and add up the wattage. Pick a generator that gives you 20% more power of what you get.
2) Portability
Portability is essential primarily because an ice house isn’t a livable home. That means you might need to move and store the generator quite often, and it would be difficult if you bought a dense model. A model with a mobility kit, a handle, and wheels, is the best. But if you can’t put your hands on such a model, then pick a generator with a lightweight design and a maneuverability design.
3) Build Quality
Build quality is also something you need to check. A generator is an investment that you will want to serve you for years, and it would be a shame if the model you buy doesn’t give you any return for your money. So, you need to be extra careful as you evaluate the generator to buy. Ensure that the engine is well-covered, the framing is sturdy and protective, and the metal parts are rust-resistant. That way, you’re sure it will survive some years to come.
4) Operation Difficulty
Lastly, you need to consider how easy or hard it is to start the generator as well as oil changing. The generator needs to be comfortable and convenient to start, and if you’re planning on using it in extreme cold, then you need to ensure it comes with cold start technology. The technology helps in igniting the gasoline in cold weather. When it comes to the oil change, some generator is more comfortable to do the emptying and refilling while others can give you some headaches. Read the customer reviews to understand how easy it is for your generator choice.
Best Generators for Ice House (FAQs)
How long should I expect my gasoline to last in the gas can?
With proper storage, gasoline can last for about six months. All you need is to follow the right storage guidelines and use an approved gasoline tank.
Do I need a transfer switch to connect my generator to my ice house?
It depends. If your ice house has an active power line and you need the generator to give you back up power, you will need to have a transfer switch to redirect the energy and avoid back feeding. But if you are hooking the generator directly to the house, you do not need the transfer switch.
GLOBO TOOLS OVERVIEW
Yes, the best generators for ice house options are plenty, but quite a few are perfect choices. The list I’ve provided gives some of these great options for you to pick the ideal one for your needs. It’s my hope you have found a generator, and your next step is buying it. Good Luck!
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