How much power does the Genkins GK1200 give you?
On gas, this model is rated for 1,200 running watts and 1,600 starting watts. Running watts are the power available while your appliances are on. Starting watts are a short burst to help things like refrigerators and pumps turn on. You cannot use that bigger number for appliances that need steady power.
| Fuel | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 1,200 W | 1,600 W |
Some numbers come from the seller's listing and have not been confirmed in a matching manufacturer manual. Get those details before depending on this generator for important appliances.
Is this model a good fit for you?
The listing claims 1,200 running watts, 1,600 starting watts, and a weight of 26 pounds. Its eight-hour runtime is at quarter power, about 300 watts. A typical 1,500-watt heater is already too much.
The tank table says four gallons, but we could not confirm that. A matching manual is still needed for tank size, carbon monoxide safety shutoff, power-distortion details, and warranty coverage. Do not use the tank figure to estimate fuel needs until it is confirmed.
The details for this model
Model: GK1200. Manufacturer part number: GK1200. These are published specifications, not results from our own testing. If a detail is missing, we leave it marked rather than use a number from a similar generator.
A detail to confirm: Tank table gives 4 US gal. without corroboration; excluded from fuel planning.
- How it starts
- Not confirmed for this model
- Voltage
- 120V (listing claim)
- Gas tank
- Not confirmed for this model
- How long it runs
- Up to 8 hours at 25% power use (listing claim; tank capacity unverified)
- Weight
- 26 lb. (listing/title claim)
- Size (L × W × H)
- 17 × 10 × 17 in. (listing claim)
- Outlets
- Two 120V outlets; two USB ports; parallel ports (listing claims)
- Generator type
- Not yet confirmed
- Power smoothness (THD; lower is generally smoother)
- Under 2% (listing claim)
- Carbon monoxide shutdown
- CO protection claimed; automatic-shutdown details not primary verified
- Noise
- 58 dB at 23 ft (listing claim; load missing)
- Warranty
- 2-year warranty claimed; full policy not established
A 120V outlet powers ordinary household plug-in devices. Some pumps and larger equipment need 240V. Inverter models use electronics to control the electricity they supply. THD measures how smooth that electricity is; a lower number generally means smoother power. Check your device instructions before connecting electronics.
Sources: Exact Amazon listing; claims remain unverified unless separately sourced ↗ ·
How long will it run?
The published runtime is Up to 8 hours at 25% power use (listing claim; tank capacity unverified). The more power you use, the sooner you will need fuel. A runtime measured at 25% load means the generator was only supplying a quarter of its running power, not working flat out.
Keep approved gas containers, rotate stored fuel, and plan where you can refill them. A bigger wattage number will not help if you run out of fuel. Read our fuel-storage guide →
What can you run during an outage?
Start by listing the appliances you need most. Check both their running watts and the extra power they need to start. A refrigerator, for example, may need much more power for a moment when its compressor kicks on.
Here is an example, not a test of this generator: a refrigerator using 600 running watts, plus 100 watts of lights and 100 watts for a router and other small devices, adds up to 800 watts. If that refrigerator needs 1,800 watts to start, the total briefly reaches 2,000 watts. Your appliances may use different amounts.
Confirm this generator’s running and starting ratings before using that example to choose appliances. If you use propane or natural gas, check those ratings separately.
A 1,500-watt heater uses a lot of power on its own. Follow its connection instructions; many portable heaters must plug directly into a suitable wall outlet. This review does not confirm 240V output for this model. Do not choose it for a 240V pump or air conditioner without checking that first. Work out how much power you need →
What we like and what to consider
Reasons to consider it
- A gas-only setup with no fuel switching.
- 1,200 running watts on gas advertised by the seller; not yet confirmed in the correct manual.
- Inverter design, which can be useful for compatible electronics.
Things to keep in mind
- It weighs 26 lb. (listing/title claim). Make sure you can move and store it.
- No confirmed propane rating is available.
- Noise figures depend on the distance and how hard the generator is working.
What owners are saying
We do not have enough owner feedback for this exact model to give a fair summary. Reviews for a similar generator, or another option on the same Amazon page, may describe a different machine. Before buying, check recent reviews for the full model number and find out how the seller handles service and returns.
Starting, moving, and maintenance
Ask for the manual to confirm how this model starts. Practice starting it before an outage so you know you can use it when needed. It weighs 26 lb. (listing/title claim). Wheels can help on level ground, but they do not make stairs or lifting into a vehicle easy.
The listed warranty is 2-year warranty claimed; full policy not established. Read the full terms, including whether your seller and intended use are covered. Follow the manual for oil type, oil changes, and storage. Keep track of running hours during a long outage. See our maintenance guide →
Other generators to compare
Westinghouse iGen1500c →
This little inverter provides 1,000 running watts for lights, charging, and other small appliances. Its 1,500-watt starting limit is too low for many refrigerators or combinations of appliances. Check startup needs before connecting a motor-driven appliance.
1,000 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120V
GENMAX GM2000i →
The GM2000i provides 1,600 running watts and 2,000 starting watts in a listed 34.2-pound case. It is best considered for small portable appliances. A 1,500-watt heater would leave just 100 watts for everything else.
1,600 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120V
Honda EU2200i →
The EU2200i is a portable option for a few essentials, such as lights, charging, and a refrigerator whose startup needs fit. It provides 1,800 running watts, not 2,200. It cannot power 240V appliances, and electric heaters quickly use up its available power.
1,800 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120V
Questions about the Genkins GK1200
How much running power does it provide?
1,200 watts on gasoline. Starting watts are only available briefly, not for steady use.
Is it an inverter generator?
We have not confirmed the generator type in a matching manufacturer manual. Its published power-distortion figure (THD) is Under 2% (listing claim). Check your electronics’ power requirements before connecting them.
Can I use it in a garage if it has CO shutdown?
No. Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. Use it outdoors at least 20 feet from homes and openings, with exhaust pointed away. Carbon monoxide shutdown is extra protection; it does not make indoor use safe.
Can I connect it to my house?
Check the voltage and outlets before planning a home connection. Have an electrician choose and install the right transfer equipment and check the generator’s wiring setup. Never connect a generator to a household wall outlet.
Should you consider the Genkins GK1200?
This small Genkins listing claims 1,200 running watts and 1,600 starting watts. That puts it in the lights-and-charging range. A typical 1,500-watt electric heater would already exceed its running limit before you plugged in anything else.
Check Price on AmazonWhere the information comes from
We use the sources below to compare specifications and features. We have not personally tested this generator.