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Deal.ai › Compare

FlexPower 4500ies Inverter Generator vs PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator

Both are 120V inverter generators with electric start and a 30A RV outlet, so the choice comes down to noise, safety and output. The FlexPower 4500ies is the quieter unit at under 63 dB and is lighter at 82 lb, which matters for campgrounds and national forest rules. The PowerSmart PS5046CE adds a CO sensor with automatic shutdown, USB and 12V DC ports, and slightly more running watts. Owners of both rate them 4.8 out of 5, but PowerSmart buyers report more noise and heavier weight, while FlexPower buyers praise the quiet running and easy transport.

  • Choose the FlexPower 4500ies if you camp in quiet hours or national forests, want the lighter unit to wheel around, and value low noise over extra outlets.
  • Choose the PowerSmart PS5046CE if you want a CO shutdown safety system, USB and 12V charging ports, and a bit more running power for RV appliances.

Prices

  • FlexPower 4500ies Inverter Generator: $849.00 at Flex Power (checked today)
  • PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator: $599.99 at PowerSmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator is $249.01 cheaper than the FlexPower 4500ies Inverter Generator today
FlexPower
FlexPower 4500ies Quiet Inverter Generator with Electric Start

FlexPower 4500ies Inverter Generator

FlexPower 4500ies Quiet Inverter Generator with Electric Start

4.8(44 ratings)
$849.00at Flex PowerChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Flex Power
Pros
  • Quiet enough for campgrounds and national forest rules
  • Lighter at 82 lb with a telescoping handle and wheels
  • Electric start plus recoil backup
  • Clean inverter power for sensitive electronics
  • Eco-mode saves fuel at light loads
Cons
  • No CO sensor or automatic CO shutdown
  • Smaller fuel tank than the PowerSmart
  • No USB or 12V DC charging ports
  • Lower running watts than the PowerSmart
4
4800W Inverter Generator w/ Electric Start,CO Alert PS5046CE

PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator

4800W Inverter Generator w/ Electric Start,CO Alert PS5046CE

4.8(90 ratings)
$599.99at PowerSmartChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit PowerSmart
Pros
  • CO Detect sensor shuts the unit off at unsafe carbon monoxide levels
  • Slightly more running and surge power
  • USB and 12V DC ports for charging devices
  • 9-hour runtime at half load on a 3.43 gal tank
  • Low-oil shutdown protects the engine
Cons
  • Louder at 71 dB, which can break quiet hours
  • Heavier at 89 lb
  • Owners report metallic break-in oil and suggest early oil changes
  • Chinese spark plug; owners suggest swapping to an NGK BPR6ES

What separates them

FlexPower 4500ies Inverter GeneratorPowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator
Noise levelUnder 63 dB, National Forest Service approved for quiet operation71 dB at 7 meters
Carbon monoxide safetyOverload indicators only, no CO sensorCO Detect sensor with automatic shutoff at unsafe levels
Running vs surge watts3600W running, 4500W peak3800W running, 4800W surge
Weight82 lb with telescoping handle and wheels89 lb with wheel kit
Outlets and ports4 AC 120V plus one 30A RV receptacle4 AC 120V, one 30A twist-lock RV outlet, USB and 12V DC
Fuel capacity7 L (about 1.85 gal)3.43 gal
RuntimeNot published; Eco-mode extends run time9 hours at 50% load
Parallel capabilityParallel readyParallel capable up to 9600W

Price history

$849.00$599.99
Nov 2Nov 12
  • FlexPower 4500ies Inverter Generator: lowest $849.00 on Nov 2 at Flex Power; $849.00 on Nov 10.
  • PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator: lowest $599.99 on Nov 12 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

FlexPower 4500ies Inverter Generator

  • Flex PowerNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $849.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Flex Power
  • Camping WorldNew

    In stock

    $859.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Camping World
  • FactoryPureNew

    Availability unknown

    $849.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit FactoryPure
  • RVMPNew

    Availability unknown

    $999.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit RVMP

Also available at

  • Flex PowerCheck price at Flex Power
All 4 stores and price history →

PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator

  • PowerSmartNew

    In stock

    $599.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit PowerSmart
  • Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $619.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Home Depot
  • orvirooNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $649.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit orviroo
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $599.99Free shippingChecked 6 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • PowerSmartCheck price at PowerSmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecFlexPower 4500ies Inverter GeneratorPowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator
Inverter TechnologyYesPure sine wave
Fuel TypeGasolineGasoline
Fuel Capacity7 L3.43 gal
Continuous Output3600 W3800 W
Power Output3600 W5000W (surge)
Voltage120V120V
Peak Output4500 W4800 W
Starting MethodElectric startElectric start
Frequency60HzMonitored by digital display
Connectivity Ports30A RV receptacleUSB, 12V DC imes1, 12V DC output
Number Of Outlets5 (4 AC 120V, 1 30A RV Receptacle)5 (120V-20A imes4, 30A imes1)
Receptacle Type30A RV ReceptacleRV-ready 30A twist-lock outlet, 120V 20A househ…
Show all 34 specsShow fewer specs
SpecFlexPower 4500ies Inverter GeneratorPowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator
Weight82.00 lb89 lbs
Depth23.81 in17.8 inches (Package Dimensions)
Height22.04 in23.5 inches (Package Dimensions)
Width12.59 in25.4 inches (Package Dimensions)
Noise Level<63 Decibels71 dB (7M)
Auto Idle ControlEco-mode for energy savingEco-Mode
Electric StartYesYes
EfficiencyEco-mode for energy saving—
ProtectionOverload indicators—

What reviewers say

FlexPower 4500ies Inverter Generator

  • 4.8 / 544 ratings

Buyers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 44 ratings. Owners call it much quieter than expected and say it does the job of a larger generator for travel trailer and emergency use.

What people mention
  • NoisePraisedOwners say it runs much quieter than they expected.
  • Power outputPraisedBuyers describe it as twice the machine compared to a Honda 2200.
  • RV usePraisedIt is recommended by owners running it in a travel trailer.
  • Backup usePraisedBuyers say it works well for emergency power at home.

PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator

  • 4.8 / 590 ratings

Owners rate it highly and mostly talk about easy starting, clean power for RV appliances, and the wheel kit. The main complaints are weight and noise, plus metallic break-in oil that leads owners to change oil several times early on.

What people mention
  • StartingPraisedOwners say it fires up easily, often on one pull, and the electric start works reliably.
  • NoiseMixedSome find it quieter than expected, while others say it is loud under load.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 89 lbs it is heavy to lift, though the wheel kit helps on flat ground.

Questions and answers

Which is better for RV camping in a national forest?
The FlexPower 4500ies. It runs under 63 dB and is National Forest Service approved for quiet operation, while the PowerSmart is rated 71 dB at 7 meters.
Is the CO sensor worth stepping up to the PowerSmart?
If you run the generator near tents, windows or an RV, yes. The PowerSmart shuts itself off when carbon monoxide reaches unsafe levels; the FlexPower has no CO sensor.
Which one is easier to move?
The FlexPower. It weighs 82 lb and has a telescoping handle plus built-in wheels. The PowerSmart is 89 lb and also ships with a wheel kit.
Can either run an RV air conditioner?
Both can start many RV air conditioners thanks to surge ratings of 4500W and 4800W. The PowerSmart has a bit more running headroom at 3800W versus 3600W.
Which lasts longer?
Neither has a clear edge from the ratings. Both are 4.8 out of 5, and long life depends on oil changes. PowerSmart owners report metallic break-in oil and recommend several early changes.
Can I link two units together?
Yes. Both are parallel ready, and the PowerSmart is rated for up to 9600W when paired with a second unit.

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Buying guides that pick them

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Recoil Start
Yes
—
Engine TypeOHV—
Engine Displacement224cc—
Runtime—9 hours (50% load)
CO Sensor—Yes
Low Oil Shutdown—Yes
Automatic Shut Off—Yes (when CO reaches unsafe levels), Yes (Low-o…
Smart Features—CO Detect rade technology, 5-in-1 Smart Digital…
Maximum power—4800W
Power source—Gasoline
Tank capacity—3.43 gal
Connectors—2 x 120 V
Model—PS5046CE
RV power
Praised
Owners report it runs RV air conditioners, fridges and battery chargers without trouble.