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Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator vs Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

These are different tools, not close rivals. The Pulsar G12KBN is a whole-home or jobsite generator: 9,500 running watts on gasoline and 8,550 on propane, enough for a furnace, well pump and fridge at once. The Generac iQ3800 is a quiet inverter unit: 3,000 running watts, under 3% THD for sensitive electronics, COsense shutdown and 107 lbs. Owners of both rate them 4.3 out of 5. Buy the Pulsar for backup power at a fixed location; buy the Generac for camping, tailgating and small electronics.

  • Choose the Pulsar G12KBN if you need to run a house or jobsite through an outage and can move 209 lbs on its wheels.
  • Choose the Generac iQ3800 if you want quiet, clean power for a camper, tailgate or sensitive electronics and will carry it yourself.

Prices

  • Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator: $929.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator: $849.00 at Lowe's (checked today)
  • Difference: the Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator is $80.99 cheaper than the Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator today
Pulsar
Pulsar 12,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator in Space Gray with Electric Start, G12KBN

Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator

Pulsar 12,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator in Space Gray with Electric Start, G12KBN

4.3(576 ratings)
$929.99at WalmartChecked 59 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • 9,500 running watts handles a whole house or heavy tools
  • 240V outlets run a well pump or transfer switch
  • Dual fuel with a seamless switch to propane
  • Large 8-gallon tank and a fuel gauge
  • Electric start with low-oil shutdown and overload protection
Cons
  • 209 lbs is not a one-person carry
  • 74 dB is loud for a campsite
  • No inverter, so THD is not specified for sensitive electronics
  • No CO shutdown sensor
Generac
Generac iQ3800 Duel Fuel Inverter Generator

Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Generac iQ3800 Duel Fuel Inverter Generator

4.3(396 ratings)
$849.00at Lowe'sChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Lowe's

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Inverter output under 3% THD is safe for electronics
  • COsense shuts it down on dangerous carbon monoxide
  • Quiet, fully enclosed case
  • 107 lbs with a handle and wheels
  • LED display shows output and gas use; economy mode saves fuel
Cons
  • 3,000 running watts will not carry a whole house
  • 120V only, no 240V outlet
  • 3.2-gallon gas tank means frequent refills under load
  • No fuel gauge for propane

What separates them

Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel GeneratorGenerac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Running watts (gas)9,500 W3,000 W
Power qualityConventional alternator, no inverter, higher THDInverter with under 3% THD, safe for laptops and TVs
Noise74 dBFully enclosed case, marketed as super quiet
Weight and moving209 lbs, drop-down handles and 10-inch never-flat wheels107 lbs, integrated handle and never-flat wheels
Carbon monoxide safetyNo CO sensorCOsense shuts the unit down at dangerous CO levels
OutletsFour 120V 20A, one L14-30R, one L14-50R, one 12V DCFive 120V outlets plus USB ports, no 240V
Runtime at 50% load13 hours on gasoline, 8-gallon tank13 hours on gasoline, 16 hours on a 20 lb propane tank
Fuel tank and gauge8-gallon tank with fuel gauge3.2-gallon tank, gauge for gas only

Price history

$929.99$799.00
Oct 31Nov 10
  • Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator: lowest $799.00 on Oct 31 at Best Buy; $929.99 on Nov 10.
  • Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator: lowest $849.00 on Nov 3 at Walmart; $849.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Skytech

    $929.99Checked 59 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $929.99Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Explorer BearNew

    In stock

    $929.99Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Explorer Bear
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by skytechgaming (99.7% positive, 1,100 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $929.99Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 8 stores and price history →

Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

  • Blain's Farm & FleetNew

    In stock

    $849.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Blain's Farm & Fleet
  • Lowe'sNew

    In stock

    $849.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Lowe's
  • FactoryPureNew

    In stock

    $928.00Free shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit FactoryPure
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $849.00Checked 14 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 21 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecPulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel GeneratorGenerac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
capacity120003800-Watt
colorGrayOrange
size28.50" x 26.00" x 25.50"3800W
Inverter TechnologyNoYes
CO SensorNoYes (COsense® Technology)
Low Oil ShutdownYesYes
Overload ProtectionYesHelps you to avoid overloading (via LED display)
Automatic Shut OffYesSTOPS (COsense® Technology)
Fuel TypeGasoline, Dual Fuel, PropaneDual Fuel, Gasoline
Fuel Capacity8 gallons3.2 gal
Fuel GaugeYesYes (for the gasoline tank), No (for propane)
Continuous Output9,500 Running Watts (Gasoline)3000 W
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel GeneratorGenerac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Power Output12,000 W3800 W (Starting Watts)
Voltage120V120-volt
Peak Output12,000 peak watts (gasoline)3800 W
Starting MethodElectric startElectric Start / Recoil Pull Start
Frequency60 Hz60Hz (target)
Connectivity PortsDC, ACUSB Ports
Number Of Outlets4 (120V 20A AC Outlets)5 (120-volt outlets)
Receptacle TypeL14-30R, 5-20R, L14-50RTwist lock (120V, 30-amp)
Weight209 lbs107

What reviewers say

Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator

  • 4.3 / 5576 ratings

Owners rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 576 ratings. Buyers like the dual-fuel flexibility and the electric start, and many use it for home backup and RV power. Complaints center on noise, weight and fuel use under heavy load.

What people mention
  • NoiseCriticisedOwners say it is loud enough to bother neighbors and want it kept away from the house.
  • Dual fuelPraisedBuyers value being able to run on propane when gasoline is scarce or hard to store.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 209 lbs it takes two people or a ramp to load and move.
  • Electric startPraisedOwners report it fires up quickly with the push-button start.

Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

  • 4.3 / 5396 ratings

Owners of Generac inverter generators generally praise the quiet inverter output and the dual-fuel flexibility, and the CO shutdown is seen as a real safety plus. Complaints tend to center on weight and on the lower output when running on propane.

What people mention
  • WeightCriticisedOwners say 107 lb makes it a two-person lift and awkward to move without wheels.
  • Dual fuelPraisedBuyers like having propane as a fallback when gasoline runs out or is hard to store.
  • Power qualityPraisedUnder 3% THD is cited as safe for laptops, TVs and other sensitive electronics.
  • CO safetyPraised

Questions and answers

Which one can run a house during an outage?
The Pulsar. Its 9,500 running watts and 240V outlets can feed a transfer switch for a furnace, well pump and fridge. The Generac's 3,000 watts and 120V-only output suit a few circuits or an RV, not a whole house.
Which is better for camping or tailgating?
The Generac. At 107 lbs with a handle and wheels, it is far easier to move, and its enclosed case and inverter output keep it quiet and safe for phones, laptops and TVs. The Pulsar is a 209 lb, 74 dB machine built to stay put.
Is the Generac safe for laptops and TVs?
Yes. Its inverter produces total harmonic distortion under 3%, which is clean enough for sensitive electronics. The Pulsar uses a conventional alternator and does not publish a THD figure, so check with the device maker before plugging in delicate gear.
Which lasts longer on a tank?
At half load they are close: about 13 hours each on gasoline. The Generac stretches to about 16 hours on a 20 lb propane tank. The Pulsar's 8-gallon tank means fewer refills during a long outage.
Is the Generac worth stepping up to over the Pulsar?
Only if quiet, clean power and portability matter more than raw output. If you need to power a home or run 240V equipment, the Pulsar is the right tool and the Generac cannot replace it.
Do both run on propane?
Yes, both are dual fuel. The Pulsar drops to 8,550 running watts on propane; the Generac drops to 2,700. Both lose output on propane, so size for the propane rating if that is your main fuel.

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Buying guides that pick them

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Depth28.5 inches24.6 in
Height22.2 inches22.4 in
Width21.8 inches20.3 in
shape1200W—
continuous_wattage12000 Watts—
Runtime13 hours (at 50% load on gasoline)—
ProtectionAutomatic voltage Regulation—
Noise Level74 dB—
Noise Level (dB)74—
Electric StartYes—
Time Usage (max) (h)12.0—
Power SourceGas—
Output Power (W)12000—
Voltage (V)240.0—
No. of Power Outlets6—
Voltage Outlet12 V, 120 V, 240 V—
Weight (lb)209.0—
Length (")28.5—
Running Watts—3000 (Gas) / 2700 (LP)
The COsense auto shutoff is mentioned as a reassuring feature for indoor-adjacent use.