The All Power America APG3014 At A Glance
- 2,000 Watts Surge/1,400 Watts Continuous
- 3 HP 4-Stroke Engine
- Runs 9.5 hours at 50% load
- Low Noise at 68dB
- Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California
The portable generator we will be reviewing, the APG3014 is very much aimed at the budget end of the market. It must be one of the cheapest portable generators I’ve seen – but don’t let the price fool you. Even though it is at the lower end of the market and doesn’t have a lot of the features that generators retailing at $400-$1000 have, it is still a competent little portable generator.
This small generator is perfect to keep on hand just in case you lose electricity for a short period of time. If you live in an area known for tornadoes, ice storms, and other weather emergencies, then you will need either multiple small portable generators like this one or one big solid one that has at least 4000 watts of power. This because this little generator only has two 120-volt receptacles for you to plug into. This ensures you can keep your food from spoiling and keep your family fed until your electricity is restored. This generator is mainly suited for light recreational use, and not so much of being an emergency portable generator – you may want to consider one of the larger generators if you intend it for emergency power.
Check out our full review of the Best Mid-sized Portable Generator – the ETQ TG32P12
Why the All Power America APG3014 is the Best Budget Portable Generator
The All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator does everything it should do and at a great price. Whether you want to use it for home power outages or for outdoor use, you will really like the light weight, which allows it to be moved around easily. If you add in the low gas consumption then we are talking about a very good solution to your power needs.
Even with that low price tag, it features a four-stroke engine that gives out a respectable 3HP. This APG 3010 features an oil shutoff switch that protects the unit from overheating. It also has an incredible operational output rating of just 56%. This means that the unit operates at only 56% of the engines capability to maintain the load, which gives it better fuel economy and a longer engine life than other engines that have to work harder to give equivalent results. All of the switches on this portable generator are easy to read and conveniently placed on the power panel.
Let’s run through some of the benefits of the All Power America APG3014 in detail…
More About The Manufacturer
All-Power America is a power tool and equipment manufacturer with origins in China. They started exporting products to the United States back in 2005. They also produce pressure washers, air compressors, and various power equipment such as electric saws, drills, sanders, etc.
All Power America is a relative newcomer having only been marketing their portable generators in the USA since 2005. They sell a vast range of other power tools in addition to portable generators so we did wonder if this unit would match up to the build quality from a dedicated portable generator manufacturer.
Starts Smoothly For Reliable Use
After filling it with oil and gas, it starts on the first or second pull. Once up and running it will run smoothly. It is rated at 1400 Watts continuous power with a maximum load of 2000 Watts, so 1400 Watts hundred is the figure to use for continuous use. This is really one of smallest and cheapest generators that will still run just about any 120V item. There is more than enough power to handle starting a motor such as a freezer during a power outage.
4 Stroke Engine Means More Convenience
Many small generators being sold are only 2 stroke, this means you have to premix gas and oil in a separate container. Not the APG3014, it comes with a 4 stroke engine so you won’t have to worry about having to premix your fuel. The need to premix gas and have a specific can for your generator is certainly a hassle that is avoided, and being 4 stroke the APG3014 will last longer then a 2 stroke. For camping or construction work you can easily take it right out to where you need it.
Run APG3014 for 9 hours straight
The tank can accommodate 1.3 gallons of fuel every time. The generator also turns itself off when it has detected that the fuel is not enough anymore. With a full tank, run time is about 9 hours at 50% load. That’s a long run time of you consider how small this generator seems to be.
Light and compact
In terms of design, the All Power America generator is very compact. If you need a power source when you are going camping or boating or visiting a remote area, this will fit into your truck without hassle. The rubber feet will prevent it from moving from its place due to the vibrations.
Ensuring no one gets annoyed…
Another benefit is that if you are using this for camping, or in home emergency use, this machine is also very quiet, producing just 68 db of noise. It will not keep you awake at nights, and will not disturb any peace and quiet you are indulging in. The fuel gauge is built right into the fuel tank allowing you to keep a close eye on the fuel level.
Round-Up of Customer Reviews On Amazon
After extensive research we were able to find several dozen reviews for the All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator online. The vast majority of reviewers, well over 78%, gave this product their highest rating of 5 stars. Also, on sites like Amazon.com, Sears, Northern Tool and Equipment etc., we found the average user rating for this product to be 4 stars.
Most of the reviewers commented on the light weight of the product and its fuel economy and the features they hadn’t expected to find in a machine in this price range. For example, many comments refer to how easy the APG3014 is to start from cold. There appears to be a consensus that the generator is relatively quiet running and the fuel gauge is convenient for the user. More than one reviewer mentioned how ideal the APG3014 is for charging batteries with cables included and the socket on the front of the machine.
Any Complaints?
There are only two drawbacks to this portable generator – first, it is EPA approved but is not compliant with California state emissions laws and hence not CARB compliant. The second drawback is that this unit is may be underpowered for some. It says that it is a 2000 Watt generator on the label but it provides 2000 Watts of surge power and only 1400 Watts of continuous power. Aside from a few complaints about this unit not being quite as powerful as some people would like, there were many more reviewers that were thrilled with their purchase of this portable gas generator. This generator is easy to use, simply add oil and gas and it starts right up. It runs smoothly and fairly quietly. One reviewer stated that when using this generator he runs a 1000 Watt work light, drop light, portable radio and DVD player all at the same time. If you’re looking for portable gas generator that can run 2000 Watts continuous then the All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke will not be quite powerful enough for you but if 1400 Watts or less is suitable, this is an excellent generator at a very affordable price and at a 1-year warranty.
How Much Should You Expect To Pay?
The All Power America APG3014 is available at $229 at NorthernTool.com but you shouldn’t be paying anymore that $200 for this considering the fact that Amazon.com offers this for only $199.
Click Here To View This Product On Amazon
RECOMMENDED – We suggest shopping online at Amazon.com. They carry the widest selection of portable generators with all the name brands. You get the lowest prices online and excellent customer service. Plus, we think that all the owner feedback and comments posted on Amazon for each generator makes your buying decision easier. You can browse Amazon’s Bestselling Portable Generators here.
The Bottomline – Is the All Power America APG3014 For You?
The All Power America APG3014 generator gets the most praise for being small and portable yet very reliable. This is a rather lightweight unit at 64 pounds, so you will be able to move it from one area of the home or in and out of storage without pulling it on wheels or struggling to get an over-sized unit around corners. You can pick it up and go. It makes an ideal choice for anybody that wants the many advantages of a portable generator without paying the higher price for a name brand.
You may be thinking now, you should fork out more money for portable inverter generators? You should, if you are a camping veteran or someone who intends to power more than heavier devices such as multiple power tools like drills and saws. But if you’re just looking for a small budget generator to power up small appliances like your lights or television, then this is a winner.
All in all this is a no frills workhorse that is a good solid portable generator, but not a great one. So if you want a cheap generator and don’t mind missing out on the features found in more expensive portable generators (we’re talking up to up to 5 times more expensive) then this one might just be the right one for you
