Briggs & Stratton Portable Generator EXL8000, Model 030244

by Virginia
(Key West, FL, USA)

After living with no power as a result of the busy hurricane seasons on the tropical island where I reside, I decided to purchase a portable generator to make life more comfortable for myself, a woman living alone.

The first one I purchased in 2004 was fine until Hurricane Wilma flooded it with just a few inches of water because it was sitting on the ground. That's when I realized that keeping the generator on the ground was not a good idea, so I had a concrete stand built for the new Briggs & Stratton generator.

This one has a receptacle that I can use for my large wall-unit air conditioner that makes power-less life bearable in the heat of the months when hurricanes usually knock out the power.

It also has a receptacle for my refrigerator, which means I don't have to cook everything in it before a storm arrives so food doesn't spoil. AND I can have cool drinks while waiting for the power to be restored!

When I purchased this generator, I told the contractor I had no knowledge of them or how to use them and needed something simple to operate, with no ropes to pull. It has a push-button starter, but also a recoil starter if need be.

This generator seems to fill the bill for people like me. It has a seven-gallon fuel capacity and circuit breakers so there's no electrical overload. My only complaint, and it's not really a complaint, is that the battery charger it comes with has to be used in a dry inside location, which is not available to me.

The charger is supposed to be plugged in and connected all the while the machine is not in use. However because my generator is of necessity, outdoors and covered with plastic when not in use, I have to start it every week or two and let it run for about a half hour in order to keep the battery charged.

Other than this inconvenience, it is a good machine and I would recommend it to anyone who is in need of a reliable generator.

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