Quick verdict
A compact dual fuel inverter generator rated at 1,800 watts on gasoline and 1,600 on propane, with 2,200 and 2,000 peak respectively, from an 80cc four-stroke engine, with two 15A household outlets, a USB port, parallel sockets and CARB compliance. It suits campers, tailgaters and small outages where a fridge, lights and chargers are the load and propane storage is attractive. The caveat is what the listing leaves out: weight, runtime, a CO sensor and the measuring distance for the 60 dB figure.
Strengths
- Runs on gasoline or propane, which stores for years
- 1,800 rated watts on gas matches the limit of a 15A outlet
- Parallel sockets allow a second unit to be added later
- Stable sine wave output for laptops and CPAP machines
- 80cc OHV engine is large for the 2,000 watt class
- CARB compliant, so it can be sold and used in California
Weaknesses
- Weight and runtime are not stated in the listing
- No 30 amp RV outlet
- No carbon monoxide sensor mentioned
- Rated output drops to 1,600 watts on propane
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
Who this generator is for
A weekend camper who wants to run a small fridge, charge phones and keep a fan going, a tailgater, or a homeowner who wants a lamp and a router alive in an outage. The Pulsar PG2200BiS is a compact dual fuel inverter generator rated at 1,800 watts on gasoline and 1,600 on propane, with parallel sockets to pair with a second unit when more is needed, and a CARB compliance rating that lets it be sold in California.
This review is based on the maker’s published specifications and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run this product ourselves.
What you get
Pulsar lists 2,200 peak and 1,800 rated watts on gasoline, 2,000 peak and 1,600 rated on LPG, from an 80cc single-cylinder four-stroke OHV engine the maker rates at 3 horsepower. The panel holds two 120V 15A household outlets, one 5V USB port and the parallel sockets. The output is a stable sine wave, so laptops and CPAP machines are fine. The fuel tank is 1.18 gallons and the body is a carry-case design with a handle. The maker quotes 60 dB. Weight and runtime are not stated in the listing, and no propane hose is mentioned, so confirm what ships in the box.
Rated versus peak watts, gas versus propane
The 2,200 in the model name is the peak figure, the surge available for a second or two while a motor starts. The number to plan around is the rated figure, 1,800 watts on gas, which is what the generator sustains. Usefully, 1,800 watts is also the ceiling of a single 15 amp outlet, so the generator and its outlet run out of headroom at the same point. On propane the rated figure drops to 1,600 watts, about 11 percent less, which is normal for dual fuel engines and the price of a fuel that stores for years without going stale. A dorm fridge, a 700 watt microwave, phone chargers and LED lights fit inside 1,800 watts; a 1,500 watt space heater does, but with almost nothing left over, and a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner does not start on one unit.
Engine, noise and runtime
An 80cc OHV engine is on the larger side for a 2,000 watt class inverter, which tends to help the generator hold rated load without straining. The 60 dB figure is the maker’s and the measuring distance is not given; the class norm is a quiet conversation at 23 feet, and owners describe this unit as noticeably quieter than an open-frame generator but audible at a campsite. Runtime is not published in the listing. A 1.18 gallon tank on an engine this size typically means several hours at a quarter load and much less at full rated output, so budget fuel accordingly and expect the propane side to run as long as the cylinder it is tied to.
Outlets and parallel use
Two 15A outlets and one USB port cover a camp kitchen. There is no 30 amp RV outlet, so a travel trailer needs an adapter and will still be limited by the 1,800 watt rating. The parallel sockets are the growth path: a second PG2200BiS and the Pulsar parallel kit, sold separately, combine two units for roughly double the rated output, which is how owners of this class run a rooftop air conditioner.
Living with it
Run it on propane for storage and occasional use, since gasoline left in a small carburetor is the leading cause of a generator that will not start next season; if gasoline is used, drain the carburetor or run it dry. Change the oil on the maker’s schedule and check it every outing. Keep it outdoors, well away from windows and doors, on every start; a CO sensor is not mentioned in the listing. Pulsar’s warranty term is not stated here and should be checked on the product page.
Alternatives to Consider
The Champion 2500-watt dual fuel inverter is the closest competitor, from a brand with a larger US service network. The Westinghouse iGen2200 is gas only but light and widely reviewed, and the WEN 56235i trades dual fuel for a 39 pound body and a two-year warranty. If the budget stretches, the Honda EU2200i is the benchmark in this size for noise and longevity.
Verdict
Buy the Pulsar PG2200BiS for camping, tailgating and small outages if the appeal is dual fuel at a modest price, with parallel sockets to grow into. Skip it if a 30 amp RV outlet, a CO shutoff or a stated runtime figure matters, since this listing provides none of them.
Full specifications
Pulsar PG2200BiS 2,200W Portable Dual Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator with USB Outlet and Parallel Capability FAQs
2,200 is the peak, available for a second or two while a motor starts. 1,800 is the rated figure the generator sustains on gasoline, and the number to plan loads around. On propane the figures are 2,000 and 1,600.
Not on its own. A 13,500 BTU rooftop unit needs more surge than one of these provides. Two units in parallel with the Pulsar parallel kit, sold separately, is how owners of this class approach that load.
The listing does not say. Confirm the box contents on the product page before buying a hose separately.
Pulsar does not state a runtime in the listing. A 1.18 gallon tank on an 80cc engine typically gives several hours at a quarter load and considerably less at the full 1,800 watt rating.
