Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I researched every available generator in the 2kw - 3kw range and landed on the Generac 3500 because it seemed to be a fair price and a reputable brand. I paid a premium for the generator over the HF 3500 because I specifically wanted to NOT buy a generator from Harbor Fright. Upon arrival the unit starts and runs nicely and seems quiet, but upon further inspection I noticed the internals looked suspiciously similar to the HF model that my friend has. So I put them side by side. Turns out that inside the pretty orange steel case it’s THE EXACT SAME GENERATOR, part for part as the Harbor Freight unit. I know rebranding is common among smaller generator brands, but from GENERAC??? Come on. Additionally, the spec sheet lists the engine type as “Generac OHV” which at least implies it’s an in-house motor. Nope. Seems a bit deceptive to me. Literally the ONLY difference inside is the valve cover which was cast with “Generac” instead of “OHV” which the HF unit has. I basically paid $350 more for a heavy steel case and no wheels. Won’t be buying from Generac again.