It’s not often that I write a product review that has my dad and Dave so jazzed. I knew they would be. Which is why I was so excited when I first told them we were getting an outdoor generator. From Ryobi. They thought I was kidding. “Seriously? You’re getting a generator?? In the middle of hurricane season???” I didn’t think you could actually earn “street cred” with your father and your spouse but, thanks to Ryobi, I think I’m just a little bit cooler in their eyes now.

And speaking of coolness, don’t you hate when the power goes out at your house and you’re left sitting there like an idiot sweating in the dark with no lighting, no television and, most importantly, no frozen snacks? Me, too. But that won’t be happening at my house anymore.

We literally just dodged Tropical Storm Karen last weekend. I was actually a little afraid we’d be test driving our new machine for real. Here in New Orleans, these weather-related power outages are pretty commonplace six months out of every year. Hurricane Katrina aside, even smaller storms like Gustav (2008) and Isaac (2012) knocked out my power for nearly a week. (Seriously, I wrote this post last year during an extended power outage. About wanting a generator!) Because people with generators are usually very popular in this part of the world during hurricane season. (Maybe I’ll get crowned power outage queen this year, you guys!)

But enough of my tomfoolery. Let’s take a look my new Ryobi RYi2200 generator, shall we?

1. It’s SMALL, especially considering the power it generates. (Cute kid not included.)

2. It’s LIGHTWEIGHT. (Remember, I am pathetically weak.) That means, lots of two-men jobs can now be handled by just one (wo-)man.

3. It’s ridiculously PORTABLE. (In case you ever need to run it through a crowded airport.)

Compact size, light weight and portability. All very nice features in a generator. Because, unlike me, not everyone is using them in the middle of natural disasters. Generators are also great for camping, tailgating, remote construction and all kinds of other outdoor activities. (Should I be concerned that my stupid brain goes immediately to a backyard space walk?)

The Ryobi RYi2200 offers all kinds of great features:

• Quiet Operation (You can talk over it without yelling.)
• Clean Power (So it’s safe for sensitive electronics.)
• Fuel Efficient (The auto idle mode allows it to run longer when less power is needed.)
• Parallel-Kit Capable (Hook two units together for twice the power.)
• Warning Indicators (So there’ll be no oil shortages or overloads on your watch.)
• Three-Year Warranty

Q: But, Michele, what can I power with a Ryobi RYi2200?

 .

A: With 2200 starting watts and 1800 running watts, the generator has the power to run all of these smaller things simultaneously.

OR a choice of larger ones individually, such as a microwave, a computer monitor, a refrigerator or a radiant heater. The generator even comes with a small set of cables that enable you to charge a car battery.

But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s see this machine in action. Once you add the oil and gas, it’s easy to start. I tried it several times and it never took me more than a few spastic yanks I decided not to share on film pulls.

It’s simple to power the things you really need.

As well as the ones you really want. (Notice the blender is louder than the  generator.)

Oh, and I can’t write a review about a generator without including this bit of information. “USING A GENERATOR INDOORS CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.” That’s written right on the box. As with all generators, please remember to operate your machine outside in a fully-ventilated area and run extension cords into your home to power whatever you need.

So, if you’re looking for a way to power your home, your car or just some of your stuff outside of a standard electrical setting, I’d absolutely recommend the Ryobi RYi2200. And, if you need more convincing, there are lots of other video product reviews (with dudes in them) on YouTube saying the same. Or you can just visit their website by clicking here.

As a thank you for reading today, Mel (who just reviewed a  Ryobi power washer) and I want to offer you a chance to win another great Ryobi product. So, we’re giving away TWO collapsible Ryobi lawn & leaf bags* … just in time for fall! They’re perfect for collecting debris, leaves and other trash or can be used for sports equipment or even laundry. (What? I know a family with eight kids!)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

*If this item is unavailable at time of order, another product of similar value with be substituted. Contest ends Monday, October 14, 2013.

Good luck, you guys!