RYOBI 6500-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator w/ CO Detect Shutdown Sensor - 6500S

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Ryobi RY906500S Generator Review - Consumer Reports

Quick overview

The Ryobi RY906500S is an open-frame, gasoline portable generator aimed at jobsites and home backup (storms, outages). It delivers 8,125 starting watts and 6,500 running watts, has a 6-gallon tank, and includes an automatic carbon monoxide shutoff sensor.

Typical street price: around $861 at Home Depot (prices vary).

Key specifications

Spec Detail Starting watts 8,125 W Running watts 6,500 WVoltage120/240V, 60 Hz Running amps 54.2 A @ 120V / 27.1 A @ 240V Peak amps~67.7 A @ 120V / 33.9 A @ 240VEngine420 cc OHV 4-stroke (Ducar; older RY906500 used Honda GX390 389 cc) Start Recoil / Easy Start (Off → Cold Start → Run) Fuel Gasoline only (unleaded, max 10% ethanol — no E15/E85) Tank 6 gallons Runtime @ 50% load Up to ~10 hours (~0.6 gal/hr)Noise~72 dBA (lower limit); reviewers measured higher at close range THD< 20% (not inverter — not ideal for sensitive electronics) Weight~195–214 lbs (varies by listing) Dimensions (L×W×H)~35–39 × 29 × 24.5 in Outlets (4) 120V 20A GFCI (two duplex 5-20R) + (1) 120/240V 30A L14-30R twist-lock AVR Yes Protections Low-oil shutdown, overload/circuit breakers, CO sensor auto-shutoff, spark arrestor Hour meter Yes (voltage, frequency, run hours) Wheels / frame Hand-truck frame, 10" wheels, folding handle Warranty 3-year limited Compliance EPA (not CARB) Included Engine oil, wheel kit, tool kit

Headline features you can use

• 8,125 starting / 6,500 running watts — enough for many household essentials plus jobsite tools (fridge, lights, sump pump, well pump, some AC, power tools).
• CO Detect automatic shutdown — sensor shuts the engine off if CO levels get too high. Red LED alert. Position the unit so exhaust does not blow toward the sensor.
• Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) — more stable power than unregulated units.
• GFCI-protected 120V outlets + L14-30R 30A twist-lock (transfer-switch ready for home backup when installed by a qualified electrician).
• EasyStart 3-position system — simpler recoil starting than a basic choke-only pull start.
• 6-gallon tank / ~10 hours at 50% load.
• Digital display — voltage, frequency, and hour meter for maintenance.
• Low-oil shutdown and covered outlets.
• Open-frame hand-truck design with folding handle and 10" wheels.

Typical use cases

• Home standby during storms/outages (fridge, freezer, lights, sump/well pump, select 240V loads via the L14-30R).
• Jobsite power for tools, work lights, and compressors (watch starting surge).
• RV / job trailer (not “RV-ready” in the 30A TT-30 sense; uses L14-30R).
• Not recommended as primary power for computers, TVs, or other sensitive electronics because of THD.

Review snapshot

Pro Tool Reviews scored it 8.8/10: solid value at this wattage with CO Detect, decent frame, and useful outlet mix. Consumer Reports noted strong power delivery and surge handling, clean-enough voltage for a conventional generator, and easy starting/transport for the class — with the usual “fairly noisy” portable-generator caveat. Common praise: power vs. price, CO shutoff, GFCI outlets, wheels/handle. Common knocks: no electric start, weight (~200 lbs), conventional (non-inverter) waveform, and possible CO false trips if exhaust blows onto the sensor.

Safety / operation notes worth including

• Run outdoors only, far from windows/doors. Follow CDC CO distance guidance.
• Use only unleaded gasoline with ≤10% ethanol.
• Add the included oil before first start; check oil every use.
• Never backfeed a house panel without a properly installed transfer switch.
• Place the generator so exhaust does not blow toward the CO sensor.
• Spark arrestor is present (good for many jobsite / wildland rules).