Are Aldi Generators Any Good? (Workzone Problems and Review)
If the price is right, that seems to be the bottom-line factor for most people when it comes to generators. If they can get a deal, then it is a good generator. If they don’t, well... There is more to generators than price, and one of those factors would be is it parallel ready.
Are Aldi generators any good? They say you ‘get what you pay for’, and this may or may not be the case with this brand of generator. There are both good and bad reviews concerning the Aldi generator, and some people have reported that it is sold under various brand names.
To learn more about the Aldi generator, continue to read our article. It will provide you with the information you want to know about and help you make a generator buying decision. Many people are satisfied with their purchase.
Aldi Generators 101
Does Aldi Sell Generators?
It seems that this store chain does sell generators, and they provide a 3-year warranty on their Workzone model. However, it is hard to tell exactly how many models they sell as their products list includes food items, household items, and seasonal products. They do not seem to have a category for generators, though.
The reviews of this generator seem to be mixed with some of the happy customers satisfied with the low price. Others feel that the low price is an indication of quality level and it is not good.
One thing we did find out is that the same generator is marketed under different brand names. That means you may be getting an Aldi generator without even knowing it. There are at least five other brand names attached to this generator.
If you do not find an Aldi generator at your local store, it may be rotated out from time to time. The company has stated that many products are handled in this manner through their Aldi Finds program.
Who Makes Aldi Generators?
We mentioned their Aldi Finds program, and it is a system where the store highlights certain products for a short period, then they disappear from the shelves. Their WorkZone label is one of those products. So you may find a generator at their store, or you may not. It just depends on the time of year.
With that said, Aldi does not make its own generators. Theirs is just a re-branded product, and one source is Pulsar Products. Another company that may be the source is Wachsmuth & Krogmann, as that outfit makes many different Workzone products for Aldi.
According to some experts, the generators are actually made by an anonymous company in China. The actual company that makes these generators is not known as many Chinese factories do not provide that information and only use the ordering companies’ names and logos, and other information.
Are Aldi Generators Any Good?
This is a very good question, and the answer may lie in if you bought a lemon or one that was made right. The reviews on this product are mixed with about equal advocates for both possible types.
By that, we mean that there are as many negative reviews as there are positive ones. It seems that you will be playing a hit-or-miss type of game when you buy this brand of generator. You could be lucky, or you could be unlucky.
That seems to be the way it is with Chinese-sourced products. Unless the company supplies the specs and the inspectors to monitor quality control, the Chinese manufacturing companies may not produce outstanding products.
That is what one expert has said as well. You just do not know until you buy one and start it up.
Aldi Workzone Generator 2000w
The word is that this is a very good generator to have in your RV. It is capable of producing up to 3 kilowatts. Its reputation tells everyone that it is not going to last forever. Some say that three years is the maximum life span of this device.
For some people, that seems plenty long enough, given that other models may not last one year. Its portable design allows you to pack it away into one of your storage bins without any hassles.
Then it does an excellent job providing power not only to your RV but also to your traditional home. The one you want will depend on your purpose for this device. There are rating charts that will help you pick up a model. Some are rated for specific time use, like 2 to 5 hours, and some for more extended periods.
Aldi Inverter Generator 3600w
This model may also have a short lifespan, but if you do not need to use it often, it may last longer than the 2000w. It comes with a 10 1/2 liter fuel tank which equals roughly 3 gallons.
The power it puts out should also be greater than the 2000w, which can run an RV’s air conditioning system with no problem. This model may be as quiet as the 2000w, and then for some people, it may seem very noisy.
The power is there, but it is the lifespan that may rouble many people. It is not going to last as long as the more reputable generator brands. The cost is right as one price was $399 AU dollars, and we have seen it going for as low as $349 US.
Again, the ‘you get what you pay for’ principle will apply here, and not every model will be top quality.
Aldi Generator Price
This will depend on the store itself. We have seen different prices, and they have all been listed for under $400. This has sparked the ‘you get what you pay for’ adverse reaction to this generator brand.
These models will not be like Honda’s or other top generator brands, and while you initially save money, you may be spending the same amount in a couple of years.
Then the price may fluctuate depending on the source company. Aldi has its products manufactured on a contract manufacturing basis, which means that the source company that made the generator two months ago may not be the same manufacturer that is making it this month.
While the products are still good, you are just not going to get the same type of generator the next time you buy it. Or it may not be made by the same company that your friend’s was made by.
Aldi Generator Warranty
As reported earlier, the Aldi generator comes with a 3-year warranty. Here is a link to their warranty page. We should point out that Aldi is NOT providing the warranty. If you need to make a warranty request, that page has the e-mail address to Pulsar products.
That is at this time. If the company has their generators made by a different company, you may expect their warranty page to reflect that change and list a different e-mail address to a different company.
There is no further information on that web page concerning limitations, liabilities, or restrictions. You would have to carefully read your warranty card or contact Pulsar directly.
There is supposed to be a 30-day money-back guarantee offered by Aldi, so if your generator fails in that time, you have the chance to get your money back. Check with your local store to see what your warranty options are.
Aldi Generator Problems
One problem that has been reported is that the device may leak oil. That could be a seal or gasket issue if it happens to you. Another owner said that the generator failed to produce electricity after a few hours of operation.
Another said that the motor started just fine, but they produced no power and could not be used. Then one owner experienced a starting motor after ten pulls only to have the motor seize after 10 minutes of run time.
Still, more owners reported the generator is very noisy once they got it to run. Louder than usual, although another owner stated it was quieter than expected. The problems you will have will depend on the model.
Some will be good as many owners reported that the generator has been working well for years. Others have different problems like those just mentioned, and others have had the invertor go down on them, including after the warranty repair.
Aldi Generator Won’t Start
The first place to look will be your gas tank. If there is no gas in the tank, then do not expect the device to power up and produce electricity. Next, you may be low on oil, and since Aldi generators may take a special oil, you need to make sure you use that brand.
After checking those two possible sources, look at the battery. If it is dead, then there will be no starting power. Also, make sure you unplug any extension cords or appliances that are already plugged into the generator—sometimes, having these cords plugged in at startup hinders the motor from going.
Some owners reported that once they got their Aldi motor running, the engine revved too fast. This could be because the choke is wide open. If the choke is open too far or closed too much, you probably will not start the engine.
Other sources to look at will be the spark plug, the air filter, the carb, and the fuel line, or one of the sensors is malfunctioning.
Workzone Generator Manual
This should not be a hard quest to go on. Since Workzone generators are still being produced, their manuals should be easy to find online. Also, you may want to check the manuals for Pulsar Products generators since those devices are the same as the Work Zone ones.
Here is one link you can use as it does have a manual ready for download. You can also view the individual pages for free. A second source would be this link. It also provides manuals for other Workzone products.
Finally, Aldi’s website has a web page for manuals and warranties. Just click here to get to their web page. There are other options you can try if these three do not work out for you. A quick internet search will turn them up for you.
Aldi Generator Oil
While we did say that this generator may need special oil, it seems that it does not. You just have to buy the correct oil made for generators, which means you can pick any brand you want.
We checked the owner’s manual, and there was no mention of any special brand or viscosity. However, you should be aware that there is an automatic shut-off system in place when the oil levels get too low.
There is an oil sensor that monitors your oil level so make sure to check your oil tank if your generator stops suddenly on you. Before starting the generator for the first time, make sure to add the proper amount. It is essential for good operation, and the tank should take about 1/3 of a quart.
Check your oil regularly and make sure you keep the oil tank filled to the proper level to ensure smooth running.
Some Final Words
If you want to take the risk, then buy an Aldi generator. One owner reported that out of the 13 Aldi brand tools he bought, he has had trouble with only one of them. When you go Chinese-made, it will always be hit and miss.
Sometimes you will get a great generator, and sometimes you may not. Also, make sure to take care of your Aldi generator to last longer and perform well.
