I bought this for very occasionall use with my campervan and to charge the starter battery if I was to have a flat battery whilst out wild camping in a remote area. Yes it starts/ runs/ generates. But you may need quite a few pulls to get started. Its rated at 800w max. I've not tested it's full rating but it will not power an 800w microwave. Even on its lowest power setting. Thats probably because a microwave " surges " as does a jet wash. The ECO function works well.