So you’ve decided to buy a Generator! Now what?

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your generator search, we understand the overwhelming amount of information out there. We recognize that investing in a generator is a significant decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our mission is to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to make an informed and enjoyable generator purchase, ensuring you find the perfect fit for you and your family.

How Do They Work?

An apparatus that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is called a generator. Devices and appliances are powered by it while you are not connected to the power grid. When there is a power outage or during a natural disaster like a hurricane or snowstorm, generators are essential safety equipment. You will be able to maintain your home’s heat, vital appliances, lighting, and necessary medical equipment if you have a generator. Living in a place where there are regular, brief blackouts can make owning a generator less annoying and guarantee that you never have an unplanned blackout ruin your day.

In addition, smaller generators can be used to power workshops, boats, and RVs without electrical wiring. For outdoor events like tailgating and camping, carry a portable generator in case you need to power small appliances or charge gadgets.

How Much Generator Power Do You Need?

There are three basic types of generators: whole house generators, portable generators and inverter generators.

Inverter generators are ideal for camping, boating and other recreational activities. They operate quieter than other generators and provide power for lights, heaters, fans, radios, smart phones and more.

Whole house generators (home standby generators) are the best generators for home use. They are designed to provide ample power for your appliances and HVAC systems.

Portable generators are often used on job sites to power air compressors, nail guns, saws, hammer drills and other equipment. Most are loud, but there are quiet portable generators too.

Whole House Generators

home stand by generator

When you cut off the power to your home, whole house generators, also known as home standby generators, keep your appliances and systems running.

  • Receive instantaneous automated backup power during a power outage.
  • Whole house generators are permanently installed and offer blackout protection twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
  • The machine can be run on an existing fuel source, like liquid propane or natural gas.
  • Whole house generators can be used to power specific circuits or the entire house, depending on your needs.
  • When selecting the ideal generator for home backup, take into account models that come equipped with extra features like weekly self-diagnostic testing or quieter operation.

Best Portable Generators

portable generators

Portable generators are used on construction sites and offer modest electricity for brief periods of time. To idle the engine down while not in use, select auto-idle for increased efficiency and longer run time.

The approximate wattages of some common instruments are as follows:

  • Chain Saw: 1000-1800
  • Circular Saw: 1200-1600
  • Drill (depends on size): 250-1200
  • String Trimmer: 600-1100
  • Hedge Clippers: 300-1000
  • Leaf Blower: 1000-1400
  • Planer: 300-900
  • Sanders: 250-1500
  • Router: 100-1500
  • Shop Vacuum: 700-1400
  • Paint Sprayer: 500-1000
  • Miter Saw: 500-1000

See the handbook for your particular tool for more precise wattage values.

A 12-volt plug on the greatest portable generators for house use will make it simpler to charge smartphones and other wireless gadgets.

Inverter Generators

Quiet inverter generators are lightweight and convenient to travel because of their reduced noise levels. They generate AC electricity and transform it into DC power using an engine coupled to an alternator. An inverter is among the best generators for RV travel, tailgating, camping, and boating since DC power can be stored.

The approximate wattages of common products operated by an inverter generator are as follows:

  • Lights: 250
  • Fan: 100
  • Space Heater: 1500
  • Hot Plate: 1200
  • Crock Pot: 1200
  • Television: 250

For more exact wattage amounts, see your specific appliance manual.

Tip: You can usually connect two inverter generators together for twice the power.

Generator Fuel Types

Generator Fuel Types

When choosing between types of generators, consider the types of fuel each generator will need. Fuel availability and storage are important factors when maintaining your generator. The generator’s fuel source should be affordable for you and on-hand whenever you need it. Below are the common types of generator fuel:

Gasoline:

  • Readily available and easy to purchase, making it a good choice for portable generators.
  • Available in 2- to 5-gallon portable cans.
  • Lasts for 3 to 6 months when properly stored in an air-tight container.
  • Lasts for up to 3 years when properly stored and combined with a fuel stabilizer.
  • Gasoline generators should only be used outdoors.

Diesel:

  • Offers the most energy per gallon of all generator fuel types.
  • Reliable and readily available, making it a good choice for home standby generators or commercial generators.
  • Diesel generators perform best when used for big jobs over long periods of time.
  • Should only be used outdoors.
  • Lasts for 6 months to 1 year when properly stored and without added stabilizers.

Natural gas:

  • Most cost-effective and readily available fuels for home standby generators.
  • Less energy-efficient per gallon than diesel, gasoline and propane.
  • Delivered through natural gas pipelines, so refueling is not necessary. No storage required, making it the most convenient choice for residential and commercial generators.
  • Should never be used indoors.
  • Supply usually not affected by power outages.

Propane:

  • Available as liquid propane or vapor propane.
  • Liquid propane does not deteriorate, so it can be stored long-term.
  • Clean burning.
  • Should never be used indoors.
  • Commonly used in inverter generators for RVs, campers and food trucks.

Dual fuel:

  • Unique type of generator that can burn gasoline/diesel and has a natural gas hookup.
  • Dual-fuel generators are not for use indoors.
  • Not a standard type of generator, so not all manufacturers offer dual-fuel models.

Solar generators:

  • Clean, renewable energy for portable generators.
  • Can often install more solar panels to increase power output.
  • Can safely run indoors, as there are no emissions.
  • Dependent on the sun for energy, so not always reliable in an emergency situation.
  • Lower power output than other types of generators.

Battery generators:

  • Used in battery-powered inverter generators.
  • Often combined with solar generators.
  • Quiet and safe to run indoors.
  • Often take a long time to charge and have a lower power output than other types of generators.

Other Considerations

When selecting the best generators for home backup or portable purposes, take into account the following variables in addition to type, wattage, fuel type, and purpose:

  • Size: Ensure that you have adequate room to store the fuel and the generator.
  • Noise: Some generators can be noisy and unsettling, especially those powered by diesel. When selecting generators, consider how much noise you can tolerate. If you must be close to a generator while it is operating, choose for quiet generators.
  • Price: In general, a generator’s cost increases with its power output. Look for a generator that can provide only your essential needs if you want to cut costs.
  • Performance: To ascertain the model’s performance capabilities, find out how long it can operate on a full tank or battery.
  • Additional features: Some generators come equipped with extra features including numerous outlets, an economy mode, wheels for portability, automated starting, and more. In addition, handle and wheel installation kits, as well as weatherproof storage covers and adapters, are available as generator accessories.

Safety Tips For Generators

Safety Tips

Generators are helpful when there are blackouts, natural disasters, or when power is needed in remote areas, but they must be handled carefully to prevent damage or injury. Top priorities to remember are:

  • Get the appropriate sized generator for your requirements.
  • The generator should not be near water.
  • Use the correct extension cords at all times.
  • The generator can emit dangerous carbon monoxide, therefore never run it in a closed space.
  • While being stored, some fuels may pose a safety risk, and generator exhaust may contain harmful substances. Verify that the generator type you select complies with EPA regulations in your region.
  • To guarantee safety when utilizing a generator, adhere to the information on the chart above.

Determine your generator’s primary function before shopping for the best one for you. From there, you can figure out how much power you need and which fuel source will work best for you.