Portable generators are right now the most popular type of generator on the market, due to their wide range of applications and flexibility of use. Choosing the right portable generator; however, that is high-quality is not always an easy task.
With so many features to consider and so many models available on the market, you must have a thorough understanding of what to look for when buying a portable generator. This article is a guide to how to recognize a quality portable generator that will fulfill all your power needs.
1. Size and Power
When it comes to a generator size, its power will determine how portable it is – ranging from under 2000 watts that allows you to carry it by hand or pull it along with a handle, all the way to over 7000 watts, which is the model that is built for heavy and professional applications. The more power the generator has, the bigger it’s dimension, and this results in different types of designs to match its use. In order to find a quality portable generator that fits your needs, you have to take many factors into consideration: the frequency of use, your power requirements, it is exterior relating to the aforementioned size. Make sure that you identify your needs and then do your research to find the correct model of the generator to fit those needs.
2. Noise Levels
No matter how convenient a portable generator is in terms of its function, if it is excessively loud, then that is going to be an issue in many applications. When choosing a portable generator for home use, portable generators that are quiet are ideal because you do not want to have prolonged exposure to loud noises of 85 decibels and above as this can cause hearing issues for you and your family. Furthermore, an excessively loud generator can cause tension between you and your neighbors and can even get you into trouble with the law.
Therefore, when looking to purchase a portable generator for your home, you should consider options that prioritize quietness, which is usually the ones that are smaller in size with less power. Diesel generators are typically quieter than gasoline-powered generators, so that is another thing to keep in mind.
3. Power Source
Generally speaking, gas generators are the most popular option since the fuel is cheap and easily available, but that is not to say that diesel ones are not worth taking a look at when making a purchasing decision. While diesel generators are more expensive, you get better fuel efficiency and increased reliability. For a more environmentally friendly fuel source, you can also go for a propane generator. Whatever your choice of fuel is, keep an eye on the fuel tank to make sure that your generator can operate effectively whenever you need it. The larger the tank capacity, the longer the generator can go between refueling. You also have the choice of going for a battery-powered generator, which has lots of advantages like rechargeability, silent operation, and zero emissions. Still, they are more expensive and are typically less practical when compared to other options.
4. Outlets
Your choice of generator will vary depending on your needs and preferences, but generally, it is hard to go wrong with a portable generator that has numerous outlets. And this is mainly due to 2 reasons:
– With multiple connections with various appliances through the use of several outlets, you are making it easier for your device to generate stable power. At the same time, you do not want to overload the outlets and exhaust the generator by using all of them at once since this can potentially damage all connected appliances and the generator itself.
– Moreover, having multiple outlets on your generator means you have the option to choose between a variety of outlet types other than the standard ones. However, be mindful of the amps and volts needed for the connected devices and use them accordingly to protect both the connected devices and the generator itself. Some even offer USB ports that are always welcome in this day and age.
Whether you are preparing for an emergency power situation, intending to run a job site, or have other recreational uses in mind, a quality portable generator is a highly useful piece of kit. With so many options available, it may seem difficult to choose the right generator to suit your requirements, but with this detailed guide in hand, you will be able to find the best model for you amongst the plethora of options out there.
