The essential guide to buying a generator

Understanding the Basics: What's a Generator, and Why Do You Need One?

Power outages and natural disasters can leave us in the dark, bringing daily life to a standstill. But with the right generator, you can keep the lights on and maintain essential appliances running. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essentials of buying a generator and provide some top picks to help you make an informed decision.

Unraveling the Power: Wattage and Capacity

A generator is a portable or stationary device that converts mechanical energy into electrical power used to keep essential devices operating during a power outage or off-the-grid living. From powering essential home appliances and outdoor tools to providing backup electricity for commercial or emergency purposes, generators come in handy in various situations.

There are two primary types of generators:

1. Portable Generators - These offer temporary power solutions and are best for camping, tailgating, or light construction work. They run on gas or propane and supply electricity via extensions cords to power devices.
2. Standby (Stationary) Generators - Installed permanently outside a home, these generators offer backup power for an entire household during an extended outage. They run on natural gas, propane, or diesel and are connected to the home's electrical panel.

Fuel Type Matters: Pros and Cons

Before choosing a generator, determine the running wattage of all devices you need the generator to power. To do this, add up the wattage (both starting and running) of all your essential devices. The generator should have enough capacity to handle this total wattage, plus a safety margin.

For example, a 3,000-watt generator can power:

1. Refrigerator: 600 watts (starting) / 200 watts (running)
2. Portable heater: 1,500 watts (starting) / 1,500 watts (running)
3. Lights: 60 watts
4. A portable fan: 120 watts

Total Wattage: 2,880 watts (with some safety margin)

It's important to note that motor-driven devices have both starting and running wattages, with the starting wattage higher than the continuous (running) wattage. Ensure the generator's capacity can handle both loads.

Pondering Portable? Remember These Features

Generators use different fuel types. Common options include gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. Each fuel type has its pros and cons:

Gasoline: Widely available and often less expensive, gasoline has a shorter shelf life and is not suitable for long-term storage. It's better suited for portable generators.

Diesel: Diesel generators offer better fuel efficiency and durability but are costlier upfront. They are recommended for heavy-duty usage like construction sites and commercial backup power.

Propane: Propane burns cleaner and has a longer shelf life, making it ideal for infrequent use. Propane can be expensive compared to natural gas or diesel.

Natural Gas: Standby generators connected to pre-existing natural gas lines provide a continuous supply of fuel. In areas with frequent power outages, natural gas generators offer a reliable, long-term backup solution.

Top Picks: Our Recommendations

If you decide on a portable generator, consider the following features:

1. Wheels: Make transportation more accessible with wheels and handles.
2. Inverter Technology: For sensitive electronic devices, inverter generators provide steady and clean power, with minimal power fluctuations.
3. Multiple Outlets: Select a generator with a combination of 120V and 240V outlets to suit various devices.
4. Electric Start: An electric start feature simplifies turning the generator on and off.

The Final Spark: Making Your Purchase

1. : Westinghouse WGen9500DF. This dual-fuel, portable generator boasts 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts, suitable for household and construction site usage.

2. : Predator 61169. With 3,000 continuous watts, this affordable generator is perfect for camping or powering essential home appliances.

3. : Generac Guardian 22kW. This standby generator can power an entire home and runs on natural gas or propane.

Purchasing a generator is an investment in your home's infrastructure and family's safety. By understanding the generator types, output capacity, fuel types, and essential features, you can make an informed decision. So, don't wait until the next power outage – keep the power flowing with the perfect generator for your needs.