Best Portable Generators Consumer Reports
Finding the right portable generator can be tricky. With so many products on the market and each claiming to offer something different, it’s hard to know where to start your search. That’s why we’re here to help: in this blog post, we’ll give you the comprehensive guide to finding the best portable generators out there. We’ll explain their different features, types of categories available on the market today and even share a few tips for ensuring your purchase decision is an informed one. So stay tuned if you’re looking for that perfect generator!
Top 10 Best Portable Generators
What are portable generators?
Portable generators are a convenient and reliable power source for when you’re away from the traditional grid. They offer a variety of uses and applications, such as powering tools on construction sites, powering recreational vehicles while camping, providing backup power during emergencies or outages, or providing an alternate source of electricity to remote locations. Portable generators are usually powered by gasoline engines and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small units that will fit in the trunk of your car to larger units that can be pulled behind a vehicle.
Factors to consider before buying portable generators
Size: The size of your generator will depend on what you intend to use it for and where you intend to use it. If you’re looking for a smaller unit that can be used on camping trips or at tailgate parties, then you should consider something like an inverter generator or a gas-powered generator that’s lightweight and easy to transport. However, if you’re looking for an emergency backup power source at home or in the office, then consider investing in a larger generator with more power and an automatic stop/start function.
Brand: When buying a portable generator, make sure that you purchase from a known brand with a reputation for producing quality products. This will help ensure that your new generator is reliable and well made.
Price: You don’t want to spend too much money on your portable generator, but at the same time, if you buy one that isn’t up to par then it won’t serve its purpose well either. To find the right balance between cost and quality, do some research into what other people have said about their purchases before deciding which model might work best for your needs.
Power: Before you buy a portable generator, you should consider how much power you will need for it to produce. Portable generators can be purchased with varying wattage outputs, ranging from 1,000 watts to up to 10,000 watts. If you are not sure of how much power you will need for your specific application or application needs, look at the equipment that you plan on running with your portable generator and then add up the total wattage of all of these devices together. This total wattage is the amount of energy you will need from your portable generator.
Fuel: To determine what type of fuel your portable generator needs, check its owner’s manual or specifications page on its manufacturer website for information about fuel types compatible with this particular model. Most portable generators run on gasoline but some newer models also use natural gas or propane as an alternative fuel source. Some models can even run on diesel fuel instead!
Design: The design of the generator should be such that it can fit into your desired space without any issues. If possible, opt for a model that has wheels or is portable so that you can move it around easily.
Style: It’s important to consider the style of your generator before making your purchase. You should also decide whether you want a gas-powered or an electric generator since these two types have different benefits and drawbacks. For instance, gas-powered generators are cheaper than electric ones but they emit fumes which can be harmful for humans as well as animals.
Warranty: It is essential to check what kind of warranty comes with your purchase because this will determine how much coverage you get from the manufacturer if anything goes wrong with your equipment. For example, some manufacturers offer limited warranties on their products while others offer lifetime warranties instead so make sure you know exactly what kind of coverage comes with each type before making your final decision!
Customer Service: A good place to start is by checking out the customer service. Most companies offer some type of warranty on their products, but if you have any issues with your generator or need help setting it up, you’ll want to be able to call them for assistance right away. If they don’t answer their phones quickly or give you the runaround when you do reach them, this isn’t a company whose products will last very long.
Benefits of portable generators
Here are some of the benefits of using a portable generator:
– Portable generators are more efficient than other types of generators. They use less fuel than gas-powered generators and produce fewer emissions, making them better for the environment.
– The fuel can be stored for long periods of time without losing any of its potency. This means that you can store fuel for emergencies and not worry about it going bad when you need it most.
– Portable generators are easy to use and maintain because they don’t require any special training or experience to operate safely. Just fill up the tank with gas and oil, turn it on when you need power, and let it run until there’s no more electricity left in your house!
– Portable generators are a great choice for people who live in areas that experience frequent blackouts or other power outages. They’re also useful for campers, boaters and RV owners who want to keep their devices charged while they’re away from home.
Pros and Cons of portable generators
Pros:
-Portable generators are easy to move around, so you can take them anywhere you need them.
-You don’t have to install a permanent generator at your house or campsite, which makes it easier if you’re renting or want to sell your property later on. You also don’t have to worry about making holes in the wall or damaging the building’s structure by installing one permanently.
-They can be used just about anywhere—in your garage or backyard, for example—as long as there’s an electrical outlet nearby so that you can plug them in after they’ve been running for awhile and then unplug them when they’re done powering up your appliances or lights (or whatever else).
Cons:
-Portable generators are loud! They’ll make noise even while they’re turned off if there’s gas left inside them (which means they could start leaking fuel if not emptied before storing). Also, because they’re portable
Types of portable generators
-Conventional portable generators and inverter generators are two main types of portable generators available on the market. Conventional generators are ideal for large scale jobs such as powering construction sites, running events, and providing backup power for your home in case of an outage. They typically provide more power than an inverter generator and often come with a larger price tag.
-Inverter generators are designed to be incredibly light, quiet, and fuel efficient while still providing all the necessary features you will need in a generator. They use sophisticated electronics to convert AC into DC then back again into AC so that it delivers clean electricity with minimum distortion, making them ideal for powering sensitive electronic devices like laptops and TVs. Inverters tend to have smaller engines which makes them significantly quieter than conventional models, allowing you to use them in residential areas without exceeding noise limits. As they don’t require as much fuel as conventional generators, they make a great choice if you plan on using your generator for extended periods of time.
How to use portable generators?
Portable generators can be incredibly useful in a variety of situations, as they offer an efficient and reliable source of energy. Here’s how to use them safely and effectively:
- Select the right generator for your needs – Portable generators come in different sizes and power outputs, so make sure you select one that meets your requirements. Consider the types of appliances you want to use and the wattage of each device, then calculate the total wattage required. This will help you choose a generator that offers enough power while also being within your budget.
- Prepare a safe environment – Make sure the area where you plan to run the generator is properly ventilated and away from any buildings or combustible materials. Always keep children and pets away from open flames or hot surfaces of the generator.
- Read instructions carefully – Before running your generator, read all instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully and follow safety guidelines closely. Familiarize yourself with all controls; this will help ensure proper operation and prevent any hazards associated with misuse or incorrect handling.
- Fill up with fuel – Before starting, fill up your portable generator with fresh fuel (check manufacturer’s recommendations). Make sure to use only approved fuel containers for storage and transportation; never pour gasoline directly into the tank when the engine is running or hot!
- Connect appliances safely – To connect appliances safely, use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use and suitable for powering electronic devices such as laptops, televisions, etc.; check manufacturer’s recommendations before connecting high-power tools or large appliances like washers/dryers, refrigerators or air conditioners to your generator system.
- Start it up – Once everything is set up properly, you can start up your portable generator following manufacturer’s guidelines (usually using a pull-start cord). Make sure there are no spills on or near the unit while running; if needed, move it further away from buildings or other combustible material before turning it off again.
- Monitor voltage levels – While operating portable generators always keep an eye on voltage levels as they may vary depending on load capacity and type of appliance being powered; this could prevent potential damage to connected devices due to overvoltage conditions. Also consider installing surge protection devices between sensitive electrical equipment and the generator output for additional protection against voltage spikes generated during normal operation.
Common mistakes when using portable generators
Portable generators are a great solution for power outages, but they can be dangerous if used improperly. Here are some common mistakes when using portable generators:
– Not knowing what kind of generator you have. There are different kinds of generators, so it’s important to know the differences between them.
– Not knowing how much wattage the device you want to use needs in order to operate properly. If the generator is too small, it won’t provide enough power for your device and could overheat or even catch on fire. If it’s too large, it will run out of fuel quickly and won’t provide enough power for all of your devices at once.
– Using a generator indoors without proper ventilation or exhaust fans can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, so always use them outdoors or in an open garage with plenty of ventilation if possible!
– Trying to use a gas-powered generator while driving it with an extension cord plugged into an outlet indoors is especially dangerous because there’s no way for fumes from exhaust ports (which can leak when operating) to escape safely through vents in an enclosed space like this—they’ll just build up inside until they burn something up!
FAQs:
How often does a portable generator need to be run?
The frequency at which a portable generator needs to be run depends on the type of generator, how it is being used and the maintenance schedule that has been established. Generally speaking, portable generators need to be run for a minimum of two hours every month in order to ensure optimal performance. This is done so that the engine can remain lubricated and all necessary components remain in good condition. Additionally, oil may need to be drained and refilled after 25-50 hours of use or on a yearly basis, depending on manufacturer instructions.
Aside from the minimum requirements, prolonged running time can also provide benefits in terms of improved fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions and improved startup reliability. It is recommended that portable generators are operated at least once a week for 1-2 hours under normal load conditions with varying speeds throughout the duration. To prevent any buildup of moisture or corrosion caused by remaining idle, it is also recommended that portable generators are allowed to run for roughly 10 minutes each week when not in use. Doing so will help keep all parts properly cooled or warmed up depending on the weather conditions.
Finally, if the generator is going to be stored for extended periods of time without being used, it should be serviced and cleaned more frequently than when actively used. This includes draining fuel from the tank as well as running all fluids through their respective systems before storage to avoid any potential problems down the road.
Can you run a portable generator all night?
It is possible to run a portable generator all night, although it is generally not advised. The primary risk of running a portable generator all night long is the possibility of it overheating or damaging its components due to lack of sufficient ventilation and cooling. Portable generators should always be run in well-ventilated areas, away from buildings and windows, with plenty of air flow. If the generator has been running for an extended period of time, it is important to shut it off every few hours to allow it to cool down. It is also important that the area near the generator is kept clear of any combustible materials such as leaves or other debris that could increase the risk of fire.
How long can you safely run a portable generator?
It is generally safe to run a portable generator for up to 8 hours at a time, provided it is properly serviced and maintained, and the manufacturer’s instructions are followed. When running an engine-powered portable generator, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding refueling, oil changes, and other maintenance requirements. Additionally, ensure that the exhaust is vented away from living areas to prevent dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces.
Conclusion:
If you are in the market for a portable generator, be sure to check out our list of the best ones on the market. We have thoroughly researched and vetted each one to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you! No matter what your needs are, we are confident that one of these generators will be perfect for you. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and find the perfect portable generator today!
I’m Ella Andrews, owner of the website https://bestconsumerstips.com/
I give you valuable information about good products to help you choose the best product.