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Generators

Generators Overview

Generators are a very helpful source of power for a number of different reasons. They're used for anything from camping to powering your entire home during outages. Many businesses have them on site for backup or additional power and many people have them for home use as well. Their uses are many and so too are the options.

The most popular use for Generators are to keep things running during power outages. Typical everyday outages will usually only last a few minutes or hours so it is a bit easier to keep the power going. However, with the ever-increasing instances of storms, floods, or any other natural disaster, it is becoming more and more common for outages to last days and even weeks. As a result, the Generators are becoming more powerful and more popular.

So whether you're in a vulnerable area that experiences frequent power outages or whether you just enjoy camping or RV-ing and need some extra juice for you appliances, a Generator can be a very valuable addition. As mentioned, the options are plentiful and the features are different so the choice is not an easy one. This comparison will help you find the best Generator for you.

Types of Generators

The 2 most common types of Generators are Stationary Generators and Portable Generators. They can be used for different things but overall you need to look at the same things when determining what to buy. Things like the size of the space you need power for will help determine how much power you need and which option to go with. Other things to consider are the price, wattage/voltage, size/weight, outputs, noise, fuel economy, ease of use/movement and run time.

Stationary Generators

Stationary Generators are generally the more powerful option and, as a result are much more expensive. They are usually installed by a professional and are designed to start up automatically during a power outage. Many will also automatically assess the damage, if any, caused by the outage and run diagnostics to tell you what needs to be fixed. Often they are set up to send the results directly to you for ease and convenience. They can be used in businesses and homes and the amount of power needed is what will help you determine the size and wattage of the unit you buy.

Portable Generators

Portable Generators are the more common option and are also the least expensive. They run on Gas, Propane or Diesel and, as the name suggests, are portable so can be used wherever you want. Some even run on solar power but they tend to be less powerful. All work differently but diesel generators tend to be more fuel efficient. Aside from that they produce the same result for the most part. They are great for a back-up at the home or use around the property but they are also great for campers and RVers who need power to run their small appliances or gadgets, etc.

What is an Inverter Generator?

Unlike Conventional Stationary Generators that are gas-powered and use a motor, Inverter Generators are different. They still use AC current like most units, but then the current is converted to DC voltage and “inverted” back to clean AC voltage allowing them to keep a constant flow of current to your appliances. They are typically smaller, less expensive and more fuel-efficient and, best of all, much quieter.