Choosing a Portable Generator Style

Choosing a portable generator depends on your application.  There are 3 main styles of portable generators - inverter, professional and emergency.  While they can be used interchangeably, it’s best to stick with the style that matches your needs.

Honda EU2000i

Inverter generators are typically quieter than other styles of portable generators due to a unique alternator that produces clean AC power.  This alternator also reduces the size and weight of the generator, and makes them well-suited for recreational use in camping and tailgating settings.  However, they won’t power much during an outage.  They also run at a higher price tag than portable generators with comparable wattage.  The top seller in this category is the Honda EU2000i.

Generac XG8000E

Professional generators are assembled with commercial quality components and are designed to consistently run throughout the workday.  Due to the nature of their use, professional generators feature GFCI outlets to meet OSHA standards, hour meters, and lifting eyes.  These features are not typically found on emergency generators and raise the price tag.  The top seller in this category is the Generac XG8000E.

Generac GP7500E

Emergency or backup generators are designed to be used occasionally during power outages.   They will not hold up to everyday use, but are affordable and durable if used a couple times a year in the event of a blackout.  These generators range from 3000 to 17,500 watts and the price starts at about $300, the most affordable of these three styles.  At the low end of wattage, you’ll be able to power a few household appliances, like a refrigerator or sump pump, as well as keep on a few lights or a TV.  At the high end, you can achieve coverage on most if not all of your home, and the largest ones can even turn over a central A/C unit.  The best seller in this category is the Generac GP7500E.

What's the Best Recreational Camping Generator?

A lot of people want to know which recreational camping generator is "the best."

While they all have their own benefits, I can think of one that is an all-around great recreational generator.

If you ask most camping fanatics, you'll often be told that Honda is the best. There is a reason for that. Honda utilizes innovative technology in their inverter generators to significantly reduce noise, cut down on weight, and enhance fuel efficiency.

One of the best Honda models for camping is the Honda EU2000i. It has an Eco Throttle system, enabling the engine to only run as fast as needed for the given load.

The fuel tank holds 1.1 gallons of fuel, and will run for 9.6 hours when using Eco Throttle, so you can clearly tell how fuel efficient it is.

There is also a lot to be said about Yamaha generators, and they can arguably be better, but the Honda EU2000i has been consistently popular among camping enthusiasts.

Connecting Two Parallel Portable Generators

Sometimes you need a lot of power, like when you have to power an air conditioner. However, portable generators that are strong enough to run an A/C unit also tend to be large enough to require multiple people to move them.

Imagine if you could separate your portable generator in half and move half at a time. With tandem generators, you're able to do that. 

Tandem generators are smaller generators that connect together to generate the power of a much larger generator that you may not be able to move.

If you currently have an inverter generator, you can get yourself another compatible portable generator and tether it to the existing one with a set of parallel cables to effectively double the power.

If you don't already have an inverter generator, you can get companion kits that feature two portable inverter generators and the necessary parallel cables for connecting them together.

This kind of a setup is great for RV trips, camping trips, tailgating, and any other situation where you'll have to move your generator by hand to power a large appliance or multiple appliances.

What's the Difference Between an Inverter Generator and a Conventional Generator?

Inverter generators differ from conventional generators in that they make DC power which is then inverted into AC all through a control board called a "microprocessor." By inverting the voltage from DC to AC, the signal will be very clean and will not harm flat screen TVs or computers which have very sensitive electronics.

An inverter generator will also run at variable speeds depending on the load. By running at variable speeds, it makes them more fuel efficient by idling down the load very low, saving fuel and making them quieter. Another nice feature of inverter generators is that they tend to be lighter and smaller than conventional generators due to having a smaller engine and alternator.  The Honda EU2000i is a great example of an inverter generator and one of the best sellers on the market.

On the flip-side, Conventional generators typically have an engine that is connected to an alternator, which has heavy copper wires and runs at 3600 RPM to produce AC power. In other words, the generator must run at full speed regardless of the load put on it. When a load is put onto this type of generator, the throttle opens and allows more fuel and air to enter the engine to keep up with the load thus making it not very fuel efficient and louder comapred to an inverter generator.

Furthermore, the electricity produced from a conventional generator is not as clean as utility power and is not recommended for powering sensitive electronics such as you TV or computer. Conventional generators are a great option for emergency backup power to a home such as appliances, lights, pumps, and fans.

So when picking yourself a generator, determine what you'll be using it for and choose the kind that's best for you. Having too much or two little power can create more problems rather than solutions. For more assistance in choosing the generator that's right for you, visit our Generator Buyer's Guide.