Portable Generator Options

In a previous hub I talked about some portable generator basics, focusing especially on fuel types.

In this article I want to talk about features to look for that are going to directly affect the price and durability of your portable generator.

The one area where you should not compromise is the power output of the generator. Less wattage means less cost, but your energy needs simply are what they are. If you start compromising in this area to try to save money, you’re going to be stuck with a large and pricey paperweight.

That being said, there are several areas where you can spend or save to tailor just the machine you need.

The first area you might want to weigh out is brand name. We aren’t talking Manolo Blahnik versus Payless Shoes here, but big names in generators do mean big bucks.

Be aware, however, that a lesser-known brand might not go the distance.

Most often the popular brands have earned their reputation. Honda is by and large the most reputable brand among generator users.

The nice thing about Honda is that you don’t have to buy a Honda to get a Honda. Several other brands of generator are “Honda powered,” meaning they feature Honda engines inside their own shells.

There are other reputable brands out there as well:Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Yamaha and McCulloch also have strong followings.

Portability kits include wheels and handles for moving the generator around. This is useful for larger models and applications where your generator needs to move from site to site. If you don’t plan to move your generator, or to only move it infrequently, this is an area where you can save money.

You can also save money by opting for a smaller fuel tank on your generator. If you don’t need to use the generator often, this might be a good idea. Remember that although larger tanks mean a higher price, but they also mean you don’t have to refill as often, which can become inconvenient or even dangerous in the right circumstances.

You can save money by purchasing a model with pull start rather than electric, but be sure you are prepared. Electric starts make for a lot easier starting without having to pull a starter rope.

Valve placement will affect performance and price. Overhead valve engines (OHV) start easier, run quieter, last longer and produce fewer emissions than side-valve engines. If you don’t need to run your generator often, this is a feature you may be willing to compromise on.

The sleeve, or cylinder lining, of the generator’s motor, is either made of cast iron or aluminum. This lining reduces wear and makes the engine last longer. The added cost of an engine with a cast iron sleeve is small and well worth it if you expect to operate your generator often or for long periods of time.

Alternator housings for generators can be metal or plastic. It is generally recommended to get an all-metal alternator because plastic housings can warp over time and cause the moving parts of the alternator to come out of alignment and break or wear excessively.

Alternators that use ball bearings instead of needle bearings are recommended for longer engine life.

Brushless alternators require less maintenance and produce cleaner power that is more suitable for sensitive electronic equipment. Brush-type generators have brushes that are wear items, requiring replacement.

Some generator models have the option to switch between 120 and 240 volts. This first setting is useful for most smaller household appliances, and the second is essential if you need to power any motors, pumps, shop equipment, or larger appliances like water heaters and clothes dryers.

Another feature of some generators is an idle control that automatically throttles down the engine when no power is being drawn from the alternator. This reduces engine wear, fuel usage, and noise. This is especially useful on job sites, where power tools are constantly being started and stopped.

Many generators have a low oil shutdown feature that shuts the engine down if the oil level drops below a safe operating level. This is especially recommended for generators with large fuel tanks, as they may run for hours or days without an oil check.

Total harmonic distortion is a measure of the quality of electricity. Six percent THD is considered the upper limit for "clean" electricity. Above 6 percent THD the electricity may reduce the life of electrical circuits, cause microprocessors to malfunction, and cause furnace controllers to operate incorrectly. Some generators produce THDs greater than 15 percent.

Larger models have hour meters that keep a record of how long engine has run. This can help with oil change scheduling.

If you plan to use your generator in various places with a lot of stop and start use, such as a job site, invest in a brand-name product that you can transport with relative ease.

Here electric start is essential; no one wants to start a machine with a pull cord multiple times a day. You’ll also want an OHV model with cast iron sleeves to keep up with the demands of work.

Go for a sturdier alternator construction, with all-metal construction, ball bearings, and no brushes.

You also need a model that can switch between 120 and 240 volt, as construction sites often use tools and machines of both breeds.

Definitely consider the idle feature, to save wear and fuel, as well as a low oil shutdown, which can ensure your investment doesn’t tank right in the middle of a deadline. You’re going to need that hour meter as well, so you can ensure the machine gets maintenance at the proper time.

Since you aren’t running household appliances, you can save money by purchasing a model with higher THD, if you aren’t concerned about extra wear on power tools.

You may also want the additional savings that come from purchasing a model with a smaller fuel tank, since it’s usually easy enough to refuel on-site.

If you will only be relying on your generator during the occasional emergency, you might think about buying a less well-known brand name. Remember, though, that this machine needs to work when you need it. Don’t go so cheap you’ll be stuck without power when you need it most.

Likewise, consider making the investment in THD dampening. You may not use it very often, but when you do use your generator, you don’t want it destroying your other appliances.

If you plan to use your generator primarily as an emergency power source for your home, invest in the largest tank size you can get for your wattage. In bad weather or blackouts, you don’t want to be packing and pouring fuel.

Most home applications aren’t going to require portability, so you can save money by keeping your generator stock. It is a portable generator, so it can be moved, it just won’t be as easy as one with a portability kit.

If you don’t mind the exercise, save money by opting for a model with pull start rather than electric ignition. Just make sure you will actually able to start it, even in low light or severe weather.

If you don’t mind the noise and don’t need the machine to run for endless hours, you can save money by getting a model with side-valve rather than OHV technology. You can also save a little more by going with aluminum cylinder sleeves, though if you can afford it, cast iron is recommended.

Same with the alternator options—plastic parts might be OK for you, as would be needle bearings and brushes. However, if you think you might be using the generator more than once in a blue moon, go with the better options here. These are not that expensive to upgrade, and are well worth it.

For most homeowners, it’s OK to go with 120-volt power only, as you will seldom find yourself needing a 240-volt power source. However, be certain about your needs. Just like wattage, you may not use the extra volts, but you won’t be able to pull more out of the air when you need them.

You can also save money by getting a model without idle control. Most home emergency applications involve running things like refrigerators or heaters on a nearly constant basis, so this feature isn’t essential.

You may also want to forego the low oil and hour meter options. As a homeowner, generator maintenance should be a regular yearly chore, so that when you need it, your machine is tuned up and ready to go.

Your needs might fall somewhere in between these two ideas, but this should give you an idea of the two extremes of typical generator use and enable you to pick and choose from the assortment of features.

Decide which of these features suit your needs, then prioritize your list before you shop for a generator, so you know what you can compromise on and what is essential to keep you up and running.