What Is a Portable Generator? Your Complete Guide

November 29, 2024 | Nate Cord

A portable generator, as it says in the name, is a compact portable tool that can provide electricity in areas without access to the power grid.

It’s an essential piece of equipment for those who live remotely off-grid or otherwise might not have reliable access to energy sources. For example, portable generators are ideal for outdoor activities such as camping or festivals or to power tools and equipment on a construction site.

The great thing about portable generators is that they come in all shapes and sizes. We’re talking small petrol powered generators to huge diesel fueled models, able to power entire houses.

In this article, we’ll look at portable generators in more detail, discovering the different types available and how to choose the right one for your circumstance.

Let’s get into it…

The Different Types of Portable Generators

There are a number of different portable generators on the market, and they can be categorised into: petrol portable generators, diesel portable generators, inverter portable generators, dual-fuel portable generators & silent portable generators. Let’s look at these in a little more detail…

1. Petrol Portable Generators

Petrol powered portable generators are one of the most common types of generators around, so you won’t have any trouble getting your hands on one.

They are lighter and easier to transport than diesel-fueled alternatives, and ideal for short-term use, such as during power outages or outdoor activities.

That said, petrol generators tend to have a shorter runtime and require more frequent refueling compared to diesel options.

The Ford FG4650 Q Series Petrol Generator is a great example of this type of generator. Boasting a continuous output of 2.80kW, this generator provides a steady flow of power to keep your appliances running smoothly.

The Ford petrol generator is also highly portable, featuring wheel-mounts with solid, puncture-proof tyres, making it perfect for effortless manoeuvring on challenging terrains.

2. Diesel Portable Generators

Diesel portable generators are known for their durability and fuel efficiency.

They are much more powerful than petrol models and can produce higher current outputs, making them a perfect choice if you’re looking to power larger appliances or providing backup home power in an emergency.

However, they do tend to be heavier and more expensive to run than petrol-powered units, and can also emit more pollutants.

3. Inverter Portable Generators

Inverter portable generators use advanced technology to produce clean and safe power for powering sensitive electronics like laptops, mobile phones, and even medical equipment.

They are lightweight, fuel-efficient and often quieter than a traditional generator, but usually come with a higher price tag compared to conventional models.

The Champion 92001i Inverter Petrol Generator – The Mighty Atom is powered by a 1.90 Continuous kilowatt powerful engine and a 4 litre fuel tank this unit can run up to 10.5 hours.

4. Silent Portable Generators

Talking of quiet, silent portable generators are specifically designed to operate quietly, often featuring noise-dampening technology. They are pretty ideal for environments where noise must be kept at a minimum, like camping trips, residential use, or events with a sound curfew.

The Hyundai Portable Silent Diesel Generator is a reliable (and quiet) source of backup electrical power for your home or business, providing sufficient power for up to 25 hours at around 50% load.

The silenced nature of the Hyundai portable silent diesel generator is all down to the closed frame design which reduces sound output to a minimum, just 70 dB at 7m.

5. Dual Fuel Portable Generators

Lastly, dual fuel models, as it says on the tin, can run on two fuel types – usually petrol and LPG – and operate by allowing the engine to run on either one of these fuels.
They are especially useful during emergencies when one fuel source may be unavailable. However, they are typically bigger, heavier, and often more expensive than single-fuel generators, like those touched on above.

Learn more about whether dual fuel generators are worth it in this blog.

Unsure which portable generator type is right for you? Let us help you! Give us a call on 01639 849847 for some expert advice.

How to Choose a Portable Generator​: 5 Considerations

With so many types and sizes of generators out there, it’s really important that you choose the right one for your specific needs, otherwise you might end up with one that’s either too powerful and inefficient for your use, or one that’s underpowered, leaving you unable to power your essential appliances or equipment when you need them most.

So, how do you choose the right portable generator? We recommend considering the 5 points below…

1. Calculate Your Total Wattage Needs

To determine the right size generator you’ll need, make a note of all the appliances and devices you’ll need to power and their approximate starting and running wattage. This total figure will be the minimum wattage capacity your generator should provide to meet your needs.

When choosing a generator, select a model with a wattage rating higher than your calculated total to handle surges.

Learn more about choosing the right size generator here. 

2. Determine the Type of Generator You Want

Consider the 5 different types of portable generators listed above, their pro’s, con’s and fuel types, and determine which is most suitable for your situation.

For example, conventional portable generators (petrol/diesel) are probably your best if you’re looking for a generator for high-power needs and general-purpose use. However if you’re looking for a portable generator to power sensitive household appliances like laptops or Iphones, then an inverter model is the safer option.

3. Ensure It’s Easily Portable

Another thing to consider is how easily portable it is, as it needs to be transported between locations, whether it’s for outdoor activities, job sites, or emergency use at home.

For this reason you want to look for lightweight models ideally with portable features such as wheels and handles, making transportation effortless.

4. Consider What Budget You’re Working With

As with any big purchase, it’s super important that you determine your budget before shopping around.

Portable generators can be typically categorised into 3 price points:

• Lower budget – Basic portable generators can be found in the £200-£500 region. They have limited features and lower power output, but ideal for light use, like camping or powering a few small appliances.
• Mid-range budget – Found in the £500-£1,000 range, mid range portable generators typically offer better fuel efficiency, more outlets, and advanced features like inverter technology for safe powering of sensitive electronics.
• Higher budget – Portable models above £1,000 are considered higher budget, and as a result, provide higher power output, dual-fuel options, quiet operation, and premium build quality, suitable for demanding or long-term use.

Knowing exactly what you’re working with ensures you find a model that meets your power needs without overspending or sacrificing quality.

Need a second opinion or have some questions for our experts? Contact us via our enquiry form or give us an email on [email protected] and we’ll be happy to assist you.

5. Brand and Warranty Period

When shopping around for the right generator, it’s also important to think about the brand you’re going to be buying from.

You could find the perfect portable generator using the steps above, but if you’re buying from a brand with a poor reputation and small warranty period, chances are you’re likely to end up with a generator that lacks reliability, performs poorly, or fails early on.

This is why we recommend only buying from reputable brands who are known for producing high-quality, durable generators that meet safety and performance standards.

You also want to opt for a brand with a decent warranty period, as this will give you complete trust that the manufacturer stands behind their product, and should anything go wrong, you’re covered.

At Generators Direct, we only stock high-quality reliable brands, from Senci, Ford, Champion, Hyundai Honda and Pramac all with an impressive warranty for complete peace of mind.

Searching For a Quality Portable Generator?

At Generators Direct, we offer a range of generators, power stations and power banks for your specific needs.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847. We’d be more than happy to assist you.