If you are looking for a backup system that you can run household appliances off, for example when there are power cuts then you need a portable generator. If you are looking for a permanent source of energy that you can use off grid then a generator is going to be what you are looking for.

Having a portable generator as a backup is a must for all homes, especially in the depths of winter when your power goes out and you are trying to keep your appliances going, ( especially that fridge and freezer that you only filled up last week).

There are lots of generators around but not all of them will be suited to you and your lifestyle. To establish what type of portable generator you wish to purchase (in terms of size and cost) then it is important to right down everything you want to run off this generator. Obviously the more things you want to run, the bigger the generator you will need, and the more costly it is likely to be – in terms of initial outlay.

It is also worth considering what type of generator you want to own. There are a wide variety of generators on the market from gas powered to diesel powered and not forgetting dual fuel powered generators. There are generators that come on wheels and even small handheld generators that can be stored in a kitchen cupboard.

Thinking about which generator is right for you, you would probably be best to narrow down your choices/selection to two or three models and then make up a pros and cons list for each one. Whichever model comes out on top will surely be the one you go onto purchase.

Considerations When Searching for a Generator

There are lots of questions to ask such as does it have good reviews? Is this a generator that has terrible reviews, but it’s just so cheap you couldn’t pass it by. Or does it have outstanding glowing reviews that make you wonder why you never purchased this model before.

Think about what size generator you need or want. For example is a 5000 watt generator enough or do you need to look for something with a higher wattage.

How noisy is it when it’s in use?

You may not think a loud generator will bother you, but when you are running it for longer periods of time, you will sure wish that you went for one of the quietest generators on the market instead. How big is the generator and where can it be stored? Does the size of your new generator mean it has to be stored in the garage, if so how will this work when you need to use it. What weight is the generator,  is the generator too heavy that you cannot move it on your own – is it a two person job.

How long does the warranty or guarantee last?

This is important as purchasing a new generator is an investment, and you want to ensure your investment is well looked after. Is it readily available? If you struggle to purchase the generator you are interested in, then, chances are you will struggle to find spare parts for it as and when, should you need them further down the line.

Is it easy and quick to set up?

If it is tricky and time consuming, you will struggle to get it up and running in a decent time, after you have lost your main power supply.

If you are looking at gasoline generators then how much gasoline does it hold or store. It would be difficult to store extra gasoline at your home, so how  would you ensure you had enough to last you say a couple of weeks. Does brand matter to you and what is in a brand, is it the warranty or guarantee, the heritage, the ease of use of all of their products. Does the brand name make or break a deal for you.

As you can see there are lots of areas that you need to consider when purchasing a portable generator. Getting a generator that is light enough for you to carry but big enough to provide you with a decent backup can be tricky but not impossible. All you need to do is carry out some background research to establish what other people are using and what they are recommending.  Recommendations are always good as they save you hassle, money and time as somebody has done the legwork for you, so take advantage of online reviews.