Choosing Your First Small Generator: A Beginner’s Guide

Choosing Your First Small Generator: A Beginner’s Guide

So, the lights went out unexpectedly, you’re planning a camping trip far from power outlets, or you have a DIY project where an extension cord just won’t reach. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided it’s time to get a portable generator. Great idea! A small generator can be a lifesaver, offering power, convenience, and peace of mind.

But step into the world of generators, and you might feel a bit overwhelmed by terms like watts, inverters, conventional, decibels, and more. Don’t worry! This guide is specifically for you – the beginner navigating the options for the very first time. We’ll break down the essentials to help you choose the right small generator without getting lost in technical jargon.

Why Do You Need a Small Generator? Defining Your Needs

Before you even look at models or prices, the most important step is to figure out why you need a generator. What will you power? Where will you use it? Answering these questions will narrow down your choices significantly.

1. Power Outages: Are you looking for backup power for essentials during a blackout? This might mean keeping the refrigerator running, some lights on, charging phones, or perhaps running a fan or small heater.
2. Camping/Tailgating/Recreation: Do you need power for lights, a small heater or air conditioner in an RV or tent, charging devices, running a coffee maker, or powering entertainment systems at a campsite or game? Noise level and portability are often key here.
3. DIY Projects/Job Sites: Do you need to run power tools like drills, saws, or chargers where grid power isn’t available?
4. Events/Gatherings: Powering lights, sound systems, or other equipment for outdoor events.

Understanding your primary use helps determine the necessary power output and features.

Understanding Power: Watts Are What Matter Most

The most crucial specification for any generator is its power output, measured in watts (W). Appliances and tools have different power requirements. Generators list two types of wattage:

1. Running Watts (or Rated Watts): This is the continuous power the generator can supply consistently. It’s the wattage your devices need once they are running.
2. Starting Watts (or Surge Watts): This is a brief surge of extra power needed to start motor-driven appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, power tools, or pumps. This surge lasts only a few seconds but can be significantly higher than the running wattage.

How to Figure Out Your Wattage Needs:

• List Appliances: Make a list of everything you might want to run simultaneously.
• Find Wattage: Check the labels on your appliances and tools. They usually list wattage. If not, voltage (V) and amperage (A) might be listed (Watts = Volts x Amps). Look for both running and starting watts if listed (especially for motorized items).
• Calculate Total Running Watts: Add up the running watts of all items you want to run at the same time.
• Calculate Highest Starting Watts: Identify the item on your list with the highest starting watt requirement. Add this to your total running watts (excluding that item’s running watts, as the surge is brief). For example, if you want to run lights (200W running), a fridge (600W running, 1800W starting), and a phone charger (10W running): Your total running watts for lights and charger is 210W. The fridge needs 600W running after starting. Its starting surge is 1800W. So, you need enough power for the lights (200W) + charger (10W) + the starting surge of the fridge (1800W) = 2010W needed briefly for starting. Once started, you need 200W (lights) + 10W (charger) + 600W (fridge) = 810W running power.
• Choose a Generator: Look for a generator with a Running Wattage that meets or exceeds your total running wattage and a Starting Wattage that meets or exceeds your highest calculated starting requirement. It’s always better to have a little extra capacity than not enough.

Beginner Tip: Don’t try to run everything in your house on a small portable generator. Focus on the essentials or the specific items needed for your activity.

Generator Types: Conventional vs. Inverter

For small portable generators, you’ll primarily encounter two types:

1. Conventional Generators:

   • How they work: They run their engine at a constant speed (usually 3600 RPM) to produce power at a fixed frequency (like 60 Hz in North America).
   • Pros: Generally less expensive for the amount of power they provide. Robust and reliable for basic loads.
   • Cons: Louder because the engine runs at high speed constantly. Produce power with less stable voltage and frequency ("dirtier" power) which can be risky for sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, or modern TVs without a surge protector or careful consideration. Heavier and bulkier for their power output compared to inverters.

2. Inverter Generators:

   • How they work: They use a more advanced process. The engine produces AC power, converts it to DC, and then uses an inverter to convert it back to clean, stable AC power at the desired voltage and frequency. The engine speed adjusts based on the power demand, saving fuel and reducing noise at lower loads.
   • Pros: Produce "clean" power safe for sensitive electronics. Much quieter operation, especially at lower loads, thanks to variable engine speed. More fuel-efficient at lower loads. Lighter and more compact for their power output. Often have parallel capability to link two units together for more power.
   • Cons: More expensive than conventional generators of similar wattage.

Beginner Recommendation: If you plan to power sensitive electronics (laptops, phones, medical devices, modern appliances with complex circuitry), an inverter generator is highly recommended, almost essential. If you only need power for basic tools, lights, or appliances without sensitive electronics, a conventional generator might suffice and save you money.

Other Key Features to Consider

• Noise Level: Measured in decibels (dB). Lower is better! Conventional generators are often 70-80+ dB (like a loud vacuum or lawnmower). Inverter generators can range from 50-65 dB (like a quiet conversation or dishwasher). Check ratings at a specific distance (usually 7 or 23 feet). Consider where you’ll use it – noise matters to neighbors, fellow campers, or even yourself.
• Fuel Type: Most small portable generators run on gasoline. Some are dual-fuel, running on either gasoline or propane. Propane has advantages (longer storage life, cleaner burning, easier refueling with tanks) and disadvantages (slightly lower power output, performance affected by cold, need to carry propane tanks). Stick with gasoline unless you specifically need dual-fuel versatility.
• Starting Method:

  • Recoil Start: The classic pull cord, like a lawnmower. Reliable but can require effort.
  • Electric Start: Push-button starting, usually with a small battery. Much more convenient, especially in cold weather or for those who find pull cords difficult. Adds cost and weight.

• Outlets: Check the types and number of outlets provided. Most have standard household 120V AC outlets. Some may have higher amperage 120V or 240V outlets (if needed for larger tools or RVs) or DC outlets (like 12V car sockets) or USB ports for charging devices.
• Portability: Small generators aren’t always light. Check the weight. Look for models with handles and wheels if you need to move it frequently or over distances.
• Fuel Capacity and Run Time: A larger fuel tank generally means longer run time at a given load. Manufacturers list run time, often at 25% or 50% load. This gives you an idea, but actual run time varies with the load.
• Safety Features: Essential features include:

  • Low-Oil Shutoff: Automatically turns the engine off when oil is too low, preventing damage.
  • Circuit Breakers: Protect the generator and your connected devices from overloads.
  • Spark Arrestor: Prevents hot sparks from exiting the muffler, important for fire prevention, especially in dry areas or campgrounds.

Budget

Small portable generators vary widely in price. Conventional models can start from $300-$500. Inverter generators typically range from $500 up to $1500 or more, depending on wattage and features. Your budget will influence the power level and features you can get, but prioritize safety and meeting your minimum wattage needs.

Putting It All Together: Your First Generator Checklist

1. Define Your Needs: What will you power? Where?
2. Calculate Wattage: List items, find their running and starting watts, calculate your total needs (both running and the highest starting surge). Add a buffer!
3. Choose the Type: Conventional (basic, louder, cheaper) or Inverter (clean power, quieter, more expensive, lighter). If electronics are involved, seriously consider inverter.
4. Prioritize Features: Noise level (how important is quiet?), Starting (electric vs. recoil), Portability (weight, wheels), Outlets (do they match your needs?), Safety (low-oil shutoff, breakers are non-negotiable).
5. Set Your Budget: Find models that fit your criteria and budget.
6. Read Reviews: See what other users say about reliability, noise, and performance.
7. Read the Manual: Before buying or immediately after, look up the specific model’s manual online to understand its features, maintenance, and safety guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I run a generator indoors?
A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes. They must always be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area, far from windows, doors, and air intakes to prevent fumes from entering buildings. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Q: What’s the difference between running watts and starting watts again?
A: Running watts are the continuous power needed to keep a device going. Starting watts are a temporary, higher surge needed only for a second or two to get devices with motors (like fridges, pumps, saws) started. You need enough generator power to handle both – the total running watts of everything currently on, plus the highest individual starting wattage of anything that might kick on while others are running.

Q: Are quiet generators worth the extra money?
A: For many, yes. Noise is a major complaint about generators. If you’re camping, using it in a neighborhood during an outage, or just value peace and quiet, the lower noise level of inverter generators is a significant benefit and often justifies the higher cost.

Q: How long can a small generator run on a tank of gas?
A: This varies greatly depending on the generator’s tank size and the load it’s powering. A typical small generator might run 4-10 hours at 50% load. The lower the load, the longer it runs. Check the specifications for the specific model you’re considering.

Q: Do I need special oil?
A: Yes, generators use specific types of engine oil, usually standard motor oil (like 10W-30 or SAE 30), but you must check the owner’s manual for the correct type and weight recommended for the operating temperature range.

Q: Can I plug sensitive electronics directly into any generator?
A: It’s generally not recommended with conventional generators unless using a quality surge protector or voltage regulator. Inverter generators produce much cleaner power (low Total Harmonic Distortion, or THD) which is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, and complex appliances.

Q: What maintenance do generators need?
A: Regular maintenance is key for longevity. This typically includes checking/changing the oil, cleaning/replacing the air filter, checking the spark plug, and properly storing it with fuel stabilizer (or draining the fuel) when not in use for extended periods. Always follow the owner’s manual maintenance schedule.

Conclusion

Choosing your first small generator doesn’t have to be intimidating. By focusing on your specific needs, understanding basic wattage requirements, differentiating between conventional and inverter types, and considering key features like noise and safety, you can confidently select a generator that provides reliable power when you need it most.

Take your time, do your research based on your list of needs, and don’t hesitate to ask questions (like the ones in the FAQ!). A well-chosen small generator is a valuable investment, offering freedom, convenience, and essential backup power for years to come. Happy generating!