There are many reasons why you may be looking to invest in portable generators. Perhaps you live in an area that is prone to severe weather conditions and power outages as a result, or it may be that you like providing outdoor entertainment and recreation.
Even if it is more for business and work purposes, for a construction site or DIY you are carrying out in your backyard, it is important to think carefully about the portable generator you buy. If you are new to outdoor power sources or just need a little nudge in the right direction, in the following post you will find some tips and features you need to look for when choosing from the many portable generators available.
Alternative Fuel
You will find that most portable generators rely on gasoline as their fuel source. Although that is a standard, there are others available too. If you are a bit handy and don’t mind carrying out some work, you may even be able to convert a gasoline-powered generator to be compatible with an alternative fuel source using a special kit.
Fuel Gauge
It can be a huge pain if you come out to use a portable generator, only to find that unbeknownst to you, the fuel has run out. One way to stop this from happening is to invest in a portable generator model that has a fuel gauge. This makes it quick and easy to keep a close eye on how much fuel is left in your generator, so you don’t get caught short, particularly in those times when you need it most.
Electric Starter
Although you will generally find that portable generators feature the same kind of pull-start mechanism you will find in other gasoline-powered devices like chainsaws and other tools and equipment, there are alternatives. For instance, there are models available with a push-button style starter that makes it a whole lot easier and hassle-free. The one word of warning we would state here is that you should check whether the cost of the battery needed for this kind of starter mechanism is included in the portable generator price or if you will have to pay for it to be added to your order.
Wheels
Portable generators, even the smaller varieties, are not the easiest to move around. Some of the models available come with wheels that make it easy to transport them from one place to another. However, others don’t, which means you will need to buy them separately and they can have as high a price as $150. It really depends on your available budget.
Inverter Technology
If you are a quieter portable generator, say for camping setups, or need to provide a cleaner output to provide power to more sensitive equipment and appliances, you need to consider investing in a model that uses high-tech inverter technology.
Low-Oil Shutoff Mechanism
While it is obviously a good idea to regularly check the oil levels in your portable generators, it is not always possible if you are busy with other tasks. That is why it can be wise to invest in one with an automatic shutoff mechanism that triggers when the oil in the generator falls below a certain level.
Removable Console
Removable consoles are another excellent feature to look for in portable generators as these make it possible for you to plug your appliances directly into them without requiring the use of risky and potentially extremely dangerous extension cords.
Multi Outlets
When you invest in portable generators that offer four or even more appliances you can make better use of the available wattage by spreading the load. The one thing you need to remember though is that you should only use every single outlet available when you have emergencies or are camping.
