Portable Generator Reviews
Portable Generators are more important than ever. With all of the natural and man-made disasters that keep occurring we have to be prepared for the unexpected. This is especially true if you live in a rural area because when the unexpected electrical outage happens it could be days before your power is restored. It is best to be prepared as in the boy scout motto because when it happens, it is too late to start your portable generator review and put put your order in. Do it now before it is too late.
Portable Generator Buying Advice
Consumer Reports has Portable Generator Reviews. As I write this their last review was in June 2009.
With the growing number of hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, and other natural disasters in recent years we have probably put preparedness on your radar screen. Along with an emergency plan for everything from earthquakes forestfires and a three-day supply of food and water, you might want to consider adding a portable generator at your home. You never know when the power will go out.
We tested Consumer Reportes test 15 generators to help you prepare for blackouts. Many are better and safer than before, but refueling some generators could be a challenge during an outage.
Generators: There are better, beefier choices now days.
Wheeled, portable generators are the biggest sellers. But you might need plenty of fuel on hand, since filling stations often shut down during blackouts and most home-sized models use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline per day. You’ll also need to preserve that fuel with stabilizer and store it in a well-vented shed or other area, away from the house and any ignition source.
One portable, the Northstar 8000TFG, can use a liquid-propane tank with several days’ supply or a natural-gas line. But at $2,000, it’s pricey for its wattage.
Stationary, outside-mounted generators are a growing alternative, since they run on propane or natural gas and supply more power. Kohler’s $3,700 12RESL delivered more than 10,000 watts and costs less than many in its class.
Our wattage calculator, which provides an average wattage rating for most common electricity-using household appliances and devices, will help you tally your needs.
How to choose
The portable models Consumer Reports tested claimed between 2,800 and 6,600 watts—enough to power plug-in appliances and lights, but not nearly enough for heavy power drains like central air. Add up the watts for the items you need. Then check our videos with buying advice and safety instructions for generators. Figure on $500 to $1,000 for installing stationary generators and, for all types, at least $500 for a power-transfer switch to power hardwired circuits and avoid having to run extension cords.
Also remember that manufacturers often overstate run time for gasoline models by basing it on 50 percent load. Our run times use a more conservative, 80 percent load.
Always look at Consumer Reports latest Portable Generator Reviews before you buy.
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