Generator Buying Guide
Posted by Generator Barn on 9th Mar 2025
Looking to buy a portable generator but not sure where to begin?
Don't worry. We've got you covered. But first, let us hit this fundamental question out of the park: What is a portable generator?
A generator is a device that produces electric power. It has an engine which can be powered using several fuel options such as diesel, petrol, gas, etc. When powered, the engine produces mechanical energy, which an alternator converts into electrical output.
Portable means this generator type is light enough for you to carry or move easily.
At Generator Barn, we understand how important portability is for our customers.
When you're away from your main electrical supply, portable generators can be a good source of essential power. So, whether you are camping on an unpowered campsite, out with friends on a boat, or facing a power outage, a portable generator can provide you with power and peace of mind.
The problem, however, is that there are too many options for portable generators.
To start, we have the regular generators and the inverter generators. Also known as standard or conventional generators, regular generators operate at a constant speed. They have been there for ages but have gained a bad name because they produce unnecessary noise and have poor fuel efficiency and exhaust output.
On the other hand, inverter generators have become very popular recently and for good reasons. They are smaller, lighter, and quieter and produce cleaner power that is completely safe for sensitive appliances such as mobile phones and laptops.
At Generator Barn, we only sell inverter generators.
Our generators produce electricity in a 'pure sine wave' format that 'cleans' up the power output and removes any irregularities that may damage sensitive appliances. The power produced is safer and the operation is quieter than generators that produce power in a 'square sine wave' or 'modified sine wave' format.
Now that we have established the superiority of inverter generators over their conventional counterparts, let us determine what you should consider before buying an inverter generator.
The following three questions are a good starting point.
1. What do I need a generator for?
All of us are made different. And our requirements are likely to be different too. Even if you buy a portable generator for power backup, your requirements may differ significantly from someone else who is also buying it for power backup. You may want to run a few lights and a fridge in a power outage, while someone else may also need a TV, AC, and microwave. Similarly, you may have several appliances to run on a camping trip, but your friend only needs the most basic ones. So, the first thing to consider is your needs.
2. How much power do I need?
Once you have established the application and identified the appliances you plan to power, the next step is to calculate the total power requirements. And when determining the power requirement of an appliance, we need to consider its running as well as starting wattage requirements. You see, most appliances need a power surge to start and a constant lower power to run. For example, a refrigerator, on average, needs about 1350W to start but once started, it can run comfortably at 600W. So, if you must power a fridge, you need to have a generator with a power output of at least 1500W.
3. How important is portability for me?
There is a wide range of size and weight options in the market. You can get something as light as 8 kgs and as heavy as 100 kgs. Usually, weight is directly proportional to power, i.e., heavier generators are likely to offer more power. And these heavier generators usually come with built-in wheels and a handle for easy transport.
Choosing an inverter generator for your needs
Camping & Caravanning
Construction & tradies
power backup & off grid living
Home power backup
Boating & Fishing
Weight, noise level and fuel efficiency are the three most important features when picking up generators for camping and caravanning. You want a generator that is easy to pick and move, can fit easily in your caravan and is quiet enough not to disturb you or your fellow campers. At the same time, you don’t want a fuel guzzler as that would mean carrying litres of fuel to keep the thing running.
CONSTRUCTION, TRADIES AND OTHER COMMERCIAL USES