How to Choose the Right Generator - A Buying Guide

Choosing the right generator for you can feel like a minefield. With so many different options, power ratings and perks – it’s hard to figure out exactly which generator you need. Even when you know the factual stuff like the wattage you need, with each model offering different extras such as different outlets, easy transportation or dual fuel benefits - the choices seem endless.

Helping you pick the right one and buy with confidence, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about how to buy a generator and put them all in one handy place. Empowering you to make the call and finally click buy – keep reading for all the information you could need about finding your perfect generator.

How to Buy a Power Generator

The process of buying a power generator starts long before you land on our website! First up, you need to know exactly why you need a generator and what you’re going to be using it for. Planning a camping adventure? Hosting an outdoor event? Leading a construction team, or just doing some work out in the garden? Each job requires something a little different.

Next up, you need to figure out your required wattage. Simply add up the wattage of anything you plan on using the generator to run, and that’s the minimum wattage you’ll need to ensure your generator isn’t overloaded.

Once armed with that information, you can start browsing!

Choosing the Right Generator Size

In the world of generators, size can mean two things – power and actual shape.

If you’re heading out camping or going away in a caravan, the actual physical size of a generator makes a big difference. You’ll thank yourself later for choosing a space-saving style when you have more room for food, fishing equipment or whatever it is you’re travelling with. If that’s the case, the Mighty Atom is a great choice, offering high power in a small package.

But size can also mean power rating! To figure out the right size generator for you, add up the wattage of everything you want to run, giving you the minimum wattage you could go for. You need to make sure you’re not overloading your generator to keep all your electricals and equipment safe, so it’s always worth going bigger than risking overload.

Choosing a Generator For Your Home

If you’re looking for a home backup generator to keep your house running in case of any blackouts or power cuts, speed, size and volume are all things to consider. An at-home generator needs to be quick to set up and power on to cut down on any time left in the dark. You also don’t want to pick something too big that will require a hefty storage space, or too loud that’s going to deafen the family. You also need to ensure they have the right outlets, needing household outlets to keep your home going.

The best option for blackouts, take a look at an inverter generator. Full of smart tech like true sine wave technology, they’re the best for protecting sensitive electricals like household appliances and things like laptops.

Buying a Portable Generator

Planning on heading out for a camping trip or going caravanning? Or tackling a big outdoor job? A portable generator will make moving from place to place a lot easier! A frame-type generator is easily picked up and moved, and many even come with handy wheels letting you effortlessly roll from place to place.

If not, you can always add a wheel and handle kit to your basket alongside your generator to make any model easily moveable. 

Tips for Buying a Petrol or Diesel Fuel Generator

Petrol and diesel generators are the most common type of generator. Powered by readily available fuel, we trust petrol and diesel to run our cars so why not our generators? Boasting long life spans and easy maintenance, they’re a perfect place to start as they don’t require any different power sources.

When selecting your petrol or diesel generator, keep tank size in mind. Consider the run time you think you’ll need to ensure your tank is big enough to keep you going without being too big or too demanding. A bigger tank will allow you to run for longer without having to constantly refuel and need to carry volatile substances around with you. But if you don’t need a long run time, a smaller tank will help keep costs down by needing less fuel to get the job done.

You also again need to consider what you’re using your generator for as some campsites don’t allow petrol or diesel to be used for safety and to protect people from fuel smells.

Tips for Buying an Eco Generator

An eco generator is always a good idea, giving you power without pollution. Solar-powered generators are becoming more and more popular as the tech develops, but aren’t yet quite strong enough to power industrial needs or be reliable enough for trips away.

If you need something reliable and high power, we’d suggest a dual fuel generator running on LPG. Not only is LPG cheaper and okay to use on fuel-free campsites due to its safer makeup – it’s a far cleaner power source! LPG helps to reduce emissions and improve air quality as it omits around 33% less CO2 than petrol and 45% less than diesel.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Generator?

The cost of a generator is totally up to you! At Bimson, we’re proud to offer a range of generators catering to a range of needs and budgets. Starting at as low as £300, you can set your own budget and find a good price no matter what needs and requirements you have.

Obviously, higher power, more industrial generators designed for commercial work will have a higher price to reflect the wattage they put out, but for at-home generators, protecting your home won’t break the bank!

Generator Buying Tips

• Consider your needs – What will you be using the generator for? Where will it be? Do you need to move it?
• Measure your wattage – Find your minimum wattage to ensure you won’t overload your generator.
• Decide on fuel type – petrol, diesel or eco?
• Pick your extras – Decide on the size and additional features you’d like, including smart wireless remotes, outlets and additional inverters.
• Buy with confidence!