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To choose the right portable generator for your needs, several factors must be considered.
Mobility and Weight
Relative to their size, generators are not lightweight. Some portable generators, especially larger, heavier models, feature wheels for your rolling convenience. Most of these larger generators are best handled by at least two able-bodied people when lifting from truck boxes or trailer beds.
Compact-sized generators are lighter, though it's at the expense of limited power and fuel capacity. Remember - weights listed in generator specifications do not include fuel.
Power Requirements
When determining generator power requirements, consider the equipment with the highest power needs first. The power required to start these applications will determine the rated power of the generator you should choose for your application.
Two types of appliances are common to the job, camp and home: resistive and reactive.
Resistive appliances require continuous power.
An example of a resistive load is a light bulb. The same amount of power is required to turn on and run the light bulb for an extended period. Resistive appliances do not usually operate with an electric motor.
Reactive appliances have a peak power requirement, involving the start up of an electric motor. Peak power is most often encountered during appliance start up, and must be taken into account before deciding on generator. For instance, we've all seen lights dim when a refrigerator or dryer turns on ... that's a reactive appliance.
Use this simple formula to determine an appliance's generator requirement:
Volts x Amps = Watts
In this formula, you only need to know two of the variables to calculate the third.
For example, you may want a generator to power a coffee maker. The coffee maker is 120V and requires 6 amps of current. By multiplying volts and amps, it can be calculated that the coffee maker will require 720 watts of power.
A generator should never be operated at its maximum power output for more than 30 minutes. Rated power is a more reliable measure of safe generator power. Typically, rated power is 90% of maximum power.
| RV Air Conditioner |
| 11,000 BTU |
1600 |
1010 |
| 13,500 BTU |
2800 |
1800 |
| 15,000 BTU |
3300 |
2000 |
| RV Refrigerator |
600 |
180 |
| Blender |
850 |
400 |
| Electric Grill (tabletop) |
1650 |
1650 |
| Slow Cooker |
170-270 |
170-270 |
| Radiant Heater |
1300 |
1300 |
| Fan (portable) |
120 |
40 |
| Satellite Reciever |
250 |
250 |
| DVD Player |
350 |
350 |
Refrigerator or Freezer
(Energy Star) |
1200 |
132-192 |
| Microwave Oven |
| 650 watts |
1000 |
1000 |
| 800 watts |
1300 |
1300 |
| 1000 watts |
1500 |
1500 |
| Incandescent Lights |
as indicated on bulb
(i.e. 60W) |
as indicated on bulb
(i.e. 60W) |
| Television |
| Tube type |
300 |
300 |
| Flat Screen (20") |
120 |
120 |
| Flat Screen (46") |
190 |
190 |
| Coffee Maker (4 cup) |
600 |
600 |
| Dishwasher (Cool Dry) |
540 |
216 |
| Electric Fry Pan |
1500 |
1500 |
| Automatic Washer |
1200 |
1200 |
| Radio |
50-200 |
50-200 |
Window Air Conditioner
(10,000 BTU) |
2200 |
1500 |
| Computer |
| Laptop |
200-250 |
200-250 |
| Desktop |
600-800 |
600-800 |
| Monitor (LDC style) |
30 |
30 |
| Printer |
400-600 |
400-600 |
| Garage Door Opener |
1420 |
720 |
| Air Compressor |
| 1/2 hp |
1600 |
975 |
| 1 hp |
4500 |
1600 |
Making a Wise Choice
Knowing the wattage required, factoring peak power appliances and determining a manageable size and weight, you can purchase a generator with confidence. Choosing the right generator to suit your particular needs will make life easier at home, on the work site or around camp.
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