Baltimore News Journal

If you are in the market for a portable generator, you may want to consider a few things before making your purchase. Portable generators can be used for many different purposes, but they are often used by homeowners to provide power to their home during power outages.

Here’s what to look for when purchasing a portable generator:

How much power do I need?  A lot depends on what exactly you plan on using the generator for. If it’s just for camping or tailgating, then you can get by with less than 200 watts of power (although I recommend getting something closer to 300 watts). If you plan on using it for home backup during an outage or other emergency situation, then I recommend at least 800 watts of power.

Type of generator

There are two main types of generators: portable and stationary. A portable generator can be wheeled around using wheels or a handle, whereas a stationary generator is designed to stay in one place.

Power capacity

You will need to determine how much power capacity you need from your portable generator. The amount of power capacity you require will depend on what you plan to use it for. Some people purchase portable generators as backup sources of power for their homes, while others use them as tools in their business or other ventures. If you plan on using your generator for backup power, then it is recommended that you pick one with enough power capacity to run all of your appliances and devices at once. If you only plan on using it occasionally, such as when camping or tailgating, then a smaller model may be all that is required.

Fuel type

The fuel type of the generator will determine how it can be used. For example, propane will burn cleaner and produce less emissions than gasoline would. However, propane has its own set of drawbacks including limited availability and increased cost when compared with gasoline or diesel fuel. If you choose propane, make sure that the model you select has an automatic ignition system so that the engine starts easily when needed.

Power output

The power output of a generator is measured in watts. A 1,500-watt generator can run two or three appliances at once without straining the engine.

Fuel tank capacity

The amount of fuel you’ll need will vary depending on how many appliances you want to run at once and how long you intend to run them. If you plan on using your generator frequently, it may be worth investing in a larger gas tank so that you don’t have to refuel as often.