The 10 best portable generators to buy in the UK
Finding the best portable generator ensures you have a backup power source for your home, while it’s also useful for all kinds of outdoor activities, making it a worthwhile investment for many people. However, knowing what to look for in a portable generator can be difficult when buying for the first time, which is why we’ve created this handy buying guide to help you out.
Below you will find all the information that you need to know to find the best portable generators for your needs, including what it is, why it’s worth buying, and how to choose the right one for your requirements.
What are portable generators?
A portable generator is a device that uses a combustion engine and alternator to generate electricity, typically for use as a backup power source for homes or for outdoor recreation where power is needed. Power output varies greatly from each generator, with some capable of powering multiple appliances around the home and others designed for one or two devices at a time, often power tools.
Why should you buy a good portable generator?
Owning a good portable generator is highly beneficial in many situations. The most obvious is during an emergency where power outages occur, such as during a storm or blackout, with a generator letting you continue to power appliances, lighting, and other essential items in your home. This makes a stressful situation far more manageable, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Furthermore, quality portable generators have many other uses beyond emergencies. They are portable power source so can be used to power tools on job sites, outdoor events, and even for camping and outdoor recreation activities.
How to choose the right portable generator in 2024?
Choosing the best portable generator doesn’t need to be challenging - you just need to know what to look for to make sure you get exactly what you need. Here are some things to consider when buying the right portable generator:
- Power: Always check the power of a portable generator to ensure it meets your requirements, with generators coming in varying sizes that offer different power outputs. This power is measured in watts, so the higher this number the more things you can power at one time. Remember though, more power means a heavier and more expensive generator.
- Use: Thin about the main use of the generator and ensure you choose one that meets your requirements. For example, if you want a generator as a backup power supply at home, consider what appliances you need to run (e.g. heating, fridge, lights, computer, TV, etc.) and make sure there are enough watts to cover this - with about 5,000W being recommended to power your average household.
- Runtime: Always be sure to check the runtime of a portable generator, as this means less time spent refuelling it once it runs dry. Remember, using it to full capacity will drain it much quicker, so it’s a good idea to check the runtime at half capacity to make sure you never overestimate the runtime - it’s the last thing you want in an emergency.
What is the best kind of portable generator in the UK?
There are several best-selling types of portable generator available to buy:
- Conventional Generators: Most standard portable generators are petrol-powered. It offers a great balance between affordability and functionality, giving ample backup power for a reasonable price, making it ideal for most homes, events, and outdoor activities.
- Inverter Generator: A more advanced type of portable generator, inverter generators are still powered by fuel but more efficient engines and throttle control, resulting in higher power capacity, quieter operation, and variable power settings. However, this does increase the cost of the generator.
- Power Stations: This type of portable generator does not operate using fuel, instead of being powered by a battery that is recharged using mains power, with newer models often using solar panels to generate power. These are the quietest type and produce no emissions, although they tend to cost more and you always need to make sure they are charged before use.
Top 10 list of portable generators in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their portable generators. Which portable generator is the best?
- The package contains: 1*1200W petrol generator, 1*spark plug wrench, 1*oil funnel,…
- Eco Mode & Long Runtime - A fully fueled 2.5L tank will provide you consistent…
- Pure Sine Wave Power - This inverter generator has a powerful 60cc 4 stroke OHV air-cooled…
- [Brand Warranty] Maxpeedingrods warrants all the inverter generators against defects…
- Provide Clean PowerThis inverter technology provides more steady power, produces…
- Extra Long RuntimeRuns 8.3 hours at 25% load (750w load) 4.5 hours at 50% load (1500w…
- Package List1x VTOMAN Jump 600X Portable Power Station, 1x AC adapter & charging…
- Recharge to 80% Within 2.7 HrsVTOMAN Jump 600X portable solar power station features…
- Regulated 12V DC OutputVTOMAN Jump 600X portable power generator features 2x DC5521…
- NOTE: this small power pack only supports appliances under 150 watts power consumption.…
- Package Included: 1 x Portable Power Station, 1 x AC Charger, 1 x Car Charger Cable,…
- MULTIPLE PROTECTION: SinKeu R150 provides over-temperature protection, short-circuit…
- Covered by a 2 Year Warranty
- 65 dBA at 7 metres
- AVR Controlled and Copper Alternator Windings
- Brand Warranty Maxpeedingrods warrants all the inverter generators against defects…
- Lightweight and Powerful MotorOnly 26 kg, small and compact, easy to carry, 223 cc…
- Multi-Function DisplayEasy to monitor voltage and frequency power; display remaining…
- Phone Remote Control: ALLPOWERS App supports iOS 9.0 or above /Android 4.3 or above.…
- 5 Recharging Methods: ALLPOWERS solar generator has 5 ways to charge the emergency…
- Portable Power Source & Emergency Light: The rechargeable portable power station…
- Includes power outlets & usb adapter - Included with the device are 2 covered…
- True sine wave invertor technology - This technology makes this generator ideal for…
- Reliable champion 2200w petrol engine - The Invertor Generator has an EZ Start and…
- The package contains: 1*1800W petrol generator, 1*spark plug wrench, 1*oil funnel,…
- Ultra Lightweight and Low Noise - Weighing in at only 15kg, and nearly 15% lighter…
- Unique Feature and Multifunction Control Panel - The outstanding design features…
- What You Get: 1 * ALLPOWERS R600 portable power station, 1 * mains charger cable,…
- Start UPS in 10 ms: R600 portable generator has an uninterrupted UPS power supply…
- LiFeP04 Long-Life Battery: Equipped with LFP battery cells, use and recharge R600…
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