What generator is the most fuel efficient?

When it comes to picking a generator that saves on fuel and delivers on performance, it’s worth looking at an inverter from the outset.

Not only are they lightweight and portable, but they’re quiet and use newer technology which allows them to power sensitive electronics such as phone or laptop chargers which makes them great for both backup and camping or recreation applications.

But how do they work?

Traditional standard/industrial generators use a mechanical engine to create AC electricity via an alternator. Inverters still create AC electricity, except they convert that AC power to DC using magnets advanced circuitry before digitally inverting it back into AC which is now ‘cleaner’ and flows at a more constant rate.

It’s this combination of digital inversion and newer technology which make inverter generators far more fuel efficient. Their engines automatically adjust to produce the power needed from it and nothing else, so because they aren’t constantly at full speed you can expect to save fuel in the long run.

This means inverter generators can power sensitive electronics like audio equipment, televisions and phone chargers reliably and it also allows them to run far quieter than their traditional counterparts.

So, which one should I get?

The answer here really just depends on what you need it for, and how often you plan to use it. To figure out how much power you need to draw from a generator, simply find out which of your appliances has the highest starting wattage and add it to the total running wattage of the rest of your appliances or devices.

The largest starting wattage is necessary because it’s recommended to plug things in one at a time, and a handy online calculator that lets you enter the wattage of your own devices can be found here.

At the entry level, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 boasts 2.2kW which suits itself perfectly for smaller camping or social situations. And for more devices or reliable backup scenarios, a Honda EU30 is the perfect mid-range option; providing up to 3kW and can be run over 24 hours.

If you’re after a full home backup generator, you may want to consider the Honda EU70 which offers a whopping 7kW of power, and is also electronic fuel injected for superior fuel efficiency and long running time.

Another option is our Kohler LPG backup generators, which have auto start for immediate action in a power cut, and are run on affordable and simple LPG gas bottle/s.

If you have any questions about which generator might be best for your applications, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts are more than happy to help.