Generator Buying Guide

Looking to buy a portable generator but not sure where to begin?

Don't worry. We've got you covered. But first, let us hit this fundamental question out of the park: What is a portable generator?

4 time winner of best generator

Our Best-selling 3.5kW generator

Pull start
Runs quietly at 58dB @ 7 metres
5.7L petrol capacity for 6.2 hours (50% load) run time
565 x 320 x 470mm
38 kg

A generator is a device that produces electric power. It has an engine which can be powered using several fuel options such as diesel, petrol, gas, etc. When powered, the engine produces mechanical energy, which an alternator converts into electrical output.

Portable means this generator type is light enough for you to carry or move easily.

At Outbax, we understand how important portability is for our customers.

Especially for those who use portable generators for recreational purposes. Our best-selling camping generator (3500 W) weighs just 38 kgs which is less than half of comparable power output offerings by Yamaha* (67 kgs) and Honda** (59 kgs).

* Yamaha EF3000iSE ** Honda EU 30iS

When you're away from your main electrical supply, portable generators can be a good source of essential power. So, whether you are camping on an unpowered campsite, out with friends on a boat, or facing a power outage, a portable generator can provide you with power and peace of mind.

The problem, however, is that there are too many options for portable generators.

To start, we have the regular generators and the inverter generators. Also known as standard or conventional generators, regular generators operate at a constant speed. They have been there for ages but have gained a bad name because they produce unnecessary noise and have poor fuel efficiency and exhaust output.

On the other hand, inverter generators have become very popular recently and for good reasons. They are smaller, lighter, and quieter and produce cleaner power that is completely safe for sensitive appliances such as mobile phones and laptops.

At Outbax, we only sell inverter generators.

Our generators produce electricity in a 'pure sine wave' format that 'cleans' up the power output and removes any irregularities that may damage sensitive appliances. The power produced is safer and the operation is quieter than generators that produce power in a 'square sine wave' or 'modified sine wave' format.

Now that we have established the superiority of inverter generators over their conventional counterparts, let us determine what you should consider before buying an inverter generator.

The following three questions are a good starting point.

1. What do I need a generator for?

All of us are made different. And our requirements are likely to be different too. Even if you buy a portable generator for power backup, your requirements may differ significantly from someone else who is also buying it for power backup. You may want to run a few lights and a fridge in a power outage, while someone else may also need a TV, AC, and microwave. Similarly, you may have several appliances to run on a camping trip, but your friend only needs the most basic ones. So, the first thing to consider is your needs.

2. How much power do I need?

Once you have established the application and identified the appliances you plan to power, the next step is to calculate the total power requirements. And when determining the power requirement of an appliance, we need to consider its running as well as starting wattage requirements. You see, most appliances need a power surge to start and a constant lower power to run. For example, a refrigerator, on average, needs about 1350W to start but once started, it can run comfortably at 600W. So, if you must power a fridge, you need to have a generator with a power output of at least 1500W.

3. How important is portability for me?

There is a wide range of size and weight options in the market. You can get something as light as 8 kgs and as heavy as 100 kgs. Usually, weight is directly proportional to power, i.e., heavier generators are likely to offer more power. And these heavier generators usually come with built-in wheels and a handle for easy transport.

Choosing an inverter generator for your needs

Camping & Caravanning

Construction & tradies

power backup & off grid living

Home power backup

Boating & Fishing

Camping & Caravanning

Weight, noise level and fuel efficiency are the three most important features when picking up generators for camping and caravanning. You want a generator that is easy to pick and move, can fit easily in your caravan and is quiet enough not to disturb you or your fellow campers. At the same time, you don’t want a fuel guzzler as that would mean carrying litres of fuel to keep the thing running.

Gentrax 2.0kW

At 18.5kgs, this is one of the lightest generators in this power output range
Very quiet: Only 58 dB @7 m
Fuel efficiency of 2 hours per litre at 50% load.
Safe for sensitive devices such as mobiles and laptops
Really compact - can fit in easily in most 4WDs.
Great for charging batteries for use in camping

Gentrax 3.5kW

Can start and run AC + microwave at the same time
Most awarded generator - ProductReview winner four years running
Very quiet: Only 58 dB @7 m
Safe for sensitive devices such as mobiles and laptops
Less than half the weight of Yamaha and Honda generators in the 3000W power output range
Most fuel-efficient generator in the 3500 W power output range
Has an ergonomic handle that distributes the weight evenly to not strain your wrist

Gentrax 3.5kW Remote Start

Can start and run AC + microwave at the same time
Most awarded generator - ProductReview winner four years running
Very quiet: Only 58 dB @7 m
Safe for sensitive devices such as mobiles and laptops
Less than half the weight of Yamaha and Honda generators in the 3000W power output range
Most fuel-efficient generator in the 3500 W power output range
Has an ergonomic handle that distributes the weight evenly to not strain your wrist

CONSTRUCTION, TRADIES AND OTHER COMMERCIAL USES

For work-related applications, you need a generator that is powerful and sturdy and has long runtimes. At the same time, it should have the convenience of being taken around when required. Whether it is a food truck, an exhibition stall, a business shop or a range of power tools that you have to power, you can easily rely on Gentrax.

Gentrax 6.0kW

Can comfortably start and run any power tool
Comes with built-in wheels and an ergonomic handle for easy handling and transport
Comes with a remote start so you can start it from a distance
An LCD display screen that illuminates so you don’t have to fiddle with your mobile phone or torch light to find the generator
2 X 15 Amps outlets and 1 X 30 Amps outlet
USB port so you don’t have to worry about powering your mobile phone and entertainment devices.
Safe for sensitive devices such as mobiles and laptops

Gentrax 4.2kW

Can comfortably start and run most power tools
Comes with built-in wheels and an ergonomic handle for easy handling and transport
Comes with a remote start so you can start it from a distance
An LCD display screen that illuminates so you don’t have to fiddle with your mobile phone or torch light to find the generator
7 hours runtime at 50% load
At 41.5 kgs, an ergonomic handle and built-in wheels, this is our most versatile generator yet.
Safe for sensitive devices such as mobiles and laptops
Comes with parallel outlets, so you can connect it to another generator to meet higher power demands.
3-years Australian warranty

POWER BACKUP AND OFF-GRID LIVING

Becoming energy independent is not cheap. All the equipment you need can add up quickly. Get a fuel guzzling generator on top of it, and you are up for a cost shock. Another crucial factor is the cost of repairs and maintenance.

Gentrax 4.2kW

Comes with parallel outlets, so you can connect it to another generator to meet higher power demands.
Comes with built-in wheels and an ergonomic handle for easy handling and transport
Comes with a remote start so you can start it from a distance
An LCD display screen that illuminates so you don’t have to fiddle with your mobile phone or torch light to find the generator
7 hours runtime at 50% load
At 41.5 kgs, an ergonomic handle and built-in wheels, this is our most versatile generator yet.
Safe for sensitive devices such as mobiles and laptops
3-years Australian warranty