Why Buy A Quiet Generator

Quiet generators are obviously a great idea. Noise pollution is a real problem these days and anything that keeps the noise levels down has to be a good thing.

The downside is that quiet generators come at a premium sometimes quite a hefty one. Expect to pay about 20-40% more for you quiet portable generator than you would for a normal one. All that extra sound insulation and improved vibration mounting come at a price.

Usually the only reason you want a silent generator is if you're camping. Even camping everyone is outside so a noisy generator isn't going to earn you any points with your neighbours and in the extreme may even get you thrown off your pitch!

For more on choosing a Camping Generator follow this link.

Having decided you really need a near silent generator (the are never going to be completely silent) the next major decision you're going to have to make is what size or in other words what output in Watts are you going to require?

Calculating the power requirement of your electrical items is relatively easy it's printed somewhere on every electrical piece of equipment you own. Typically large items like refrigerators and anything that heats up like a kettle, curling tongs or cooker is going to use more power than a 60 Watt light bulb.

Another thing you need to be aware of is that when a motor / compressor first starts up it draws more power than when running for example if your fridge is rated at 400 Watts running when starting it may use 10-20% more giving 4440-480 Watts a big enough difference to cause problems if not taken into account.

As an example:

4 light bulbs at 60 Watts each = 240 Watts
Small Fridge at 400 Watts + 10% = 440 Watts
A Lap Top = 150 Watts
A small TV = 150 Watts

Gives 240 + 440 + 150 + 150 = 980 Watts or just about 1 Kw although close a 1 Kw generator would do nicely. However add anything else and the generator at best will shut down at worse you'll damage it. So a larger 2Kw generator would be needed.

A 2Kw generator will cost you more, make more noise and use more gas. My preference is to stick to a 1Kw unit and always ensure I stay well under it's maximum rating.

Good question :) Your choices come down to the well established makes like Honeywell, Yamaha and Hyundai how do some excellent and well rated models or pay a little less and go for a relative newcomer like Kipor who make similar models but 10-20% cheaper.

As always the more money you pay usually the better quality product you buy and the better after sales service you get.

The good news is a 1kw portable generator could be yours for as little at $350.

Below are some generators you can find at Amazon - Always check the customer reviews to ensure you don't end up buying a lemon.