Portable fuel generators come in a variety of types and they are available for diversified fuel types including propane, natural gas, diesel and gasoline. Each type of generator is unique and designed to serve different purposes:

 

Diesel Generator

 

The diesel generator is the most fuel efficient generator. Its advantages are that:

 

  • A gallon of diesel last about three times as long as a gallon of gas
  • It is designed to run continuously for many hours
  • Engines are water cooled – meaning with no spark plugs and reducing the chances of starting a fire
  • Has the longest engine life and very durable as well as dependable
  • It is the least flammable of all the other fuels and very safe to store

 

But there are certain disadvantages that are associated with this type of generators such as:

 

  • High noise level
  • Emanate great amounts of smoke
  • Difficulty starting in cold weather
  • Diesel is costlier than gasoline in certain places

 

Gasoline Generator

 

The gasoline generator is the most popular choice for use in homes during a power outage. The advantages of the gasoline generator are:

 

  • They are the cheapest of all fuel generators and are available anywhere
  • Very affordable to operate

 

However, gasoline generators also have disadvantages – perhaps the highest number of disadvantages of all fuel generators:

 

  • Emits carbon monoxide(CO)
  • Noisy and require frequent maintenance
  • Shortest engine life of all generators
  • Gasoline has a short shelf life and is dangerous to store due to its flammability
  • Gasoline may create problems in the carburetor of the generator

 

Propane Generator

 

Propane generators are very popular and have a many inherent advantages:

 

  • Excellent for use in cold weather since propane doesn’t freeze
  • The generator can be hooked on to any existing propane cylinder present, even the one used for cooking
  • Lowest noise production and longer engine life in comparison to gasoline and diesel

 

There are also some disadvantages:

 

  • Propane is the most expensive fuel
  • Produces less energy per volume of fuel in comparison with gasoline and diesel