Quick and easy start: TOP 5 small gas generators with electric starter

For consumers of single-phase alternating current, the inexpensive Kentavr KBG-258E gasoline generator is well suited as a backup or emergency power source. And that's why.

The model is one of the most affordable offers from the range of relatively low-power gas generators. The power plant produces 2.5 kW of rated power with peaks up to 2.8 kW. Distribution of the load on consumers is “managed” by two AC sockets for 220 V and 16 A, as well as terminals with a voltage of 12 V. The AVR autoregulator protects against sags and surges in the output voltage level.

“Under the hood” of the generator there is a single-cylinder gasoline engine with a power of 7 hp, driven by an electric starter. The electric start system greatly simplifies the cold start procedure of the power unit. For 1 kW of electricity generated over 1 hour, about 395 ml of fuel is consumed. In total, the tank of the model holds 15 liters of gasoline. To stabilize the output voltage of the Kentavr KBG-258E generator, a synchronous alternator with a copper winding is used.

The engine and associated generator attachments are mounted on a durable metal frame using damper supports. As a result, during operation the power plant has a stable position, and the noise level from it at maximum power does not exceed 75 dB. In terms of additional equipment, the model has acquired only a dial voltmeter, so you will have to count the number of engine hours it has worked in your head, on your smartphone, or with a pen on a piece of paper.

In terms of price/quality ratio, the Rato R3000D model stands out from the group of small-capacity backup gas generators. This is an unpretentious “workhorse” for use on a personal plot near a country house, in a country house, at a campsite or in a garage workshop.

The generator, weighing half a quintal, is equipped with a four-stroke single-cylinder Rato R210 engine with overhead valves and efficient air cooling. The power unit transmits torque to the winding of a synchronous alternator, which is directly responsible for generating electricity. In nominal mode, 2.7 kW of power can be extracted from the generator, at maximum speed - 3 kW(only for a short period of time).

Power is distributed to energy consumers through the sockets of two on-board 220 V / 16 A sockets. To the left of them on the “facade” of the power plant you can see terminals for connecting 12-volt equipment. The voltage at the generator output is shown by a simple pointer voltmeter. But the model does not have an hour meter, so you will have to track the “mileage” of the engine for timely maintenance.

Rato R3000D has an electric start system for the power unit, a built-in automatic output voltage regulator AVR, and a dry-running protection system when the oil level is low. The model simply and without unnecessary pathos performs the tasks of backup or emergency supply of volatile equipment with the life-giving power of voltage and current.

In case of force majeure with light, the Hyundai HHY3050FE gas generator will be a lifesaver. He is “tough” to ensure the operation of vital household appliances in a house or country house, to organize the operation of computers in a small office, and to organize the power supply of a retail outlet.

The mini-power station is built on a welded frame made of high-quality steel coated with powder paint. The heart of the model is the Hyundai IC212 proprietary power unit from the Industrial & Commercial engine series. The generator's gasoline engine has a cubic capacity of 212 cm³ and consumes less than 1 liter of fuel per hour at half load (0.93 l/hour). In nominal mode, the power unit produces up to 2.8 kW of power to consumers. Their connection is realized through two 16 A sockets.

The model is designed to generate electricity with a standard voltage of 220 V. The correct sine wave and stability of the output voltage is ensured by the appropriate AVR autoregulator. At the additional disposal of the user, terminals for connecting 12-volt consumers are kindly provided. The generator also acquired an info display, which displays readings from an electronic voltmeter, frequency meter and “mileage” ( hour meter).

The power plant's gas tank holds 15 liters of fuel, which is enough for 16 hours of autonomous electricity generation at a load of about 50%. The generator is started from the electric starter by turning the ignition key. The starter itself is powered by a small battery. In reserve, the model received a classic cable for starting the power unit manually.

Konner&Sohnen backup and emergency generators are distinguished by good build quality, high reliability and economical fuel consumption. The above also applies to the gasoline mini-power station KS 3000E.

The design of the gas generator is based on a reinforced steel frame with rubber supports to reduce vibration levels, resist slipping and corrosion. A wear-resistant KS 210 engine with 7 horsepower, meeting the requirements of the environmentally friendly EURO V standard, is attached to the chassis on rubber cushions. The power unit produces few harmful emissions into the atmosphere and is characterized by economical fuel consumption - about 1 liter of gasoline per hour at 50% load.

The generator is started with the ignition key using an electric starter. A lead-acid battery for powering it is included with the device as standard. Just in case, the model has a lightweight manual start system, which allows you to quickly start the engine with a cable without significant effort.

On the control panel of the gasoline power plant there are two sockets for connecting single-phase 220 V consumers, there are 12 V DC terminals, a grounding connector and an oil level sensor. At the center of the “facade” is an info display showing the number of engine hours worked, current frequency and current voltage. The AVR autoregulator keeps its finger on the pulse of the output voltage quality. The generator weighs about 45.5 kg; for ease of transportation to the work site, wheels can be optionally purchased.

The German brand Karcher is known for more than just vacuum cleaners and high-pressure washers. Its fleet of related products also includes individual generators for autonomous generation of electricity.

Compared to its closest peers , the petrol model of the PGG 3/1 power station stands out due to its folding push handle and transport wheels. They were attached to the generator chassis to ensure the mobility of the unit, because the 52-kilogram “carcass” of the device cannot be carried much in your hands. Tires on wheels additionally have puncture protection, which will come in handy when moving the generator around the perimeter of a construction site.

Karcher PGG 3/1 is powered by a 4-stroke engine with a power of 6.9 hp. on gasoline fuel (grade AI-92). The generator distributes electricity through the sockets of two grounded 220 V sockets. The total power of consumers connected to them should not exceed 2.8 kW in the nominal power generation mode. To supply power to sensitive electronic devices, the model has an automatic voltage regulator (AVR).

The device controls are concentrated on the front panel of the case. Here you can see the lock cylinder for the electric start of the power unit, DC and 12 V voltage terminals, and an info screen for displaying the engine hour meter and the current voltage value. The Karcher PGG 3/1 will not let you down in difficult times in the absence of a centralized power supply and will help out in the field, be it deploying a power supply system for a small campsite or construction and repair work far from electrical civilization.