TOP 5 small gas generators with electric starter

Generators like the EnerSol EPG-3000SE are true workhorses. They can be used to power power tools on the job site and in the field, or to provide backup power to the home during power outages. This device has a rated power of 2.7 kW - this is exactly the total load from connected consumers that it can “pull” (short-term load surges of up to 3 kW are allowed). Thanks to the presence of an auto regulator (AVR), the mini-power station maintains the voltage at a level close to 230 V (with small deviations that do not affect the operation of connected household appliances). The current characteristics can be monitored using the multifunction display, which, depending on the selected mode, displays the current output voltage, current frequency or hour meter reading. There are two sockets on the front panel of the generator into which you can plug tools or appliances. Next to them are the 12 V output terminals, intended for recharging batteries or powering devices that operate on DC current.

The generator is “built” on the basis of a 4-stroke gasoline engine with a power of 7 hp. and working volume 210 cm³. It is “powered” by fuel coming from a 15-liter gas tank. Thanks to the presence of an electric starter and a battery “on board” the generator, the user is relieved of the need to pull the pull cord to start the engine.

One of the key advantages of the EnerSol EPG-3000SE generator is its price. This device is considered very affordable. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at it if your budget allocated for the purchase of a power plant does not exceed $300. True, as a “payback” for saving money, you will have to put up with noise. It seemed to us (and the measurement results confirm our opinion) that this unit is noisier than usual (75 dB at a distance of 7 m versus 69 - 71 dB for many other generators of the same power class). Therefore, it is better to prepare a long carrier in advance in order to place the mini-power plant away from your home or workplace on a construction site.

The Daewoo GDA 3500E Master gas generator is designed to serve loads with a total power of up to 2.8 kW. It has two regular outlets for connecting consumers, such as household appliances or power tools, and 12 V output terminals for charging car batteries. The output voltage is maintained at a stable level (230 V with deviations no more than ±5%) thanks to the presence of an automatic regulator (AVR). The “heart” of the generator is a 208 cc gasoline engine with a power of 7.5 hp. In operating mode with a load of 50% of the rated power, the engine consumes no more than 1.2 liters of fuel per hour (thus, the gasoline reserve in an 18-liter tank is enough for 15 hours of autonomous operation without refueling). To relieve the user from physical exertion, the device is equipped with an electric starter, providing quick and easy engine starting.

The advantages of the Daewoo GDA 3500E Master generator include its high reliability, time-tested, and the ability to easily and inexpensively buy spare parts ( Daewoo power equipment has been sold in European markets for a long time, so it is well known to employees of service centers that service mini-power plants). But it also has a drawback - a tendency to overheat in hot weather. Since all components and assemblies are tightly “packed” into a semi-closed space formed by the front panel, fuel tank and rear protective screen, at temperatures above +30 ° C the engine may not have enough fresh air for normal cooling. Therefore, it is better for a team that works on a construction site or in the field in the summer to find another device.

It is also interesting to note that, in addition to the gasoline version, the Daewoo GDA 3500DFE Master is on sale - exactly the same generator, but capable of running on two types of fuel: gasoline and liquefied gas (cylindered propane). But the dual-fuel version is, of course, more expensive than the gasoline version.

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.

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.

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.