I bought my first backup generator in 1989 – the very best 3500 watt Honda made at the time – to help me with building projects beyond the grid. That’s the one you see on the rolling cart, above. Little did I know that I’d end up using this machine more often during power blackouts than running a saw or drill or sander. Life in the country comes with its share of outages, but that’s not much of an issue when you’re self-reliant for basic power needs.
Generators have improved a whole lot since I bought my first one, with today’s best models being much smaller, lighter and quieter than before. A minority of current models even generate power that’s clean enough to operate the most sensitive electronic equipment without causing damage. This is an important issue when you’re choosing a generator, and few people understand it fully.
Besides using generators frequently for the past couple of decades, I also get the chance to take apart and test different models from various manufacturers. I have my favourites, as well as tips for choosing the best models for different situations. If you’re looking for a portable, backup generator and want to make the best possible choice, check out my technical report at www.SteveMaxwell.ca/3-key-issues-with-generators
Contributing Editor Steve Maxwell has been helping people renovate, build and maintain their homes for more than two decades. “Canada’s Handiest Man” is an award-winning home improvement authority and woodworking expert. Contact him by visiting his website and the blog, Maxwell’s House. You also can follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook and find him on Google+.