How to choose a generator for your cottage?

At a cottage, a generator can become a very practical helper. It can serve either as a backup power source for short-term outages, which are more common in forests and nature, or it can be the only source of electricity in a cottage that does not have access to the electrical grid. Either way, it ensures that you can enjoy the conveniences of modern times anytime and anywhere. But which generator should you choose for your cottage? 

What options do you have when choosing a generator?

Generators differ in many parameters. However, the main distinction is always the type of fuel they use – based on this, we divide generators into gasoline, diesel, and gas-powered models.

The cheapest generators are the gasoline ones. Because of that, they are also the most commonly used, with very wide application possibilities. They are more suitable for short-term operation. Therefore, they can be an excellent backup power source for your cottage in case of a power outage. The purchase price of affordable gasoline generators starts at around CZK 10,000.

Gas generators usually offer very similar performance to gasoline models. However, because they run on cheaper fuel, their operation is also more economical. They are also more environmentally friendly. Anyone who wants to keep the forest around their cottage clean will surely choose this type of generator. The price of affordable gas generators starts at around CZK 15,000–16,000.

This type of generator is also suitable for long-term electricity production. A gas generator does not have to be just a backup source of energy at your cottage—it can be the primary one.

Diesel generators are the most expensive, as well as the largest and heaviest. Therefore, it is best to use them in one place and not move them around. Due to their high performance, they are more suitable for construction sites or industrial use rather than for a cottage. These generators often serve as a backup source for entire family homes. 

The best generators for a cottage are therefore the gasoline or gas-powered ones. When choosing, you must decide which fuel type to use. It is important to consider whether you are looking for a backup or a primary power source. For the first option, a gasoline generator will be sufficient. For the second, you should choose a gas generator. At a cottage, a gas generator also has the advantage of being quieter—a benefit you will certainly appreciate at night.

Tip: read a dedicated article about the advantages of gas generators and also the advantages of gasoline generators.

A generator for a cottage must also be sufficiently powerful. This is something you need to watch out for. 

How to choose a generator for a cottage with regard to its power?

Before choosing a generator, it is essential to know which appliances it will need to power and how much electricity they consume.

This is easy to find out – every appliance has its power input listed. This is the amount of electricity the appliance needs to operate at its rated performance. Simply put, it is its electricity consumption.

Add up the power input of all appliances your new generator will need to power. Increase the final number by 30%. This is because a generator should have one-third more power than the total power input of all connected appliances. Only then will it be able to safely power everything at once.

An average cottage usually requires a generator with an average output. The most powerful generators are equipped with a three-phase mode (sockets with more pins). But you definitely won’t need such devices at a cottage—you can easily make do with a single-phase generator (standard 230 V outlet).

Should I watch out for anything else?

Definitely. In addition to the basic parameters such as fuel type, noise level, and output, you must also consider the type of voltage regulation.

To choose the right one, you again need to answer the question what your generator will power. If some of the connected devices are more sensitive—such as computers, laptops, televisions or electric heaters, then you should choose either an inverter generator or a generator with AVR voltage regulation. 

These devices, which we all use daily, are very sensitive to any fluctuations in output voltage. When they are connected to a power source, the voltage must not vary. This is exactly what inverter and AVR generators are designed for. Even the most sensitive electronics will be safe with them.

What should you take away from this?

If you are still wondering which generator to choose, here is a brief summary.

The best generator for a cottage is quiet, not excessively large, and can operate for long periods. Gas is therefore an ideal fuel type.

After choosing the fuel type, don’t forget these 2 steps:

• calculate the required output of the generator based on the power input of all connected appliances
• choose the appropriate voltage regulation type depending on how sensitive the connected electronics are

And that’s all. If you are still unsure about your choice, feel free to contact us, we will gladly help.