How to Choose the right generator

Posted by Mowercentre | 19th June 2019

Shopping for a generator? Choosing the right one isn’t just about picking the biggest or cheapest model—it’s about finding the perfect match for your needs.

Whether it’s for camping, powering up your home during blackouts, or running tools on a worksite, selecting the correct size and type of generator can save you money, prevent damage to your equipment, and give you peace of mind.

🧭 Where to Start

Before diving into specs and models, ask yourself these key questions:

❓ How Will You Use Your Generator?

• 🏕️ Camping & Outdoors – Quiet, compact, and stable power on the go
• 🏠 Home & Office Backup – Keep essentials and devices running smoothly
• 🔧 Construction & Emergency – Tough power for tough jobs
• 🎉 Hospitality & Events – Reliable electricity you can trust

Each category has different demands—so let’s match your needs to the right model.

🔢 What Will You Run at the Same Time?

You need to know how many watts your appliances and tools require—both to start and to run.

🔌 Running Watts – The continuous power needed to keep a device operating
⚡ Starting Watts – Extra power needed for devices with electric motors to start up

💡 Example: A 900W microwave puts out 900W, but it needs more to actually run—especially at start-up.

Tip:
If the device lists amps (A), just multiply by the voltage (V) to get watts (W).
Watts = Volts x Amps

📋 Make a list of everything you want to run at once and calculate the total starting and running wattage. That number will guide your generator size.

🤫 How Quiet Does It Need to Be?

Planning to camp or stay in a caravan park? A quiet generator is a must. Many parks have noise limits, so look for:

• 🎒 Inverter generators (suitcase style) – Ultra-quiet and fuel-efficient
• 🔊 Open-frame generators – Louder, but more suited to trade sites where noise isn’t an issue

⏱️ How Long Does It Need to Run?

• 🟢 Medium: Up to 3 hours
• 🟡 Long: 3–8 hours
• 🔴 Extra Long: 8+ hours

Generators with larger tanks or inverter technology tend to have longer runtimes. Perfect for full workdays or overnight use.

🔑 Recoil or Electric Start?

• Recoil start – Reliable and common in smaller units
• Electric start – Great for convenience, especially when paired with remote start or auto-start options

Many premium models offer both!

✅ Generator Do’s & Don’ts

✅ DO stick to trusted brands – Like Honda, Yamaha, Briggs & Stratton
✅ DO check for an Australia-wide warranty and support network
✅ DO buy from an authorised dealer – So your warranty is valid
✅ DO service your generator regularly – Like your car, it needs love to run well!

🚫 DON’T buy dirt-cheap, no-name brands – They often overpromise on specs and underdeliver in performance, especially with sensitive gear like laptops and phones.

Need Expert Advice?

Not sure what size you need? Overwhelmed by the options? We’re here to help.
At Mowercentre – Hampton, we’ll help you pick a generator that suits your needs perfectly—without the guesswork.

📞 Give us a call, pop into the store, or check out our generator range online.