Choosing a generator can seem difficult, especially if this is your first time buying or renting one. But it’s not as complicated as it might at first appear, especially if you’re choosing a home generator rather than one for industrial use.

By bearing in mind a few simple questions, you’ll be able to find the generator that meets your needs in no time.

Generator power and capacity

The first thing you need to ask yourself is what do you need a generator for? Perhaps you’re looking for a generator to supplement gaps in power supply in your area, or you need an outdoor power source for an event you’re hosting. Alternatively, you might be an office manager looking for a back-up generator for your building, or a power source for a building site.

Depending on where your generator will be used, the required power will vary widely. So if you only want to power a caravan or tent in your back garden, a small generator will suffice. Alternatively, if you need to provide power to an entire factory, the power required by your generator will be significantly more.

Experts at the shop from which you buy or hire your generator will be able to give you more guidance on calculating the power you’ll need. Generally, it’s better to choose a generator that exceeds your power needs rather than one that simply meets them, so you won’t be caught short.

To buy or to rent

You’ll also need to consider whether it’s worth buying a generator or renting one. There are advantages and drawbacks to both options. Buying a generator means that you can invest in a portable power source in a one-off payment, and you won’t have to worry about paying a regular hire charge. This may be a more attractive option if you always need to have a back-up power supply in place. However, it also means that you’re responsible for maintaining your generator and paying to fix it if something goes wrong.

Alternatively, if you choose to hire a generator with a power generator rental company, maintenance may be included in your rental fee. And if something goes wrong, it’s usually the hire company’s responsibility to fix the problem – unless, of course, you caused the problem through misuse. Moreover, if you only need the generator for a short period – for instance, to provide power to an outdoor event – renting is a much more attractive option. So it’s crucial to weigh your choices carefully and think about your individual needs when choosing a generator.