Re: Best generator?
I'll add this very little known generator fact:
It's VERY hard in real life to use more than about 75% of a normal generator's capacity, regardless of the size of the unit.
Most all consumer/cheap 240v generators really suck if all you are running 120v loads. Say you have a 4000w 240v unit. That's really 2 generators that are 120v and 2000w each.
Unless you are running only resistive loads, you can't load to full capacity (regardless of the voltage required) due to startup surge. So if you need to run typical equipment: sump pump, fridge, freezer, tv, lights, fan, microwave, and hotplate you are limited to say..... about 60% of max. And that's 60% of the 2000w, or 1200w.
Now granted, that's 2 separate circuits so you can run 2 extension cords with each loaded to about 1200 watts. Total generator load will be 2400w. This is a far cry from the 4000 on the nameplate.
For the record, commercial/premium units will have a 120v only switch. This forces the unit to only output 120v and allows you to utilize more of the generator. Problem is... 120v circuit are rated at a max of 20amps (and that's with some _really_ good extension cords). So 120v * 20a is 2400w.
Basically, you're gonna hit a wall at about 1500w per circuit on a 5000w unit, and 2400w on a mack-daddy super premium unit.
That's what makes the honda eu2000 so deceptive. It's 120v only, but 2000 watts. The noise level is extremely low and so is the fuel consumption. It's got some clean lines and a good layout. And I know from personal experience that it will run fine in 2-3 inches of standing water.
Yamaha makes a yg2800 series. It, like the honda, is 120v only, but 2800 watts. It gives a little more headroom on loading ability. Other features are comparable to the honda, but it has a 3 gallon tank (honda has a 1.1). It's only a couple of hundred more. I've ran 2-3 of them and they are very strong units. It's also rated as a commercial unit.
But back to the original post... I've bought about 7 generators in the past 12 months. These have all been honda and yamaha units, and in that name brand nobody has beaten
www.wisesales.com for price and service. You have to call them for accurate pricing.
Also, a generator with a 12v dc output is nice. Most have the output, but the cables are extra. Buy them. I've used mine several times.