Which Portable petrol generator ?

Not actually in dire need of one, but a 1kw Hyundai popped into my targeted ads(probably due to outdoor sports searches)

It’s pretty cheap, under 300 quid for the most part, and seems to get ok reviews. But most of the people ive known over the years, boating etc always have a Honda version over any other.

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Now theres a lot of outdoorsey people on here with boats/caravan/ettes/car camping etc etc so I wondered what the general consensus was.

Im not going to say is the Honda worth it, because its a bloody Honda, and you can likely get parts for it anywhere in the world, over something like a far cheaper Hyundai or other cheaper make where its possible you’d struggle.

I have this one. Runs off LPG as well as petrol, so handy for the caravan. Quiet, compact, does a job

Not actually in dire need of one

to the extent that you’ve not actually said what you’ll use it for 🙂

1 Kw is not a lot. What do you actually want to power?

I used to have a sideline hussle repairing generators, mainly Honda mechanical/non inverter suitcase types.

These Hyundai’s are badge engineered – they are Chinese made rebranded. They are okay but as youve already mentioned the Honda’s can be repaired for decades to come and hold their value 2nd hand if you ever decide to sell. On a mechanical level the nikosil cylinder lining on the Hondas is better than anything else out there and you very rarely have piston/cylinder issues.

The Honda EU range is hard to beat – I’d rather have a used EU than a new Kippor/Hyundai etc.

The biggest issue with any generator is to make sure it’s working under load – buying a 2kw genny and using it to power a few watt LED light will lead to bore glazing and piston ring/nikosil wear. Load it up as much as possible for longevity.
Drain the fuel when not being used including the carburettor float bowl.

Along with jetwasher piston pumps – this is another subject I love talking about at dinner parties…..

I forgot to mention – do you actually need an internal combustion generator? Large portable battery power banks from the likes of Jackery etc are taking the place of generators and are better for short term lower outputs. However an ICE generator still wins if you want to power a butty van in A1 layby.

maccruiskeenFull Member
Not actually in dire need of one
to the extent that you’ve not actually said what you’ll use it for 🙂

1 Kw is not a lot. What do you actually want to power?

Me personally ? Nothing. Like I said it popped up in my ‘Feed’ and I got to wondering.

But. If i were in the market, I’d probably go for a 2kw version as 1kw powers many things, even a travel kettle, but for cooking, something like a microwave needs 2kw

Kelvin powertools has a handy chart showing which(1kw,2kw,3kw) is best suited to whichever application.

https://www.kelvinpowertools.com/img/kelvinpics/honda/Appliances_Table_EU10_20_30i.pdf

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Before my best mate passed away, when we used to go camping 6 or 7 times a year, off to Glen Etive, Rannoch moor,Skye etc we looked at possible getting a small genny. That would probably have been used to boil a kettle, play a bit of music, power a tool battery charger, or recharge phones and even a string of lights.

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But its all just speculation these days.