Generators are an essential item for many households and businesses here in the UK and lots of people rely on them when the mains power supply fails. Whilst we are quite lucky to experience fewer power outages than other countries, it is still something that needs to be prepared for. After all, when the mains power does fail, there is no predicting how long it will take to get back up and running again. 

When investing in a new generator, one of the most important things to consider is the type of fuel you’re going to use in the generator. This will make a big difference to the selection that you can choose from and will considerably narrow down your options. For anyone that is new to owning a generator, our team here at Generators OnLine have put together a small guide to the most popular fuel types containing everything you need to know to make your decision. 

Diesel-powered generators

These tend to be amongst the most popular generators on the market right now. They are incredibly versatile and many people favour them over other fuel options. Diesel generators are also one of the most commonly owned generators nowadays.

One of the main reasons why they are so popular is because diesel is so easy to get hold of. It is also said that diesel generators are more efficient than other fuel types, so even though you’re paying slightly more for the fuel, you will get more out of it. 

Regular servicing and maintenance is essential in diesel-powered generators and it isn’t something that can be overlooked. But, if you take care of them then they will serve you a long time. They are known for their durability and long life. 

Gas-powered generators

You may hear these referred to as natural gas generators, or even propane generators as this is the most common type of gas used to power them. If you’re conscious of the environment then this is the best choice for you, natural gas is a clean-burning fuel. 

People tend to use this type of generator because the gas is so easy to store. You can keep it both below and above ground in tanks so, you’ll never need to worry about running out when you need it most. However it is incredibly flammable and explosive so, be aware of this. 

The higher upfront cost is the one thing that tends to put people off this type of generator. They should definitely be looked at as an investment though, due to the fact that you will probably save money when choosing this type of fuel over time as it is cheaper than other fossil fuels. 

Petrol powered generators

This type of generator has been around for longer than the other options and it is a tried and tested choice. Due to how long they’ve been around, you usually have more selection when looking for a petrol generator and they are very reasonably priced too. 

Nowadays, it isn’t uncommon for these generators to be built with numerous economy modes to improve their fuel efficiency. Of course, petrol is also really easy to get hold of and cheaper than other options too which is a big bonus, especially when paired with this new efficiency. 

One thing to be aware of is that petrol burns at an incredibly high temperature which can lead to more general wear and tear over time. These generators often require more repairs and maintenance work due to this, and their life span may be shorter. 

Deciding which generator to invest in 

Depending on your specific needs and requirements there is bound to be one fuel type which works best for you. Hopefully, using the guides above you can make an educated decision as to which type would be the right choice for your new generator. Once you have decided on this important factor, you can then look into the other things you need to consider such as size, make and model.  

When searching for somewhere reliable to purchase your new generator from, visit the Generators OnLine website. We have a huge range of generators available and we cover all three of the fuel types mentioned above. So, whether you’re searching for a diesel-powered commercial back up generator or even a petrol-powered small portable camping generator, we will have something for you.