Portable Generators VS Portable Power Stations: the Difference Explained

Most people don’t understand the difference between portable generators and portable power stations, and they end up confusing one for the other. Both types of equipment sound similar when you first start them, but they perform different functions and have a wide range of differences.

The portable generator converts other types of energy, like mechanical energy, into electric energy, and on the other hand, a portable power station is driven by a rechargeable battery to power a small space. Let’s take a closer look at portable generators vs. power stations to determine the differences.

Portable Generator: What Is It?

A portable power generator will convert different kinds of energy, especially mechanical energy, into electrical energy.

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This creates mechanical energy, which goes into the inverter generator to become electric energy. It comes in handy whenever there is a power outage. Portable power generators provide output between 1000 watts to over 20,000 watts. The more output you’re getting, the bigger the generator will be, so consider this when choosing the best portable generators. It will also be less portable, consume more fuel, and create more noise. With some large portable generators, a wheeled cart will be required to carry them around.

A portable generator can supply enough wattage to power an entire home. When selecting one, you should consider the intended purpose since they also offer different output levels and sizes. For high power, you can consider the Predator 9000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator.

On a portable generator, there is a control panel with different outlets and sockets. This is where the generator provides energy from. By burning the fuel in the fuel tank and plugging your home sockets, you can get continuous electricity without having a break in the power supply. Some generators also allow you to connect USB ports, digital panels, CO detectors Trusted Source What about carbon monoxide detectors? | US EPA Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas which at high levels can cause serious illness and death. CO alarms are widely available and should be considered a back-up to BUT NOT A REPLACEMENT for proper installation, use, and maintenance of fuel-bur www.epa.gov , or work with an app. It’s important to check the watts of the generator and the home appliances before purchase.

Pros and Cons of a Portable Generator

There are different advantages you can get when using a portable generator, but this doesn’t mean it’s not without its downsides.

Pros

• Emergency backup: one of the advantages of using a portable generator is during emergency backup situations. Whenever you’re experiencing a blackout or need electricity urgently, you can just take it out of the shed and turn it on. Some portable generators can run only some essential parts of the house, like the lights, heater, and refrigerator, while others will fully provide your house with a power supply.
• Cost-effective: it’s affordable to get a portable generator, especially when you compare it to a permanently installed generator. While it’s more expensive than a power station, it provides wider coverage and higher power, making it a cost-effective solution. You can get portable generators from $500 to $3,000, based on the wattage.
• Enough power output: portable generators offer enough power to provide your home or RV with electricity. You can turn on the fridge, cooler, and different kinds of electronics after turning it. Most of them come with a standard household outlet providing 240V output for some appliances. Sometimes, you need to add extra connections to fully use it.

Cons

• Noise, exhaust, and heat: portable generators can be noisy depending on how much power they give off. They also give off a lot of fumes, which is why they should run outside to prevent poisoning by carbon monoxide Trusted Source Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Overview, Symptoms and Diagnosis Learn about carbon monoxide poisoning and what causes it. Find information on carbon monoxide symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. www.healthline.com . But, you can’t put the generator too far away, so you’ll have to deal with the fumes, heat, and noise.
• Risky for sensitive electronics: since they provide AC current, which can fluctuate, it is risky to plug in electronics like laptops or cell phones directly to your generator. You should only do this when you are using an inverter generator, or there is a transfer switch on your generator.

Portable Power Station: What Is It?

On the other hand there is a portable power station, which is also called a battery-powered inverter generator or a gasless generator.

Portable power stations provide more power than you’d expect for a piece of small equipment. Some are as small as a lunchbox, like the Westinghouse iGen160s.

The output for a portable power station is usually about 1000 watts, although larger types provide even more power. The best portable power stations are a fantastic choice if you need a power supply on a campsite or in a remote area whenever there is a power outage, as they are very easy to move around. On the downside, the battery capacity of a portable power station is the same as the number of Watts it gives off.

For instance, if the portable power station is running on a 1000 watts battery, you need to consider the watt-hour, and this will last for about an hour. This makes them less efficient for being a backup generator in case of a blackout, unlike a portable generator. But, they are quieter than a portable generator and don’t have as many safety risks.

A portable power station will be designed with multiple inlets ad outlets. The outlets on the control panel allow you to feed power to different appliances. But the inlet is meant to differentiate between the low and high amp charging. This way, you can charge your portable power station by plugging it into the inlet from high-power sources like solar panels and high amps.

Pros and Cons of a Portable Power Station

If you’re considering using a portable power station, you’ll be pleased to see the different advantages it offers. At the same time, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind.

Pros

• Quick access to power: the main benefit of using a portable power station is quick access to power, as long as it is fully charged. You’ll have electricity at a moment’s notice by simply turning it on. Whenever there’s a blackout, you can use it to run the fridge or charge your devices. It’s also a great addition to any camping tool.
• Easy to recharge: all you need to do is plug the power station in for it to charge. You don’t have to buy fuel or diesel, as long as you have a solar panel or household high amp outlet. It’s advisable to purchase a solar power station for easy charging. Some models, like the Jackery 400 Watt Peak Output Explorer, come with solar charging.
• Safe to use: power stations are great for safety. They run quietly without any combustible fuel, so there is no fire hazard or risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Power stations are also safe for plugging in different types of appliances and equipment.

Cons

• Less powerful: the main disadvantage of using a portable power station is the power, especially when compared to a portable generator. Their power rating ends at 1000 watts, and this is where the rating for a generator will start. You can use a limited range of devices, mostly a computer, phone, or fridge.
• Limited run time: another downside to consider is the limited run time since they are running on a battery. If the battery runs dry and there is still a power outage, you’ll be stuck since you can’t charge the power station again. So, you can’t use them for a long time. If you expect blackouts often, you should avoid using them.

Portable Generators VS Portable Power Stations

Now that you know what both pieces of equipment are, you might be wondering what is better: portable generators vs. portable power stations. They have corresponding features and can’t replace each other, so it depends on your needs.

First, here are the main differences between the portable power station and portable generator:

Factors to Consider when Deciding Between a Power Station and a Generator

If you need a small source of electricity for charging small electronics or when camping, you should consider a portable power station. But, if you need a lot of power for your home, you’ll have to go for the portable generator. While the generator comes with different safety concerns and requires maintenance, unlike the power station, the power it offers is much better than from the power station. You’ll have to compromise if you need a lot of power.

• Amount of power needed: you need to consider if you need enough power to give a house electricity or just a camping site. While both portable power stations and generators have different sizes and outputs, the latter is more powerful.
• Ease of use: a portable power station is easier to use and maintain, as all you need to do is charge it and let it run. But a portable generator requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
• Type of fuel: you also need to consider the type of fuel that you want to use. If you don’t mind getting diesel for your generator, then you’ll be comfortable with the portable generator while taking measures to prevent CO poisoning. But, if you don’t want to use combustible fuels, the power station will be a better choice with solar panels and battery packs, although the output will be low.

FAQ

How long will a portable power station last?
This depends on their battery capacity and how many electronics and devices it is currently powering. It can last from two to 12 hours before it will require charging. You can make it last longer by reducing the number of electronics you are charging. Also, ensure it is stored charged. Keep in mind that it takes several hours for a portable power station to be used again.

Can you charge a portable power station with a generator?
You can charge your portable power station with a gas-powered inverter generator. If you have a portable generator and power station, you can use the former to charge the latter. Other ways to charge it are through a solar panel or a standard electrical outlet.

How can I maintain my portable generator?

Portable generator maintenance involves emptying out the fuel tank after use, storing it in a clean and dry place like a shed or purchasing a cover, cleaning it once a week, and also training it so that it keeps working. You also need to have extra oil and filters and continuously monitor the wattage consumption.

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand the difference between portable generators vs. portable power stations, you can easily choose the one that works for you and your needs. Consider your power requirements and what you will be using the electricity supply for, and it becomes easier to pick one. While they seem similar, one cannot do the job of the other. If you need an all-rounder, you should go for the portable generator, but if you simply want to charge some phones or a laptop, or go camping often, choose the portable power station.

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