What Fuel Type for Suitcase Generators is Best?

The determining factors in choosing a generator, whether fixed standby or portables are wattage capacity, noise level, fuel type used, form factor (portability) and price. In terms of fuel types used, various generator models use gasoline, diesel, LP (Propane) or natural gas depending on the engine used. Gasoline and diesel are the most common, having been there ever since. Enhanced diesel (bio-diesel and emulsified diesel), Propane and natural gas are the more recent ones. Suitcase generators are mostly gasoline fired, although new models are appearing that use other fuels.

Pros and Cons

Just about all fuel types used have their advantages and disadvantages that are nearly in equal measure. Consumers normally consider the most convenient fuel to source as a major selection criterion.

Using Gasoline

Gasoline is the most preferred as it has the least disadvantages among all fuel types. The main caveat is that it’s the most flammable and expensive as all motorists know. Just about all suitcase generators use gasoline.

Using Diesel

Diesel fuels have enhanced variants that can be cheaper and less flammable than gasoline. Diesel engines generators are larger and nosier requiring more maintenance work though over the long run they tend to cost less to operate. They make better sense when used frequently in the suburbs or in remote areas where there are no electricity or experience incessant blackouts. Bio-diesel variants are a mixture with 20% bio fuels and make for cleaner emissions. They can easily be sourced and can be delivered right at your doorstep. For this reason they can be an alternative to gasoline in suitcase generators.

Using LP or Propane and Natural Gas

These are modern fuel types developed for their more environmental friendly traits. As such, they have the cleanest emission of all. But being relatively new, sourcing could be a problem in some areas though outlets and home deliveries are increasingly available. Larger generators sets above 30kw used in business are known to carry larger initial costs, typically 15% to 20%higher than gasoline or diesel generators. Fuel consumption cost have a staggering threefold increase but can be economical in the long run as engine life expectancy especially for liquid-cooled types are much longer. Air-cooled types for small generators are often in the budget class. They also have least power output, typically 30% less BTU than a comparable gasoline or diesel.

Conclusion

In general, the new fuels provide cleaner emissions and their engine units operate with the lowest noise. If fuel sourcing and the initial acquisition costs are not a problem, they make good sense for long-term frequency use in industrial and commercial areas. And for residence with medium power needs and noise pollution constraints, budget-priced air-cooled propane-fired generators are an excellent option to consider. You can expect more of this to appear in suitcase generators.

With all things considered, the new generators using recently developed fuel types seem suited to small suitcase generators for cleaner and quieter operation. New technical developments are expected to give them the edge over gasoline fired suitcase generators.

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