Camping generators produce electricity through their alternator and engine. The engine produces the generator’s power and produces different AC outputs depending on its RPMs (rotations per minute). The alternators – often referred to as the ‘heart’ of camping generators –convert power from the engine into electricity.
Standard Camping Generators weigh slightly over than 120 pounds, making them compact enough to be brought on camping trips. They are made of heavy copper coils that produce enough electricity to power stoves and other camping equipment. They produce raw electricity by maintaining a constant RPM of 3,600. Because of their size and RPM, they are noisy and eat up a lot of fuel. They are not intended to power up computers and other advanced electronic devices.
Inverter Camping Generators are more compact than Standard Camping Generators. They may be as light as 30 pounds and are more expensive than their standing counterparts. They produce cleaner AC power through their unique inverter that converts AC power to DC power. The DC power is then converted back into AC power, which is more ideal for running electronic devices. They can operate at different RPMs and are quieter than standard generators. They are ideal for electronic appliances that require a steady flow of current and voltage like televisions and computers.
Size: Choose camping generators that are portable enough to be brought on camping trips. Standard Camping Generators are inexpensive but can be difficult to carry. Consider inverter generators instead because they are more compact and portable.
Use: Choose camping generators that produce ample amount of electricity for your appliances. If you are just going to power your stoves and small burners, Standard Camping Generators will do. If you plan to bring televisions and other sensitive appliances, consider inverter generators that produce cleaner electricity.