Gas Generator vs. Portable Power Station: Which is Right for You?

Having some kind of backup power device is useful for emergencies. Whether a basic power outage or a natural disaster, there are many reasons why you might need to keep your home and personal devices running without mains power.

But what’s the best way to do this? Below, we’ll look at the differences between a gas generator and a portable power station to help you decide which is the most suitable for your needs.

What is a Gas Generator?

As the name suggests, a gas generator produces energy using gas. It’s a small combustion engine that’s typically fitted with power outlets so you can run devices and appliances directly from it.

The main things to know about a gas generator are:

1. They’re mainly designed as emergency power sources for entire homes or several appliances/devices
2. Their power rating ranges from 5kW to 50kW for domestic generators
3. They usually run on propane gas, but you can get generators that run on gasoline and other fossil fuel options
4. A 20kW gas generator can run, for example, a refrigerator, dishwasher, electric stove, and a HVAC system

What is a Portable Power Station?

A portable power station is essentially a big battery pack. You charge it up using mains electricity or solar energy and then use it to power various devices. It’s a decent option for backup power if you’re not running anything too power hungry.

The important points are:

1. Portable power banks are often rated around 1kW-2kW, although you will find bigger ones
2. Due to the lower power output, they’re better for charging devices or low-power needs, such as lighting
3. In a pinch, though, you could run your appliances of a power station for a short time
4. For example, a power station would be great for camping or tailgate parties, where your needs aren’t as energy intensive

Which is Right for You?

Hopefully, the differences between these options should be fairly clear. A gas generator has a far higher power output, making it good as an emergency power source if your mains electricity goes out and you need to keep your house going. On the other hand, a portable power bank is great for charging phones and other devices and powering lights.

Another important point from a generator comparison perspective is the devices’ energy sources. One runs on gas (meaning you always need to have some stocked up), whereas the other runs on electricity. While this is generally an easier option, it does mean you need to keep it charged.

The bottom line is that it can pay to have both. If you’re going camping and need to keep your devices charged, a Portable Power Station is ideal. But it can also benefit you to have one in the event of a power outage, as you could realistically charge it off your gas generator!

Related Reading: Portable Power Station vs. Power Bank: Which One Should You Choose?