There are a lot of different portable generators on the market today, and you really want to know that you are investing in the right make and model for your needs. No, a portable generator is not an investment on the scale of a whole-house generator. However, that doesn’t mean that you want to waste money on power that you won’t need, or that it is OK to have an underpowered generator compromising your good time. That is why you should keep a few points of consideration in mind.

With a portable generator, you may choose from a few different fuel sources. Natural gas is out of the question, of course, but gasoline, propane, and diesel are all viable options. Do some research, as all offer pros and cons. Gasoline is readily available, for instance, but has a short shelf life and fluctuating prices. Propane is readily available as well, but some people may not want pressurized cans of fuel laying around. Diesel is another option to consider, though typically a bit more expensive than gasoline. Diesel engines require little in the way of maintenance and repairs, though.

The whole point of having a generator is to power any tools, appliances, and electronics that you may want to put into use at your tailgating event. If your generator is not of the right size for the job, then you will have to make compromises or potentially use alternate power sources, such as your car battery. Make sure that you are choosing a portable generator powerful enough to handle the demand that you have in mind.