The importance of constant power supply cannot be overemphasized in our contemporary world and diesel generators exist just to serve as a capable and efficient back up to situations that necessitate their use in our homes. Indeed, it is a very smart decision to prepare for setbacks in terms of power supply. However, it is not a wise decision to opt for an expensive back up facility because, by acquiring the best diesel generator, which is relatively cheap, affordable and equally effective, one would not only be saving himself a fortune but, also getting the desired quality and results.
The best diesel generators unlike many other types, actually has a long lifespan and is very much cost effective and efficient which makes it a worthwhile and reasonable investment. As opposed to petrol generators, diesel gensets use less fuel quantity and generate more power. This is one major reason it is used in homes that require huge amount of power supply for long periods.
However, it is noteworthy that not all diesel generators are reliable and that is why after a painstaking and extensive research, we have come up with a list of the best diesel generators available for you as a result of how much we care that you get the best diesel generator.
Diesel generators have varying tank capacity and one must be aware of the noise level, ease of use, maintenance and other distinguishing features of each diesel generator before buying one.
Overview Table
The reality is that, there are different diesel generators available in both online and offline retail stores. As a new buyer, you might find it very difficult to figure out the best option if you don’t have a first-hand knowledge of the exact one you are interested in. Returning buyers also sometimes face even a greater headache as they might not find it easy to get the best diesel generator which would perform better than the one, they had before.
However, it should be noted that different diesel generators have distinct features which set them apart from each other. The focus then, should be on one that has the most features that appeals to you based on your needs and financial capability.
Making a choice using the given specifications and other features may be a daunting task hence, we made a list of the best diesel generators that have wide acclaims for being efficient. The overview below underscores the highpoints of each of the itemized diesel generators.
This model has a rated estimation of about 30,000 watts and perfectly powers essential appliances and modern technologies during power outages so you can live comfortably and without interruption. This system runs at less than 6% total harmonic distortion. If that sentence sounds like a bunch of science-y, engineer-speak, basically, this means that your electronics will run more smoothly as the generator isn’t pumping out big power spikes. It is definitely one to get. The DS7000Q produces 6500 starting watts and 5500 running watts. It boasts of its push-button electric start which includes a battery maintenance and the Smart Charger to keep the battery charged when not in use. If you’re looking to get some serious power output without having to shell out a fortune, the Pulsar PG7000D Diesel Powered Generator is your best bet! It produces an amazing 7000W of power and has an impressive noise level of 70dB which relatively low compared to other generators.
(Best standby diesel generator for home use)
(Best fuel-efficient diesel generator)
(Best portable diesel generator)
(Best diesel generator for electric start)
If you want a generator that won’t disappoint you when you need it most, then the Generac RG03015ANAX Protector Series should definitely be your choice. It offers stability for homeowners with an automotive style engine and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. This model protects your facility with True Power Technology, that ensures clean power for all of your sensitive electronic needs. Additionally, it offers a Two Line LCD Multilingual Digital Evolution Controller with external viewing window for easy indication of generator status and breaker position. As any other standby generator, it runs weekly tests to function properly in case of power outage. However, this model features quiet self-testing at lower RPM. Plus, its enclosure, available steel or aluminum, is sound-attenuated. Different regions have contrasting Building and Zoning codes. The solution to this in the past was to install expensive custom-configured facilities but now, Generac offers Code Ready feature, a set of popular preconfigured options including a range of code-driven accessories, so you can feel confident that your generator will be able to comply with the required local codes. The Protector Series is versatile, adaptable, meets UL requirements, and is an affordable optional standby diesel generator for your backup power needs. The Generac RG03015ANAX is highly recommendable and there is certainly no surprise it tops our list because it’s assets and features are designed to be user friendly and well designed to last for a longer period with even less amount of fuel compared to other generators. For a Situation where continuous, but moderate power supply is high on your priority list, the Generac’s 6864 comes top on our list as it takes advantage of a Yanmar LW series 435cc diesel engine that can run for more than 32 hours at 50% load (2500 watts) on its 12-gallon fuel tank. By the time you hit 5000 watts, you expect 240V access and you get it along with both 20A and 30A 120V outlets. With those 5000 watts, you can expect to run just about anything on the job site along with powering almost any household appliances you’ll want to use when the primary power goes out. It’s a great unit for powering the hunting camp as well.Additionally, it is suitable for phones and laptops with less than 6% of total harmonic distortion offering clean, smooth, operation of all sensitive electronics, tools, and applications. The run time featured in these portable diesel generators is quite impressive. So, if you’re looking to get an industry-grade portable diesel generator at an affordable price, this is the one to go for! An electric start is nice to have, but you’ll need to buy the battery separately. The same goes for the wheel/handle kit – something you really want to factor into the price considering it weighs in at more than 250 pounds. It is recommendable as it is best for: You definitely don’t want to miss out on this generator as it is portable and very durable. Weighing at 230 pounds, the DuroStar DS7000Q generator is a heavy and large generator. However, this does not limit its portability. Sporting a rectangular-shape, this unit comes with four small wheels which provide mobility allowing you to push the generator without the need to carry it easily. In fact, the generator is classified as a portable generator and is ideal for use for outdoor activities such as camping. It features a fully enclosed frame, and its combination of super quiet muffler and soundproofing helps to reduce engine noise. The 4-cycle air-cooled, single-cylinder diesel engine uses an advanced direct fuel injection system for low fuel consumption, and it comes standard with a dependable, maintenance free alternator with automatic voltage regulator. When it comes to safety, it makes no compromises. This product comes packed with all the safety requirements that you’d expect out of a portable generator. It features a full power panel with keyed ignition, circuit breakers, voltmeters and even an oil alert automatic shutdown in case of low oil pressure. It can handle large power equipment and comes with standard 20A and 30A outlets. It has a gasoline runtime of about 12 hours and a fuel tank capacity of 3.8 gallons. This model comes with a number of useful accessories: In all, the Durostar DS7000Q comes out at the top when it comes to overall performance and sails past all its competition with a fantastic set of features that is unmatched in its price range. It is one of the best value buys on the market since it offers a lot of power and great performance at a good price. This model by Pulsar pumps out an astounding 7000 Watts of power at its peak but, it falls short when it comes to overall performance as it provides 5000 Watts, that is less that other models on the list can offer you. Considering the price at which you can get this model, it is undoubtedly one of the most value for money portable diesel generators out there in the market. Despite the fact that this is a larger generator operating on diesel fuel, the noise level is quite surprising at less than 70dB. The available 120/240V outlet make this suitable for those in need of powering heavy equipment/tools. At 50% load this generator will run up to 9.5 hours without refueling. The digital control panel includes a voltage meter and an hour meter. Starting it up is also pretty easy and you have your choice of a standard recoil pull start or an electric push-button start. Many folks consider a diesel generator as a long-term investment. With the Pulsar PG7000D, the long term might not be as long if you won’t maintain it properly. The longevity of this model is uncertain because quite a few users had some issues with it.
DuroStar DS7000Q – Best portable diesel generator
Buying Guide
Compared to traditional gasoline-powered generators, diesel generators require very little maintenance and can last for years of heavy use without breaking down.
The reason for this is that, diesel engines are simpler than standard engines. There are no spark plugs that can fail and need replacing, and no carburetors that can be expensive to rebuild in an older generator. On top of that, diesel engines can last for thousands of hours of use. They may be more expensive upfront, but compared to a traditional generator that only lasts for up to 1,000 hours they’ll save you a ton of money in the long run.
Before buying a diesel-powered portable generator, you might want to learn a little bit more about how these generators work. Not every generator is right for every person or for every need.
One key guide to buying the best diesel generator is to identify anticipated generator load. It is one of the most important factors to consider if you really want to get the best diesel generator. You must consider the total and average load (power consumption) to be supplied by the generator. Your total load is the sum of power consumption of all electrical loads in your house or installation while your average load is a more realistic estimate of your power supply requirement.
A simple way of calculating your average load is as follows:
Determine the period of day you intend using the power generator. Also, determine the period of day that you use the most load. This is usually at night for most people with TV, lights, computers and refrigerators all on at the same time.
List all appliances that are usually on during your peak consumption period with their power ratings in bracket. An example for a two-bedroom flat that with a night peak consumption period may look as follows:
- TV – 100W
- DVD player/decoder – 20W
- Refrigerator – 200W
- One energy efficient lamp – 36W
- Two smaller energy efficient lamps – 40W
- Two electric fans – 160W
- Personal computer with peripherals – 550W
- Contingency – 100W
This gives a total: 1206W
Note that the power rating of a device may vary. Therefore, the ratings shown here are non-standard. Ratings of appliances are normally written on the back panel or/and in the user manual. Consult them for power rating that applies to your gadgets.
It can be inferred from the above given reviews of the different diesel generators that different gensets come with distinguishing features and it is most advisable that you consider the features and pick those unit which suits you best.
FAQs
To help you find the right generator for your special needs, you may want to consider the following frequently asked questions.
Q: Which is most recommendable for home use (backup power source)?
A: The most recommendable for a diesel backup power source is the DuroStar DS7000Q. It offers a good amount of power, the outlets you need, and it has the best overall value.
That said, the pricier Generac 6864 might be a better choice for some people. This is because it offers such a long runtime. If your power loss lasts for a while, it can get frustrating pretty quickly to have to keep refilling the fuel tank. The Generac will last for more than 24 hours at a half-load. If you might be looking at a power loss of several days or if you live in an area that has regular power losses, the Generac is probably the smarter choice.
In terms of cutting expenses, the Pulsar PG7000D would be highly recommended as it offers a great deal of affordability and is undoubtedly one of the most value for money portable diesel generators out there in the market.
Q: Do I need to change the oil on a diesel generator?
A: While diesel generators require less maintenance than standard generators, they still need oil changes. It’s a good idea to change out the oil in your generator after every 200-300 hours of use.
Q: Which oil to use?
A: You should always use the oil recommended in the generator’s manual. For the Generac 6864, for example, the recommended oil type is SAE 10W-30.
That oil is probably a safe bet for all diesel generators but you should definitely check the manual to make sure. As the Pulsar manual points out, the correct oil type for many diesel generators should take into account the current ambient air temperature.
For colder temperatures, you’ll want to use an oil with a lower viscosity like 5W-20. For really hot temperatures, you’ll want to use an oil with a higher viscosity like SAE 40.
Regardless of which oil type you use, it’s very important that you follow all the oil-related maintenance task as laid out in the manual for your diesel generator. Generally, this includes checking the oil regularly, usually before every start.
You’ll also have to change the oil fully after so many hours of use. Some of the generators on this list include an indicator on the control panel that alerts you as to when you need to do this. Any failure to follow the maintenance instructions in the manual could mean your generator won’t last as long and it could even void the warranty.
Q: How do diesel options compare to propane or gasoline-powered portable generators?
A: One major advantage that diesel generators have over gas generators is fuel efficiency. It takes less fuel overall to run a diesel machine. All engines need a combination of fuel and air to run. This is because a diesel-powered engine compresses air before ignition as opposed to a gas engine which mixes fuel and air first. The compression of a diesel engine results in much better fuel efficiency. This means that diesel engines will run for longer in addition to needing less fuel. If you’ll be running your generator pretty consistently, a diesel generator will cost less to operate over the long run than a gas generator, just based on fuel cost alone.
When comparing a diesel generator to a propane generator, these differences are even starker. A propane engine will have about three times the fuel consumption compared to a diesel engine.In addition to being cheaper to run, diesel also has an advantage of being the least flammable fuel type. In certain kinds of natural disasters, this is especially important.
Another advantage diesel generators have over gas ones is their life expectancy. Because gas generators tend to run much hotter than diesel generators, they tend to die and need to be repaired or replaced sooner. Diesel generators need regular maintenance a bit less often. One reason for this is that they have no carburetors or spark plugs.
A disadvantage of diesel over gas and propane is that diesel generators tend to be a bit noisier. That said, diesel generators have gotten much quieter than they used to be. The Pulsar Generator, in particular, is just as quiet as many portable gas generators. Some of the other generators on this list have open frames. This has certain advantages but it also comes with the downside of being a bit louder.
A disadvantage of both gasoline and diesel, when compared to propane, is that, the exhaust is not clean-burning. Propane has a lower environmental impact as it is a clean-burning fuel source.
Q: What is total harmonic distortion and why does it matter?
A: Total harmonic distortion (THD) describes how much the electrical sine waves vary from one another.
THD doesn’t matter much for appliances, which are typically pretty hardy and can handle electrical surges if the THD from your generator is high. But if you’re powering any electronics or tools with microchips – like smartphones, computers, and some power tools – then THD greater than 5% can completely fry your device.
So, if you plan to power anything sensitive directly from your generator, you need to consider whether your generator has a THD greater than about 5%.
Q: Do I need 240-volt power?
A: Whether you need the ability to toggle your generator between 120-volt and 240-volt power depends on what you’re running.Most of the outlets in your home, and most of your appliances, use 120-volt power. But some larger appliances like clothes dryers and air conditioners, as well as heavy-duty shop tools, require 240-volt power.
Keep in mind that no generator is able to run 120-volt and 240-volt power at the same time. So, you may need step-down transformers if you want to run appliances that need both types of power simultaneously.
Q: Which brand is the best?
A: The brand of generators does not really matter. The most important thing is to ensure that the generators meet your requirement and that the brand has strong presence in your country.
However, buying your generator from a brand with strong presence in your country, like from famous Generac company, will ensure you can easily get help for maintenance and repair. Such electric generators will also come with warranty and readily available spare parts.
Conclusion
Diesel generators can be great tools to have especially, for use as a home backup in a power loss situation. They offer many benefits over conventional generators, such as extremely minimal maintenance. While many people are put off by the high upfront costs of diesel generators, they can also save you money in the long run since they are much more likely to last a lifetime than traditional generators are. With a good knowledge of your dream generator under your belt, do not hesitate to get the best diesel generator.
If you still long for recommendations, we advise considering the Generac RG03015ANAX standby generator as it has numerous safety features and is powerful enough for most household needs.
