The best generator to buy depends on your needs ( for example, is it needed for camping, home backup, tradie work), but top-rated brands known for quality include Honda and Yamaha, as their generator range offers quiet, reliable, fuel-efficient inverter models. The Briggs & Stratton, Maxwatt and Cromtech range of generators are great value for a fraction of the price compared to premium brands. Key factors to consider when looking to buy a new generator is quietness (inverters), power output (kW/kVA), fuel type (petrol, diesel, gas), and portability, with options from budget-friendly to industrial-grade available.
Top Brands by Category
Best Overall / Quietest
- Honda : The Honda range of inverter generators are praised for the quiet operation, lightweight designs, long warranty and strong reliability .
- Yamaha : Known for being both lightweight and quiet, long warranty terms, and a large range of models to suit many applications
Best for Budget / Value
- Briggs & Stratton : Briggs & Stratton offers a range of inverter generators, primarily under the PowerSmart and QuietPower series, designed for camping, caravanning, and home backup. These models provide clean power safe for sensitive electronics and feature Quiet Power Technology (QPT), which automatically adjusts engine speed to reduce noise and fuel consumption.
- Maxwatt :The Maxwatt generator range includes silent digital inverters, open-frame petrol units, and heavy-duty diesel generators. Their lineup is designed for various needs, from lightweight camping models (starting at 2,000W) to industrial-grade diesel backup systems capable of up to 15kVA.
- Cromtech : Known for their small camping models, and are a popular choice for great value, their camping models are compact inverter models, and are perfect for running essentials, with a piece tag around $1000
Best for Tradies
Dunlite & Gentech :- Designed for worksites and farms, these units use high-quality Italian NSM alternators to provide power with less than 6% Total Harmonic Distortion, safe for some sensitive appliances. Australian-owned brand focusing on heavy-duty power solutions ranging from 2.8kVA to 20kVA
Best for Home Back Up
- Honda EU30is or EU70is : Honda is a recommended and trusted brand for domestic back up power, and these models are a good and popular choice for home back up.
Factors to Consider
- Inverter vs Conventional : inverter generators provide cleaner , more stable power for sensitive electronics like laptops and TV’s, but they are generally a lot more expensive
- Noise : Look for generators with noise reducing features like eco-throttle or inverter technology
- Weight & portability : consider how much you will need to move the generator. Some are light enough to handle alone, while heavier models may require two people
- Power Output : Check the wattage to ensure it can handle your intended appliances / load. You will need to consider both the running watts and the starting watts of your appliances / equipment.
- Application : if you need a generator for a specific purpose, such as a worksite or a caravan, prioritize models designed for that kind of use.
- Budget : Consider your budget and the trade-offs between initial cost and long term quality. Cheaper models may not be as durable as premium brands.