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Best Camping Generator Australia [2023 Buyers Guide]

When you’re camping, you’ll find that having the best camping generator in Australia makes a huge difference – especially in this modern age. Camping is all about getting back to nature, but where are you going to charge your essentials like smartphones, tablets to watch movies on, your new-fangled camping devices or your exterior lighting without a generator?

Portable generators for camping have come a long way over the past few years. Now, they’re quiet, powerful and high-performing. 

So, which one to choose? Read on and discover our handy reviews so you can make a choice.

Best on a budget

Gentrax Inverter Generator

If you’re looking for the best inverter generator in Australia for people on a budget, this Gentrax model is ideal. With an affordable price tag, it’s a great choice for all kinds of campers.

How To Find The Best Generator For Camping?

Are you a keen camper looking for a great generator to take on your next trip? Then here are some things to consider before you buy.

Image Name Features
best on a budget best on a budget Gentrax Inverter Generator
  • Power Output: 2.0kW
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.5L
  • Run Time: 9 hours
see price on amazon
Best for Silent Running Best for Silent Running Engel R2000IS 2kVa Pure SineWave Generator
  • Power Output: 1.8kva
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.8L
  • Run Time: 4.5 hours
check price
best premium model best premium model Westinghouse iGen2500 Digital Inverter Generator
  • Power Output: 2.5kW
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.3L
  • Run Time: 17 hours
see price on amazon

Purpose and Power Output

What do you need your generator for? Do you need to power a heavy-duty appliance like an air conditioner or microwave? Or do you just need to power small equipment like lighting? 

How many devices do you need to power? If there’ll be several, choose a generator that has a higher output. Also, look at the kind of power sockets the generator has and the number of sockets. 

Bear in mind, too, the kind of devices you’ll be using. If you need to power items which heat up you’ll need more power. Are you going to need to use several appliances simultaneously? These are all considerations to remember.

Noise Level

Will you be using the generator during the night? Are you a sound sleeper? Will you disturb neighbours on the campsite? Noise may be a consideration to keep in mind. Some models are much quieter than others. Noise ratings are given in decibels (1).

Do you know which is the quietest camping generator in Australia? Check our guide to find the answer.

Portability

Dimensions and weight are important when choosing a generator. However, other features like ergonomic handles can be important if you’ll be moving your generator around. Bigger generators may take two people to move them, especially when the tank has been filled with fuel.

couple camping with canopy and electric light

Run Time

The fuel tank’s capacity affects how long the running time of the generator is. Be careful to check for fuel efficiency though as this can reduce your running costs and help protect the environment.

Read Our Best Portable Generator Reviews For Australia

Whether you’re looking for the right model for you, these portable generator reviews for Australia will help you choose.

1. Gentrax Inverter Generator – Best On A Budget

Specifications

  • Power Output: 2.0kW

  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.5L
  • Run Time: 9 hours
  • Noise Level: 58dB
  • Weight: 22kg

If you’re looking for the best inverter generator in Australia for people on a budget, this Gentrax model is ideal. With an affordable price tag, it’s a great choice for all kinds of campers. 

It can supply sufficient power to run lights and even kitchen appliances such as microwaves and fridges. This makes it one of the best generators for caravans.

This is also quite a lightweight model, weighing in at just 22kg. This makes it easier to move around and store. Fuelled by petrol, it’s simple to refill since you’ll find plenty of petrol stations while you’re on the roads.

This is also a quiet generator for camping. Running at just 58dB it won’t be too disturbing for you or your neighbours on the campsite.

This model is also capable of operating for a total of nine continuous hours. It’s also compatible with small and sensitive gadgets such as phones and laptops. It even comes with low oil and overload protection built in to ensure the users’ safety.

All of this adds up to make it a great value choice for campers.

2. Engel R2000IS 2kVa Pure SineWave Generator – Best For Silent Running

Specifications

  • Power Output: 1.8kva

  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.8L
  • Run Time: 4.5 hours
  • Noise Level: 68dB
  • Weight: 22g

If you need the best silent generator for camping, the Engel R2000IS will fit the bill. Despite its affordable price tag, this unit offers unbeatable performance and quality. 

It comprises all the top features you’d expect to see in the quietest generator in Australia today. Since it’s made by a well-respected brand, you can also enjoy complete peace of mind when you choose this product. Every Engel generator is backed by a four-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can have many years of problem-free running.

Whether you’re camping, caravanning or just want some backup power for your home, this model will suffice. It’s portable, compact and simple to handle. It’s also easy to start up thanks to its easy pull operation.

Designed as a 100% pure sine wave generator (2), its powerful four stroke engine is surprisingly quiet. Thanks to its tough outer casing material, this is also a very robust model that is built to last. 

The 4.8 litre fuel capacity is sufficient to last for seven hours of continuous operation at 50% capacity.

3. Westinghouse iGen2500 Digital Inverter Generator – Best Premium Model

Specifications

  • Power Output: 2.5kW

  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.3L
  • Run Time: 17 hours
  • Noise Level: 51dB
  • Weight: 21.5kg

If you’re looking for a high-quality premium generator, this Westinghouse model won’t disappoint. Of course, it produces an amazing power output, but there are lots more great features. 

Long-running and highly capable, this inverter generator delivers up to 2500W. It’s also super quiet, running at just 51dB. The sine wave technology also means your devices can be powered safely with added protection.

This generator is capable of running for as long as 17 hours on a single petrol tank. This means that you can be confident of efficiency. The integrated clean air technology also ensures emissions are kept to an absolute minimum. 

Buyers can benefit from the two-year domestic warranty, giving them lasting confidence in their purchase.

The Verdict – Which Are The Best Camping Generators?

All of the power generators for camping that we’ve reviewed here are excellent choices. Overall, though, we think that the Gentrax model tips the scales in its favour. 

Not only is this generator truly affordable for campers on a budget, it also boasts impressive performance. Producing sufficient power to run even power hungry appliances like microwaves and fridges, this generator won’t disappoint.

family camping in a tent with canopy and car beside a lake

Best Portable Generators in Australia FAQs

Camping generators are generally quite safe to use. Nevertheless, you need to use your common sense and take some safety precautions when using one. 

Never operate a portable generator in an enclosed space. This could cause toxic exhaust fumes to build up and cause a hazard.

Don’t operate a portable generator in damp or wet conditions. Moisture and electricity don’t go well together and could cause electric shocks.

Are you using a power generator as a way of backing up your household electricity supply? Then you need to ensure your fuse box has an isolation switch. If you don’t, 240V AC may be fed onto your mains supply, potentially seriously injuring utility workers. 

Bear in mind at all times that a power generator delivers power at the same voltage as the mains. If used incorrectly, it can cause serious bodily harm. 

Portable generators operate at a range of volumes. Many people prefer to choose a quiet or silent running model though. Generators can be quite noisy which can disturb other campers, or even you! 

You can find generators operating at a range as low as 50dB. You should also look for a model that has some extra features that reduce noise. These include: 

Integrated silencer mufflers

Fully enclosed casings

Noise level suppression

Isolation feet made from rubber

High quality construction materials

Essentially, portable camping generators are able to supply electricity for any purpose on the campsite. It can also top up solar batteries on cloudy days and run small tools and appliances

  1. Earq – What Are Decibels? Retrieved from https://www.earq.com/hearing-health/decibels
  2. C Greason – Easy Tech Junkie – What is A Sine Wave Generator?- retrieved from https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-sine-wave-generator.htm

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