Generators Buying Guide
Best Portable Generators: How to Pick the Right Type and Size
The best portable generator depends on what you need to run. Compare the main types, the features that matter and the right size for…
Gas & Diesel Equipment Made Easier to Understand
Practical buying guides, equipment reviews, maintenance advice and troubleshooting help for generators, engines, pumps, compressors and workshop equipment.
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Generators
Portable, inverter, standby and diesel generators.
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Gasoline, diesel and small engines.
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Pumps
Transfer, trash, irrigation and engine-driven pumps.
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Portable, workshop and engine-powered compressors.
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Tools, pressure washers and shop equipment.
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Maintenance
Practical maintenance and troubleshooting.
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All buying guides Buying Guides
Air Compressors Buying Guide
Best 60-Gallon Air Compressors: How to Choose a Shop Compressor
A 60-gallon compressor is the step from garage to shop. What the class offers, single- versus two-stage at this size, the specs that matter…
Water Pumps Buying Guide
How to Choose a Water Pump: Transfer, Trash, High-Pressure and Submersible
Match the pump to the water and the job: the main pump types, the specs that matter, and which class suits draining, dewatering, irrigation…
Workshop Equipment Buying Guide
How to Choose a Pressure Washer: PSI, GPM, Nozzles and Pumps Explained
Match pressure and flow to the jobs you actually do, understand nozzle colors and pump types, and avoid buying more washer than your deck…
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Generators How-To
What Size Generator Do I Need? A Simple Sizing Method
Size a generator in four steps: list what runs at once, add the running watts, allow for the largest motor starting, then add headroom.…
Gas & Small Engines Troubleshooting
Small Engine Won’t Start? Fuel, Spark, Air and Compression in Order
A logical troubleshooting sequence for a mower, pressure washer, tiller or generator engine that refuses to start, with the cheap checks first and the…
Diesel Engines Troubleshooting
Diesel Engine Smoke Colors: What Black, White and Blue Smoke Mean
Exhaust smoke is a diesel's way of telling you what is wrong. Learn what black, white and blue or gray smoke point to, what…
Air Compressors How-To
Air Compressor CFM Explained: How to Size a Compressor for Your Tools
CFM, SCFM, PSI, tank size and horsepower all appear on the box. Only one of them tells you whether a compressor can run your…
Water Pumps Troubleshooting
Water Pump Won’t Prime? Causes and Fixes in Order
A pump that runs but will not pull water almost always has an air leak, an empty casing or a suction problem. Work through…
Workshop Equipment Comparison
Gas vs Electric Pressure Washer: Which Is Right for You?
Electric pressure washers are quiet, light and nearly maintenance-free. Gas models clean faster and go anywhere. How they compare and which one suits your…
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Generators Buying Guide
Generators for Home Use: How to Choose Backup Power for Your House
Portable, inverter or standby? A step-by-step way to choose a home generator: what to power, how to connect it, which fuel to use and…
Gas & Small EnginesMaintenance
Small Engine Maintenance Schedule for Mowers, Washers and Generators
Gas & Small EnginesHow-To
How Long Does Gasoline Last? Storage Life, Stabilizers and Bad Gas
GeneratorsHow-To
How to Connect a Generator to Your House Safely
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
GeneratorsMaintenance
Generator Maintenance Checklist: What to Do and When
GeneratorsTroubleshooting
Generator Won’t Start? Work Through This Checklist
GeneratorsTroubleshooting
Why Does My Generator Keep Shutting Off? 10 Causes and Fixes
GeneratorsHow-To
How to Store a Generator So It Starts Next Time
How-To Guides
GeneratorsHow-To
How Much Gas Does a Generator Use? Fuel Consumption by Size
GeneratorsHow-To
Generator Safety: Carbon Monoxide, Fuel, Cords and Placement
GeneratorsHow-To
Power Outage Checklist: Prepare for 72 Hours Without Grid Power
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All comparisons Equipment Comparisons
Generators Comparison
Inverter vs Conventional Generator: Which Should You Buy?
Inverter generators are quieter, lighter and cleaner. Conventional generators give more watts for the money. Here is how they differ and which fits each…
Generators Comparison
Portable vs Standby Generator: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Standby generators start themselves and run the whole house; portables cost a fraction as much but need you to set them up. A clear…
Generators Comparison
Diesel vs Gas Generators: Efficiency, Lifespan, Cost and Noise Compared
Diesel generators run longer on less fuel and are built for heavy duty; gasoline generators are cheaper, lighter and easier to find. Which suits…
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All tools Free Calculators & Planning Tools
Not sure what size or type you need? These tools turn a few answers into a starting point. Results are estimates for planning, not professional advice.
Generator Size Calculator
Add up running and starting watts for the things you need to power and get an estimated generator size.
Equipment Match Quiz
Answer nine quick questions about how you work and get a matched equipment profile and reading list.
Maintenance Schedule Planner
Build a general service checklist by engine type, usage and operating conditions. Printable.
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Independent Equipment Guidance
Practical information designed to help you choose and maintain engine-powered equipment. We compare equipment using manufacturer specifications, owner's manuals and official safety guidance, explain the trade-offs in plain language, and say clearly when something is our own editorial judgment.
We do not claim hands-on testing unless an article says so. Some links earn us a commission from Amazon; that never decides what we recommend.
What we compare
- PerformanceDoes the output match the job?
- ReliabilityDesign, warranty terms and parts support.
- MaintenanceHow much upkeep it needs, and how easy that is.
- UsabilityWeight, noise, controls and setup.
- SpecificationsPublished figures, compared like for like.
- Long-term ownershipRunning costs, storage and service needs.
- ValueWhat you get for the money, not just the lowest price.