Cheap Generators – Are They Worth The Price Paid?

In these days of extreme weather and blackouts in the news, more and more people are buying backup generators. Needless to say, there's been an influxe of cheap generators that have hit the market. 3000 and 4000 watt generators that use to cost a thousand bucks or more can now be found for less than $500. Some way cheaper than that. But are cheap generators worth the price or should you save more money and get a name brand power generator?

There's one side of the fence that says generators are generators so you might as well buy the cheapest you can get. After all, why should you spend a thousand bucks to get a 4000 watt generator when you can get one for $300?

Some of the people who say this are just naive and do not understand why some things are priced more than others. I mean, isn't a Ford Escort just as good as a Cadillac? They both have 4 wheels, an egine and a tranny...right? So why pay more for a Cadillac?

Others are just cheap and look for the lowest price no matter what.

Cheap Generators have their place, but is it at your home?

There are many reason some generators are cheap while others may cost as much as 5 times the price. Now I'm usually the one that will spend the extra money and get a reliable product. I hate wasting money on anything. I'm a frugal person if there was ever one. But I also realize that there is a reason why some products are cheaper than others.

For one, some of the cheap generators come from foreign countries such as China where the quality control may not be as strict as it could be. It's no secret that China and some other countries do not use the best materials and use cheap labor. Also, many of these Companies that produce products are subsidized by the Government, so actually making a profit isn't high on the list as it is in Countries that don't subsidize their companies.

When Is A Cheap Generator A Good Deal?

Now I understand that some people live on a budget. I'm one also. But I will say there are times when a cheap generator may be perfect for some households. For example, if you plan on keeping a generator in the Garage for emergencies like a Hurricane or other natural disaster, then a cheap generator may be a perfect option for you.

Or maybe you just want one to take along on those rare family camping trips to the lake. In that case, a cheap generator may also fit the bill. You can get small generators that will run a lot of small appliances for around $200 to $300.

Some of these will also be large enough to run small power tools on remote worksites or at the family cabin.

Basically, if you plan to use a cheap generator only occassionally, then it may be a good deal for you.

When Isn't A Cheap Generator A Good Deal?

I myself would never depend on a cheap generator to supply power for my family in case of a natural disaster. During Hurricane Ike, our home was without power for nearly two weeks in 90 degree + temps. I was so thankful that I had bought a Honda generator big enough to run the necessary appliances just for a scenario like this.

Also, after about 4 days, people started showing up from out of state with cheap chinese generators. Generators that once were selling for $300 and $400 were all of a sudden fetching $1500 or more. Needless to say, people were willing to pay a lot of money for cheap generators. In fact, many could have gotten small diesel generators or top of the line Honda generators before the storm for the same price they paid for the cheap ones!

Also, whenever you families safety will be at risk, your money is better spent on a better quality generator like a Honda or comparable generator.

If you plan on using your generator on a routine basis, then you may want to go for a reliable model rather than the cheapest generator you can find. Especially if your income depends on it. Few things are worse than having a generator crap out on you in the middle of a job.

One more reason a cheap generator may cost you more money on down the line.

So if you think you can afford cheap generators, make sure you sit down and think long and hard before running out and finding the cheapest generator you can find. Make sure it fits your needs and that you won't be at risk should it fail you. Otherwise, if cheap is what you want, I say go for it!