At a glance: generator costs in the UK
- Generator prices depend heavily on the power and type you need, with small portable models costing considerably less than high-output generators.
- Petrol generators are a practical choice for many home, outdoor and general-purpose jobs, with a wide range of outputs available.
- Dual-fuel generators can cost more than comparable petrol-only models, but give you the flexibility to use petrol or LPG offering benefits such as cleaner fuel handling, easier long-term storage, reduced fuel-system deposits and potentially lower maintenance requirements. LPG can also be a convenient option for extended or occasional use, as it can be stored for longer periods without the fuel degrading in the same way as petrol.
- Diesel generators tend to sit higher up the price range, particularly larger models intended for demanding or prolonged use.
- Your power requirements should determine your budget. Paying for more output than you need doesn't necessarily give you better value.
- Factor in running costs as well as the purchase price, including fuel, servicing and routine maintenance.
How much is a generator, and what should you expect for your budget? There’s a big difference between a portable generator for occasional use and a higher-output model for backup power or demanding equipment, so price alone won’t tell you whether a generator is right for the job.
Petrol and dual-fuel generators suit a wide range of everyday power needs, while diesel generators are generally better suited to heavier-duty applications. Power output, fuel type, technology and features can all affect what you’ll pay.
Start by working out what you actually need to power. That will make it much easier to set a realistic budget and compare generators that suit the job.
What affects the cost of a generator?
Generator prices can vary greatly because you're not just paying for the amount of electricity a generator produces. Fuel type, technology, portability and features all play a part.
Here are the main things that can affect the price:
- Power output: Higher-output generators can power greater electrical loads, but there's little benefit in paying for capacity you don't need.
- Fuel type: The more different fuels a generator is compatible with, the more they cost compared to similar single fuel models.
- Generator technology: Features like inverter technology can affect both how a generator performs and what it costs.
- Portability: Size, weight, wheels and handles can matter if you'll regularly move the generator.
- Starting and control features: The specs and level of convenience vary between models.
- Intended use: A portable generator for occasional jobs has different requirements from one built for regular or heavy-duty work.
Your power requirements are the best place to start. Buying a generator without knowing how many watts you need could leave you short of power or paying for capacity you’ll never use.
How much should you budget for a generator?
The amount you need to spend depends largely on the job. Smaller portable generators sit towards the more affordable end of the market, while higher-output and heavy-duty models can run into thousands of pounds.
Our generator range starts at around £300, while larger diesel models cost several thousand pounds. Prices change, so it’s best to use current product prices as a guide rather than building your budget around one fixed figure.
More importantly, work out what you need to power before deciding how much to spend. This gives you a much smaller group of suitable generators to compare and helps you avoid paying for output or features you don’t need.
Petrol, dual-fuel or diesel: which offers the best value?
Fuel type can influence the purchase price, but the cheapest option isn’t automatically the best value. Think about how often you’ll use your generator, what you’ll power and whether having a choice of fuels would be useful.
Petrol generators
For home backup, outdoor power, tools and general-purpose use, a petrol generator is often a practical choice.
There's a broad range of sizes and specifics, which makes it easier to match the output to the job and your budget.
If your use is occasional or you need portable power, paying more for a heavy-duty generator may not give you any real benefit. Focus instead on having enough output for your equipment and the features you’ll actually use.
Dual-fuel generators
A dual-fuel generator can run on petrol or LPG, depending on the model. That gives you more choice over your fuel source and can make the additional cost worthwhile if you’ll benefit from that flexibility.
LPG offers a range of practical benefits, from cleaner handling and easier storage to potentially reduced maintenance. Unlike petrol, LPG can be stored for longer periods without degrading in the same way, making it a convenient choice for generators that are only used occasionally. It can also help minimise deposits in the engine and fuel system, helping to keep components cleaner and reduce maintenance needs.
Cleaner emissions allow for use in situations where petrol is not appropriate such as around food or on those sites that do not allow petrol for fire risk precautions
Depending on the generator and operating conditions, LPG can also provide reliable running times, making it a practical fuel choice for extended backup power or regular use.
Don't compare dual-fuel models on purchase price alone. Check the available output on both petrol and LPG, as performance can differ depending on the fuel you're using.
Please note Champion Dual Fuel Generators are purpose built, unlike the majority of the competitions Dual Fuel models which tend to be retrofit - invalidating the Manufacturer's Warranty!
Diesel generators
Diesel generators generally sit further up the price range and are more relevant for demanding or prolonged applications.
For many domestic, portable and occasional jobs, petrol or dual-fuel can be the more practical way to go. Diesel makes more sense when your workload calls for it, rather than simply because you're looking for the most powerful or expensive option.
What does a generator cost to run?
The purchase price is only one part of your budget. If you'll use your generator regularly, it's worth thinking about what it will cost to own and run over time.
The main ongoing costs are:
- Fuel: How much you use depends on the generator, the load you're putting on it and how long it's running.
- Servicing and maintenance: Regular maintenance helps keep your generator in good working order.
- Replacement parts and consumables: Some components will need checking or replacing as part of routine maintenance.
- Accessories: You may need additional equipment depending on your setup and how you plan to use the generator.
Rather than looking for one universal generator running cost, think about how frequently you’ll use yours. Someone keeping a generator for occasional backup power will have very different ongoing costs from someone running one regularly for work.
Is it worth spending more on a generator?
Yes, if the extra cost gives you something you actually need.
More power, inverter technology, different starting options or dual-fuel capability can all justify spending more when they suit your application. But a higher price doesn’t automatically mean a generator is a better fit for you.
The opposite is true too. A cheaper generator isn’t good value if it can’t comfortably power your equipment.
The best way to judge value is to compare generators that meet your power requirements first, then look at price, fuel type and features.
How to choose a generator for your budget
Before setting a budget, ask yourself:
- What do I need to power?
- What running and starting wattage will that require?
- Which appliances or tools will run at the same time?
- How often will I use the generator?
- Do I need it to be portable?
- Is petrol suitable for how I’ll use it?
- Would being able to switch between petrol and LPG be useful?
- Is my use demanding enough to justify diesel?
- What ongoing fuel and maintenance costs should I allow for?
Once you know what you actually need from a generator, price becomes much easier to judge. You can compare models designed for your type of use rather than trying to choose between generators built for completely different jobs.
Not sure which generator fits your budget?
You don’t need to spend the most to get the right generator. You need enough power for the job, a fuel type that suits how you’ll use it and features that are worth paying for.
If you’re unsure what that looks like for your setup, use our chat system to narrow down your options and choose a generator that suits your needs and budget.
