Diesel Vs. Petrol Generators: Which is the Best for Your Home?

Since the invention of engines, the biggest competition has been between diesel generators and petrol generators. The ultimate question remains: which is better? And it’s not just for cars that this debate extends to, it stretches to worksites, homes, businesses, and farms across the globe. 

Both petrol and diesel generators have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages, and it’s really down to you as an individual to decide which one is the better option for you. So, allow us to help you discover which generator – diesel or petrol – is best for your home.

The Advantages of Diesel Generators

Considered to be both safe and reliable, diesel generators are well sought-after. One of the biggest advantages that diesel generators offer is its fuel efficiency. They burn less fuel than their petrol counterparts – in fact, over any given period, diesel generators burn about 50% less fuel than petrol generators do. 

As diesel ignites when mixed with high-pressure heated air, the motor’s higher compression allows for diesel to be fuel-efficient. The minimum power of diesel generators is less than 8 KW, compared to the maximum power of the petrol generator which is 10 KW. 

Diesel generators are also cost-effective as they have a lower cost of ownership. These generators can also run longer – presumably three times longer – and cost less to run as diesel fuel is cheaper than petrol and takes longer to depreciate. 

Operating at loads between 60% to 100% for prolonged periods, diesel has a significant upper hand over its petrol counterparts. Because diesel generators can self-lubricate, its fuel delivery system lasts longer. 

What’s more, the diesel engine does not have an ignition system, eliminating one more thing that may fail. As diesel-powered generators do not have spark plugs or carburetors, there’s no need to replace them. 

Therefore, diesel engines require less maintenance than petrol engines. However, they will still require ongoing maintenance, such as regular oil changes. All of these advantages truly give diesel generators an edge over petrol generators. 

The Disadvantages of Diesel Generators

As diesel can’t be controlled as accurately as petrol, which results in vigorous shaking when diesel is ignited, diesel engines need to be reinforced and are thus heavier. 

Diesel generators are also less environmentally-friendly as they emit more carbon dioxide and noxious gases per liter of fuel than petrol-powered engines. However, as diesel engines use less fuel, they can also emit less carbon dioxide over time, depending on how often you use it. 

Another factor to keep in mind regarding diesel generators is that despite the fact that they last longer and fail less often, once they do fail, the cost of fixing is more expensive than it is with petrol generators. In addition, diesel generators produce more noise than compatible petrol generators. 

The Advantages of Petrol Generators

Considered to be the better option for infrequent or temporary use, petrol generators, which have been here longer, are generally less expensive than their diesel counterparts. 

Petrol generators are considered to be an efficient and reliable power source at a low cost. They’re also available in more models because of their reduced power and tend to be much quieter.  

Another significant advantage of petrol generators is that they produce less carbon dioxide-dosed fumes. They’re also considerably easier to handle and more suitable for mobile power supply than their diesel counterparts.

The Disadvantages of Petrol Generators

There are a number of disadvantages to using petrol generators. Firstly, petrol is a fuel that’s less safe to carry around than diesel. But while diesel engines are generally safer than petrol ones, nowadays there are more safety features and checks in place to ensure the safety of the petrol engines. 

Petrol is more volatile and, usually, generates more heat compared to diesel generators which can lead to more wear and tear, as well as more strain on the internal components of the generator over time. This results in a need for more frequent maintenance and repair, and finally, a shorter life span. 

Due to these reasons, petrol generators are not generally run at high loads for extended periods.

The Verdict

Now that we have explored the advantages and disadvantages of both the petrol and the diesel generators, it’s time to decide which one is superior. 

While it’s a pretty close match, the deciding factor depends on the requirements that you have personally. The most important thing you need to take into consideration while deciding which generator to pick is what your needs are and how the generator will be used. 

While petrol generators are less expensive to buy compared to diesel generators, it’s less costly to run the diesel generators over time. If you’re looking for higher power generation then diesel generators are a good choice. However, if you simply have modest needs, petrol generators are the better option. 

In general, diesel generators are used for industrial power supplies, and petrol generators are usually used to power homes. So, if you’re looking for a modest generator for your home that’s also quiet then petrol generators are more likely to be the better option.