Conventional Generators

How to choose the right standard generator

Petrol vs diesel conventional generators

Choosing the right fuel depends on how and where you'll be using your generator.

Petrol generators are a popular choice for their lower upfront cost. They're a great all-rounder for home backup power, weekend projects, outdoor events, and portable use on smaller sites. With petrol generators up to 6500W, it’s easy to find a unit that matches your needs without paying for more than you use.

Diesel generators are built for sustained, heavy-duty use. They're more fuel-efficient over long run times, which adds up to real savings on working sites or during extended outages. Diesel generators also tend to last longer under continuous load, making them ideal for more industrial applications, farms, high-demand tools, and serious backup power setups.

Pull-start vs electric start generators

Pull-start conventional generators are the reliable workhorse option, with fewer components, lower cost, and nothing to go flat when you need to fire up the unit.

Electric recoil start generators take the effort out of starting, especially on cold mornings or for operators who frequently need to start and stop the generator throughout the day.

Key features to compare before buying

What to compare	Common range	Why it matters
Power output	1000-3000W, 3000-7000W, 7000W+	Match watts to tools, appliances and startup draw.
Runtime	Up to 10-12.5 hrs at load	Longer runtime means fewer refuels.
Fuel type	Petrol or diesel	Petrol is versatile; diesel suits heavier use.

Choosing the right conventional generator wattage

Our conventional generators range from 3500W to 9500W, covering everything from running a few essential appliances through to a whole-house setup. To choose the right wattage for your power needs, check out our guide to buying a generator.

Small generators (3kW-5kW): Home backup for essentials: lighting, fridge, and a few small appliances.

Mid-range generators (5kW-7kW): Mid-sized homes, small farms, or sites running a couple of power tools.

Large generators (7kW-9kW): Larger homes, commercial premises, farms, or multiple tools running at once.

Using and maintaining your conventional generator

Always run your conventional generator outdoors or in a well-ventilated space, never inside or in enclosed areas. Position the unit on a flat, stable surface away from windows and doors to prevent exhaust fumes from entering your home or workspace.

Regular maintenance keeps your generator starting on the first try, every time. Check the oil level before each use, and change it after the first 20 hours of run time and regularly thereafter. Keep the air filter clean, use fresh fuel, and drain the carburettor if you're storing the generator for more than a few weeks.

ATS switch systems for automatic backup power

For backup power reliability, pair your conventional generator with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) system. An ATS switch detects a mains power failure and automatically starts your generator, switching your home or business over to generator power within seconds.

What our customers say

Newman Generator 6500W Remote Electric Start

“Goes well, starts easy, can start and stop from around 10m away, very happy.”

Hyundai Diesel Silenced Generator 5000W

“Best gen I’ve had yet! Running it as a backup for my off-grid tiny house. It can power the house and charge the battery, which makes it ideal for cloudy days! Had the 15amp plug going, but have now wired the 27amp up. Love it!”

Newman Generator 1200W

“I bought this generator to charge batteries while camping. It starts well and is doing exactly what I wanted. Very pleased and recommend.”

Frequently asked questions

Are petrol or diesel conventional generators better?

It comes down to your use case. Petrol generators suit occasional or portable use at a lower upfront cost, while diesel generators are more fuel-efficient over long run times. They’re better for continuous, heavy-duty uses.

Can I use a conventional generator for sensitive electronics?

Conventional generators have more voltage fluctuation than inverter generators, which can be an issue for sensitive electronics. Check out our inverter generators for powering laptops, TVs, and other sensitive electronics.

What does rated power mean?

Rated power (or running watts) is the continuous output that the conventional generator can sustain. Peak power is higher but only available briefly on startup. You should choose a conventional generator based on your rated power needs, not the peak figure.

Can a conventional generator power a house?

Yes. A 6000-9500W unit can typically run lighting, a fridge, a heat pump, and other essentials at the same time. Add an ATS switch system for automatic switchover the moment grid power goes out.

Do I need an electric start generator?

Not necessarily, pull-start models are reliable and cost less. An electric recoil start is worth it for frequent use, cold conditions, or if the generator is in a hard-to-reach spot.

Why buy traditional generators from Trade Tested

Trade Tested stocks petrol and diesel conventional generators from the top brands in the industry. All Hyundai and Newman generators come with a two-year warranty, and you’ll enjoy a minimum one-year warranty on every other product in our store. Browse conventional generators for industrial applications and powerful home backup today.

Enjoy nationwide delivery across NZ, or browse our store in person. For help choosing the right conventional generator, contact our friendly team.

Looking for more power solutions? Browse portable power stations and standby generators.