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Ralph Mowery

In article , says...

Most home devices not counting clocks are not that frequency sensitive.
The main thing is the simple generator must run close to 3600 rpm to
generate the desired voltage which is also generated at 60 hz.
A few cycles one way or the other does not mater, but the voltage might.

I don't think most modern consumer portable generators operate that way,
the engine and drivetrain spin at whatever rpm is convenient for the
form-factor vs. output power vs. noise level requirements etc. and it's
converted to DC then chopped and converted to line frequency AC again as
in a car battery inverter-type dealie.

Most home portable generators are direct drive from the engine. They
are less expensive than the inverter type. The inverter type engines
run at whatever rpm it takes to produce the power for the inverter part.

The speed control for them is a simple goveror set for 3600 rpm. I have
two of them rated around 5 kw and one of the $89 Harbor Freight ones
that operate that way.