Hi,

I have thought about buying a generator to keep the boiler going if
the power goes out; especially at this time of year. I can't remember
when the power last did go out, so it's probably a boys and their toys
thing rather than a definite need! So I can't really justify spending
more on a bigger or inverter generator.

Earlier this year Aldi sold a 2-stroke model
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/58_8781.htm

I've searched the old posts here and they say that all 2 stroke
machines are the same; it's just the colour of the paint that is
different. I've looked at other 2 strokes and it is true: the do look
the same. So what is puzzling me is why does the Aldi description say
it runs for ten hours, whereas other sellers of 2 stroke generators
only quote four hours or so?

Whilst in B&Q today I saw some pro power (IIRC, could be wrong though)
generators. I didn't see the price of the 2 stroke but there was a
four stroke about 110GBP. I think it was rated 1kW. I wonder whether
that would be more useful as it could run more things? I think it said
it would last for eight hours but I don't know how big the fuel tank
was: it may have run as long as the Aldi model but it may have used
twice as much fuel in the process.

Are these run times based on minimum load? Do they use more fuel when
under heavy load? I read post saying that the 2 strokes run rough if
not loaded. Are 4 strokes better in this regard: do they adjust
according to load?

Does anyone know the B&Q model I am talking about and is it any good?
I cannot find it on the diy.com web site.

There seems to be some controversy over which needs more maintenance:
2 or 4 stroke?

TIA