Are you looking for one of your home’s 5 best inverter generators? Then, this buying guide will be of utmost help to you.
An inverter generator inverts electricity to offer cleaner, safer energy for your delicate devices. It costs more on average than a standard generator but is more portable, quiet, and energy efficient.
I’ll go through how inverter generators function, how to pick one, and how to utilize one properly if you’re wondering if the buzz is real.
A portable generator, an inverter, employs inverter technology to provide reliable, clean energy. With this technology, the generator may modify its engine performance in reaction to the electrical demand, leading to quiet operation overall.
Since inverter generators are frequently more compact and lightweight than conventional generators, they are perfect for outdoor activities like camping.
Because it produces clean, consistent AC power without the requirement of sound-proof enclosures, inverters generators are a new power source that has recently gained a lot of popularity.
They may be configured to produce 120 or 240 volts, and as you might expect, they run considerably more quietly than conventional generators.
How Does Inverter Generators Work
An inverter generator has slightly more elaborate mechanics than a conventional portable generator. However, other components deliver the ultimate power output. Numerous inverter generators use fossil fuels as well.
The battery, alternator, and inverter are all built inside the inverter generator in addition to the gasoline tank. The alternator transforms the high-frequency AC electricity that leaves the engine and is released into DC.
The inverter subsequently transforms the DC currents back into AC currents. Inverter generators provide an output of 120 volts at 60 Hz, much like conventional portable generators.
However, an inverter generator’s current is significantly more consistent because of the additional processes taken in power generation.
Inverter generators are therefore claimed to provide “clean power” since fewer harmonic disturbances exist. The inverter generator produces power of a quality that is comparable to the electricity you receive from your primary electricity provider.
There are two reasons why clean power is feasible. First, the inverter generator’s initial AC is at a higher frequency, which produces more electrical energy, and is one of the first contributing causes. The transformation of DC back into AC constitutes the second component.
An inverter generator may produce an extremely steady sine wave because its mechanical design gives it better control over the AC frequency. Inverter generators are highly energy-efficient because they offer more control over power output.
It can sustain a 3600 RPM while adjusting its voltage for the linked load. In addition, Inverter generators are substantially quieter than conventional portable generators due in large part to steady current.
5 Best Inverter Generators: Features/Factors To Consider
This buying guide on the 5 best inverter generators will also bring you more than the products and their pros and cons. I will also give you the things to consider when choosing an inverter generator from this buying guide of the 5 best inverter generators.
Features Of Inverter Generators
Maximum Power
Its maximal power output is likewise limited by its small weight. Even the greatest inverter generators have lower power than conventional generators, so keep that in mind while using one. Most inverter generators have a power capacity of between 1,000 and 4,000 watts.
Noise
Comparatively speaking to a standard generator, inverter generators assist in producing less noise. Therefore, this is the right tool for you if the approved location where you should use backup electricity has a deep concern for noise levels.
Finally, thanks to this clever design, people may now enjoy indoor comforts outside. The greatest inverter generator offers the necessary security measure while minimizing the extra weight, inconvenience, and noise of transporting a massive conventional generator.
Inverter generators are excellent tools for workers in remote areas or at night while keeping your phone and laptop charged.
Runtime
You don’t want to have to keep recharging your inverter generator if you anticipate using it for extended periods, for example, if you live in an area that experiences regular or lengthy power outages or if you need off-grid electricity all day.
The size of a generator’s fuel tank and how effectively it operates affect runtimes. The typical runtime of an inverter generator is 5 to 6 hours. However, some efficient types may extend that to almost a full day.
Fuel Type
While gasoline is still the fuel most inverter generators use, many can run on propane or natural gas, and some may even be powered by the sun. Unfortunately, gas has the most power output but has the highest noise and pollution levels.
The output is somewhat reduced in preference for quieter, cleaner activities using propane and natural gas. In addition, solar generators can only be recharged when the sun is shining (or if a wall or vehicle socket is nearby). As a result, they are emission-free and almost silent.
Factors To Consider
Portability
One of the main benefits of an inverter generator is portability. It was created with portability in my heart from the beginning. In addition, this device is generally lighter than conventional generators, which typically weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
This suggests that an inverter generator is simpler to carry if transportation is required. However, heavier versions are also made to achieve superior performance.
Price
In conclusion, conventional generators are less expensive than inverter generators. However, before investing, it’s essential to understand the cost and make sure it fits within your budget.
The extra features are extra benefits for which they will pay. However, if you desire this along with the topographies it offers and can obtain it, this can be the best tool for you.
Location
Always use inverter generators outside. Regardless of whether there are inside apertures like doors or windows, never use them.
This is because, like other devices with internal combustion engines, they emit poisonous fumes that anybody around may inhale, such as colorless and odorless carbon monoxide.
Inhaling this might result in serious health problems or perhaps death. Instead, use the inverter generator outside your home in a safe location.
5 Best Inverter Generators: Table Of Recommendations And Specifications
| Products | Weight | Product’s Dimension | Wattage | Tank Volume | Manufacturer |
| WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator | 39 Pounds | 17.3″L x 11.5″W x 17.5″H | 2350 watts | 1 Gallon | WEN |
| WEN 56380i Portable Inverter Generator | ‎99.2 Pounds | 23.2″L x 18″W x 20.1″H | ‎3800 watts | ‎2.2 Gallons | WEN |
| Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator | 46 Pounds | 19.8″L x 11.4″W x 17.9″H | 2200 watts | 1.14 Gallons | Westinghouse |
| Generac 7127 Gas-Powered Portable Generator | 109.1 Pounds | 23.7″L x 18″W x 21.7″H | 3500 watts | N/A | Generac |
| Champion 100520 Series Open Frame Inverter Generator | 152.7 pounds | 26.6″L x 25.6″W x 23.7″H | 8750 watts | 2 Gallons | Champion Power Equipment |
5WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator
Making it to this list of the 5 best inverter generators as the 5th best is the WEN 56235i Portable Inverter Generator.
Do you recall the days of silent, portable power? Without making as much noise as a typical generator, the WEN 2,350-Watt Inverter Generator offers clean energy free from voltage spikes and decreases. It can also produce a power output of up to 1900 rated watts and 2350 surge watts.
At quarter load, this 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine runs at a whisper-quiet 51 decibels, which is quieter than a window air conditioning system or a normal conversation. As a result, it is less intrusive whether people are picnicking, camping, hunting, or replenishing backup power.
Additionally, the WEN 2350W Inverter Generator has a fuel shutdown. By stopping the flow of gasoline, this function enables the generator to exhaust the remaining fuel in the carburetor before turning off on its own.
This reduces maintenance requirements while extending the life of the carburetor by preventing buildup and clogs brought on by stagnant gasoline. This generator is safe to power sensitive devices since it minimizes overall harmonic distortion to below 0.3 % at no load and is under 1.2 percent at full load. It is built to reflect a pure sine wave.
The one-gallon tank’s exceptional efficiency allows it to run for more than 7 hours on a half-load while maintaining a lightweight design of 39 pounds for convenient travel.
The panel’s fully loaded configuration includes two three-prong 120V 14A NEMA 5-20R outlets, one 12V 8.3A DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports. Utilize the eco-mode switch to maximize fuel efficiency.
Further, to share wattage across several units, connect any two WEN inverter generators using only a WEN Parallel Connection Kit (available separately).
Pros
- This generator is extremely light.
- Also, it needs very little upkeep.
- Even more, it has a good runtime.
Con
- Unsuitable for RVs.
4WEN 56380i Portable Inverter Generator
Making it to the 4th spot on this list of the 5 best inverter generators is the WEN 56380i Portable Inverter Generator.
With half the noise of a typical generator, this WEN Inverter Generator generates clean energy free from voltage spikes and dips. Produce power of up to 3800 surge watts and 3400 regulated watts. At quarter load, this 212cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine runs at a whisper-quiet 57 dB, which is comparable to a window air conditioner or a normal conversation.
This lessens how intrusive it is while people hunt, camp, picnic, or regenerate backup power. Additionally, the WEN 3800W Inverter Generator has a fuel shutdown. By stopping the flow of gasoline, this function enables the generator to exhaust the remaining fuel in the carburetor before turning off on its own.
This reduces maintenance requirements while extending the life of the carburetor by preventing buildup and clogs brought on by stagnant gasoline. In addition, this generator, which is made to mimic a pure sine wave, has a total harmonic distortion limit of less than 0.3 percent at no load and less than 1.2 percent at full load, rendering it secure enough for delicate power devices.
The ultra-efficient 2.2-gallon tank offers more than 8.5 hours of operating time at half-load, and the lightweight design, built-in wheels, and folding handle make for simple mobility. Also, it has an easy-to-understand digital fuel and load display.
This generator and your electronics are protected from harm by overload protection, low-oil and low-fuel automated shutdown, and indication lights. Use in national parks and campers is permitted thanks to the supplied spark arrestor.
Your inverter generator also comes with a 2-year guarantee, a nationwide network of expert service experts, and a helpful customer hotline because it is a WEN Product.
Pros
- This generator is easily transportable and storable.
- Also, it gives out low-pitched operating noises.
- Further, it features a long-lasting engine that consumes less gasoline.
- Even more, it has a great operating voltage that easily supports heavier appliances.
- Connectivity in parallel to split the power.
- Moreover, this inverter generator has more alternatives for connectivity.
- Additionally, you can now conveniently monitor the gasoline.
- It also features an automatic shutdown to extend life.
- In addition, it is compatible with gadgets that use less power.
- Furthermore, it comes at an affordable price.
- Lastly, it has a two-year guarantee.
Con
- This device has a low ability to endure challenging weather.
3Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator
The third best on this list of the 5 best inverter generators is the Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator.
The Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator has a 2, 200 peak watt output and 1, 800 operating watt output, making it ideal for use as a backup generator at home or for leisure purposes. In addition, the majority of refrigerators, huge appliances, and any other household requirements you could require while traveling can all be powered at once by the iGen2200.
The iGen2200 is equipped with a 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse engine and is designed to automatically modify engine speed to only deliver the amount of power required for improved fuel economy.
It is portable and lightweight, weighing only 46 lbs., and has a built-in carrying handle. In addition, the iGen2200 operates at a tone as low as 52 dBA, which is quieter than a conversation and has been designed for community-friendly use.
The iGen2200 reliably powers delicate gadgets like plasma/LCD TVs, computers, smartphones, and portable devices by generating clean, reliable electricity at less than 3% THD, unlike conventional generators.
The Westinghouse 30A Parallel Cord may be used to connect the iGen2200 to another Westinghouse Inverter Generator if you require extra power (sold separately).
The iGen2200 contains built-in safety features, including overload protection and low oil shutdown, and is supported by a 3-year limited service, labor, and parts warranty, as well as lifetime technical support.
Pros
- This inverter generator is convenient for movement.
- Also, it has more watts than generators of the same size.
- Furthermore, this inverter generator has an amazing run time.
- This generator’s LED indications let you know when it’s ready to use, when the oil level is low or when it’s overloaded.
- It also has a spark arrestor, making this generator completely safe to operate in wooded regions.
- Additionally, the iGen2200 has a circuit breaker that will turn the generator off automatically if the oil level is too low.
- Further, the CAMO design, which makes this generator one of the nicest-looking generators on the market, is the trendiest feature.
- Ideal for delicate gadgets like televisions, PCs, tablets, and mobile phones.
- As it runs at 52 dBA, it is quite quiet.
- It may run in parallel with other similar units to increase power.
- Lastly, the setup is quite simple.
Cons
- This device has fewer cutting-edge features than other brands.
- Also, it comes with no electric start.
- Even more, the fuel gauge is absent.
2Generac 7127 Gas-Powered Portable Generator
The Generac 7127 Gas-Powered Portable Generator made it to this list of the 5 best inverter generators as the 2nd best.
You can bring electricity with you everywhere you go with the iQ3500 portable inverter generator, including tailgating events, camping vacations, job sites, and more.
The strong yet lightweight construction was made with portability in mind. The user-friendly Power Dial easily places the Electric Start (battery supplied) capabilities together with start, run, and stop operations for a faster startup.
Choose between two engine speeds to enhance power responsiveness or considerably minimize noise and fuel consumption, depending on your needs.
Inverter generators produce AC electricity using a different kind of alternator than conventional generators. The final product is a portable generator that is lighter, smaller, and more powerful while also ultra-clean and able to securely power delicate devices and equipment.
This inverter generator from Generac is about 50% quieter than any ordinary generator because of its creative construction and design. Additionally, it is powered by a 212cc engine that, with the help of PowerRush Advanced Technology, effectively enables this generator to deliver 3500 starting watts and 3000 operating watts.
Additionally, the Generac GP3500iO can operate in parallel with a comparable alternative unit.
The gasoline tank on this inverter generator does indeed have a capacity of 2.37 gallons, which is sufficient for it to run for around 11 hours at a 25% load. It also has two 120V 20A outlets on the rear and a 120V 30A twist lock plug.
Two 5V USB ports are also provided, which is a useful addition. Overall, the design is pretty practical, and it’s also lightweight. Generac also provides a 3-year guarantee on it.
Pros
- Lightweight construction.
- Also, it is power-efficient.
- Even more, it runs a low-key operation.
- Furthermore, it has exceptional dependability.
- Lastly, it has a strong output.
Cons
- Only a second Generac GP3500iO unit may be paralleled.
- Furthermore, it doesn’t possess enough to power an entire house.
- This generator has no wheels.
1Champion100520 Series Open Frame Inverter Generator
Coming 1st on this list of 5 best inverter generators is the Champion 100520 Series Open Frame Inverter Generator.
In comparison to a conventional 7000-watt portable generator, the Champion Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter Generator is 25% lighter and 30% quieter.
With its feature-rich, ground-breaking technology and design, powering one’s life is taking a completely new meaning. By adding Quiet Technology digital inverter components, they were able to reduce the noise level by half.
Then, they developed a powerful mechanical design to reduce the total dimension and weight by 25%. This Digital Hybrid inverter is lighter, quieter, lightweight, and better as a cost-effective power solution.
Enjoy electric start with battery included and on/off push-button power. Chilly Start Technology offers a swift start in cold conditions.
The Intelligent gauge easily keeps track of voltage, frequency, and running hours. When the 4.2-gallon fuel tank is full, the dependable 420cc engine of the Champion operates for 10. 5 hours at 25% load and provides 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts.
This inverter is somewhat noisier than a vacuum at a distance of 23 feet with a noise level of 72 dBA. This device has a 1. 2-quart oil capacity, a low oil shutoff sensor, and an easy-to-use Quick Drain oil tube.
Connect your delicate equipment with confidence because this hybrid exclusively generates clean power. In addition, their Economy Mode monitors power use in real-time to minimize electrical load, allowing for quieter operation and longer engine life. Also, their Quick Touch Panel provides quick access to controls.
It’s easy to travel and store thanks to the collapsible handle and never-flat tires. With a 3-year limited warranty and FREE lifelong technical assistance, Champion Support and its nationwide network of service centers will help when it comes to this EPA-certified and CARB-compliant inverter.
Pros
- This device is RV ready.
- Also, its runtime is excellent.
- Even more, it makes very little noise.
- Furthermore, it is simple to use.
- Additionally, it can last for a long duration.
- It also features clean electricity generation.
- Low-oil automatic shutoff.
- Lastly, it is easy to maintain.
Con
- Not available.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The 5 Best Inverter Generators
1. What Type Of Inverter Is Most Efficient?
2. How Many Watts Is A Good Inverter?
3. Which Is Better, Inverter Or The Regular Generator?
4. Which Generator Has The Highest Efficiency?
5. How Many Hours Can An Inverter Generator Run?
5 Best Inverter Generators: My Final Thoughts
The greatest inverter generator alternatives that you can buy have been covered in this buying guide. I have covered all of the best alternatives in our list, whether you’re searching for a generator to use at home or when camping, to power your RV, or both.
Additionally, you can quickly compare the offered alternatives with the aid of the buying guide to choose which inverter generator options are suitable for you.
I have a personal recommendation for you that you might consider purchasing in such an instance, which is the Champion 100520 Series Open Frame Inverter Generator, in case some individuals are still feeling confused about selecting one and making a final selection.
However, the other products are still efficient. I hope this Powerversity buying guide was helpful to you.
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