Introduction
As a avid camper and DIY enthusiast, I know the value of having a reliable source of power when I’m on the go. That’s why I’ve been exploring the world of inverter generators, which are portable power sources that convert DC power into AC power. Not only are they essential for outdoor activities, but they can also serve as backup power in case of emergencies or power outages. In this article, I will share my experiences and provide reviews of the best inverter generators on the market.
Top 5 Inverter Generators
After extensive research, testing, and analysis of various inverter generators, I have narrowed down the top 5 options based on performance, cost, and durability.
1. Honda EU2200i
The Honda EU2200i is the best inverter generator on the market. It is fuel efficient, produces clean power, and operates quietly. The 2200-watt inverter generator can power several devices simultaneously and operate for up to 8.1 hours on a single tank of gas. The generator is lightweight and easy to carry, also features a low oil alert and automatic shutdown feature to protect the engine from damage.
Pros:
– Exceptional performance
– Quiet operation
– Lightweight
– Ideal for sensitive electronic devices
– Compact design
Cons:
– Expensive
– Limited fuel capacity
2. WEN 56200i
The WEN 56200i is an excellent alternative to Honda’s EU2200i. It produces clean power and operates quietly, perfect for camping and powering sensitive electronic devices. The 2000-watt inverter generator has a fuel tank capacity of one gallon, which can last up to 6 hours. It features a low fuel and low oil automatic shutdown, and an eco-mode helps save fuel and extend the generator’s lifespan.
Pros:
– Affordable
– Quiet operation
– Clean power
– Lightweight design
– Fuel-efficient
Cons:
– Short Run time
– Limited Fuel Capacity
3. Yamaha EF2400iSHC
The Yamaha EF2400iSHC is a robust and reliable inverter generator that provides power up to 2400 watts. The generator is powerful enough to run several appliances simultaneously, and its 171cc engine delivers efficient power. This generator’s noise-reducing feature makes it an ideal choice for camping trips or outdoor events.
Pros:
– Robust and reliable
– Quiet operation
– Inverter Technology
– Clean power
Cons:
– Expensive
– Heavy
– Low Fuel Capacity
4. Champion 100263
The Champion 100263 is an excellent inverter generator capable of delivering a maximum power output of 3100 watts, ideal for powering large appliances. It is designed with cold start technology, which allows for a hassle-free start even in cold weather conditions. This portable generator is robust, durable, and able to operate for up to 7.5 hours on a single tank.
Pros:
– Cold start technology
– Multiple power outlets
– Quieter
– Robust design
Cons:
– Heavy
– Expensive
– Lower run time on maximum load
5. Westinghouse iGen4500
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is a high-end inverter generator designed to deliver power up to 4500 watt. It features a remote start, dual fuel system, and an eco-mode to save fuel and reduce noise. The generator is robust, durable, and has a run time of up to 18 hours, making it an ideal choice during power outages or natural disasters.
Pros:
– Remote start
– Dual fuel system
– Long Run time
– Durable and reliable
Cons:
– Heavy and difficult to move
– Expensive
Customer Reviews
In addition to my personal experience with the generators, I also considered customer reviews to evaluate each generator’s performance, ease of use, and reliability. Common themes I found in the customer reviews included the ease of use, noise level, and reliability. Many customers appreciated the clean power output, allowing sensitive electronic devices to run safely without damages. One drawback of most inverter generators mentioned in the reviews was the limited run time on full capacity and fuel capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, inverter generators serve as an essential tool for outdoor activities, DIY projects, emergencies, and power outages. Based on my research and testing, the Honda EU2200i stands out as the best inverter generator on the market, but it comes with a hefty price tag. However, with the alternatives available like the WEN 56200i and Yamaha EF2400iSHC, there are budget-friendly options worth considering if you have specific requirements such as noise reduction or high wattage output. Overall, the inverter generator you choose depends on your needs, whether for personal or professional use. I recommend that you take your time to determine your needs and read the customer reviews before making a final decision.
Questions and Comments
I hope you enjoyed reading my review of the best inverter generators on the market. Do you have experience with any of these generators? Do you have a question that was not answered in this article? Leave a comment below, and I will be happy to answer your questions.
List of 10 best inverter generator
- SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.
- SAFE & STEADY POWER SUPPLY: Armed with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Explorer 300 features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power. The portable power station weighs only 7.1 pounds. You can simply rest assured in outdoor off-grid activities.
- POWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS: Featuring 2* AC outlet, 1* PD 60W USB-C port (input/output supported) , 1* fast charge 3.0 port, 1*USB-A port and 1* DC car port, the power station can recharge itself and charge (up to) 6 devices (e.g.Drones, Macbook, Cameras, etc.) at the same time to satisfy your outdoor needs.
- GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. The integrated MPPT controller enables the solar generator set to operate at its max power point, so that it speeds up the battery recharge, making them ideal portable power kits for tent camping, overland journey and etc.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station , 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide
- DUAL FUEL: Operate your 2500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus at only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry
- QUIET OPERATION: With an ultra-quiet 53 dBA from 23 feet, enjoy 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time on gasoline, and 1665 running watts and up to 34 hours on propane
- PARALLEL READY: The optional, sold-separately clip-on parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power. GFCI Outlets : No
- CLEAN POWER: Includes two covered 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD), a 12V automotive-style outlet, plus a handy dual port USB adapter
- CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
- [Tiny but Mighty] - With a 600W AC inverter, 268Wh LiFePO4 battery pack, and 9 outlets, this power station will keep your essential devices powered on the go or during a home power outage.
- [Ultra-fast Charging] - No bulky power brick, a single cable is good to charge it at most 350W; you also can use the PV+AC together for 80% SOC in just 30 min.
- [Harness the Power of Sun] - The built-in MPPT controller supports up to 200W of solar input, enabling you to make an ideal solar generator with BLUETTI PV120/PV200 solar panel.
- [Reliable UPS] - EB3A instantly provides backup power when the grid fails, protecting your desktop PC, file servers, and other sensitive devices from data loss or damage.
- [What You Get] - BLUETTI EB3A portable power station, AC charging cable, solar charging cable, user manual, 24-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Long-Lasting Portable Power Station With a 10-Year Lifespan: With our proprietary long-lasting technology InfiniPower, combined with LiFePO4 batteries, ultra-durable electronic components, a smart temperature control system that monitors temperature up to 100 times per second, and impact-resistant structural design, Anker 521 PowerHouse is built to last over a decade, even with everyday use.
- 5-Year Full-Device Warranty: Instead of the average 2 years, Anker 521 Portable Power Station is designed to reliably power your devices every day for 10 years. Additionally, it offers a superior 5-year full-device warranty for a guaranteed, worry-free experience.
- Extra USB-C Port: Time to get rid of bulky adapters because charging your laptop at fast speeds only requires a single cable. See the power station recharge itself and give a high-speed charge to a wide range of devices.
- Huge 256Wh Capacity: The high capacity portable power station pumps out 256Wh of power—the perfect companion to charge your devices and small appliances during a weekend trip.
- 6 Ports for All: The power station has all the ports you need to charge your devices and appliances over the weekend, including 2 AC ports, 2 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and a car outlet.
- Multiple Charging Outputs Provide More Options: Features with AC/ DC/ USB OUTPUTS: 110 AC output (200W), 2 DC output, 2 QC 3.0 quick charge USB port and 1 USB ports (2.4A auto). Power your smartphone, tablet, laptop, camera, light, drones, fans, in-car appliances, CPAP machine and more at anytime.KINDLY NOTE THAT THE POWER STATION CAN NOT BE CHARGE AND USE AT THE SAME TIME.
- High Performance And Handy Power Source: 151Wh (40800mAh) compact station is powerful enough to meet different kinds of electricity demands outdoor usage for home, travel, camping, backseat on long road trips.With a weight of 4.07lb and soft handle, we can easily put it in our backpack or car, take to everywhere need power.
- Other Unique Design: 1)The standalone AC/DC provides easy operation when charging different devices;2)Mutifuction LCD display would show you the remaining energies/charge/discharge/AC output/DC output status.Ultra bright LCD screen let you know the statue of battery pack even no light source camping.
- Triple Rechargeable Modes Efficient Solar Generator: FlashFish power station is equipped with a lithium battery pack, it can be charged by the 15-24 volt solar panel (not included), AC wall adapter and car charger efficiently. No memory effect, no worry about battery capacity reduction
- MultiProtect And Warranty: The generation provides all-round protection to protect you against overcurrent, overvoltage, and over-temperature, ensuring the safety of you and your devices.Flashfish provides our dear customers with warranty of 12 months from the date of purchase and friendly customer service.
- [Portable Power]: Super slim size (6.6 x 4 x 3 inches) and light weight (2.3 lbs). Portable power station with movable handle design is not only for emergency power at home, but also for camping or wherever you need power when on the go. Perfect for charge phone, laptop, iPad, camera, wireless headphones, etc.
- [Multi Output]: The portable power station equipped with 88Wh (24000mAh, 3.7V) capacity, 2*QC 3.0 USB ports , 1*USB ports (5V 2.4A), 1*USB C port（18W）. 2*DC port(12V/10A), 1*2 pole and 1* 3 pole output socket (120W running, 150W peak). Powers cell phone, iPad, tablet, camera, radio, USB powered night light, mini fan under 150W.
- [LED Lights]: This portable generator is built with a LED flashlight, which could emit 2 lighting modes (3 Levels brightness steady light mode , SOS mode) to meet your different needs. Press the LED flashlight switch to change the mode. When you go out camping or experience power outages, this power supply can always help you out.
- [Three Recharging Modes]: 88Wh portable rechargeable power station with Three methods to charge the portable power station. 1. You can fully charge the power supply via AC outlet (adapter included) 2. It can be charged under the sun with a solar panel(15V-24V)(Solar Panel Not Included). 3. The power station can be charged by socket of the car and car charger efficiently. Cycle life >1000 times.
- [24-Month Product Guarantee]: The GENSROCK portable power station comes with a 24-month product guarantee, and GENSROCK offers a 24x7 specialist customer service. In the box: 1*88Wh Portable Power Station, 1*AC Power Adapter, 1*Car Charge, 1*User Manual.
- 【300W Portable Power Station High-Capacity Laptop AC Power Bank】Equipped with a 280Wh/75000mAh superior lithium-ion battery pack, ZeroKor 300W(AC outlet Max) power station is powerful enough to charge smartphone ,tablets, laptops ,CP-AP , headphones or other outdoor Small Camping supplies (Tips:Using electrical appliances over 300W may damage the portable power station, especially some devices that are prone to heat or built-in air compressor such as coffee maker,Hair dryer, water pump etc )
- 【Multiple Charging outlets for camping gear with SOS Flashlight】With 2* 110V/300W Max AC outlets(pure sine wave output) , 1* DC port (9V-12.6V/10A max ), 3* 5V/3A MAX USB ports, 1*quick charge USB port (5V/3A 9V/2A Max), Flashlight with reading mode and SOS mode for your outdoor Van Life Explorer
- 【Multiple Charging Optional, Solar Generator (Solar Panels Not Included)】ZeroKor portable laptop charger power bank can be recharged by wall AC outlet, DC5521 Solar Panel (Portable Power Station built-in MPPT), 12V Car Cigarette Lighter port. With soft handle, we can easily put it in our backpack or car. Take the portable camping generator with you on-the-go and never worry about power shortage.
- 【Configure Multiple Protection Mechanisms, Run More Safely】Built in BMS , ZeroKor portable power station features short circuit protection, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, overload protection and overheating protection. The built-in cooling fan system will automatically start and stop according to the portable battery pack charger internal temperature during use, the portable AC outlet design makes it more suitable for Tent camping OFF-Grid life
- 【Ideal Gift, The wise choice of power camping accessories,7*24 hr customer service】ZeroKor 300Watt portable power station is the holiday gift for friend or family member who loves travel outdoor. We offer professional customer assistance and 12 months warranty. Package includes 1*280Wh Portable Power Station, 1*AC power adapter, 1*Cigarette Lighter Adapter, 1*Car Charging Cable and 1*user manual(Solar panel not included)
- 【288Wh Capacity, 330W Output】330W (600W surge) pure sine wave supports most laptops, tablets, phones, lights, fans, CPAP medical devices, projectors, TV, mini-refrigerator, speaker, camera (rated power less than 330W). 288Wh huge capacity but light weight makes it compact and perfect for camping, car trips and other family outings.
- 【Upgraded Battery Management System】We promise to adopt quality lithium batteries since we found that the use of lower-quality batteries could pose a serious risk to life and should become a crucial part of deciding what to buy. Upgraded BMS provides built-in overload, overcharge (automatically stops charging when the device is full), and short-circuit protection. Dual built-in silent cooling fans help to keep the station's temperature safe.
- 【USB-C PD 60W, USB-A QC 18W】PD60W fast charging makes it possible to charge Android and iPhone, tablets, and laptops quickly, more than twice as fast as other standard USB-C output, and ultra-high efficiency in emergencies. All USB-A ports are quick-charge 3.0 18W, providing higher efficiency for each device.
- 【Power 8 Device simultaneously】Equipped with 1*AC output, 1*USB-C PD 60W output, 3*USB-A QC3.0 18W outputs, 1*Car port, 2*DC outputs, GRECELL solar generator can power eight devices at the same time (as long as they draw less than 330W combined). Each switch can control each output module.
- 【3 Ways To Recharge, Built-in MPPT Controller】GRECELL power station, can be charged via an AC outlet, a solar panel, or a car outlet. Built-in MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking Control) so it can extract the maximum power from the solar panel, optimizing the utilization of variable power sources like a solar generator.
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: The Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station has been featured as the "Best Portable Power Station for use in the outdoors" by Digital Trends. A classic choice for your pick.
- EASY TO CARRY: This entry-level portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only at 6.6 pounds. The solid handle makes it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures such as Tent Camping, Road Trip, Backyard Camping, etc.
- VERSATILE POWER SOURCE: 1* Pure Sine Wave AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), 2* USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A), and 1* 12V DC car port to charge your road trip essentials such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, lights and so on. Pass-through charging is supported.
- GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station can be recharged by the Jackery SolarSaga 60 solar panel or SolarSaga 100 solar panel. Its built-in MPPT controller enables the solar panel to operate at its max power point for the power station to be recharged at its highest efficiency. TWO alternative ways to recharge: through the wall outlet or the car outlet.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station, 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide.
People also ask
What is an inverter generator?
An inverter generator is a type of generator that converts DC power into AC power to provide clean and stable electricity suitable for sensitive electronics such as laptops, smartphones, and other similar devices.
What are the benefits of using an inverter generator?
Inverter generators are highly efficient and fuel-efficient, making them cost-effective in the long run. They are also lightweight, quieter, and produce cleaner energy compared to traditional generators.
What is the difference between an inverter generator and a conventional generator?
The main difference between an inverter generator and a conventional generator is that an inverter generator produces stable and clean power suitable for sensitive electronics. Conventional generators produce electrical power by rotating magnetic fields that result in fluctuations making the power unsuitable for sensitive electronics.
What are the key features to consider when purchasing an inverter generator?
The key features to consider when purchasing an inverter generator include the generator’s power output, fuel efficiency, noise level, size and portability, ease of operation, and if it comes with additional features such as electric start or parallel connectivity.
What is the best inverter generator in the market?
The best inverter generator in the market is subjective and varies based on individual needs, budget, and preferences. However, some popular options in the market include Honda EU2200i, Briggs & Stratton P2200 PowerSmart, and WEN 56380i Super Quiet Inverter Generator.
What is the average lifespan of an inverter generator?
The lifespan of an inverter generator varies based on maintenance and usage. However, on average, an inverter generator can last between 5-15 years with regular service and maintenance.
Can I use an inverter generator for camping or outdoor activities?
Yes. Inverter generators are highly portable and lightweight, making them ideal for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities that require reliable and clean power.
What are the safety measures to consider when using an inverter generator?
When using an inverter generator, ensure that you operate it in an open and well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. You should also avoid overloading the generator or using it in wet environments.