Inverter generators are some of the most efficient generators. They throttle up or down depending on the load placed on them. This means that you're only generating the power that you need. The best inverter generators are quiet and efficient. If you're looking for something more robust and permanent, look at our list of the best generators.
However, when you want to upgrade your camping setup, an inverter generator is a great option for mobile power. They're small enough to be portable and are relatively quiet. Let's go through some of the best inverter generators available on the market today.
THE BACKYARD BOSS BEST INVERTER GENERATOR
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Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator |
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Champion Power Equipment 100520 8750-Watt DH Series Inverter |
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Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator |
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WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
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Why You Can Trust Us
Where I come from, scheduled rolling power outages have been part of life for over a decade. Even though they are scheduled, they are still a big inconvenience. As a result, alternative sources have been all the rage. By now, we're pretty familiar with what works and what doesn't when you need backup power.
A practical solution is a generator. Particularly inverter generators due to their relatively compact size and efficient power generation. You only generate the amount of power you need at any one time, which means you save on gas and engine wear and tear. These small generators are more than capable of running the essentials in your household. They're also small enough to take along on a camping trip.
I've taken this personal knowledge and experience, combined them with reviews of the best products on the internet, and created this guide of the best inverter generators on the market.
Best For Reliability
This commercial-grade generator comes with proven reliability and a reputation to uphold. It won't let you down.
- Advanced carbon monoxide detector.
- 10% more power compared to previous versions.
- Smartphone compatibility
- Expensive
- Starter cord chafes due to poor recoil assembly
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Why We Like It: This commercial-grade, compact generator will give you 10% more power than the previous versions of the same size.
It comes with a superior carbon monoxide sensor, which will shut the generator off before the carbon monoxide levels get to a dangerous level. What's more, you can control the whole thing from your phone via the Honda app.
Who Should Buy It: If you're looking for only the best products and you're willing to pay the price, this generator is a great solution.
Best For Dual Fuel
Have you dreamed of being able to run your generator on two different sources of fuel? Well, then it's time for you to wake up to reality and buy the generator of your dreams.
- Runs on propane or gasoline
- Electric start
- Parallel ready for added power
- Difficult to start on propane
- Poor customer service
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Why We Like It: Can't decide between gas or propane? With this generator, you don't have to.
The dual-fuel feature of this inverter generator means you can choose between gas or propane. With 3500 watt's of running power, your camping trip or tailgating event will be on the next level with this product in tow.
Who Should Buy It: It's the best choice for anyone who wants to use both propane and gas.
Best For Work In The Field
The open frame design means you get an inverter generator that's 30% quieter and 25% lighter than the 8000-watt model from the same brand
- Quieter and lighter than 8000-watt model
- Intelliguage screen to monitor generator vitals
- Push-button start
- Remote start only works after you push the button on the unit
- Louder than other inverter generators
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Why We Like It: The open-frame design makes this generator lighter, quieter, and more efficient.
The frame also grounds the unit, meaning you don't need to fiddle with grounding wires. The clean power means your sensitive gadgets and technology will be safe with this unit. You'll get 10.5 hours of run time on a full tank of gas, which is a full day of work out in a remote location.
Who Should Buy It: When you need a bit more power for jobs and power tools on the go, consider this 8750-watt inverter generator.
Best Quiet Generator
Ideal for power outages at home, this quiet, fuel efficient generator offers 12 hours of run time on one tank.
- Whisper quiet
- Ready to run parallel for extra power
- Portable enough for camping
- Some engines seem to surge
- Access to oil reservoir is unnecessarily complicated
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Why We Like It: The "Economy Mode" of this generator will stretch your gas further.
This generator will quietly generate power for hours on just over a gallon. Perfect for power outages at home, this whisper-quiet generator will keep the lights on for an additional 12 hours on one tank of gas.
Who Should Buy It: Everyone looking for a quiet unit to power the house in case of a power outage will benefit from having it
Best Lightweight Generator
Quiet, compact, and convenient. What more do you want from a portable generator?
- Innovative fuel shutoff feature reduces maintenance and increases life span
- USB ports on unit for easy charging of devices
- Lightweight
- Requires external grounding wire
- Doesn't handle peak wattage
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Why We Like It: According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, this generator is as quiet as a human conversation.
Coupled with the ultra-lightweight and compact design, it's the perfect accessory if you need to take some mobile power with you. The two USB ports right there on the unit are a nice touch too. Since it's extremely quiet, you will benefit from using it especially outdoors, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Who Should Buy It: If quiet operation is the major factor for you, consider buying this product.
What Is An Inverter Generator
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In simple terms, an inverter will convert power from AC (alternating current) into DC (direct current) or vice versa. This means that your inverter generator will be able to throttle the engine up or down depending on the load you place on it.
For example, you decide to buy the super quiet WEN 56203i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator. This product produces a maximum of 2000-watts. Let's say you've gone camping for the weekend, and after a full day of activities, you're lounging around the campfire. You need the generator to power 3,5-watt lights. For a total of 15-watts.
A regular generator will be running flat out, with the throttle wide open. It'll be using up fuel to produce all 2000-watts of its maximum output, for three little lights. Alternatively, the inverter generator will throttle the engine down. It'll only produce the 15-watts you need for your three lights. Saving on fuel and engine wear and tear while it works.
Things To Look Out For
Thomas Kelley via https://unsplash.com/photos/xVptEZzgVfo
There are a few features to keep in mind when you're looking for a generator. The first is the size of the generator, which is the amount of power that the unit is capable of producing. The bigger the generator, the more expensive they are, and the more fuel they use. Make sure to match the size to the intended use.
Another aspect is the physical footprint of the unit. This generator will most likely have a place where it stays permanently. However, if you're looking for mobile power to take with you on your next camping trip, you will need something small and light enough to move around. That's why we've included a range from over 150-pounds units down to a unit under 40 pounds.
The ability to run your generator in parallel with another one is a handy feature. This means that two, or more, generators can be connected to produce more power. It's usually down to connecting them via a parallel cable and changing the setting on each unit. Not all generators have this capability, so we made sure to include a few that have.
How We Picked
Image Credit: @hansonelectricnepa on Facebook
Inverter generators come in all shapes and sizes. Once you know what you're doing, they're easy to use. If you're unsure, check out our detailed guide for how to use a generator. Lots of them are loaded with features that are useful for your lifestyle. Let's take a closer look at the choices on offer so you don't end up paying for a bunch of traits you don't need.
- Power generation. We made sure all the generators in this list can produce enough power to run several household appliances and power tools for many hours.
- Fuel. To power your generator, most of your options are going to be gasoline. We included at least one that runs on both gasoline and propane to give you more alternatives.
- Parallel compatibility. Sometimes, you need more power. For these times, having the option to run multiple generators in parallel can be your savior. We included generators that come with this feature.
- Portability. We know how handy inverter generators can be to add that touch of home to a camping trip. So you can find some generators that are portable enough to take on your next camping trip.
OUR RECOMMENDED GENERATOR
Very often the price dictates the quality of the product. That's why our pick is Honda 664240 EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator. The Honda brand name is well-known when it comes to engines, and this inverter generator is no different. You get commercial-grade reliability, advanced safety features, and smartphone compatibility. All packaged up in a compact and mobile unit. If your budget allows, and you demand only the best, this is the generator also for you.
Let us know in the comment section below which generator is your favorite, and as always please share!