Winter season is by far, the worst time for the power to go out. While powering demanding electronic devices around the house will require a large, heavy duty generator, there are many reasons to use the smaller sized inverter generators. The best thing of purchasing a reliable inverter generator is that it has many other uses, such as powering up your RV while on a camping trip, or tailgating or fishing. Or just to have enough power in the garage to watch TV while you work on your latest pet project.
Almost all inverter generators are designed to run without giving out much sound at all, and also come with USB ports so that you can charge your phone. Inverter generators also come along with 12V sockets so that other electronic devices can be easily plugged right into the generator. Besides that, a portable inverter generator is a great way to power lawn tools such as the leaf blower, snow blower or power drill. Here, we are going to review some of the best inverter generators for homeowners.
How does an Inverter Generator Work?
Basically, what an inverter generator does is that it takes DC power and converts it to AC power. While this may seem pretty straight forward, different inverter generators produce different types of AC current. For instance, while some inverter generators have an output of AC current that’s in the form of block or squares, others can be modified to sync wave lengths. Inverter generators don’t just have the ability to modify the type of current, but can also make the signal cleaner. In other words, an inverter generators can low voltage DC current into high voltage pure AC current.
Battery inverters store DC power in a battery and can discharge it by first converting the power into AC, before stepping up the voltage to the desired levels of anywhere between 120V or 240V.
Fuel Capacity
If you have had time to do your homework on inverter generators, you will find that there are much small and lighter as compared to the conventional home generators which are a lot larger. But, the portability comes with a cost. The petite size of the inverter generator means that it can only hold between 0.8 to 2 gallons of fuel in the fuel tank. But, the main thing with inverter generators is its capability to produce energy in the form of electricity. While an inverter generator does have smaller fuel tanks, they also have an impressive microprocessor that assists the small 4-stroke engines which have been loaded with multiple efficiency increasing features. This is the reason why an inverter generator is able to produce much more electricity per drop of fuel than a 2-stroke conventional generator.
Since conventional generator engines are unable to decrease the speed of their engines based on the load on the other end, the 4000-watt conventional generator will only run at a maximum of 3600 RPM regardless of what has been connected to the generator. This is not the case with the smarter, inverter generators that are much more efficient with their fuel consumption. The load monitoring system on a inverter generator keeps track of the load and the amount of output that the inverter generator is able to give out. This enables it to save more energy than the conventional generators.
Portability
Another reason why portable inverter generators are preferred is because of its small size which makes storing and transporting easy. The portable size of the inverter generator makes it the ideal choice for camping, picnics or just to have a sturdy generator for the garage. Most of the inverter generators weigh around the 50-pound mark (dry weight), and are smaller than a 20” square box. Inverter generators also include ergonomic carry handles on the top, so you can pick them up and move them around, just like a suitcase.
Top Inverter Generators
Here’s our picks of the top inverter generators you can buy right now from the market.
Westinghouse WH2400i
Features
- 2400 peak watts, with 2100 running watts
- Westinghouse single cylinder 79 cc engine, direct overhead valve, 4-stroke gasoline type
- Run-time of 11 hours under 25% load, 1.3 gallon fuel tank
- Automatic low oil shutdown for added safety
- Dual muffler design, along with double insulated acoustic hood and asymmetrical fans for silent operation (52-59 dB)
- Power indicator light and overload reset
- Supports parallel pairing, and has a high efficiency mode
- AC Overload Reset
- High Efficiency Run Mode
- Low Oil Shut Down
- Outlet ports include a USB-10A, 12V DC, and Duplex 5-20R
- Weighs 43 pounds. Size: 20.25” x 12.5” x 17.25”
- 2-year limited warranty
Overview
If you are in search of a portable and reliable inverter generator for your garage or for going out camping then this is definitely one worth checking out. With a peak wattage output of around 2400 watts and a running power output of 2100 watts, the Westinghouse WH2400i inverter generator is a great choice for those who are looking for a lot of power packed into a small body. With 2100 watts, the Westinghouse WH2400i makes it easy to power those outdoor lights in the night, or you can run an electric grill, fan, radio, and laptop simultaneously, and even charge your smartphone at the same time using the USB-10A port.
Incredible 11-hour Run Time
Most people don’t think that a portable inverter generator will pack this much power, but in the case of the Westinghouse WH2400i, you’d be wrong. This inverter generator can run for an impressive 11 hours and has sufficient energy to run for the entire day without any hassle, with a rated run-time of a load of 25%, or 500 watts, which is still more than you’d expect from a portable inverter generator. Even powering a few 75-100 watt light bulbs will not be a problem with the Westinghouse WH2400i. The best part of the Westinghouse WH2400i is that its smart design means that its noise output is muffled well by the internally padded acoustic hood, and is a mere 52 decibels at 25% of the rated load.
Noise reduction Technology
Even under maximum load, the noise made in the Westinghouse WH2400i will not go over 59 decibels. For those who aren’t sure what this means, 52 decibels lies in between the amount of noise that is generated in a library or a normal conversation, while 59 decibels is around the same amount of noise that is generated during a normal conversation between two people. This is great news for those who want to use the inverter generator indoors.
Champion Power Equipment 75531i
Features:
- 3100 peak watts, 2800 running watts
- 171cc Champion 4-stroke single cylinder OHV gasoline engine
- Up to 8 hours of run-time at 25% load, 1.6 gallon fuel tank
- Standard and ECO modes, easy-pull recoil start with automatic decompression
- Built-in carrying handles and wheels, RV-ready TT-30R outlet, 120V AC outlet, 12V DC outlet
- Low oil auto-shutoff, overload protection, fuel gauge
- USDA approved spark arrestor, EPA III and CARB compliant
- 58 dB of noise at 23 feet
- Measures 22.4” x 17.3” x 18.3”, weighs 83.8 pounds (dry weight)
- 3-year limited residential warranty
Overview
The Champion 75531i is a lesser known inverter generator that’s also able to produce quite a lot of power. This 3000 watt version of the Champion 73536i offers quite a few new features that makes it a good choice when it comes to inverter generators. With the Champion 75531i, you get a slightly larger171cc Champion single cylinder 40-stroke engine that offers more than enough power for the average homeowner. In fact, the Champion 75531i is able to deliver up to 8 hours of run-time on 25% load on a full tank of 1.6 gallons.
Safety Features
Since safety is going to be a major concern for those who are looking forward to buying an inverter generator, the Champion 75531i is EPA III and CARB compliant. Additionally, it also comes with a TT-30R RV-ready outlet on the front panel, which is a welcome addition and something that the previous version of the inverter generator sorely lacked.
Lowered Decibels for Comfortable Use
The Champion 75531i has done quite a lot to reduce the amount of noise that it produces, but it is still at around 58 decibels. That being said, this amount is well within the parameters of the noise that’s produced during close-quarters conversations. At around 84 pounds, the Champion 75531i is light weight and easy to carry and transport around thanks to the 6 sturdy puncture proof wheels.
Generac iX800 (5791)
Features:
- 850 starting watts / 800 running watts
- 38cc single cylinder OHV variable rpm gasoline engine
- Run-time of 3.5 hours at 50% load, 0.5 gallon fuel tank
- Max AC amperage of 7.1A, rated 120V AC amperage of 6.6A
- Three status LED’s- low oil, overload, and ready
- Dual 120V AC 15A 5-15R Duplex outlet
- FlexPower (ECO-mode) : Conserves fuel and reduces noise by optimizing engine speed
- Low oil auto-shutdown, overload protection
- Measures 18” x 10” x 15”, weighs 29 pounds
- 2-year limited residential warranty
Overview
At first glance, you won’t find anything impressive about the Generac iX800 (5791). This inverter generator can produce up to 850 watts of power and is perfect for powering a coffee maker or chainsaw or even a hand sanding machine in the tool shed. The maximum amperage you can expect from the Generac iX800 (5791) is just around 7.1A, so don’t try to get too ambitious with it. You will not be running a water heater on this one.
Clear Indicators and Other Features
The Generac iX800 (5791) does however, have plenty of nifty features that makes it a good deal. The Generac iX800 (5791) has three status LED’s located on the front that are indicators for low oil, overload, and ready. The switch allows you to choose between the standard and ECO-mode, with automatic low oil protection and overload protection built-in.
Portable and Easy to Carry
The specifications for the Generac iX800 (5791) is 18” x 10” x 15” which makes it quite portable and easy to carry around. It weighs just 29 pounds, so you can actually carry it around fairly easily. In the end, the Generac iX800 (5791) is ideal for powering up an electric grill, a compact refrigerator or the TV. But, again, don’t try to plug in the water heater.
Honda EU2000i
Features:
- 2000 peak watts, 1600 running watts
- Honda GX100 single cylinder OHV engine, 4-stroke gasoline type
- Run-time of 8.1 hours on 25% load, 0.95 gallon tank
- 120V AC receptacle, USB receptacle, 12V DC port, 13.3A current at rated power
- Noise levels between 53 dB (25%-load) and 59 dB (rated load)
- USDA qualified spark arrestor/muffler
- Low oil alert, ECO-mode, intelligent throttling, overload protection, auto-shutdown in case of low fuel or oil
- Supports parallel operation. Use this cable: Honda 08E93-HPK123HI
- Weighs 45.6 pounds, measures 20.2” x 11.4” x 16.7”
- 3-year residential and commercial warranty
Overview
The Honda EU2000i really needs no introduction since the name Honda is synonymous with quality. The red team offers quite a few features and loads of power which makes it one of the best options when going for an inverter generator. The Honda EU2000i boasts a running wattage of 1600W, along with a peak power of 2000W. This amount of power is generated by the GX100 engine, which is a 4-stroke gasoline OHV motor with lots of power. The Honda EU2000i has a run time of around 8.1 hours on 25% load, even though the fuel tank has a capacity of just 0.95 gallons. That’s how powerful the Honda EU2000i is.
Eco-Throttle Feature
With the Eco-throttle feature the engine of the Honda EU2000i does not run on maximum capacity if it’s not necessary. This alone can increase its efficiency by up to 40%, while reducing the amount of emissions that’s released into the air, making the Honda EU2000i not only top-shelf in design but in its efficiency as well.
Ending Note
When searching for a reliable inverter generator, the one factor that matters most of all is to choose the inverter generator that’s best able to suit your needs. It is crucial to remember that just because your neighbor got a particular inverter generator will not mean that the same generator will be the best option for you. Of course, the power ratings of an inverter generator plays a major role in determining whether or not you should purchase a certain generator, so make a list of all the equipment that you expect to run at the same time, and add the total wattage to the largest starting wattage on the list.
Also, while you’re at it, get a model whose spare parts will be easily available from trusted manufacturers. And finally, take note of the types of ports that are on the inverter generator, and make sure that there are sufficient ports for all the devices you need. Fuel efficiency and noise levels are also a crucial factor when determining which is the best inverter generator for you.