When the power goes out, or you find yourself a few miles from the nearest outlet, you’ll either need to have your own source of electricity or do without it. If you’re not a fan of roughing it, getting an inverter generator is probably your best option. They have some significant advantages over conventional generators and are especially good for use in homes and RVs, as well as being a much better choice for camping trips and other outdoor events.
When it comes to electricity, especially when it’s necessary for an emergency situation or as a longer-term solution, you want to make sure you have something reliable. Finding out that your generator is out of commission in the middle of winter is no fun at all. Choosing a high-quality generator that fits your individual needs will pay off in the long run by delivering power when and where you need it.
--- Best Choice ---
WEN 56380i - Best-Rated

Reviews of the Best Inverter Generator 2023
Below you'll find reviews of ten of some of the best inverter generator for home and RV currently on the market.
Model | Start/Run Wattage | Noise Level | Start Type | Editor’s Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
WEN 56380i Check Price |
3800/3400 | 57 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start | 9.0 |
Champion 200988 Check Price |
4500/3500 | 61 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start | 8.9 |
Honda EU2200i Check Price |
2200/1800 | 57 dBA | Recoil Start | 8.8 |
Westinghouse iGen2200 Check Price |
2200/1800 | 52 dBA | Recoil Start | 8.8 |
Westinghouse iGen4500 Check Price |
4500/3700 | 52 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start, Remote Start | 8.7 |
WEN 56235i Check Price |
2350/1900 | 51 dBA | Recoil Start | 8.7 |
Champion 100900 Check Price |
2000/1700 | 53 dBA | Recoil Start | 8.5 |
WEN GN625i Check Price |
6250/5000 | - | Recoil Start | 8.3 |
Champion 100520 Check Price |
8750/7000 | 72 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start | 8.3 |
Generac 76711 GP1200i Check Price |
1200/1000 | - | Recoil Start | 8.0 |
See Also
- Best 3000 Watt Inverter Generators
- Best Inverter Generators with Electric Start
- TOP Quiet Inverter Generators
- Best Inverter Generators with Remote Start
- Best 1000 Watt Inverter Generators
- Best 2000 Watt Inverter Generators
#1. WEN 56380i Gasoline Inverter Generator with Electric Start
The WEN 56380i is made with an extremely reliable four-stroke 212cc engine. This engine is an OHV with a single cylinder that is air-cooled. You can expect 3,800 watts of surge power and 3,400 watts of continuous rated power. This kind of power allows you to run your power tools, microwave oven, air conditioner, heater, and full-size refrigerator (not at the same time). This is perfect for RV enthusiasts and sailors of the deep blue.
This generator is great for RV, construction sites, power outages, home backup, camping, food truck, boat, fishing, and hunting. I used the WEN 56380i to power the air conditioner 15,000 BTU (2000 watts), lighting (150 watts), refrigerator (600 watts), TV (150 watts), and phone charger, all at the same time.
It weighs 99-pounds wet making it on the heavy side. It has two handles on either side for two people to carry it. And it also comes with a nice handle so you could wheel it around with a couple of small plastic wheels, better than some that I've seen on the market.
What is in the Package?
Included: small tool kit (screwdriver, spark plug wrench, and 2 combination wrenches) funnel cup, funnel tube, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil and gasoline.
The easy-to-understand control panel has a low-oil lamp and an overload alarm. This is an electric start model, so you don't have to worry about cranking it.
The 56380i, like most inverter generators, comes with the standard 12V DC output with an independent circuit protector. It also provides two 20-amp 120V AC outlets and a 3-prong RV Ready TT-30R outlet. There is a circuit breaker that will shut the power off in the event of an overload. This is good for saving your appliances and electronics.
The ECO-MODE technology helps it conserve energy while keeping the noise level to about 57 dBA. That is pretty good for such a powerful machine. It is EPA and CARB compliant as well.
My Noise Test
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode off: 71 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 59 dBA
One cool feature of this generator is that you can connect two of them together to double your wattage. This is a 3,800-watt generator. So, by connecting two of them, you should be able to get 7,600 Watts.
Other features:
- Its 2.2-gallon gas tank is capable of running the generator for about 8.5 hours at half load.
- The generator is equipped with two USB ports (1-amp and 2.1-amp).
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 3800
- Running Wattage: 3400
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 57 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Electric start
- RV ready
- Feature two USB outlets
- Digital Display (comsumption, output, voltage, frequency, runtime)
- Very quiet
- Fuel-efficient engine
- Easy to maintain
- Wheel kit
- Good design
- Parallel Compatibility
- ECO mode - maximizes fuel ecomomy
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- Small plastic wheels
- Customer service complaints
- Flimsy build spark plug to
#2. Champion 200988 - Quiet 4,500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Introducing the New Champion Dual Fuel Generator, model 200988. This one's an enclosed inverter generator with an electric start. It's 4,500 watts starting (up to 37.5 Amps) and then 3,500 running watts (up to 26.3 Amps). It's got the Champion branded engine (model R210N-VP, four-stroke, 212cc). Run-on regular unleaded gasoline (I always run 91 non-oxy) or propane.
Note that when operating on propane, the running power is 3,150 watts.
What is in the Package?
Included: engine oil, USB adapter, spark plug wrench, propane (LPG) hose (8 ft.), oil funnel, screwdriver, combination wrench, wheel kit, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without gasoline and propane.
This inverter generator can run up to 14 hours on a full tank of gas (2.3 gal.) and up to 21 hours on a 20-pound propane tank at 1/4 load. The noise level is 61 decibels, which is quite a bit quieter than open frame models. My primary use for this one is for camping. So even the difference of about five or six decibels can be pretty significant, especially when you're out in the woods or you're somewhere where you might have some neighbors camping not too far from you.
My Noise Test
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 59 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode off: 62.5 dBA
- Full load, 23 ft., eco mode off: 72 dBA
Of course, for camping, portability is a big issue. And I'm already a little bit concerned at the 103-pound weight of this thing. But I don't think you can get a 4,500 watt or 3,500-watt generator that weighs much less than 100 pounds. So I'm going to have to just deal with it, and I'm sure that that won't be a problem.
This unit is great for RV, events, camping, tailgate, construction site, power outage, food truck, and home backup. I used the Champion 200988 to power the Refrigerator (700 watts), Space Heater (1,500 watts), Pressure Cooker (800 watts), Home Security System (15 watts), TV (150 watts), Set Top Box (20 watts), laptop charger (70 watts) and Wi-Fi router (15 watts), all at the same time.
Also, at the front of the generator, you have this flip-up carry handle. It's got an aluminum handle, not just plastic. This thing wheels around very easily, and it's super easy to do one-handed. There are all also two handles on the top here. These are powder coated. They just feel super robust.
It comes with:
- Two NEMA 5-20R Duplex Outlets
- One NEMA TT-30R RV Outlet
- One 12-volt DC Outlet
- One Parallel Port
Verified Customer Review
I bought this portable generator specifically to use with the camper. And I went with the dual fuel because I liked the idea of not hauling around raw gas. If we take a long trip, I don't want to have a container with gasoline sloshing around in the back of the truck. So I think that if I throw a couple of bottles of propane in the back, it'll transport easily. I like the idea of running it on propane because it doesn't spoil. So that's why I bought this model.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 4500
- Running Wattage: 3500
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 61 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline, Propane
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Dual fuel (gasoline & propane)
- Fuel efficient engine
- Electric start
- Small size for a 4500 Watt generator
- Parallel Ready
- Very simple and easy to prep for use
- Wheel kit
- RV ready outlet
- AC and DC outlets
- Included: oil, USB adapter, funnel, spark plug wrench, propane hose, screwdriver
- Very quiet for its size
Cons
- Decent weight (103 lbs)
- Small plastic wheels
- Poor quality control
#3. Honda EU2200i Gasoline Generator - Customer Choice
The Honda EU2200i inverter generator has a Honda GXR120 gasoline engine (3.1 HP, 121 cc) that uses a pull coil for starting. It provides 2200 watts of pulse power, 1800 watts of operating power. At 47.4 pounds, this super quiet generator operates with a noise level of only 57 decibels at full speed and 48 decibels at quarter speed.
My Noise Test
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode off: 62 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 57.3 dBA
- Full load, 23 ft., eco mode on: 71 dBA
The generator has a 0.95-gallon fuel capacity, which equates to 3.2 hours running on a full load and 8.1 hours at a quarter load. I have to say there were many times the generator would run over nine hours for us before additional gas was required. And that was greatly appreciated on some extremely cold mornings.
The generator also offers an ECO Throttle switch that allows the generator to run slower and save gas when it's not pulling a substantial load. The oil reservoir allows for approximately 0.42 quarts or 14 ounces, and it's easy to change as required.
Two 125-volt 20-amp receptacles (NEMA 5-20R) are also available with a handy rubber magnetic cover to help keep them dry.
What is in the Package?
Included: generator, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil, gasoline, wrenches, and screwdrivers.
Honda also provides the ability to have basic control of the generator with the Honda My Generator app. Using Bluetooth and the app, you can monitor your engine hours, receive notifications when engine maintenance is required, and even turn off the generator remotely.
The generator will automatically shut off if it's not in a well-ventilated area, and the CO2 concentration may be dangerous. An advanced carbon monoxide detection system, CO-MINDER, is responsible for this.
What Appliances Can Be Connected?
This generator can power the following common applications (not all applications can be powered simultaneously):
- Television
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Computer/Laptop
- Microwave Oven
- Coffee Maker
- Incandescent Lights
- Hair Dryer
- Portable Fan
- Blender
- Garage Door Opener
- and more…
We found the Honda EU 2200i generator to be very reliable and extremely useful. Providing the necessary maintenance, I know will be a valuable tool for you for many years to come.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 2200
- Running Wattage: 1800
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 57 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Bluetooth + mobile app
- Reliable and durable
- Very quiet operation
- Easy to disassemble for maintenance
- Parallel Compatibility
- Starts with a really easy pull
- ECO throttle switch (economy mode)
- Great Honda engine
- CO-MINDER (carbon monoxide detection system)
Cons
- No electric start
- High cost
- One is forced to have own cables for connecting the generator to devices
#4. Westinghouse iGen2200 Gasoline Generator with CARB
Westinghouse generators are a reliable brand renowned for their contribution towards the improvement of people’s lives with efficient power supply and Westinghouse iGen 2200 is not an exception. This thing has 1800 running watts, 2200 peak. It runs very quietly. They advertise 52 decibels. 60 decibels is a conversation at three feet. You should be able to talk to somebody else, standing a few feet from this thing, and not have to raise your voice.
My Noise Test
- Idle speed, 0 ft., eco mode on: 80 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 56 dBA
- Full load, 0 ft., eco mode off, 92 dBA
- Full load, 23 ft., eco mode off, 69 dBA
- Full load, 50 ft., eco mode off, 61 dBA
It's lightweight. It only weighs about 46 pounds, so I can throw it on a shelf or even drag it up into the attic if I want to get it out of the way.
Now, this generator doesn't have any of the fancy features. You'll find generators in this segment that have app control, that has remote start, that has fuel gauges, that kind of thing. It is somewhat of a bare-bones model. But at that price, it's hard to beat. Most generators in this segment are in like the $450 to $500 range, sometimes stretching up to $600, $700. Finding this guy for $380 is kind of a steal.
What is in the Package?
Included: engine oil, oil funnel, spark plug wrench, manual and warranty card. The generator is shipped without gasoline.
The generator is a bold blue color with a removable panel on the right side for maintenance access. There's a small exhaust hole on the back and a pull starter on the left side. On the top, you'll find the fuel fill nozzle and cap that is surrounded by a rubberized drip catcher. Further back, there's an access panel for maintaining the spark plug. The control panel has three status LEDs in the top left for oil level, overload, and ready light.
The large knob sets the generator to running or choke settings for a startup. There are two USB ports for charging devices as well as two 120-volt standard AC plugs (NEMA 5-20R). In the middle, there's a parallel connection port. Inverter generators can synchronize their output waveform, so you can combine two similar generators and provide double the wattage.
Near the bottom, you have a switch for efficiency mode, which will use less fuel and create less noise when power requirements are low. There's a breaker switch to protect against faults in the line, as well as a reset button to re-enable power output after an overload. Finally, there's the ground lug to provide a path to ground for three-prong plugs.
This powerful generator is pocket-friendly, highly fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain due to its ability to run for up to 12 hours with a 1.2 gas gallon tank at 25% overload. It is easy to start with just a single cord pull, making it stress-free to operate.
This portable device delivers outstanding performances in emergencies like harsh weather, power outage, etc., and you can reliably operate it overnight without any fear of a power surge.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 2200
- Running Wattage: 1800
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 52 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Small and light in weight, making it easy to move around
- Easy to install and operate
- It is quieter when compared to many generators of this class
- Parallel Compatibility
- Extremely fuel-efficient and neighborhood friendly, thanks to its ultra-quietness
- Overload prevention and low oil shut-off feature that helps protect the circuit
- Feature two USB outlets that allow you to plug in electronic appliances like smartphones, tablets, etc.
- Come with a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support
Cons
- No electric start
- Lack a fuel gauge
- Increase in noise level when running at a full load
- Westinghouse customer service leaves a lot to be desired
- Poor quality control
#5. Westinghouse iGen4500 3,700 Rated Watts with Remote Start
Are you looking for a super quiet generator? Look no more Westinghouse iGen4500 is a noise-free solution to your power needs in emergencies as well as outdoor activities. You can take it along anywhere you may require additional power. It can generate 4500 peak watts and 3700 running watts, which is a considerable amount to fulfill all kinds of power requirements, making it the perfect solution for backup power in case of power outages.
What Appliances Can Be Connected?
This generator can power the following common applications (not all applications can be powered simultaneously):
- Incandescent Lights
- Refrigerator/Freezer (900 watts)
- Electric kettle (2,000 watts)
- Coffee Maker (1,200 watts)
- Toaster (1,000 watts)
- Induction Hob (2,000 watts)
- Microwave Oven (1,200 watts)
- Air Conditioner (2,500 watts)
- Space Heater (2,000 watts)
- Sump Pump or Water Pump (1,000 watts)
- TV, Laptop, Game Console, Desktop Computer, Home Sound System, Projector
- Tablets and Mobile Devices
- and more…
This generator has two 20-amp regular house receptacles (NEMA 5-20R). It has a 30-amp RV plug (NEMA TT-30R) already installed, as well as a handy USB socket for charging portable electronics such as cell phones and laptops.
The Westinghouse Inverter Generator comes with an enclosed motor, which produces only 52-55 decibels (according to the manufacturer) of sound. It enables it to power your home without creating a lot of noise.
Noise test
Load | Distance | ECO MODE | Noise level |
---|---|---|---|
Idle speed | 23 ft. | off | 58 dBA |
1 ft. | on | 79.5 dBA | |
23 ft. | on | 56 dBA | |
1/5 load (750 watts) | 23 ft. | on | 60 dBA |
1/2 load (1750 watts) | 23 ft. | on | 61 dBA |
Full load | 23 ft. | off | 72 dBA |
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is portable. It has two lifting handles, and it also has this one that comes out the front and two wheels, so this generator is easily carried and moved around once I take it off of the rack.
What is in the Package?
Included: engine oil, oil funnel, spark plug wrench, battery float charger, remote control, wheel kit, manual and warranty card. The generator is shipped without gasoline.
Best features of the Westinghouse iGen4500
Remote Start: this unit can be operated by a key fob, adding to the convenience of starting this generator from some distance away. It's very nice to be able to lay in bed in a campground where you have to shut your generators off at night to be able in the morning when quiet hours are over to start this generator without even getting up.
Clean power: our home electronic safety is paramount; this generator produces clean power with less than 3% distortion.
The item weighs 98 pounds fresh from the box, making it one of the most lightweight generators going for its output capacity.
Durable engine: it designed to shut down when the level of oil is too low and when there is overload this prevents the generator from damage which eventually increases longevity.
It's easy to combine a generator like this with another generator to get even more power and more output.
Another feature of this inverter generator is the «EFFICIENCY-MODE» mechanism that enables it to have a super-efficient operation (18 hours of run time on 3.4 gallons worth of fuel at 1/4-load and 15 hours at 1/2 load).
One of the nicest features of this generator is that it has a meter that tells me how much power I'm using, how much fuel is on board, what my output voltage is and how many hours I have remaining based on the current load of this generator. So how long it will run on the fuel that's in it.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 4500
- Running Wattage: 3700
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 52 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start, Remote Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- High level of output
- Has the facility to control with remote control and button
- It is quieter when compared to many generators of this class
- Good fuel efficiency
- RV Ready
- Feature two USB outlets
- Parallel Compatibility
- Comes with a digital display
- Lightweight for its kind (98 pounds)
- Circuit breaker protection & Low Oil Shutdown
- Having Wheels to Move
Cons
- The material used to build this generator is not of high quality, therefore breaks easily
- The included spark plug is not very good
- Westinghouse customer service leaves a lot to be desired
- Some generators have choke problems
#6. WEN 56235i 1900 Rated Watts Lightweight & Portable Generator
So, this is the WEN 56235i. The “i” stands for the inverter. It produces 2,350 starting watts and 1,900 running watts. This gasoline generator is easy to carry and very compact. If weight or space is an issue, then a generator like this one is for you.
What is in the Package?
Included: spark plug wrench, screwdriver, combination wrench (8mm & 10mm), oil funnel, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil and gasoline.
The best features of this generator are its 39-pound weight and operating noise. The noise level is rated at 51 dB at 23 feet away. My noise test: idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on - 52.5 dBA.
This inverter generator can run up to 10.5 hours at 1/4 load (500 watts) and up to 5.7 hours at 1/2 load (1000 watts). And speaking of throttle, you've got some throttle control with ECO switch. When you put the eco switch on, what that does is the generator drops down to only create as much energy as you need.
The WEN 56235i has two 120V/20-amp (NEMA 5-20R) outlets that are capable of powering single-phase 60 Hz loads. It also includes one 12V/8.3-amp DC outlet for charging batteries. Its USB ports allow you to charge many of the popular devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Great for camping, tailgate, hunting, power outage, construction site, boat, party, fishing, and recreation. I used the WEN 56235i to power lights (100 watts), furnace fan (75 watts), water pump (80 watts), electric blanket (200 watts), microwave (900 watts), TV (150 watts), game console (200 watts), and a mini-fridge (100 watts), all at the same time.
The only thing I can't run with this generator is my air conditioner, which starts at about 3,000 Watts and runs at about 2000 Watts. For most of the time, this generator is going to cover my camping needs.
Now let's say I went camping someplace hotter. We have deserts in the Southern part of our state, and I very much might want to run my air conditioner in those where it can get up to 115 degrees. If you get a generator like this, it's relatively inexpensive to scale up. So what you do is you pick up the second one of these, and at the cost of being $400 per generator for this jet, it's very affordable. You get a second one, now you're up to $800 and what they call a parallel connection kit.
Expert Advice
As far as the advice I can give anybody with a generator, definitely follow the manual. Don't just buy and say, "Yeah, this will be ready whenever wintertime comes or when the storm comes, I'll know it's going to work". It may not. So make sure you run your generator the way it's supposed to, according to the manual. On this one, I must run this thing once a month for 30 minutes.
Also, when you first buy it, you will run it for 16-20 hours to make sure it will be reliable and there for you.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 2350
- Running Wattage: 1900
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 51 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Parallel Compatibility
- Very lightweight and compact
- Relatively quiet operation
- Fuel efficient
- Economy Mode
- Great for powering tools and necessities
- Feature two USB outlets
- Able to charge batteries
Cons
- No electric start
- Poor customer service
- No ground wire included
- Eco mode does not work well at high loads
#7. Champion Power Equipment 100900 - Best Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
The Champion Power Equipment 100900 is an inverter generator that kicks out 1,700-watt continual power and 2,000 watts of surge power. It's a dual fuel, which means you can run it with both propane and gasoline, and it's touted to be one of the quietest generators on the market and making this perfect if you're either camping or a tailgating party or if you just don't want to disturb your neighbors.
This generator is still good for a small home backup, as long as you don't want to be backing up the entire house, of course.
Great for Camping, Tailgate, Events, Hunting, Power Outage, Party, and Small Construction Jobs. This generator can power the following common applications (not all applications can be powered simultaneously):
- Refrigerator (800-1200W)
- Electric kettle (1500W)
- Coffee Maker (800-1400W)
- Food Blender (500W)
- Microwave Oven (1200W)
- TV+Game Console+Wi-Fi router+Desktop Computer (600-1100W)
- Pellet stove (400-800W)
- Lights in the house (all LEDs)
- and more…
The 79cc Champion uses a pull coil to start the engine. It has two 5-20R (120V/20A) outlets and one 12V DC outlet with clean power for powering or charging sensitive electronics. A USB adapter for the 12V DC outlet is included as well.
What is in the Package?
Included: engine Oil (10W-30), oil funnel, USB adapter, propane hose, and documentation. The generator is shipped without a spark plug wrench.
What's nice, it's not only a dual fuel generator. It's also parallel ready. If you choose to buy the optional parallel kit, the space-saving design is parallel-ready and can connect with another 2000-watt inverter to double your output power.
Long run time: This inverter generator can run up to 11.5 hours on a full tank of gas (1.1 gal.) and up to 36 hours on a 20-pound propane tank at 1/4 load.
They say that it will put out 53 decibels from 23 feet away, and I'll find out if this is true with my sound meter.
Noise test
Fuel | Distance | Noise level |
---|---|---|
Gasoline (idle speed) | 0 ft. | 79 dBA |
5 ft. | 65 dBA | |
23 ft. | 55 dBA | |
Propane (idle speed) | 0 ft. | 82 dBA |
5 ft. | 72 dBA | |
23 ft. | 60 dBA | |
Gasoline (full load) | 5 ft. | 81 dBA |
23 ft. | 67 dBA | |
Propane (full load) | 5 ft. | 81 dBA |
23 ft. | 67 dBA |
If there's no load, the generator is running a little bit louder on propane. However, when the generator is running on the load, its sound output is the same, whether it's on gasoline or running off propane, which is the most important part because why would you have your generator just running if there's no load?
Verdict
For the price and how well it runs, it's a very good unit. It's super quiet. It's dual-fuel, and it's very simple and seamless to go from gasoline to propane. If you need more power, well, if you already have this generator, instead of selling it and buying a bigger one, just buy another one just like this and connect both generators, and voila. You have 4,000 watts.
Would I recommend this generator? Well, the answer is absolute. When you're looking for a generator, of course, you have to look at how much it costs, value for money. Let's say if you buy a generator that's twice or even three times the price of this one, while you have to ask yourself, is it twice to three times better than this one? My answer would be definitely not. That's an important factor to look at.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 2000
- Running Wattage: 1700
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 53 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline, Propane
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to operate
- Dual fuel capability (Gasoline & Propane)
- Oil is easy to change
- Parallel Compatibility
- Quiet operation
- Relatively fuel efficient
- Great for camping, tailgate and power outages
Cons
- The generator is sometimes difficult to start on propane
- No push button electric start
#8. WEN GN625i Inverter Generator with Open Frame - 5,000 Rated Watts
The WEN GN625i is touted to be one of the most powerful inverter generators on the market. This gasoline generator pushes out an amazing 6,250-watts surge power and an average of 5,000-watts of continuous running power. With 6,000-watts of the surge, you can bet your bottom dollar that you can power nearly any large appliance or power tool you want. With all that power, it can run for 8.1 hours at half capacity on 4.2 gallons of gas (that being a full tank).
What is in the Package?
Included: oil funnel, spark plug wrench, screwdriver, combination wrenches (8/10mm, 15/13mm, 19/17mm), wheel kit, manual, and warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil and gasoline.
A straightforward output panel features six outlets (4 households NEMA 5-20R, 1 3-prong RV Ready TT-30R outlet, and 30-amp NEMA L14-30R outlet) as well as a handy USB socket for charging portable electronics such as cell phones and laptops. These can all be used in tandem to power a variety of devices including lights, air-conditioning units, cooking devices, TV's and games consoles. The generator operates at 120/240 volts.
What Appliances Can Be Connected?
This generator can power the following common applications (not all applications can be powered simultaneously):
- Well Pump (2,000 watts)
- Water Pump (1,800 watts)
- Washing Machine (1,000 watts)
- Air Conditioner (3,000 watts)
- Refrigerator (800 watts)
- Electric Stove (3,000 watts)
- Microwave Oven (1,000 watts)
- Electric kettle (1,500 watts)
- Dishwasher (1,500 watts)
- Sensitive Electronics (TV, game console, desktop computer, laptop, printer, projector, phone charger, etc.)
- Home Sound System (200-1,000 watts)
- Space Heater (2,000 watts)
- and more…
It weighs 120-pounds wet making it on the heavy side. It has two handles on either side for two people to carry it. Plastic wheels come standard.
As for performance, some users report that this generator runs louder than at the advertised volume, being noticeably noisier than those manufactured by the likes of Honda. This is the most commonly reported issue with the product, however, given the output performance and much cheaper price than equivalent products it's only really a slight problem.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 6250
- Running Wattage: 5000
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Low-cost
- Wheel kit
- 4 types of outlets: 5-20R, TT-30R, L14-30R, 5V USB
- RV ready
- The most complete package
- Comparatively light for its powering
- Easy to adjust and repair
- High power, up to 10 hours of power
Cons
- Open frame
- No electric start
- Bad customer service
- No parallel ports
- Compared to a closed frame it’s noisy
#9. Champion Power Equipment 100520 - Open Frame Inverter with Electric Start
This 8,750-watt inverter generator is powered by a 15 HP (420cc), 4-stroke OHV engine. It provides you with 7,000 continual running watts and produces 8,750-watts surge watts. This amount of surge power is good for running power equipment or as a home backup generator. This thing can power everything from sump pumps, water pumps, TVs, air conditioning units, and furnaces only to name a few.
What Appliances Can Be Connected?
Great for Construction Site, Food Truck, Power Outage, Recreation, Home Backup, Emergency, and Whole House. I used the Champion 100520 to power air conditioner 15,000 BTU (2000 watts), water pump (900 watts), refrigerator (600 watts), microwave oven (900 watts), pressure cooker (1200 watts), lighting (150 watts), TV (150 watts), Wi-Fi router (10 watts), and a laptop (100 watts), all at the same time.
If you’re too busy and forget about the oil, the Champion 100520 has an automatic low oil shutdown. It has both recoil and electric start mechanisms (battery for electric start included). It is EPA and CARB approved.
What is in the Package?
Included: USB adapter, flexible oil funnel, battery charging cables, wheel kit, manual, and warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil, gasoline, wrenches, and screwdrivers.
It comes with:
- Four 120-volt AC outlets (NEMA 5-20R)
- One 120/240-volt outlet (NEMA L14-30R)
- One 12-volt DC outlet (Automotive)
So total on the 120-volt side, you can do up to 72.9 peak amps and up to 58.3 running amps. And then on the 240-volt side, you can get up to 36.5 amps. And then, of course, 12 volts is at eight amps.
The Champion 100520 can provide 10.5 hours of power at 50 percent load capacity. It has a solid tank that holds up to 4.2 gallons of fuel. But this is one of the loudest inverter generators on the market at 72Db.
This Champion generator only weighs in at a little over 155 pounds, which is not bad for the size of its engine. It's pretty rare to see an inverter generator with is an open frame and this high power.
I've also read that Champion has impeccable customer service and support. I will say that customer service was really good when I had to deal with the broken seat for the handle (this part started pulling away from its welds – I did make a mistake installing the bar, which I caught later). So, I did call Champion customer service, but it took a long time to get through. I was on hold for an hour and 20 minutes. But the guy who answered was very nice, apologized two or three times, said he'd send the new part out right away.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 8750
- Running Wattage: 7000
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 72 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Powerful engine capable of producing up to 7,000 running watts
- Electric Start
- AC/DC outlet
- Wheel Kit
- Circuit breaker protection & Low Oil Shutdown
- Great for Whole House Emergency Backup
- Comparatively light for its power
- Eco mode
- 240 volt outlet (NEMA L14-30R)
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Open frame
- Plastic wheels
- It does not have parallel capability
- Compared to a closed frame it’s noisy
- No RV outlet
#10. Generac 76711 GP1200i - Portable Inverter Generator
Generac GP1200i is one of the best compact and lightweight (33 lbs.) inverter generators for the price. Its 54cc Generac 4-stroke recoil start engine produces 1,000 watts of continuous power and a maximum surge power of 1,200 watts.
What is in the Package?
Included: spark plug tool, oil funnel, quick start guide, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil and gasoline.
Good fuel efficiency: It has FlexPower, a feature that enables the generator to run in high mode and eco speed. It has a 0.8-gallon tank that can run for 5.5 hours at a 50 percent load. Its power efficiency makes it an ideal source of power for recreational activities.
The generator is equipped with two power outlets that are 120 volts at 8.3 amps max. Also has 2 USB ports (1 amp and 2.1 amp) for easy charging of your gargets.
Just as the most inverter generators of its class, do not expect to use it as a home backup generator. It won’t be able to power anything heavy such as an air conditioner since the surge power is not enough to get the air conditioner started. This type of generator is designed for small applications.
What Appliances Can Be Connected?
- Laptop, Phone, Tablet and other sensitive electronics
- Computer/Laptop (50-500 watts)
- TV + Game console (300-400 watts)
- Lights in the house (all LEDs)
- Mini fridge (50-100 watts) or Freezer (300-500 watts)
- Home security system (5-20 watts)
- Pellet stove (400-800 watts)
- Food Blender (500-700 watts)
- and more…
If you are looking to buy a generator for camping and recreational purposes, Generac 5971 would be ideal. However, if you intend to use it to power high-power consuming appliances such as fridges, air conditioners, microwaves, Generac 5971 is not the best option.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 1200
- Running Wattage: 1000
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- It is portable and lightweight
- Very quiet
- Feature two USB outlets
- Economy Switch
- Easy to use
- Quality assembly
- Stable voltage
- Starts with 1 pull
- Uninterrupted operation
Cons
- It does not have parallel capability
- Oil is not included
- Poor quality control (There are defective models)
Best Inverter Generator - Buyer’s Guide
When most people think of a generator, the first thing that comes to mind is the loud and bulky “conventional generator” often found on construction sites and fairgrounds. Inverter generators are still relatively new, but they’re better in almost every way: they are more portable, more fuel-efficient, and much quieter. As an added bonus, they produce power that is safe to use with delicate electronics—like smartphones and laptops—while conventional generators give out uneven current that can damage these devices. Inverter generators are more expensive, but given the more advanced technology that goes into them, they are usually worth it.
You can find the right generator for your needs by answering a few questions:
- How much power do I need?
Inverter generators are usually somewhere between 300W and 7000W. You can check how many watts your appliances use by finding their information stickers, or you can estimate your needs using this tool from the U.S Department of Energy. As a general rule for inverter generators, 1000W and under is for light use, 1000-2000W will run most basic things, 2000-3000W is the lowest you want for a house, 3000-4000W works well as a backup for most houses, and anything above 4000W is if you have higher-than-average power needs.
Inverter generators have a “starting power” that they can generate for a short period of time to supply short power needs, like starting an air conditioner. However, the lower number is what they can actually supply continuously for their entire runtime—their running power. For example, a 2000W/1600W generator can generate 2000W for a few minutes at a time, but only 1600W for several hours straight.
- How much noise do I want?
All inverter generators are quiet compared to the conventional type, but they still have a range in their volumes. You can get models that you can barely hear from ten feet away if you need, but they may be more expensive. The quietest models usually start around 52 decibels, with the loudest models hitting up to 65 decibels. Anything 60 decibels or under can be thought of as fairly quiet.
- How reliable does it need to be?
If you are buying a generator to tailgate, do some light camping, or just make your coffee when the power goes out, you probably won’t need the best engine in the world. However, if power is a necessity, such as in extreme cold or for medical reasons, you may want to invest in a Honda or some other brand that you can be sure will always start.
- How much can I pay?
If price is not a factor, you’re free to pick anything that meets your needs. Otherwise, be aware that there may be a tradeoff between quality and price. Paying less money for a less reliable generator may cost more in the long run. Nonetheless, with more competition appearing in this market, you may be able to find a durable generator that does everything you need for less than the premium models.
Conclusion
All of the above generators have strengths and weaknesses that will make them more or less suited to your specific needs. Honda is always a good choice for simplicity and reliability. For portability, the EasyFocus and the Dirty Hand models pack a good punch for their size. Westinghouse may not have the best reputation for durability and quality control, but their generators offer a lot of power and features at a very good price. The Pulsar, Briggs and Stratton, and Generac models are all fairly similar in price, with some differences in weight and features; any of them are good choices to balance power and portability. The Champion has enough power to do most jobs, and the remote start and high reliability ratings make it a worthy all-around choice.
Inverter generators are the future of portable power, and they are likely to get cheaper and better as the market develops. More generators are starting to incorporate things like digital displays and remote start, and in the future, some may even be controllable with your smartphone. For now, though, this list represents some of the better brands and models on the market.
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