What is the best inverter generator? First, opt for a model that offers varying engine speed, which will allow you to reduce the noise and fuel consumption. The minimum noise level should be around 60dBA so that you could use the machine without disturbing neighbors. Secondly, make sure that your inverter generator will produce enough power. This depends on the size of the unit. The larger the device is, the more power it generates. While a 2,000W generator will be fine for camping and other outdoor activities, you will surely need a model producing about 3,000W to run RV appliances. A 1,000W unit will be sufficient to power your phone but is not an option for powering an electric door in the garage or the like. Thirdly, take a look at the fuel tank volume. Inverter generators that come with a larger tank provide greater runtime. However, if the fuel tank is too big, the product will not be a good choice for using on-the-go because it will most likely be too heavy to carry. Fourthly, consider the product's portability, which is particularly essential for outdoor usage. The machine should be compact and equipped with a handle and wheels for easy transportation. We believe that the Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator meets these criteria best.
Why have we chosen it? Briggs & Stratton is a trusted American producer of gasoline engines. Headquartered in Wisconsin, the company owns over 20 production facilities both in the U.S. and abroad. It was founded more than 100 years ago and today is the world’s largest manufacturer of small engines. Briggs & Stratton makes generators, mowers, pressure washers, and snowblowers. The P3000 inverter generator produces enough power to keep your appliances, electronics, or RV air conditioner running. It can operate for up to 10 hours on a full tank, generating 3,000 surge watts and 2,600 running watts. With a 1.5-gallon gas tank, the machine is easy to move around due to the telescoping handle and six-inch wheels. The inverter generator uses Quiet Power Technology for engine speed automatic adjustment. This function allows the device to reduce noise up to 58 decibels as well as consume less fuel. An LCD screen adds to convenience in use as you can check how much power has been used and get maintenance reminders.
Inverter generators efficiently provide a constant current flow of electricity. Their engines are designed to run slower when less power is required which affords quiet and longer running operation
CONTENT
- 1 What Types of Inverter Generators Are There?
- 2 What Do I Look for When Buying an Inverter Generator?
- 3 What Is the Difference Between Brands of Inverter Generators?
- 4 Inverter Generator Reviews
- 5 10 Best Inverter Generator Comparison Table
- 6 FAQ
What Types of Inverter Generators Are There?
Portable inverter generators typically run on gasoline, which is a readily available and inexpensive resource. Their design typically allows them to run for as long as 8-10 hours on one or two gallons of fuel.
Some inverter generator models may be converted (using modification kits) to run on propane. Propane is convenient, clean-burning, environmentally friendly and able to be stored for long periods. Propane burns more quickly than gas, however, so keeping several tanks on hand is suggested (Note: A standard-sized tank may easily be used up within 24 hours).
What Do I Look for When Buying an Inverter Generator?
Engine
Inverter technology allows the engine to vary speed according to the load they are under. The throttle ensures it does not run at full speed constantly, which reduces fuel consumption.
Two-cycle combustion engines produce power in one up-and-down piston motion / crankshaft revolution. The beginning of the compression stroke and end of the combustion stroke occur at the same time. Similarly, intake and exhaust occur simultaneously.
A four-cycle combustion engine power cycle begins with air being pulled in by the piston. Four piston strokes and two crankshaft revolutions later, the cycle is complete.
Phase
House power and inverter-produced power are single phase. Inverter generators operate on an three phase system that efficiently generates more electricity for each rotation. By converting three-sine, three-phase high frequency AC into 12VDC current and the DC current into conventional 60 Hz, you obtain power you can plug your home appliance into and run for an extended period.
Power
An inverter generator system runs slower, but it doesn’t depend on engine speed to produce power. A large (250+ lbs.) Inverter may be directly connected to an electrical panel. It can generate 4,000W - 5,000W of power. Mid-sized units (approx. 80 lbs.) Generate 2,500W - 4,500W, which is enough to run RV appliances. Small, portable, 2,000W units (50-60 lbs.) Are ideal for camping or tailgating.
Cooling System
Most generators are air- or liquid-cooled. The cooling method is generally determined by the size and type of generator. Portable and standby generators (up to 22 kW) are typically air cooled. Cool air is drawn in and blown over the generator to reduce the engine's heat and expel it through its exhaust. Larger, well-designed, more expensive generators (exceeding 22 kW) are liquid-cooled.
Fuel Consumption Rate
Inverter generators are more fuel efficient because they do not continually run at full throttle, but rather according to load. Running slower and varying engine speed according to the power load can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 40 percent.
Tank volume
Inverter generators are compact and portable. They do not require large fuel capacity due to their efficient engine technology and varying-speed operation.
Operational Continuity
One inverter generator can be connected in parallel to another identically-sized inverter generator to double power capacity, output and run time.
What Is the Difference Between Brands of Inverter Generators?
Comparisons contrast power, efficiency, and brand expertise and longevity.
Yamaha inverter generators. Yamaha has offered a complete, competitively-priced selection of portable inverter generators for 20 years. Yamaha inverter generators provide clean, quiet power and technology to protect sensitive electronics as well as power home appliances.
Champion inverter generators. Champion is a market leader in home, work and recreation power generation equipment. Their generators are designed / engineered in the US and are EPA certified and CARB compliant. Champion offers customers a nationwide service center network and lifetime technical support.
Honda inverter generators. Honda has been a global power equipment manufacturer and leader in fuel efficient, low-emission, 4-stroke engines for generators since 1953. Honda generators offer power and superior performance, improved ease of use and maintenance.
Ryobi inverter generators. Ryobi offers competitively-priced clean, quiet, digital and Bluetooth portable inverter generator power. Ryobi technology protects electronic devices and allows convenient generator control and monitoring using their GENControl smartphone app.
Sportsman inverter generators. Sportsman generators are imported and sold by Buffalo Tools, an international brand based in St. Louis, MO. These inverted (and conventional) generators are EPA certified and CARB compliant and inexpensive, “no thrills” solutions for power needs.
Wen inverter generators. Wen is a US-based company making power equipment tools since 1951. Their R&D developed a variety of commonly-used everyday power tools, presses, compressors, grinders, nailers, generators and more.
Briggs & Stratton inverter generators. Briggs & Stratton has been a trusted global power equipment brand for more than 100 years. They provide a wide range of portable generators with modern inverter innovations, technology, auto controls and safety features.
Inverter Generator Reviews
Below, you will find a review of the best inverter generators at a price ranging from $ 380 to $ 1,000. All the products boast quiet operation, producing from 57 dBA to 66 dBA of noise depending on the model. You may choose an inverter generator that allows for automatic adjustment of the engine speed for more efficient fuel consumption and noise reduction. There is a model best suitable for sensitive electronics and tools and an option with an auto voltage regulator and fuel shutoff feature.
1. Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator | Best Quiet Power Technology
The portable Briggs & Stratton 30545 is a 90-pound, parallel-ready inverter generator with enough power to keep appliances, electronics, and your RV air conditioner running. A parallel connector port allows you to generate twice the power by connecting two PowerSmart Series inverter generators together. Quiet Power Technology automatically adjusts engine speed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise to 59dBA at 25% load. It has a 12V, 30 amp locking outlet with RV adapter, DC charging outlet, USB port and four household outlets.
This B&S 30545 model has a single phase, 171 cc, recoil pull-start, gas-powered engine. It produces 3,000 surge watts and 2,600 running watts and can run up to 10 hours at ¼ load on a full 1.5 gallon tank of gas.
The B&S 30545 inverter generator also features LCD performance and maintenance displays, fuel gauge and hour meter, auto idle control and voltage regulator, muffler and low oil shutdown. Six-inch solid wheels and telescoping handle make transporting easy.
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Briggs & Stratton: Check the current price
2. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator | Best for Camping
The light 45-pound, gas-powered Honda EU2200i is an upgraded “super quiet” parallel-ready portable inverter generator. Its reliable power can keep appliances, electronics, and your RV running for extended periods during power outages. Two identical connected models produce up to 4,400W of power for sustained periods / applications. The Eco-Throttle System automatically adjusts the engine speed to boost fuel efficiency and reduce noise to a maximum 57dBA. It has two12V, 15 amp household outlets as well as a DC charging outlet.
This improved model also has increased cooling ventilation, stator / rotor upgrade and a bigger 4-cycle, 121 cc, recoil pull-start Honda GXR120 engine that produces 10% (200W) more power. It generates 2,200 surge watts and 1,800 running watts and runs up to 8.1 hrs at ¼ load and 3.2 hrs at the full-rated load on a full 0.96 gallon tank of gas.
The Honda EU2200i inverter generator also features overload protection, a fuel shutoff valve and low oil shutdown, on / off switch, and color-coded startup guide. A large spout and oil drain gutter makes oil changes easier.
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Honda: Check the current price
3. Generac GP3000i 3000-Watt Gasoline Powered Recoil Start Inverter Generator | Best for Sensitive Electronics
The compact 59.5-pound, 12V Generac GP3000i is a clean, quiet, RV and parallel-ready portable inverter generator. It can connect directly to your RV and generate up to 13,500 BTUs of power to run your RV's AC. Truepower clean power safely powers sensitive electronics. Connect two identical models (with a parallel connector cable) to produce twice the power for sustained periods and applications. Super Quiet inverter power reduces noise to 66dBA. It has two110V household outlets and two USB outlets for charging your electronics.
The Generac GP3000i has a 4-cycle, 149 cc, recoil pull-start, gas-powered OEM Branded engine. It generates 3,000 starting watts and 2,300 running watts and runs up to 4.5 hrs at ½ load on a full 1.06 gallon tank of gas. PowerRush ™ technology delivers 50% more starting capacity.
The Generac GP3000i inverter generator also features low oil shutdown, a simple-to-use dial Start / Run / Stop PowerDial and built-in handle for easy carry.
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Generac: Check the current price
4. Wen Super Quiet 2250-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator | Best Option with Fuel Shutoff
The lightweight (48.5lbs.), 120V WEN 56225i is a clean, quiet, parallel-ready portable inverter generator. It produces clean power with limited total harmonic distortion (under 1.2% at full load and less than 0.3% at no-load) to safely power even your sensitive electronics. The WEN parallel kit allows you to connect two identical WEN models to produce twice the power. The WEN 56225i runs quietly at 53dBA at ¼ load. It has two 3-prong 120V, 15amp NEMA 5-20R receptacles, two 5V USB ports, and an oil access panel.
The WEN 56225i has a 4-stroke, 79.7 cc, recoil pull-start, gas-powered OEM Branded engine. It generates 2,250 starting watts and 1,800 running watts and runs over 6 hrs at ½ load on a full one gallon tank of gas. The Eco-Mode switch maximizes fuel economy.
The WEN 56225i inverter generator also features an auto voltage regulator, fuel gauge, low oil shutdown, a 3-in-1 switch (Off / Run / Choke) and built-in carry handle.
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WEN: Check the current price
5. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator | Best Model with Electric Start
The 98.7-pound Champion 100263 is a quiet, RV and parallel-ready, dual-fuel inverter generator that runs on gasoline or LPG right out of the box! It can connect directly to your RV and generate up to 15,000 BTUs of power to run your RV's AC. Clean power (less than 3% THD) safely powers sensitive electronic. An (optional) Parallel Kit may be used to connect inverters to produce twice the power. Champion's Economy Mode technology reduces load, conserves fuel and promotes quiet 59dBA (at 23ft.) Operation. It has 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets, 12V DC outlet and dual USB adapter for charging electronics.
This Champion model has a 4-stroke, single cylinder, 192 cc OEM Branded engine with both electric and recoil start options. The electric start includes a battery and Cold Start Technology to ensure quick starts in cold weather. The Champion 100263 generates 3,400 starting watts and 3,100 running watts and runs up to 7.5 hrs on ¼ load on a full 1.6 gallon tank of gas or 14.5 hrs on ¼ load on a full 20lb. propane tank.
The Champion 100263 inverter generator also features a muffler, auto idle control, overload protection, low oil shutdown, auto voltage regulation, 3-Position electric start switch, Quick Touch (easy control) Panel, Smart Charger battery and built-in handle and flat-free tires for easy transport.
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Champion Power Equipment: Check the current price
6. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, Red | Best Budget Choice
The lightweight 50-pound A-iPower SUA2000iV is a clean and quiet-operating, parallel-ready portable inverter generator suitable for tailgating, RVing, camping and more. Clean power technology allows you to safely power sensitive electronics as well as appliances. The A-iPower SUA2000iV has an easy, built-in, plug-n-play parallel kit. Connecting two generators nearly doubles the power. A-iPower "Low Idle" Technology conserves gas and promotes quiet 58dBA operation. This model has 120V AC and 12V DC outlets and USB adapter.
The 120V A-iPower SUA2000iV has a 4-stroke, 79 cc, recoil pull-start, 3hp gas-powered OEM Branded engine. Cast iron engine sleeves aid support and durability. This A-iPower model generates 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts and runs up to 7 hrs at ½, or 4 hrs at full load, on a full 1.1 gallon tank of gas.
The A-iPower SUA2000iV inverter generator also features a muffler, auto idle control, low oil shutdown and control fuel gauge.
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A-iPower: Check the current price
10 Best Inverter Generator Comparison Table
Briggs & Stratton P3000 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator with LCD Display and Quiet Power Technology, 3000 Starting Watts 2600 Running Watts, RV Ready 
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator GP3000i 3000-Watt Gasoline Powered Recoil Start Inverter Generator Super Quiet with PowerRUSH Technology - 50 State / CSA Super Quiet 2250-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut-Off 
Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start 
A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, Red 
Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator - Parallel Ready 
Rainier R2200i Super Quiet Portable Power Station Outdoor Inverter Generator - 1800 Running & 2200 Peak - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant 
WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator with Fuel Shut-Off and Electric Start 
Briggs & Stratton 30675 Q6500 Inverter Generator - 6500 Starting Watts QuietPower Series Portable Generator for Home Backup FAQ
What is an inverter generator?
Inverter generators technologically have advanced electronic circuitry and state-of-the-art magnets that allow them to run quieter, slower and more efficiently, safer and longer.
How does an inverter generator work?
It produces power in three stages by first producing AC power, converting it to DC power; and then back to AC power. It produces AC power with low frequency the rectifier converts to DC power. The inverter circuit converts DC power to 120V 60Hz power.
What is the difference between a generator and an inverter generator?
Inverter generators are typically quieter than conventional units. They run on gas (some may be converted to propane). The engine runs slower when no power is required making it more fuel efficient. Conventional generators are less expensive and continually run on diesel, gas or propane fuel at a constant speed. They are attached to an alternator that produces electricity.