The 5 Best Inverter Generators 2023 Review

Best Fuel Usage: WEN Portable Inverter Generator Easiest To Move: DuroMax Hybrid Portable Generator Best Open Frame: WEN 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator Best Outlet Options: Champion Power Equipment Inverter Generator Best Capacity: Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator

Best Fuel Usage: WEN Portable Inverter Generator

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a lightweight body that weighs 49 pounds✔ Comes with (2) three-prong 15A 120V receptacles and (2) 5V USB ports to charge multiple devices✔ Operates at 53 decibels at a quarter loud, making it about as loud as a quiet conversation ✘ Has limited power output, so it can’t run larger devices ✘ Comes with a shorter two-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Customers who loved this generator praised its sturdy but lightweight build and sufficient portable power output. Most customers who tested this generator at a high altitude found that it worked just as well as it did at lower altitudes. However, some customers received a defective model, with the generator surging or displaying an overload error when nothing was connected to it.

Easiest to Move: DuroMax Hybrid Portable Generator

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a low-oil sensor to warn users before any issues arise✔ Can connect to a compatible Automatic Transfer Switch✔ Offers clean and stable power for a variety of electronics ✘ Although it has four wheels, it’s still heavy at over 250 pounds✘ Although the generator provides a lot of power, it’s also expensive

What Customers Are Saying

Positively, customers who reviewed this portable inverter generator said that it was relatively quiet, set up easily right out of the box, and valued the LED displays to indicate the number of watts/amps being used. Negatively, some users wished that the generator had a 50-amp circuit, and thought that all of the outlet covers were a nuisance.

Best Open Frame: WEN 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator

Pros and Cons

✔ Its eco-mode feature saves fuel by preventing unnecessary gasoline usage✔ Has three indicator lights for low oil, overload, and output✔ Can be connected to another generator using a parallel kit ✘ Some customers had issues with the manufacturer’s customer support team✘ Not designed to run using multiple fuel sources

What Customers Are Saying

Overall, users who were happy with this inverter generator said that it was excellent value for the money. They included that the build quality was impressive for a budget inverter generator. Conversely, some customers said that the unit was louder than they anticipated.

Best Outlet Options: Champion Power Equipment Inverter Generator

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes a three-year limited warranty✔ Sold at an affordable price with a high power output✔ Has a maximum running time of 14 hours ✘ Some reviewers said that cleaning the carburetor was a pain✘ May be difficult to transport because it weighs 95 pounds

What Customers Are Saying

Best Capacity: Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator

Pros and Cons

✔ Has two wheels and a telescoping handle for easy transportation✔ Has a digital display that alternates between showing the fuel level, power output, voltage output, remaining runtime, and lifetime runtime✔ Is compatible with a parallel kit to connect with other generators ✘ Has an unresponsive customer service team according to some customers✘ Some customers reported choke issues that limited its running watts

What Customers Are Saying

Customers complimented this generator’s power, which was sufficient to act as a source of backup power in the event of a blackout. Many customers said that this unit worked out of the box and performed flawlessly with both the manual and electric start options. However, some customers received units with upside-down outlets.
An inverter generator prepares you for power outages, camping trips, and tailgates. This buying guide will help you choose the best inverter generator for your needs.

Size

Inverter generators range from small, portable generator models to large, permanent models. Choose an inverter generator that fits how much space you have for one and what you plan on using it for. For example, if you only need to power a few electronic devices on a camping trip, a small one will suffice. However, if you need to run large home appliances during a power outage, opt for a larger one that will fit in your garage.

Power

The amount of power produced by your inverter generator, measured in watts, determines how many appliances and devices it can run at once. Lights, small electronic devices, and small kitchen appliances will need less power than air conditioning systems and refrigerators. To serve as a home backup, you’ll want to err on the side of caution and get a unit with more power than you might need.

Outlets/Ports

Inverter generators can have as few as two outlets or as many as five or six outlets. They can also vary in terms of type. For example, one generator may have wall outlets and USB ports, while another may have wall outlets, RV ports, USB ports, and cigarette lighters.

Noise Level

All inverter generators will make noise while they’re running, but some are louder than others. If you want a quiet inverter generator, look for one with noise-suppression technology that brings its noise level down to 50 or 60 decibels.

Fuel Source

Inverter generators are powered by either gasoline or propane. Some inverter generators accept both to let you use whichever one you have available.

Additional Features

Some inverter generators have additional features to improve their performance. These may include:

Telescoping handles Remote-start options Automatic shut-off functions Fuel-saving modes Wheels

What should I consider in order to buy the best inverter generator?

In order to buy the best inverter generator, you should consider how much power you’ll need, what type of outlets or ports you want to connect to, how much noise you’re willing to put up with, and how long you’ll need the power for in a hypothetical scenario. If you’re not sure what type of generator you need, check out our generator buying guide.

How is an inverter generator different from a standard generator?

Standard home generators provide alternating current (AC) power. Inverter generators take in AC power, convert it temporarily to direct current (DC) power, and change it back to AC power for use. This produces a cleaner, steadier, and more consistent flow of power.

What can I use my inverter generator for?

Here are some items that your inverter generator can power:

Lamps Coffee makers Smartphones Laptops Refrigerators Microwaves Hair-styling tools Televisions

Are inverter generators safe?

Yes. Most inverter generators have built-in features to make them safe to use. One common feature is an automatic shut-off function that removes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by shutting off the generator as soon as high levels of carbon monoxide are detected. If you’re concerned about carbon monoxide, you can also consider a solar generator instead, which doesn’t produce fumes. This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.