Discover the best inverter generators so you can power your sensitive electronics safely and get the best value for the money.
- Best inverter generator overall: WEN 56450i
- Best inverter generator for home use: Champion 201067 9000
- Best inverter generator for camping: Westinghouse iGen2500
- Best inverter generator for power outages: Champion 200977 4250
- Largest inverter generator: GENMAX GM10500iETC
These inverter generators perform better in different situations because of their scores in different areas. These are listed in the table below.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56450i | 7 | 7 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
| Champion 201067 9000 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 6 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse iGen2500 | 5.5 | 7 | 9 | <3% | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | 10 | $ | Check Price |
| Champion 200977 4250 | 7.5 | 9 | 8 | <3% | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | $ | Check Price |
| GENMAX GM10500iETC | 9 | 7 | 8 | <3% | 6 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 6 | $$$$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
1. WEN 56450i
The WEN 56450i is the best inverter generator thanks to its popular size, good reliability, and reasonable price.
This inverter generator can produce up to 4500 starting watts and 3500 running watts of low THD power.
That means the WEN 56450i can power devices like an RV AC, a refrigerator, and an electric grill separately. Combinations of multiple small devices are typically possible too.
Another benefit of the WEN 56450i is that it offers this nice amount of power at a relatively cheap price.
Pros
- WEN 56450i offers 4500 starting watts, 3500 running watts, 29.1 amps, and 120 volts
- Relatively low noise levels of 58 dBA
- Run time of 8.5 hours at 50% load
- Less than 1.2% THD
- Weight of 99.2 lb (45 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Battery hookup manual guidelines are sometimes for a different model
At the same time, the WEN 56450i is still reliable according to the many positive customer reviews.
This inverter generator is also relatively quiet with noise levels of 58 dBA. The WEN 56450i could potentially even power an AC throughout the night with the right safety precautions.
One downside of the WEN 56450i is that it sometimes comes with the wrong user manual. This can be confusing when you try to hook up the battery.
In short, the WEN 56450i is a good inverter generator at a popular power level and comes at a reasonable price. This machine will often be the right choice.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56450i | 7 | 7 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
2. Champion 201067 9000
The Champion 201067 9000 is the best inverter generator for home use thanks to its 50 amp outlet, good reliability, and reasonable price.
Home backup inverter generators typically access the house through one outlet so having 50 amp capacity is a benefit. This allows you to get more watts of clean power inside the house.
Another benefit of the Champion 201067 9000 is its good reliability. This inverter generator typically performs when it counts which can help you avoid throwing away a fridge full of food.
Additionally, the Champion 201067 9000 has an electric start. This makes it relatively easy to get the generator going. At least if you keep the battery charged.
Pros
- Champion 201067 offers 9000 starting watts, 7250 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- Run time of 10.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Electric start
- CO sensor
- Four GFCI outlets
- Weight of 152.2 lb (69 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Noise levels of 72 dBA are relatively loud
- Run time is not the most impressive
A downside of the Champion 201067 9000 is that it is relatively loud with noise levels of 72 dBA at 25% load. This is not ideal for small neighborhoods or at night.
Additionally, the run time of the Champion 201067 9000 is not that great either. Even if you only use this machine at 25% load, you will have to put in the effort to refuel every 10.5 hours.
So the Champion 201067 9000 is not perfect but it does perform well in the areas that tend to matter the most for home use.
Additionally, this inverter generator does all of these things at a relatively budget-friendly price compared to the alternatives around the same power level.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201067 9000 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 6 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
3. Westinghouse iGen2500
The Westinghouse iGen2500 is the best inverter generator for camping thanks to its good portability, compact dimensions, helpful power level, and reasonable price.
This inverter generator produces enough low THD electricity to power camping devices like a small refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee machine.
At the same time, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is still easy to put away and take out of the car or RV. This allows you to go straight to the camping fun.
Another benefit of the Westinghouse iGen2500 is that it does not cost a lot either. This makes your budget for other camping gear bigger.
Pros
- Westinghouse iGen2500 offers 2500 starting watts, 2200 running watts, 20.8 amps, and 120 volts
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
- Good run time of 12 hours at 25% load
- Good fuel efficiency
- Less than 3% THD
- Light weight of 47.4 lb (21.5 kg)
- Optional CO sensor
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- A few exceptional cases of initial technical issues
This inverter generator is also quiet with noise levels of 52 dBA. The Westinghouse iGen2500 should typically stay below the noise level limits of camping grounds.
One small downside of the Westinghouse iGen2500 is that it has a few exceptional cases with initial technical issues.
However, this is more the standard than the exception for generators. The Westinghouse iGen2500 still has very positive reviews and a proven track record overall.
In short, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is typically the best choice for camping trips if you want a gasoline-compatible machine that produces a small amount of power.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen2500 | 5.5 | 7 | 9 | <3% | 9 | 9.5 | 8 | 10 | $ | Check Price |
4. Champion 200977 4250
The Champion 200977 4250 is the best inverter generator for power outages thanks to its nice amount of power, dual fuel feature, portability, and good reliability.
Having a duel fuel feature is a benefit for power outage inverter generators because it adds more fuel flexibility to your situation.
Additionally, propane is a generator fuel type that typically lasts longer than gasoline. This makes it so you have to spend less effort on staying prepared for emergencies.
Another benefit of the Champion 200977 4250 is its nice amount of power. This inverter generator is typically strong enough for a fridge, a freezer, and a few other small devices.
Pros
- Champion 200977 offers 4250 starting watts, 3500 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Very positive customer reviews
- Reasonable noise levels of 64 dBA
- Long run time of 22 hours at 25% load (gasoline)
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 79 lb (35.8 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Relatively budget-friendly
Cons
- No wheels so moving the generator can be challenging
- A few very exceptional cases where the first model customers got had issues
The Champion 200977 4250 is very reliable according to the many customer reviews too. Besides a few very exceptional cases of initial issues, this machine fulfills its tasks.
Additionally, the Champion 200977 4250 has a long run time of 22 hours at 25% load if you still decide to use gasoline.
One downside of the Champion 200977 4250 is that it does not come with wheels. You have to order a separate wheel kit if you don’t see yourself carrying the 79 pounds around.
In short, this inverter generator is a great choice for powering a few small to medium devices during outages. Especially if you want to be able to produce power from both gasoline and propane.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200977 4250 | 7.5 | 9 | 8 | <3% | 9.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | $ | Check Price |
5. GENMAX GM10500iETC
The GENMAX GM10500iETC is the largest inverter generator thanks to its 10500 peak watts and 8500 running watts.
This is impressive because large generators typically do not have built-in inverters. The GENMAX GM10500iETC can be helpful for powering something like a big AC system.
Another benefit of the GENMAX GM10500iETC is that it does this at relatively quiet noise levels. With 62 dB at 25% load, the annoyance while operating this machine should be reasonable.
Additionally, the GENMAX GM10500iETC is a tri fuel generator which means it can generate power from gasoline, propane, and natural gas.
Pros
- GENMAX GM10500iETC offers 10500 starting watts, 8500 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Tri fuel feature allows you to run on propane and natural gas too
- Relatively low noise levels of 62 dB
- Run time of 14 hours at 25% load
- Electric and remote start
- CO sensor
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 247 lb (112 kg)
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Above-average rate of technical issues
- GENMAX customer support is not always easy to contact
Do keep in mind that using the GENMAX GM10500iETC with propane or natural gas reduces its watt capacity.
A big downside of the GENMAX GM10500iETC is its above-average rate of technical issues.
On top of that, GENMAX customer support is typically not that helpful. Even if you are still within the short 1-year warranty.
So the GENMAX GM10500iETC stands out from other inverter generators due to its high power capacity and this machine looks good on paper.
However, you typically don’t want to choose this inverter generator unless you have to due to the below-average customer experiences with this machine and the GENMAX brand.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GENMAX GM10500iETC | 9 | 7 | 8 | <3% | 6 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 6 | $$$$$ | Check Price |
What should you consider in inverter generator?
The main things to consider in an inverter generator are:
- Run time
- Power capacity
- Outlets
- Fuel types
- Portability
- Noise levels
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from experts
- Price
- Brand trustability and reputation
To choose an inverter generator you need to think about what you want in these areas and find the generator that aligns best with your needs.
Is an inverter generator better than a generator?
Yes, an inverter generator is typically better than a generator because most people want to power at least a few sensitive electronics.
At the same time, there are more things to consider in the comparison between inverter generators and generators that can influence your decision.
What are the disadvantages of an inverter generator?
The main disadvantages of an inverter generator are its higher price and the lower power capacity ceiling in big machines.
You want to weigh the pros and cons of inverter generators to see whether this is the generator type for you.
Can you run a house on an inverter generator?
Yes, you can run a house on an inverter generator if you connect the machine safely, don’t run too many devices inside the house, and follow typical safety guidelines.
That means whether an inverter generator can power a house depends a lot on the details of your machine and the devices you want to run inside your home.
What is the best inverter generator for home use?
The best inverter generator for home use is the Champion 201067 9000 thanks to its 50 amp outlet, good reliability, and reasonable price.
Where can you buy an inverter generator?
You can buy an inverter generator generator in online stores like Amazon, Home Depot, and Acme Tools or in local retailers like Home Depot, Harbor Freight, and Northern Tool.
What is the best inverter generator for camping?
The best inverter generator for camping is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its good portability, compact dimensions, helpful power level, and reasonable price.
What is the best inverter generator for power outages?
The best inverter generator for power outages is the Champion 200977 4250 thanks to its nice amount of power, dual fuel feature, portability, and good reliability.
What is the best 50 amp inverter generator?
The best 50 amp inverter generator is the Champion 201067 9000 thanks to its 50 amp outlet, good reliability, and reasonable price.
What is the best inverter generator for RVs?
The best inverter generator for RVs is the WEN 56380i 3800 thanks to its nice amount of power, positive customer reviews, and reasonable price.
What is the best large inverter generator?
The best large inverter generator is the Champion 201067 9000 thanks to its 9000 peak watts, good reliability, and reasonable price.
What is the largest inverter generator?
The largest inverter generator is the GENMAX GM10500iETC thanks to its 10500 peak watts and 8500 running watts.
What is the best 2500 watt inverter generator?
The best 2500 watt inverter generator is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its small size, good performance, quiet noise levels, and reasonable price.
What is the best 4500 watt inverter generator?
The best 4500 watt inverter generator is the WEN 56450i thanks to its 4500 peak watts, good reliability, and reasonable price.
Which inverter generator is the best?
The inverter generator that is the best is the WEN 56450i thanks to its popular size, good reliability, and reasonable price.
