Best Inverter Generator 2021 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Is the noise from your generator getting to your head? Have you finally realized that your generator costs way too much but isn’t as efficient? Have you decided to get Inverter Generator but there are just too many choices? Well if that’s the case we’re here to help you find the Top Inverter Generator.

You’re here looking for the inverter generator so you obviously know what that is. But let me just give you a quick description. An inverter generator is a quieter and more energy-efficient version of the generator. It’s portable and environment friendly. Be it an outdoor event or a huge party, the inverter generator is your go-to or all your power needs.

To help you pick out an inverter generator for you, we have compiled a list of options with all the important specifications and price rates to save you from the hassle of going through a million websites. Let’s begin!

Best Inverter Generator in Comparison Table:

1. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 :

Our first pick is the Yamaha EF2000iSv2. It is a 1600 watt gas powered inverter generator with 2000 watts maximum AC output. It’s reliable and energy-efficient due to its smart throttle which changes engine speed according to the load. It’s also very quiet and makes only as much noise like a running fan. On one fuel tank, it can power electronics for around ten and a half hours.

It’s also CARB compliant and has an inverter system that has Pulse Width Modulation control. If you care about appearances, it has an awesome retro-cool look and a soothing blue colour. It’s also lightweight so it is perfect for an outdoor event.

Take it with you to the beach party and show everyone that you value comfort and class. However, it is somewhat expansive as compared to the other inverter generators in the market and also is a little less portable due to its 44-pound weight.

 

2. WEN 56200i :

WEN 56200i is the quietest generator in the market along with a 2000 Watt wattage. It’s EPA III and CARB compliant so it’s clearly very clean and eco-friendly. So if you are concerned about noise and air pollution, WEN 56200i is the best choice for you. You can easily keep your fans, lights, and other necessary household electronics running for about 9.4 hours on one gallon of fuel.

Also, with a price of about half of that of the Yamaha inverter generator, it is very easy on your pockets. With just a 51 dB (A) noise level, it would be just like a running fan and nothing more. It won’t disturb your work or sleep so that’s truly a perk.

However, its economic value comes with a cost of its own. The WEN 56200i is not as reliable as the Yamaha so there’s a bargain on the quality. Its oil consumption is also greater.

 

3. Champion 3400-Watt :

The feature of this inverter generator is that it can use both gasoline and propane as fuel which allows you to use the cheaper more environmentally friendly fuel propane to run your generator. At this point, it should be noted that Propane is safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly fuel. At 3400 Watt, it has a much higher power output than the other inverter generators in the market.

Be it your refrigerator, air conditioner, or television, you can keep it all running for up to 14 hours. In addition, it is also clean and eco-friendly. However, the high power output comes with a huge cost, literally. It is one of the most expensive in the market. It is also very heavy which considerably reduces its portability.

 

4. Westinghouse iGen2500 :

This is a 2200 watt (peak 2500W), a gas-powered inverter generator. With this power, you can easily run light bulbs, fans, and even the television. Going on a camping trip? Take it with your maximum comfort. With a noise level as low as 52 dB (A), similar to a running refrigerator, it is easy on the ears.

It is not only energy efficient but also USFS, EPA, and CARB compliant making it extremely eco-friendly. Nowadays, that is a very important feature due to the ever-rising global warming. Do your part in making a difference. The part? It is also quite economical.

What’s the catch? Only that it is not very portable. Also, there are no wheels to make transportation easier. In addition, according to user reviews, it does not do well with high power machinery. So be careful not to use a heavy-duty electronically.

 

5. Briggs & Stratton P2200 :

The Briggs & Stratton P2200 has landed the fifth position on our list due to its good power output at a very affordable price. With a 2200W power output, it is a good choice for domestic use. You can run your lights, fans, and a few other electronics or take it with you to the beach party to power lights and music.

Its noise level is also quite low at only 59 dB (A) which is comparable to an average conversation noise. In addition, it has a 1-gallon fuel tank that will keep things running for about 8 hours at quarter load. With a low percentage of total harmonic distortion, it is safe to use with almost all electronics. So you don’t have to worry about your phone or your laptop getting discharged.

However, it’s not a perfect world so of course, you have to compromise on quite a few things. It is quite heavy so there will be portability issues. There are also some issues with oil consumption which make it less efficient than the other inverter generators in the market. No one wants to waste money on extra fuel, right? Coming to the biggest drawback, it is not very eco-friendly as it is not CARB compliant.

 

6. Briggs & Stratton 30675 Q6500 :

Now, this is truly a heavy-duty inverter generator. With 6500 watts power output, a power outage can never affect you again. It will keep everything from your refrigerator to your television, your air conditioner to your iron, and all the lights and fans running for up to 14 hours. It has a compact shape and is good for domestic use. Keep it in a corner of your house and enjoy the comfort.

However, the reason that it has landed 6th on our list is the fact that its cons kind of outweigh its pros. Firstly, it is not very affordable and also much less efficient than other inverter generators which means a lot of your money used on fuel will just go up in smoke. Talking about smoke reminds me that it is also not very ecologically sound as it is not CARB compliant so there is a pollution hazard.

 

7. Yamaha EF2200iS :

Carrying on the legacy of Yamaha, the EF2200iS is extremely sturdy and reliable so quality is not an issue. With a 2200 power output, it can easily keep all the necessary electronics running including lights, fans, and maybe an iron. You don’t have to run around looking for adapters because it has its own RV outlet.

In addition, the smart throttle will make sure that the power is adjusted according to the device connected. This increases efficiency and reduces the cost of fuel.

However, there are some drawbacks. First of all, it is a little on the pricey side. So it is not very accessible for all. There are also some complaints about fuel problems so that’s a downside. Also, at 57 dB A, its noise levels are louder than its competitors with the same output wattage.

 

8. Pulsar G2319N 2 :

Even though Pulsar may not be a renowned company, this inverter generator has its fair share of great features. With a starting output voltage of 2300 volts, it can easily power devices that have a high starting power value. At 1800 volts running voltage, it can easily power necessary devices in case of a short outage.

It’s also quite light which makes it way more portable than its competitors. It also has a compact shape which makes it quite attractive and suitable for domestic use. However, the sounds level may be low at quarter load but it can get quite noisy at higher loads. In addition, the company is not very well known and hence not very reliable. In addition, there aren’t any eco-friendly specifications of the product so that’s doubtful.

 

9. Atima AY2000i :

Atima is probably not a company that you may have heard of, however, the fact that this inverter generator has the Yamaha engine ensures its reliability. The AY2000i is a 2000 watt inverter generator which can run a range of devices including refrigerators, portable fans and even blenders.

With noise levels of just 52 dbA, it is one of the quietest inverter generators at 2000 wattage. That’s just like the sound of a running fan, you won’t even notice it after a while. It’s also lightweight so be it parties or a camp night, you can take it anywhere.

However, it wouldn’t be 9th in our list if that is all there was to the Atima AY2000i. You need to have an RV adapter if you want to use it in an RV so that’s not great. In addition, it is made in China so the customer service might be hard to get. Its price is also a little on the higher side considering the fact that Atima is not a very renowned brand.

 

10. Generac 7117 GP2200i :

The Generac 7117 GP2200i is a one of a kind versatile and efficient inverter generator with an output power of 1700 watts. That is enough to power a blender, a fan or a coffee machine. It can run for around 10 hours on quarter load on one fuel tank. It’s also lightweight so you can easily take it with you anywhere you go be it a weekend trip or just a camp night. For a considerably reasonable price, it is powerful and can even be parallel connected with another inverter to increase power output.

However, the inverter generator is not equipped to shut down on overheating which is a safety hazard. There are also some pollution issues with the GP2200i as it is not CARB compliant. Its power output is also less than its competitors at the same price.

 

11. Ford FG2200iS :

Last but not the least, the FG2200iS is a 2000 watt inverter generator which is in fact quite affordable. With 2000 watts, you could run your computer, TV and even your oven. It is also very safe and user friendly and can be easily used with sensitive devices like your mobile phone or laptop. Its fuel capacity may not be large but it can still keep things running for about 6 hours on half load.

Its lightweight, compact and you won’t even notice its running from 10 feet away due to its low noise levels. This makes it great for domestic use. The downside is that with a small fuel capacity, it cannot power heavy-duty machines for a long time. Also, it needs refuelling more frequently which is hard to do. Talking about manual labour, you need to manually start the generator because it does not have an electric start.

Final Verdict:

Now that you are well informed about the Inverter Generators, you can easily pick the one for your use based on price, portability, noise levels, and ease of use. If you ask us we would clearly recommend the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 which is evident from it being on top of our list.

It is one of the most reliable and energy-efficient inverter generators along with being eco-friendly. However, if it’s not suitable for your use, the WEN and Champion inverter generators are also pretty great choices. The WEN 56200i is for its affordable price and Champion for its huge power output. In fact, all 11 of them are among the in the market so based on your needs you can take your pick.

Inverter Generator Buying Guide:

At this point, you are well informed about the list of choices of inverter generators we picked out. However, this isn’t a decision for us to make because it is you who is fully aware of their power needs and therefore you need to make this decision for yourself.

However, you can only make this decision if you have proper knowledge about inverter generators. So let us provide that to you. Here’s a buying guide for you to understand the workings of an inverter generator so that you are fully informed before you make this investment.

Difference between Inverter Generator and Conventional Generator:

Most people get confused between portable generators and portable inverter generators. They think that both of these machines are the same. However, this is a huge misconception. Portable generators are just conventional generators that can move around easily however inverter generators are totally different technologies. Here’s a list of the key differences between a generator and an inverter generator so that you can gain a better understanding.

 1. Current produced: 

Generators produce just Alternating Current with a disruptive sin wave with greater harmonic distortion. On the other hand, inverter generators produce current in three phases: first high-frequency Alternating Current which is converted to DC which is finally converted to stable Alternating Current. This reduces the harmonic distortion and produces safe electricity i.e. one which can safely power sensitive electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops.

 2. Power output and Efficiency: 

Generators usually have a huge power output which can go up to 10,000W. They also have quite huge fuel tanks. Whereas, inverter generators produce comparatively less power. However, they are much more energy-efficient.

This is because their engines can adjust fuel usage according to the load and so inverter generators can provide the same power with smaller tanks and higher efficiency. An inverter generator is a more efficient option however if you need to power heavy-duty machinery, generators will help you better.

 3. Parallel Capability: 

Inverter generators may offer less power output as compared to conventional generators however, to solve this problem they also feature parallel capability which is basically the option to parallel connect to inverter generators in order to produce double the power output. This feature is not available in generators.

 4. Weight and size: 

Conventional generators are generally much heavier and larger than inverter generators. This is because they have huge fuel tanks and they need to produce a large power output so clearly they take up more space.

This leads to portability issues as heavy generators are difficult to carry around. On the contrary, inverter generators are usually light and compact thanks to their smaller fuel tanks. This makes it easier to carry them and take them along to someplace if you need to.

 5. Environmental Concerns: 

Nowadays, the environment is already really polluted and so we need to be careful not to add to global warming. Generators usually produce more emissions than inverter generators. Inverter generators, however, are much more environmentally sound and produce way fewer emissions. Most of them are also EPA and CARB compliant.

 6. Sound levels: 

Due to their large engines and the technique of producing power, conventional generators are usually very noisy. You know that sound that wakes you up in the middle of the night because the power went off? Yes, that’s the generator. However, inverter generators are designed with modern mufflers that reduce the noise they produce. Most inverter generators are virtually silent from 10 feet away.

 7. Cost: 

As inverter generators have more sophisticated designs and machinery, they are more expansive than normal generators. They are also new technology so companies are still working on reducing the cost. Generators, however, are much more affordable if you have high power needs. They are also old technology so they’ve gotten much cheaper with time.

How to Select an Inverter Generator?

Shopping for an inverter generator is a complex task. You need to keep a lot of things in mind. What just appears nice might not work best for you. Also, don’t let the salesman get into your head and make you buy the most expansive one, thinking it must be the must. To make things easier for you, here’s a list of top qualities in an inverter generator.

 1. Power requirement: 

Before buying an inverter generator, you need to decide how much power output do you really require? You need to have an understanding of terms such as volts, amperes, and wattage. Inverter generators with high power outputs usually cost much more so identifying your power needs will help you spend the right amount.

 2. Environmental concerns: 

You need to ask about the emissions of the inverter generators. Also, remember to check if it is CARB or EPA compliant or not. This will give you an idea if it is environmentally friendly or not especially if you live in an area with strict laws about air quality. Even if you don’t, it’s better to get an inverter generator that produces fewer fumes if you want to keep it inside your house.

 3. Sound levels: 

Don’t forget to check the noise levels. Inverter generators with higher power outputs are generally noisier. Ask for the dBA of noise the inverter generator produces. Generally, 50-60 dBA is acceptable as it is virtually silent from 10 feet away.

 4. Weight and size: 

If you move around a lot, you need an inverter generator that is more portable i.e. lighter and more compact. If you can’t find lighter ones, maybe look for ones with wheels.

 5. Cost: 

Finally, the most important thing: cost. If it has all the best features but you can’t afford it then there’s no use of spending time on checking it. Remember, the cost of the inverter generator is not the end of it. You need to look into fuel and maintenance costs and then decide. Don’t trust prices on the internet. Visit or contact the nearest store and check what it actually costs there.

How an Inverter Generator Works:

Before actually buying an inverter generator you should spend some time learning about how it actually works so that you can manage it once you finally own it. Let us save you some time researching and tell you all the basics that you need to know.

There are two types of currents: DC i.e. Direct Current and A.C. i.e. Alternating Current. Now if you’re a totally non-technical person, let us explain how these two currents work. DC is a current that just goes in a straight line and is the more basic type of current. It is usually produced by external sources such as batteries or solar cells. Alternating current on the other hand is more complex.

It is like a wave. This is the type of currency that is useful for electrical machinery and devices. Another point to note is that DC loses energy quickly whereas AC maintains energy by going up and down. Generators produce AC because that is the type required, however, currently produced from conventional generators have a lot of distortion due to which it is not safe for sensitive electronics.

Inverter generators, on the other hand, produce current in three phases. Initially, they produce AC which is converted to DC and then finally back to AC. This is done to reduce the distortion and produce safe electricity for sensitive devices with microcontrollers which may get harmed by unstable power.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the largest inverter generator made?

The Honda EU65is is possible the largest inverter generator made with a running power output of 6550W. Also, another Honda generator, the EU70iS produces 7000W peak power with 5500W running power.

What is the best 3000-watt inverter generator?

Honda EU3000is. This is because not only is it reliable but also quiet, portable and can run up to 24 hours.

What is an inverter generator?

An inverter generator is a power-producing machine that produces clean and efficient power. It produces AC power with the low distortion which is safe to use with sensitive machinery.

Is an inverter generator better?

Inverter generators are better than conventional generators in the sense that they produce safer and more efficient power. They are also quieter and more environmentally friendly.