Best Inverter Generator for the Money 2020 Reviews and Buying Guide
Inverter generators have recently become a necessity. From homes to workshops, RVs to camping groups, almost everyone needs the Best Inverter Generator to go about their tasks. However, if you take a trip around the market that the prices of most inverter generators are through the roof. But don’t lose hope because we have compiled a list of the best inverter generators for the money to make things easier for you! Let’s begin.
Top Best Inverter Generator for the Money Quick Overview:
Table could not be displayed.Our top pick is most definitely the WEN 56125i which gives you the best features and efficiency at a minimal cost. It delivers a good 1250W surge power which can easily help start small everyday appliances and electronics such as fans, lights, televisions, etc. The power produced is also quite stable so it can safely run sensitive devices such as laptops and mobile phones so you don’t have to worry about your phone battery if the power goes out.
The WEN 56125i also has two USB ports specifically for small gadgets. In addition, if you have a requirement for more power, you can easily parallel connect this model with another similar model to produce twice the power. The 0.7-gallon fuel tank has the capacity to keep things running for up to 5 hours at half load.
The WEN 56125i is among the quietest generators on the market with noise levels at only 51 dba which is similar to a light conversation. You won’t even notice that it’s running from 10 feet away so you can go about your usual tasks while it powers your essential appliances. It is lightweight so moving it around the place won’t be a hassle and you can easily carry it along on road trips. Being EPA III as well as CARB compliant makes it eco-friendly and hence a great choice!
However, if you need to run heavy-duty electronics, this model will not be enough for you.
All in all, we are really satisfied with the power production and other useful features of the WEN 56125i and we would recommend it to you.
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and Orange
- Dimensions: 17 x 9 x 12.5 inches
- Weight: 31.6 pounds
- Wattage: 1250W (surge), 1000W (running)
- Outlets: 2x 3 pong 120V, 2x5V USB
- Engine: 60cc OHV
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.7 gallon
- Run time: 5 hours at half load
- EPA III and CARB compliant: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
Specification:
- Safe and stable power
- Multiple outlets
- Parallel capability
- 51 dba noise levels
- Quiet.
- Reasonable price.
- Lightweight.
- Ecofriendly.
- Stable power.
- Low power output
Honda has always managed to deliver quality at reasonable rates. The Honda EU2200IC is no exception. With a surge power of 2200W, it can easily help run most home appliances and electronics. Running at 1800W, it has the ability to power multiple appliances for hours providing the users with maximum comfort. Multiple receptacles help connect various electronics with different power needs.
The efficiency and productivity of this generator come from its GXR120 engine which ensures the best power delivery. The Honda EU2200IC also has various user-friendly and safety features. A fuel shutoff valve helps in completely clearing out the fuel from the carburetor in order to avoid stale fuel for the increased life span of the generator.
Maintenance is made easier by the bigger oil drain gutter, longer sprout as well as the bigger opening of oil filler. The ventilation area is also much larger than other models to help in cooling down the generator quickly. It is also lightweight which helps increase its portability. The best feature is the quiet operation at around 53 to 57 dba which means you can run the unit indoors without complaints from your family or neighbors.
One issue with this model is that it does not has a manual recoil start which requires much more effort than an electric start. We are satisfied with the power output and premium features of the Honda EU2200IC and we would definitely recommend it if you’re on a budget!
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and red
- Dimensions: 21 x 20 x 13 inches
- Weight: 51 pounds
- Wattage: 2200W (surge), 1800W (running)
- Outlets: 1x 30A 125 volts locking plug, 1x20A 125V
- Engine: Honda GXR120
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.95 gallons
- Run Time: 8.1 hours at quarter load
- Warranty: 3 years
Specification:
- Multiple outlets
- Efficient engine
- Easy maintenance
- User-friendly features
- Light
- Quiet
- Durable
- Good ventilation
- Manual recoil start
Pulsar PG2000iSN offers power, efficiency, and durability at a reasonable price. The 4-stroke OHV engine delivers 1600W of running power to help run various household appliances and makes your life easier during a power shortage. 2000W surge power can even start some heavy-duty appliances. With a 1.18-gallon fuel tank, it can keep things running for up to 8 hours at half load. This means long hours of worry-free operation.
Worried about your phone battery? Worry no more, because the stable and safe power from the Pulsar PG2000iSN can easily recharge batteries of sensitive devices. You can use its multiple outlets to plug in various devices at once. If you still need more power, you can just parallel connect it with a similar model and receive twice the power.
The powerful operation of the Pulsar PG2000iSN is so quiet, that it is almost silent from 10 feet away. This means you can carry on with your work without the generator noise causing you a headache. It is not only quiet but also lightweight as well as a compact which makes it the perfect inverter generator for camping and road trips. You can easily fit it into a corner of the RV or store it in your garage.
The Pulsar PG2000iSN, however, does require a little break-in before you can begin to properly use it. The lightweight and durable design of the low-cost model has definitely earned it a place among the best inverter generators for the money.
Main Features:
- Colour: Grey
- Dimensions: 19.7 x 11.22 x 17.97 inches
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Wattage: 2000W (surge), 1600W (running)
- Outlets: 2x 120V 13A AC, 1X 12V 8A DC, 1X5V DC USB
- Engine: 80 cc OHV
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.18 gallons
- Run time: 8 hours at half load
- Warranty: 1 year
Specification:
- Stable and safe power output
- Multiple power outlets
- Parallel capability
- 59 dba noise levels
- Compact and lightweight
- Sable power
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Compact design
- Requires some break in before proper use
This gas-powered, ultra-quiet, ultra-efficient generator is the inverter generator of your dreams! The powerful 4-stroke OHV engine delivers a surge power output of 2600W. Along with the 2200W running power, the WESTINGHOUSE IGEN2600 can easily start up refrigerators, air conditioners, and almost all other household appliances. It can be used to power tools in workshops and can be carried along on camping trips.
With the Total Harmonic Distortion as low as 3%, it can easily be used for sensitive devices with microcontrollers such as phones and PCs. Economy mode helps enhance efficiency by controlling fuel usage according to the load. This cuts down on fuel costs and delivers optimum power. The 1-gallon fuel tank gives a run time of 10 hours which is more than enough. Different outlets allow you to plug in various appliances with different power needs.
The ultra-quiet operation of the WESTINGHOUSE IGEN2600 lets you use it indoors as well as in an RV without too much noise-causing anyone a headache. User-friendly features include a digital LED display that helps you keep track of run time, power output and fuel levels, etc. It is lightweight which makes it super portable. In addition, it is also CARB, USFS as well as EPA compliant which makes it good for the environment.
A 3-year warranty gives surety of its durability and saves you from worrying about damages or faults. However, some users have had complaints about the quality of the attached spark plug. We would recommend the WESTINGHOUSE IGEN2600 with greater power needs as it is among the best inverter generators for the money.
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and blue
- Dimensions: 19.8 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Wattage: 2600W (surge), 2200W (running)
- Outlets: 2x 120V 20A , 1X 12V DC, 2X5V DC USB
- Engine: 4-Stroke OHV
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1 gallon
- Run Time: 10 hours
- Warranty: 3 year
Specification:
- Parallel capability
- Multiple outlets
- Eco-friendly
- Low THD
- Economy mode for efficiency
- Light
- Quiet
- Durable
- Efficient
- Parallel capability
- Low quality spark plug
Next up, in the money-saving series, we have the Champion 73536i. Don’t let its low reasonable price fool you into underestimating its quality. The 80 ccs powerful engine delivers a surge power of 2000W for up to 9 and a half hours at a quarter load. This is one of the best run times among similar inverter generators on the market. Its 1700W running power is not only efficient but also quite stable which makes it safe for mobile phones and laptops.
The smart economy mode not only makes the operation more efficient but also helps increase the life span of the engine. Multiple power outlets allow you to power more than one appliance at the same time. The stackable design of the Champion 73536i makes it very easy to store in the garage or in a workshop. You can also carry it along for road trips in the RV. With noise levels as low as 53 dba, it will almost appear to be silent so you can continue with your work in peace.
It is also quite lightweight which makes it super portable. With all that, you also get a 3-year warranty in addition to lifetime technical support so you don’t have to worry about the machine getting damaged or developing faults. One small issue with this product is that it might be a hassle to remove the spark arrester.
In conclusion, we are super satisfied with this product and would definitely recommend it to you if you have a tight budget.
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and yellow
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 16.5 x 22.4 inches
- Weight: 47.8 pounds
- Wattage: 2000W (surge), 1700W (running)
- Outlets: 2x 120V 20A , 1X 12V DC
- Engine: 80 cc
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1 gallons
- Run Time: 9.5 hours at quarter load
- Warranty: 3 year
Specification:
- Parallel capability
- Multiple outlets
- Low THD
- Economy mode for efficiency
- Compact stackable design
- Light
- Quiet
- Efficient
- Durable
- Compact design
- Difficult to remove spark arrestor
This beast is super powerful and comes within the budget. The WEN 56380I delivers running power of 3400W along with surge power of 3800W which can easily help run even the most heavy-duty appliances and tools. You can use it at home during power shortages or in the workshop for your tools and machinery. The 212cc four-stroke OHV engine can keep things running for up to 8 and a half hours at half load. This is also the work of the 2.2-gallon fuel tank which helps deliver power for hours on end.
The power produced is clean and stable and will not damage sensitive devices with microcontrollers. This unit also includes multiple AC and DC outlets along with USB ports which allow you to plug in all kinds of electronics. The durability of the WEN 56380I is further enhanced by the fuel shutoff feature which helps avoid stale fuel and helps increase the life span of the generator.
Electric start is a very convenient way to quickly start up the generator without much effort. Wheels and a folding handle help increase the portability of the generator. It is not the only CARB and EPA III compliant but is also backed by a two-year warranty which relieves you from worrying about faults in the early years.
One takeaway from this model is that it is heavier than other models on this list so picking it up won’t be as easy. We would recommend this product to users with heavy-duty power needs. It will definitely serve you best!
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and orange
- Dimensions: 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches
- Weight: 110.8 pounds
- Wattage: 3800W (surge), 3400W (running)
- Outlets: 2x 120V, 1x120V NEMA RV, 1x12V DC, 1X5V USB
- Engine: 212cc 4-stroke OHV
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.2 gallons
- Run Time: 8.5 hours at half load
- Warranty: 2 year
- Wheels: Yes
Specification:
- Multiple outlets
- Low THD
- Economy mode for efficiency
- Heavy-duty power supply
- Easy electric start
- CARB and EPA III
- Heavy-duty power supply
- Ecofriendly
- Efficient
- Durable
- Portable
- Heavy
With 1800W of rated power and 2200W surge power, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is perfect for your home or workshop. This can help power almost all home appliances as well as tools in the workshop. The 3 HP 79cc OHV engine is super powerful and gives run times of up to 13 hours at quarter load which more than enough in case of power shortages or for use during road trips.
In addition, a low THD ensures a stable power supply for mobile phones, laptops, and PCs. Multiple outlets and receptacles allow you to plug in more than one appliance with varying power needs. If this power is still low according to your requirements, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT has a parallel connect feature which enables you to pair it with a similar model to derive double the power.
The Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is super lightweight and also has a built-in handle that allows you easily carry it around the house or workshop and even take it with you on your road trips for maximum comfort on the road. The 52 dba noise levels will almost be virtually silent from 10 feet away so you can go on with your normal routine in peace while the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT runs your appliances for you.
It is USFS and EPA compliant and also comes with a 3-year warranty which includes labor, service, and parts coverage. One issue with this model is that you are required to completely empty out the gas in the tank before you shut it down which could lead to wastage of fuel. We are all praised for the heavy-duty power output and quiet operation of the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT and we would definitely recommend it to you.
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and blue
- Dimensions: 20.3 x 12.5 x 17.8 inches
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Wattage: 2200W (surge), 1800W (running)
- Outlets: 2x 120V, 1x12V DC
- Engine: 79cc 4-stroke OHV
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.3 gallons
- Run Time: 13 hours at quarter load
- Warranty: 3 year
Specification:
- Parallel capability
- Multiple outlets
- Low THD
- Economy mode for efficiency
- 52 dba noise levels
- Light
- Quiet
- Durable
- Efficient
- Stable power
- Need to completely empty gas
The BRIGGS & STRATTON P4500 comes with an easy electric start and various other high-quality premium features. It is definitely the most heavy-duty inverter generator on this list of best inverter generators for the money. It delivers 3700W running power with a surge power of 4500W which has the full capability of powering your entire house for hours on end or being used to power heavy-duty machines in workshops.
The 3.5-gallon fuel tank allows for power generation for up to 16 hours at quarter load which is also one of the longest run times of all inverter generators on this list. Multiple outlets allow for simultaneously running multiple appliances. User-friendly features include a digital display screen that allows for easy reading of fuel levels, run times, and other controls.
The CO guard automatically shuts down the inverter generator in case of excessive production of Carbon Monoxide. Noise levels are at 60 dba which is quite low for a generator with as huge a power production like this one. Wheels and a folding handle allow for easy portability around the house or workshop.
We don’t like the quality of the plastic material of the generator. This could have been better.
We are satisfied with this model and thus we have given it the 8th position in our list of the best inverter generators for the money.
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and grey
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 17.6 x 20.3 inches
- Weight: 114.8 pounds
- Wattage: 4500W (surge), 3700W (running)
- Outlets: 4x 120V 20A, 1x120V 30A RV, 2x USB
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.5 gallons
- Run time: 16 hours at quarter load
Specification:
- Portable
- Multiple outlets
- Heavy-duty power output
- CO guard to prevent CO excess
- Ecofriendly features
- Heavy-duty power output
- Portable
- Low noise levels
- Long run times
- Low quality plastic used
Finally, we have the Westinghouse iGen4200 with a running power output of 3500W which makes it suitable for heavy-duty tasks. The 212cc 4-stroke engine is quite powerful and delivers power with run times of 18 hours at a quarter load on a fuel tank capacity of 2.6 gallons. Low THD of the power output makes it safe for use with sensitive devices. Multiple outlets and receptacles allow you to plug in different electronics with variable power needs.
Noise levels are at 62 dba which is not a lot for an inverter generator with heavy-duty power output. It is also very easy to put together the Westinghouse iGen4200 so you don’t have to read long user manuals or watch tutorials for this task. You can just use it as soon as you unbox it. The open-frame design makes the generator quite stable which prevents it from tipping over and getting damaged.
The remote start is also quite convenient and allows for a quick and easy start-up. We don’t like the fact that this inverter generator is quite heavy and doesn’t even come with wheels so there will be portability issues. However, we feel that it is quite decent for its price and we would definitely recommend it.
Main Features:
- Colour: Black and blue
- Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 20 inches
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Wattage: 4200W (surge), 3500W (running)
- Engine: 212cc 4 stroke OHV
- Outlets: 1x RV TT-30R, 1x 5-20R, USB
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.6 gallons
- Run time: 18 hours at quarter load
Specification:
- Heavy-duty power output
- Multiple ports
- Low THD
- Easy to put together
- Stable design
- Low noise levels
- High power output
- Stable
- Long run times
- Difficult Portability
Final Verdict:
We have provided you with a list of the best inverter generators for the money. We have done the research and shortlisting for you. The final choice will, however, depend on your budget, power needs, and usage. We hope this article proves useful to you and you end up choosing the perfect inverter generator for yourself.
Buying Guide-Best Inverter Generator for the Money
To find the best inverter generator for extensive use. It is recommended to know about some of the features of the inverter generator. Here are a few things that you need to look for while purchasing an inverter generator.
Price:
Usually, inverter generators are more expensive than ordinary generators. In the case of an inverter generator, you will get what you pay for. So you should not be afraid of spending money on the best inverter generator.
Noise Level:
Inverter generators are not loud. But still, you need to look for generators that are extremely quiet so that you do not feel exhausted while your generator is running.
Motor Power:
Motor power is the most crucial feature of inverter generators. It is recommended that you should always opt for those inverter generators whose motor power ranges from 2000-5000 watts or more than it.
Weight:
Make sure that the inverter generator you are going to buy is not much heavy so that you should be able to carry it comfortably.
Warranty:
You always desire to purchase such an inverter generator that is going to be error-free for years. For such purposes, you need to check the warranty of the inverter generator. Choose the one that comes with an extended warranty period.
(FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Inverters are much better than conventional generators because they consume less fuel, they are lighter in weight, they are not noisy, are extremely portable, and easy to carry, and parallel connections are installed in an inverter generator.
Here are some advantages of an inverter generator that you should keep in mind while purchasing it;
Inverter generators are lighter in weight
Consumes less fuel
Compatible with sensitive appliances as well
Inverter generators are extremely quiet
These inverter generators offer clean electricity
Although we have mentioned a list of the best inverter generators for the money. But for making it a more easy and fun task for you. Here are the top picks that will suit everyone’s budget and rank as the overall best inverter generator.
WEN Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
Honda Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Yamaha Gas Powered Portable Inverter
The 3000-watt inverter generator is capable of powering up your fridge, microwave oven, air-conditioner, and several other power appliances.
Conclusion:
To buy the best inverter generator for the money, you should know about some facts, moreover, you do not need to scroll the internet or roam the market. As we have provided you with the ten best inverter generators for the money. You just need to scroll above and find the one that is most suitable for you according to your usage.