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10 Best Inverter Generators Reviews 2021 – Guide and Top Picks

Last Updated on January 11, 2021

Instance 1

Top Overall Pick

Briggs & Stratton 30675

Briggs & Stratton 30675
  • Capacity: 5 gal
  • Fuel type: Gas
  • 5000W running power
Check Latest Price

Premium Choice

Honda EU2200i

Honda EU2200i
  • Capacity: 0.95 gal
  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Continuous power: 1800W
Check Latest Price

Best Value

Champion 73536i

Champion 73536i
  • Capacity: 1 gal
  • Fuel type: Gas
  • 1700W running power
Check Latest Price

When you’re looking for a backup source of power that is safe, portable, and efficient, inverter generators are simply impossible to beat.

The best inverter generators are smaller and lighter than a regular generator, and, relatively speaking, they are fairly quiet.    

The inverter generators converts DC power into the AC power you need to run most regular household appliances.

Maybe you want an emergency power supply at home to safeguard against power outages. Perhaps you fancy an extra power bank for the RV, or when you’re out camping. Either way, you’re in for a treat today.

Contents

  • Our Favorite Inverter Generators on the Market
  • 10 Best Inverter Generators - Reviews
    • 1. Briggs & Stratton 30675 Inverter Generator - Best Overall Pick
    • 2. Champion 73536i Inverter Generator - Best for the Money
    • 3. Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator - Premium Choice
    • 4. Ryobi RYI2300BTA Inverter Generator
    • 5. Predator 3500 Watt Inverter Generator
    • 6. WEN 56225i Inverter Generator
    • 7. Firman WH02942 3200W Inverter Generator
    • 8. Westinghouse iGen4200 Inverter Generator
    • 9. Generac 7117 Inverter Generator
    • 10. Goplus 2000W Inverter Generator
  • Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner
    • Briggs & Stratton 30675
  • Buyer’s Guide: No- Nonsense Tips for Choosing an Inverter Generator
    • Think Carefully About Your Intended Use
    • Fuel Type
    • Runtime is All Important
    • Is the Generator User-Friendly?
    • How Noisy Is The Generator?

Our Favorite Inverter Generators on the Market


Image
Product
Weight
Briggs & Stratton 30675
Briggs & Stratton 30675
128 pounds
Check Latest Price
Champion 73536i
Champion 73536i
47.8 pounds
Check Latest Price
Honda EU2200i
Honda EU2200i
47 pounds
Check Latest Price
Ryobi RYI2300BTA
Ryobi RYI2300BTA
51 pounds
Check Latest Price
Predator 3500 Watt
Predator 3500 Watt
99.5 pounds
Check Latest Price
WEN 56225i
WEN 56225i
48.5 pounds
Check Latest Price
Firman WH02942 3200W
Firman WH02942 3200W
97 pounds
Check Latest Price
Westinghouse iGen4200
Westinghouse iGen4200
82 pounds
Check Latest Price
Generac 7117
Generac 7117
46 pounds
Check Latest Price
Goplus 2000W
Goplus 2000W
45 pounds
Check Latest Price

10 Best Inverter Generators - Reviews


1. Briggs & Stratton 30675 Inverter Generator - Best Overall Pick

Briggs & Stratton 30675

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 5 gal
  • 6,500 starting watts
  • 5000 running watts
  • 66 dBA at 25% load
  • Weighs 128 pounds
  • 2-Year Limited Warranty (Consumer)
  • Dimensions: 25.5 x 21.1 x 21.4 inches 
Check Latest Price

Our top overall choice is the mighty Briggs & Stratton 30675 that delivers a 5000-watt inverter generator.

Heavy and bulky (at 135 pounds), moving Briggs & Stratton generator around is simplified thanks to the 8-inch solid wheels and telescoping handle. The rugged steel frame is encased in a protective shell that keeps low noise to acceptable levels.

In return for your investment, you’ll get a unit much more economical than a little portable generator. You can expect to use as much as 30% less fuel at 25% load. This translates to all-day runtime without using too much gasoline or making very much noise.

For plenty of clean, consistent power to ensure you’re never inconvenienced by an outage again, this powerful B&S is well worth a place on your shortlist.

Pros

  • 14 hours of runtime at 25% load
  • Consistent power for all home electronics including more sensitive electronics
  • 60% quieter than comparable inverter generators (ideal for use camping or as home backup)

Cons

  • Quiet mode does not work well on this generator

2. Champion 73536i Inverter Generator - Best for the Money

Champion 73536i

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 1 gal
  • 2,000 starting watts
  • 1700 running watts
  • Noise Level – 53dBA from 23 ft.
  • Weighs 47.8 pounds
  • 3-Year limited Warranty
  • Dimensions: 18.9 x 16.5 x 22.4 inches
Check Latest Price

Our choice for the best for money is the Champion 73536i. It has a unique stackable configuration that allows you to boost your output without taking up too much space. The Parallel Kit is an optional extra that comes with an RV-ready outlet.

You’ll get nearly ten hours of use on a single 1-gallon tank of fuel.

With economy mode, the engine automatically idles at a lower rate when there’s a reduced electrical load.

If this unit seems a little lightweight, Champion has a broad and deep range so you’re spoiled for choice.

Pros

  • Get almost 10 hours of run time at 25% load
  • Clean power that is suitable for even sensitive electronics
  • Innovative and space-saving stackable design so you can double your output power without eating up too much room

Cons

  • Consistent reports of weak customer service

3. Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator - Premium Choice

Honda EU2200i

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 0.95 gal
  • 1800 running watts
  • 48 to 57 dBA at 23 feet
  • Weighs 47 pounds
  • 3 Year Warranty
  • Dimensions: 20.7 x 19.3 x 12.1 inches
Check Latest Price

The Honda EU2200i is a truly portable power solution.

Weighing in at less than 47 pounds, this compact but powerful unit is ideal for camping, on the road, on the jobsite, or home use.

You’ll be able to run Honda EU2200i for up to 10 hours on a single 1-gallon tank. When you do, you won’t suffer from too much noise. This unit is rated between 48 and 57 decibels so, while not whisper-quiet, you definitely won’t disturb the neighbors.

Pros

  • Runs anywhere from 4 to 10 hours on a single gas tank
  • Runs reasonably quietly, rated between 48 and 57 decibels
  • You can add a second generator for more oomph when you need it

Cons

  • Older models were affected by a product recall

4. Ryobi RYI2300BTA Inverter Generator

Ryobi RYI2300BTA

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 1.5 gal
  • 2,300 starting watts
  • 1800 running watts
  • Noise Level: 58 dB
  • Weighs 51 lbs
  • 3-Year Warranty
  • Dimensions: 22 x 18 x 12 inches
Check Latest Price

Are you hunting for a small yet powerful inverter generator that also runs remarkably quietly? Well, you’re in luck with the Ryobi RYI2300BTA 2300W portable inverter generator.

You can use the free GenControl app to take charge of your generator from a distance. Remote control can be particularly useful on the campsite.

The idle-down inverter technology that’s baked in helps you to slash fuel consumption.

Lightweight and user-friendly, the wheels and extending handle make shifting the Ryobi around even easier.

Pros

  • Lightweight with carrying handles: a truly portable solution
  • Runs almost whisper-quiet while generating very clean power
  • Parallel-capable: you can link a pair of generators if you experience heavy power demands

Cons

  • Can be quite easily overloaded

5. Predator 3500 Watt Inverter Generator

Predator 3500 Watt

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 2.5 gal
  • 3000 running watts
  • Noise level: 57 dB
  • Weighs 99.5 pounds
  • 2-Year Limited Warranty
  • Dimensions: 22.8 x 17.3 x 20 inches
Check Latest Price

Our top choice for a 3500-watt generator, the mighty Predator packs a considerable punch. A weighty beast at 110 pounds, it comes with wheels to help you maneuver it around.

The LCD shows you everything you need at a glance, from output and overload to low oil warnings.

Whether you're out in the RV or tailgating, camping or in need of emergency power at home, this is a versatile and powerful inverter generator from a highly reputable brand.

Pros

  • Provides an impressive 11 hours of use at 25% load
  • LCD Screen is easy to read with all key metrics displayed
  • Onboard casters to simplify shifting the generator around

Cons

  • A handful of complaints about the quality of the wheels

6. WEN 56225i Inverter Generator

WEN 56225i

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 1 gal
  • 1800 running watts
  • Noise level: 53 dB
  • Weighs 48.5 pounds
  • 2-Year Warranty
  • Dimensions: 19 x 11.5 x 18.2 inches
Check Latest Price

WEN has a deep bench of inverter generators to ensure you never run out of juice when it counts. This gas-fueled and portable inverter generator runs pretty quietly. It’s rated at just 53 decibels.

This unit runs at 1800 watts with 2250 surge watts, making it one of the finest smaller inverter generators on the market.

The fuel shut-off feature keeps blockages to a minimum. It also ensures that all the fuel in the carburetor is used up before the generator shuts down, maximizing its lifespan.

Pros

  • 6-hour half-load running time is more than fit for purpose
  • Has a powerful 4-stroke motor, yet deceptively quiet in use
  • Fuel shut-off keeps maintenance to a minimum while extending the lifespan of the unit

Cons

  • Customer service is questionable

7. Firman WH02942 3200W Inverter Generator

Firman WH02942 3200W

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas or liquid propane
  • Fuel Capacity: 1.8 gal
  • 3,200 starting watts
  • 2900 running watts 
  • Noise level: 58dB
  • Weighs 97 pounds
  • 3-Year Warranty
  • Dimensions: 
Check Latest Price

The key selling point of this Firman inverter generator is the fact that it can run on either gas or liquid propane.

You’ll get up to 9 hours of use from the 1.8-gallon tank. If you want to use LP, you’ll need to make provision for a tank separately. As with all dual fuel generators, you can expect less wattage when you’re using liquid propane.

Unlike many inverter generators, you’ll get a handful of decent accessories from Firman. Along with the engine oil, a funnel, a toolkit, a battery float charger, and a cable come bundled. An LPG regulator completes this generous package of extras.

Boasting the largest tank in its class, you’ll get a solid and dependable generator to make certain you never run out of power when it counts.

Pros

  • Runs for up to 9 hours on a full tank of gas
  • Dual fuel engine capable of running on gas or LP
  • Class-leading 3-year limited warranty shows the manufacturer’s confidence in this product

Cons

  • Output is reduced when you’re using liquid propane

8. Westinghouse iGen4200 Inverter Generator

Westinghouse iGen4200

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 2.6 gal
  • 4,200 starting watts
  • 3500 watts running
  • Noise level: 62 dBA
  • Weighs 82 Pounds
  • 3-Year Limited Warranty (Residential)
  • Dimensions: 24 x 20.5 x 20 inches 
Check Latest Price

The Westinghouse iGen 4200 is a powerful, weighty beast that makes it part of our top 10.

Sitting smack in the middle of the Westinghouse line, the 4200 comes in at just over 82 pounds, so it’s quite bulky to shift around. And unfortunately, you don’t get any casters underneath, which is a bit of a disappointment.

If you can put up with the size, you’ll get a correspondingly large fuel tank, big enough to provide power for 18 hours.

Super simple to use and boasting an impressive warranty, this is one of the best inverter generators.

Pros

  • Robust customer support and a rock-solid 3-year warranty
  • Enjoy a whopping 18 hours of run time on a single tank of gasoline
  • Plug-and-play simplicity to get going straight out the box, even if you’ve never used an inverter generator before

Cons

  • Some complaints about quality control, so check the contents of your package carefully upon arrival

9. Generac 7117 Inverter Generator

Generac 7117

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 0.95 gal
  • 2,200 Starting watts
  • 1700W running power
  • Noise level: 65 dBA
  • Weighs 46 pounds
  • 2-Year Limited Warranty
  • Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 17 inches
Check Latest Price

The Generac 7117 is small but serves up ample power to keep things ticking when the power goes down.

Despite the slimline dimensions, you’ll get nearly 11 hours of run time from a single-tank of fuel at 25% load.

The integrated handle means you can carry this generator around with ease. TruePower tech gives you the clean and consistent energy you need for even sensitive electronic devices.

This model is parallel-ready so you can add another generator to increase your power. If not, you’ll still have enough oomph to fire up your essential appliances when the power goes out.

Pros

  • Economy mode for improved fuel consumption
  • Remarkably super quiet in operation so you won’t disturb your neighbors
  • You’ll get just enough power to run your home appliances in the event of a power outage

Cons

  • No fuel gauge, which is slightly irksome

10. Goplus 2000W Inverter Generator

Goplus 2000W

Key Features

  • Fuel type: Gas
  • Capacity: 0.95 gal
  • Running time: 14 hrs at 25% load
  • 1800W running power
  • Noise Level at 7m: 51 dB
  • Weighs 45 pounds
  • Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 17.5 inches
Check Latest Price

As we near the end of our inverter generator reviews, this 2000 watt gem is another highly portable unit from Goplus.

This generator runs quieter than most and comes rated at just 51 decibels. The manufacturer claims you can hardly hear it running just 10 feet away. This is perhaps an ambitious claim, but you definitely won’t find this to be a noisy generator.

Lightweight and portable, the Goplus weighs 45 pounds and has a nifty carrying handle so you’ll have no issues lugging it around the campsite or popping it in the trunk of your car.

With a nice spread of outputs, this versatile generator is perfect for home use or the great outdoors, and it comes in at a very low price.

Pros

  • Multiple outputs ideal for an array of applications, both indoor and outdoor
  • Runs very quietly at just 51 decibels, roughly comparable to normal conversation
  • Engine automatically shuts down when generator is on lower fuel load or overload

Cons

  • Some concerns about build quality

Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner


Briggs & Stratton 30675

Briggs & Stratton 30675
Check Latest Price

Our top choice for the best inverter generator is the Briggs & Stratton 30675

This device is heavy duty and compact generator; it also gives you up to 14 hours of run time so you won’t be shortchanged.

If you purchase the right model you’ll have a powerful ally to make sure you never run out of power again.

Check out our detailed reviews right here if you need more guidance or head directly to checkout if you’ve decided on the best inverter generator for your needs.


Buyer’s Guide: No- Nonsense Tips for Choosing an Inverter Generator


When you’re looking for an inverter generator, you might initially feel bewildered.

With so many variables, comparing the different options seems extremely complicated. This is understandable. We’ve got your back.

We’ll highlight the most important areas when you’re on the buying trail.


All told, we’ll examine the following aspects of buying an inverter generator:

  • Think Carefully About Your Intended Use
  • Fuel Type
  • Runtime is All-Important
  • Is The Generator User-Friendly?
  • How Noisy Is The Generator?

Think Carefully About Your Intended Use

If you want the best inverter generator, you need to figure out your power requirements along with where you intend to use your generator.

Appliances come with a rated wattage along with a starting wattage. This is due to many appliances calling for more power at start-up than when they’re in use.

Here’s a quick guide to some common appliances and their usual power requirements:

  • Computer or laptop: 400W
  • Fan heater: 3000W
  • Games console: 50W
  • Hairdryer: 1000W
  • Kettle: 2500W
  • LCD TV: 75W
  • Microwave (600W): 1500W
  • Radio: 200W

This should give you a rough initial idea of what size generator you need.

There are three typical applications for this type of inverter generator:

  • Home backup
  • RVs or cabins
  • Camping

Home backup

If you live somewhere prone to power outages, you’ll understand the importance of emergency backup power. But how much power you need depends on what kind of appliances you will be using.

If you just need to charge your phone and perhaps rustle up some coffee, then a dinky inverter generator rated at 1,000 watts would work just fine.

But if you’re planning to open your garage door or start running pumps and heaters, you’ll need a much more substantial generator.

RVs or Cabins

For lengthy spells off-grid, whether that’s on an RV road trip or at a cabin in the woods, shoot for an inverter generator capable of running at least 2,000 watts or more.

When you’re running regular appliances alongside entertainment devices, you’ll need a fair bit of power.

Linkable inverters work well if you occasionally need more power still. You’ll be able to hook up a couple of generators and double up on power while still enjoying a pair of portable generators.

Camping

Most campers don’t need too much power. Let’s face it, if you’ve headed out into the woods or open spaces, chances are you’re not intending to spend too much time in front of a screen.

When you’re looking for the best inverter generator for camping, a unit rated at 1000 watts should be sufficient. As with all aspects of this buying decision, you should personalize it rather than seeking a one-size-fits-all solution. Look at what kind of appliances you will be using, and do the math.

Next up, you need to give due consideration to the available options for fuel.

Fuel Type

Gas-powered generators are by far the most common. One of the main selling points of a gas-fueled model is the ease with which you can find fuel in an emergency.

Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient but tend to cost a little more.

You can also find plenty of battery-powered generators that you can recharge with solar panels. Check out our detailed guide to those right here. These run quietly and produce no emissions whatsoever. The drawback of this type of generator is a lengthy charging time combined with the bulk of solar panels and a relatively low power output. Battery-powered generators work best for camping or tailgating.

Runtime is All Important

Most of the gas-fueled models reviewed here have gas tanks ranging from just under 1 gallon to several gallons with the larger units.

If you’re looking for maximum runtime from a gas-powered generator, you’ll obviously need to look for a larger gas tank. This will deliver enhanced runtime. However, it will come at the expense of portability.

As with many aspects of your buying decision, it’s all about balance here. Think about how long you need the power to run uninterrupted and make sure you don’t shortchange yourself. Equally, don’t prize runtime above all else if you’re only planning occasional use.

Is the Generator User-Friendly?

If you’re an old hand with generators, this aspect is not so crucial. If, on the other hand, you’re a complete beginner, it’s worth angling for the most user-friendly machine possible.

Most decent inverter generators come with safety features like automated shut-off when oil or gas is low. Additionally, you should be able to see all the metrics you need on an LCD screen.

Even if you intend to purchase your generator online, you could head to a store to try out a few inverter generators and get a feel for them. We like to think of this as active window shopping. Don’t skip trying before you buy.

Now, linked closely to intended use is another consideration: you should think about how much noise the generator produces.

How Noisy Is The Generator?

An inverter generator is quieter than a regular generator, but these machines vary considerably from brand to brand.

All inverter generators come with a noise rating in decibels. We’ve drawn your attention to this throughout our inverter generator reviews so you can compare different models at a glance.

If you see any inverter generators hitting 60 decibels or more at 50% load, you’re getting into noisy territory.

Think carefully about how you plan to use your generator. If it’s to stick in the garage and power a fridge or freezer in the event of a power outage, the noise factor won’t be such a concern. But if you want to take a generator camping, or use it in the RV, then you’ll want one that’s a little quieter.

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