Last Updated on
Top Overall Pick
Briggs & Stratton 30675
Premium Choice
Honda EU2200i
Best Value
Champion 73536i
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 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.
Our Favorite Inverter Generators on the Market [2020]
10 Best Inverter Generators - Reviews
1. Briggs & Stratton 30675 Inverter Generator - Best Overall Pick
Key Features
Our top overall choice is the mighty Briggs & Stratton 30675 that delivers a 5000-watt inverter generator.
Heavy and bulky (at 135 pounds), moving this 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 noise down 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
Cons
2. Champion 73536i Inverter Generator - Best for the Money
Key Features
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 10 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
Cons
3. Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator - Premium Choice
Key Features
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 this generator 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
Cons
4. Ryobi RYI2300BTA Inverter Generator
Key Features
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.
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 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
Cons
5. Predator 3500 Watt Inverter Generator
Key Features
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
Cons
6. WEN 56225i Inverter Generator
Key Features
WEN has a deep bench of inverter generators to ensure you never run out of juice when it counts. This gas-fueled and portable model 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
Cons
7. Firman WH02942 3200W Inverter Generator
Key Features
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 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
Cons
8. Westinghouse iGen4200 Inverter Generator
Key Features
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 on the market.
Pros
Cons
9. Generac 7117 Inverter Generator
Key Features
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 runtime 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 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
Cons
10. Goplus 2000W Inverter Generator
Key Features
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
Cons
Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner
Briggs & Stratton 30675
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 runtime 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.
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 1000 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 2000 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 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 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 models 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.
