10 Best Portable Inverter Generators 2022

It is essential to have an external power source in these uncertain times, just in case of stormy seasons, camping seasons, or any other purpose like power cuts. In this text, I will present to you the best portable inverter generators that I have encountered so far so you can choose the best ones for your needs.

What is an inverter generator?

Basically, the main distinguishing factor between the inverter and regular generators is the power generation process, which has more steps. That is, an inverter generator produces direct current power and converts it to alternating current power, which makes the power of higher quality, since alternating current wastes less energy than direct current.

The generated power is safer and more reliable because the current has practically no fluctuations. Therefore, it is ideal for powering more sensitive equipment, such as computers, televisions, household appliances, and mobile phones.

Inverter generators are generally quieter and easier to transport than conventional generators of the same power.

There is also the possibility of connecting and operating two generators simultaneously, thus increasing the power capacity to be supplied.

To summarize, here are the inverter generator features that set it apart from other portable models:

  • Produce more stable and reliable power;
  • It is lighter and quieter;
  • It is more efficient in consumption;

The job of a portable inverter generator is to supply electricity through the use of fossil fuel, which comes from the natural decomposition of organic matter over time, such as oil, natural gas, or coal. There are also models of electric generators powered by solar energy.

I have used many portable inverter generators in my life for various needs, and many of my friends are now using them as well. I will use my experience and recommend ten of the best portable inverter generators that you can buy and use in 2022.

Without further ado, here is my inverter generator review list.

What size generator do I use for my house?

DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: DuroMax
  • Wattage: 10500 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 30 x 29 x 26 inches
  • Item Weight: 234 Pounds
  • Color: Blue/Gray
  • Voltage: 240 Volts
  • Engine Type: 2 Stroke
  • Engine Displacement: 500 Cubic Centimeters
  • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Output Wattage: 13000 Watts

This powerful machine lights my whole house easily! I’ve put the DuroMax XP13000EH in my basement since it runs on either gas or propane. Whenever there is a power cut or horrible weather, I simply turn it on and I can continue to keep using all the electronics at home without interruption.

Everything about it is of the highest quality – the engine, the material, the performance, everything! And speaking of the engine, a powerful 500cc two-stroke machine works like a charm. It also complies with all the regulations in the US. It starts at 13000 watts and operates at 10500 watts, so there will be no fear that the food in your refrigerator will go bad.

Although it’s the largest inverter generator I’ve seen, it’s very portable, and you can even carry it with you anywhere! But I keep it at home all the time just in case.

Pros
  • Can support big household appliances.
  • Top-notch production.
  • Great for camping trips.
Cons
  • Acquires a lot of space.

Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: Champion Power Equipment
  • Wattage: 4500 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 23.2 x 17.7 x 20.1 inches
  • Item Weight: 97 Pounds
  • Color: Electric Start
  • Voltage: 120 Volts (AC)
  • Engine Displacement: 212 Cubic Centimeters
  • Runtime: 14 hours
  • Output Wattage: 3000 Watts
  • Fuel Type: Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Here is another option if the previous 1300EH power inverter generator is too much for your needs, but you still need a powerful machine.

The Champion Power 2500988 is also dual-fuel – works on gas or propane. It starts at 4500 watts and runs on 3500 watts, but you’ll need to kickstart it electrically. Luckily, there is a battery included for that when you buy it.

I used it for years when I was camping, and it’s excellent! You can always start it with your car battery, it’s powerful enough to supply power to various RV items, and it’s not loud at all!

Pros
  • Lighter in weight for a big generator, silent.
  • Well built.
  • Great for camping trips.
Cons
  • It’s a bit on the pricey.

Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology

Specifications:

  • Brand: Champion Power Equipment
  • Wattage: 6250 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 26.6 x 25.6 x 23.7 inches
  • Item Weight: 121 Pounds
  • Color: Quiet Technology
  • Voltage: 240 Volts
  • Frequency: 60 Hz
  • Runtime: 12 hours
  • Fuel Type: Gasoline

Speaking of Champion Power, my good friend uses the 100519 for his in-house needs in case of power cuts, and it’s pretty good. It’s not as powerful as mine (this one works on 5000 watts, starts with 6250) but is, therefore, lighter, smaller, and not as loud. He has been using it for a couple of years now and it is still working perfectly well.

I’ve tested it at his place, and it’s great if you don’t need many devices hooked up at once. Perfect for emergencies.

Pros
  • Strong enough to power up smaller household appliances.
  • Lighter than the previous two choices.
  • Cheaper than the previous two choices.
Cons
  • For $50 more you can buy the DuroMax model.

WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: WEN
  • Wattage: 2000 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches
  • Item Weight: 39 Pounds
  • Color: Ultra Lightweight
  • Engine Type; 4 Stroke
  • Engine Displacement; 79 Cubic Centimeters
  • Runtime: 7 hours
  • Output Wattage; 2000 Watts
  • Tank Volume: 1 Gallon

The WEN company is well-known for its suitable inverter portable generator selection. They are lightweight, compact, look fantastic, and work very well.

I’ve had a chance of using the 56203i model a few times for my work trips (I travel a lot), and it’s top-notch! It weighs just about 40 pounds but has a 79cc four-stroke engine that starts with 2000 watts and works at 1700 watts! Whenever it was in our van, my colleague and I used it for phones, TV, and laptops, and it simply was terrific. In terms of lightweight/efficiency ratio –the best inverter generator I’ve used.

Pros
  • Reputable manufacturer.
  • High-quality build.
  • Good for various purposes.
Cons
  • More expensive than most other products in this range.

WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: WEN
  • Wattage; 2250 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH; 19 x 11.5 x 18.2 inches
  • Item Weight: 48.5 Pounds
  • Color: Black
  • Engine Type: 4 Stroke
  • Engine Displacement: 79.7 Cubic Centimeters
  • Tank Volume: 1 Gallon

Another quite similar machine is the 56225i. There are only a few differences between this and the previously mentioned generator inverter and they are in practice mostly unnoticeable. Why I prefer the 56203i model is because it’s lighter. Everything else works pretty much similarly.

Pros
  • Cheaper than the 56203i model.
  • Good for various purposes.
  • Good build.
Cons
  • Pretty tall.

WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: WEN
  • Wattage: 3800 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches
  • Item Weight: 99.2 Pounds
  • Color: Orange/Black
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
  • Engine Type: 4 Stroke
  • Engine Displacement: 212 Cubic Centimeters

If you want to buy a WEN generator, but the previous two are too weak for your needs, the 56380i will do the trick.

It weighs 99 pounds, so it’s pretty portable, starts on 3800 watts, and works on 3400 watts, the engine is again four-stroke but 212cc, and it has lots of receptacles.

My sons use this one for outdoor evening parties, and they are pretty happy with it. And it’s not as if he doesn’t know anything about generators, he’s been surrounded by them his whole life. If he likes it, you will too.

Pros
  • Good for both house and outdoor use.
  • Great price for such qualities.
  • Good build.
Cons
  • The tank could be bigger.

Pulsar G2319N 2,300W Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: Pulsar
  • Wattage: 2300 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 19.7 x 11.22 x 17.91 inches
  • Item Weight: 47 Pounds
  • Color: Gray
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
  • Tank Volume: 1.18 Gallons

I like this one from Pulsar due to its portability design. It looks like a gasoline canister (grey, handlebar on top), and it’s just 47 pounds.  The design is both cool and compact as well therefore it’s easy to transport and store.

It starts at 2300 watts and runs at 1800 watts. It’s not the most powerful generator but can be perfect for camping and personal appliances. The only problem is a short timespan with a full tank (around 4 hours).

Pros
  • Great for transport.
  • Easy to use.
  • Looks cool.
Cons
  • Shorter working time.

Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: Briggs & Stratton
  • Wattage: 1800 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 20.04 x 12.24 x 17.36 inches
  • Item Weight  51 lbs
  • Color: Black
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
  • Output Wattage: 1800 Watts

Briggs & Stratton is another reputable inverter generator company, and you can’t go wrong with its products. Many of my colleagues use Briggs & Stratton generators, and this is just one of those with that I had the pleasure of crossing paths. It simply left a great impression on me and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Might buy it soon, even though I don’t need another generator.

The P2400 is simply outstanding – it has various safety measures, like overload alerts, high-level carbon monoxide automatic shut down, noise reduction in low-mode, etc. It starts at 2400 watts and works on 1800 watts, making it lightweight and great for transport but good enough to power up various appliances.

Pros
  • Tons of safety measures.
  • Great parts.
  • Reputable manufacturer.
Cons
  • Low run time.

Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: Genkins
  • Wattage: 2300 KW
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 21 x 11 x 19 inches
  • Item Weight: 51 Pounds
  • Voltage: 120 Volts
  • Engine Type: 4 Stroke
  • Engine Displacement: 79 Cubic Centimeters

Another quite similar product comes from Genkins. The only difference between this one and P2400, in my experience, is that it lasts longer on a full tank but has fewer safety measures. I’ve been using both for quite some time, and my recommendation is simple:

  1. If you want to feel safe about your electronics, go with Briggs & Stratton.
  2. If you want a longer-lasting inverter generator at this capacity, go with Genkins.
Pros
  • Works for a long time.
  • Good power.
  • Very portable.
Cons
  • A bit noisy.

Powermate PM3000i P0080601 Gas Inverter Generator

Specifications:

  • Brand: Powermate
  • Wattage: 3000 watts
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 22.2 x 13.3 x 18.4 inches
  • Item Weight: 58.9 Pounds
  • Color: Powered by Generac
  • Runtime: 5 hours
  • Output Wattage: 3000 Watts

Last but not least, a generator that is somewhat something in between all of the above – the Powermate PM3000i is an all-around machine.

With around 60 pounds, it’s pretty lightweight for a 3000-watt start/2300-watt running machine. And it’s quiet; I almost can’t hear it working. The device is incredibly easy to use – put oil and gas in it, turn it on, and that’s it! This makes it perfect for a first generator.

Pros
  • All-around inverter generator.
  • Incredibly quiet.
  • Easy to use.
Cons
  • Electric start is inconsistent.

Key Takeaway

Portable inverter generators are a must for people who like to travel or people who have problems with electricity in their homes due to various unforeseen circumstances. Choose one of your likings from this list and you can rest assured that your devices will work at all times.

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