In this purchase guide, we’ll see how to choose the best portable inverter generator based on your needs and which ones are best on the market.
The portable inverter generator is handy in campers, boats, country houses, huts, gardens, and wherever the electricity grid is unavailable. The generator is also increasingly used as an emergency tool, such as in some work environments where the current is available. Still, a blackout would result in interruptions and delays in work.
The best electronic groups’ brands offer models for all needs, from the most powerful professional portable inverter generator to small compact generators at home or on the road.
Once heavy and noisy, the technology used to make these instruments has made them even more efficient and sophisticated. Today a generator can feed traditional work tools such as drills or power devices much more delicate than computers.
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How to choose a Portable Inverter Generator: Types and characteristics
A generator is a portable motor that, thanks to an alternator, produces electricity for other devices. Let’s see what the main features of this valid device are.
Power
The first parameter to consider when buying a portable inverter generator for home or professional use is power. Then, based on the appliances and appliances we want to operate, we need to establish how much power we need and understand what kind of generators do most to us if we opt for simple inverter current generators or more structured generators.
The power is expressed in Watts and KW. For example, a generator with power between 2 and 3 KW can easily power the most common household appliances. 3 KW is the standard power of domestic meters. Generators between 4 and 6 kW are more suited to power tools or appliances with a higher power than standard.
Supply
The portable inverter generator is a fuel-powered engine. Among the most used, we find petrol, diesel, and gas. Generators powered by LPG gas are the least common, even if they have the advantage of having a much lower cost and being particularly silent.
Diesel-powered generators are the most used in the professional field and are suitable for prolonged use. However, the diesel power generator is unsuitable for freezing climates because the engine may have difficulty starting up.
Gasoline-powered generators are the most used in the domestic and hobby field. They are suitable for any environment and are quieter than diesel. On the other hand, petrol has a higher cost. Moreover, all fuel-driven generators must be placed outside, far from doors and windows, to allow exhaust gas to escape.
Noise level
The sore point of a portable inverter generator is the sound level. That is the noise level. Today the generators are much quieter than the old models. Expressed in decibels, the sound level gives us a clear indication of the noise level. For example, a noise between 90 and 100 dB starts to be unbearable, and someone exposed to this level for work must use protective headphones noise.
If we intend to use the generator for many hours in a row and places frequented, such as campsites or home gardens, we can opt for a silenced current generator coated with special materials to absorb noise. Thus, we can go down to a noise level between 60 and 70 dB, similar to traffic.
Autonomy
The generator’s autonomy indicates how many hours we can use it. This figure, indicated by the producers, depends on many factors. Most power generators have a longer autonomy, thanks to the engine’s ability to work more effectively.
Depending on the generator’s size, we can have a tank between 3 and 15 liters, which also affects autonomy because it avoids supply interruptions.
To take advantage of all the hours of autonomy indicated, it is important to use a portable inverter generator suitable for our work. However, using a too-small generator than the equipment you want to feed can lead to an excessive engine effort that could damage or shut down due to security systems.
Security systems
We find overheating protection and low oil levels among the systems to preserve the portable inverter generator’s efficiency. The engine turns off when overheated to avoid irreversible damage in the first case.
In the second case, there may be simple warning lights or an automatic switch-off to prevent the engine from burning to monitor the oil. In addition, some models are equipped with electronic engine control that varies the rpm depending on the workload; thus, the engine’s efficiency is preserved, and at the same time, fuel is saved.
Weight
The portable inverter generator’s weight can range from 10-12 kg for a small and compact model up to 40-45 kg for a professional model. Considering weight is crucial if we plan to transport the generator often; on the other hand, we cannot discriminate weight if we need a powerful generator. In this case, it is better to opt for generators with wheels that are easier to move.
The Best Portable Inverter Generator
Below is the top 10 best portable inverter generator ranking with their respective characteristics, offers, and prices.
- 149cc engine generates up to 3600 surge watts and 2900 rated watts
- Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones,...
- Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 46 pounds for easy transport and torage
- 2, 200 peak watts/ 1, 800 Rated watts (gas) & 2, 000 peak watts/ 1, 600 Rated watts (LPG)
- 80cc, 3Hp, single cylinder, 4-stroke, OHV, air cooled Engine
- Inverter technology With parallel capability & super quiet operation (60Db)
- ADVANCED DESIGN: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 4250-watt generator, plus...
- QUIET TECHNOLOGY AND EXTENDED RUN TIME: 64 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, your next...
- CLEAN ELECTRICITY FOR SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS: RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V...
- MORE POWER. SAME LEGENDARY QUALITY. - The EU2200i delivers 10% more power than the...
- Portable Power Solution: The GP3300i inverter generator is your go-to portable power...
- High Quality and Consistent Power: With TruePower Technology, this generator delivers...
- PowerRush Advance Technology: This portable inverter generator offers over 50 percent more...
- 224cc engine generates up to 4800 surge watts and 4000 rated watts
- Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smartphones,...
- Ultra-efficient 1.9-gallon tank provides up to 7 hours of half-load run time
- Powerful - With inverter technology, it produces 2350 peak watts and 1,900 running watts...
- Super Quiet - As low as 56 dBA, using double-insulated acoustic enclosure, forced...
- Ultra Lightweight - The lightweight and compact design weighs only 39-pound, easy to carry...
- 2800 Peak Watts and 2200 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Weighs Only 46.3 Lbs. – Gas...
- Great Choice for Home Use as an Emergency Backup in a Power Outage – Strong Enough to...
- Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: As Low As 52 dBA Noise Output and Up to 12...
- 64 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, or camping with 6500 starting watts and 5000 running...
- Monitor voltage, frequency and operating hours with ease, plus features CO Shield carbon...
- 120V 20.8A RV outlet, a 120/240V 20.8A L14-30 locking outlet, two 120V 20A GFCI household...
- Ultra-Lightweight: At only 39.7 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt...
- Quiet Operation: 53 dBA from 23 feet is perfect for camping, tailgating or to backup a few...
- Parallel Ready: The optional parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another...
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