6 Quiet and Efficient Inverter Generators to Provide Electricity for Your Home
Updated: Jul. 22, 2024
Whether your home blacks out from a storm or you're going camping, stay powered up with an inverter generator.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Going camping? Inverter generators make it possible to enjoy electricity in your home away from home. It also comes in handy at your residential location if your power goes out from a storm. Using a generator may seem easy, but there’s a lot that goes into selecting the right inverter generator for your needs.
For those who like to camp, inverter generators are portable devices that provide a backup source of power on the go. Not only can they fire up your RV, but they also power your handheld electronics and appliances.
via merchant
Best Overall Inverter Generator
Westinghouse 4,500-Watt Inverter Generator
Our best overall pick is the Westinghouse 4,500-watt inverter generator. It’s able to run up to 18 hours on a 3.4-gallon tank with dual fuel technology. With its low oil shutdown, fuel is conserved for efficient usage, so you’re always able to get the most out of your generator. The electric start button makes it overly easy to crank up the power and turn it off, which reaches up to 260 feet away. If the electric remote ever were to have issues, there is a recoil option to start the generator.
“I was looking for a generator to run my travel trailer and came across this generator. I’m so glad I chose this one! It’s very quiet (for a generator!) and is so easy to start. It is a little over 100 pounds, but my husband and I can easily pick it up to carry it and lift into our truck bed,” shares Sharon L. Hauht, a verified purchaser.
Pros
- Has a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor
- Less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD)
- Has an electric start
Cons
-
Weighs 105.8 pounds
via merchant
Best Budget Inverter Generator
Westinghouse 2,200-Watt Inverter Generator
If you need a wallet-friendly option that won’t leave you hanging, the Westinghouse 2,200-watt inverter generator can be your go-to. With its long run time of 12 hours, you can use this generator for residential or camping uses. Packing 120 volts and 2,200 watts, this inverter generator has a powerful engine and four outlets to connect to your devices or electrical panel. It runs on gas and can hold 1.14 gallons at a time. Plus, it’s a “super-quiet” generator, which means you don’t have to worry about interrupted sleep.
“We lost power a week after I received this inverter. It took less than five minutes to run an extension cord from the inverter to the sump pump, and two pulls to start it for the first time. It works great, and is extremely quiet, so the neighbors won’t be mad when I’m running it!” writes five-star reviewer, Joseph M.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Only weighs 46 pounds
- Provides a 12-hour run time
Cons
- Doesn’t have wheels
via merchant
Best Inverter Generator for RVs
Champion Power Equipment 4,500-Watt Inverter Generator
Going camping in an RV? Make sure you bring along this inverter generator from Champion Power Equipment. Said to be “RV-ready,” this generator contains 4,500 watts and 120 volts of power to keep your camping vehicle running smoothly. Compared to other inverter generators, this model has a longer run time than most, with up to 14 hours when the 2.3-gallon tank is full. Other notable features include its two outlets, three USB adapters, a side handle for easy transportation and its clean electricity (less than 3% THD).
“I’m just amazed at how well this generator works,” writes five-star reviewer, Alison Gordon. “It’s very easy to start, very easy to maintain, and it’s impressively quiet. We were able to run it overnight with no issue to keep the AC running in our camper. I didn’t have to get up in the night to refuel. I’m a fan!”
Pros
- Has two outlets and three USB adapters
- Has a 14-hour run time
- Includes two wheels
Cons
- Parallel kit sold separately
via merchant
Best Inverter Generator for Home
DuroMax Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Experiencing blackouts is very inconvenient, but having the DuroMax Dual Fuel Inverter Generator keeps your home functioning during a storm. With its peak of 9,000 watts and 7,600 running watts, all of your home essentials can run for more than 10 hours, making a solid generator choice for your home.
The included wheel kit makes it easy to cart this 237-pound generator around your home or campsite. Its dual-fuel technology allows you to use propane or gas, and it has an automatic shutoff that kicks in when the oil gets low. Another high-quality feature is the LCD screen that shows hours run and load level.
Pros
- Provides 9,000 watts of power
- Has a remote start feature
- Includes a wheel kit
Cons
- Expensive
- Weighs 237 pounds
via merchant
Best Inverter Generator for Sustainability
Wen 3,800-Watt Inverter Generator
This inverter generator from Wen knows how to conserve fuel and energy, which is what you will need when you take this generator camping. For its compact size, this generator produces 3,800 watts and 120 volts of power for your RV or tailgating needs. Thanks to its automatic fuel shutoff, this generator conserves gas by using what’s left in the carburetor before shutting off to maximize its lifespan. There’s also a fuel display on the generator, so you can always see when you’re starting to run low. This clean energy generator prevents damage from occurring when used to power smart devices and laptops.
“I bought this for my travel trailer and have zero complaints about how it runs. Extremely quiet. I’ve told everyone I know about this unit and now I’m telling you. Great machine for the price,” shares rgentry, a verified purchaser.
Pros
- Produces clean power
- Has an automatic fuel shutoff
- Has an Eco Mode switch
Cons
- Weighs 99.2 pounds
via merchant
Best Portable Inverter Generator
Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter Generator
Make staying powered easy on your camping trip, work site or around the home, thanks to the Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter Generator. Noted as being 50% quieter and 20% lighter than regular generators with the same wattage, this generator features a new, innovative technology that keeps the sound to a minimum.
You can move this generator around with the two large side wheels and foldable handle for steering. It runs on oil and will tell you when its 1.2 quarts are running low, thanks to the sensor that indicates when it’s time for a refill.
Pros
- Has two wheels and foldable handle Wheels for easy moving
- 50% quieter than regular generators
- Has a low-oil shutoff sensor
Cons
- On the expensive side
What to Consider When Buying an Inverter Generator
In the market for an inverter generator? Before you hit “add to cart” on an option, consider what you’re looking for and what you’re hoping to get out of it.
The biggest factor to consider when buying an inverter generator is its intended use or how much power you will need. Different inverter generators have different power strengths, so pick one that’s capable of powering your specific items. And ensure a long lifespan by keeping up with generator maintenance.
A portable generator for occasional use to power up a toaster or slow cooker when camping might not be the same generator needed to power an entire RV, camper or home.
Types of Inverter Generators
The different types of inverter generators all have to do with their size and intended use. Some inverter generators are used specifically for handheld devices while others are used to power a camping vehicle.
Regardless of the type of inverter generator you choose, always remember to place these items in an open area (never inside) at least 20 feet away from your home. This ensures no harmful CO levels are emitted.
- Compact inverter generators: Need to charge your cell phone or another small battery-powered device? A compact inverter generator produces around 1,000 watts and is ideal for carrying around for charging convenience.
- Small inverter generators: Otherwise known as “recreational” inverter generators, a small inverter generator produces from 1,500 to 2,500 watts and can be used for camping, fishing, boating or other recreational trips.
- Medium inverter generators: Another must-have size for camping, a medium inverter generator contains enough power for a toaster oven, RV or camper, as well. Since they produce anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 watts, your camping equipment can stay powered for a home-like feel.
- Large inverter generators: Best to have for home blackouts, larger inverter generators are different from the rest, especially since these can be connected to your electrical panel. Producing more than 5,000 watts of power, a large inverter generator is what you need for a rainy day—literally.
How We Found the Best Inverter Generators
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like, and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What is the advantage of an inverter generator?
Inverter generators may come with a larger price tag than regular generators, but their benefits far outweigh the cost. They’re ultra-efficient and adapt to the power needed to use fuel more efficiently than regular generators, which tend to run full throttle during every use, which can drain the tank faster.
Another perk to using an inverter generator is its run time. While their engines may be smaller than regular generators, inverter generators’ run time can be up to 3,000 hours, thanks to their wattage.
What is the difference between a regular generator and an inverter generator?
One of the most noticeable differences is sound. Inverter generators are much quieter, due to their compact sizes and smaller engines. Regular generators have a larger fuel tank and are much more powerful than inverter generators, so they are going to have more power and produce more noise.
Other differences between these two are their intended uses. Regular generators have a strong engine that is typically used to power strong working equipment or home appliances. Since inverter generators are more compact, they’re geared toward heaters, smartphones and recreational activities, like camping.
How long can you run an inverter generator continuously?
The exact time your inverter generator should run continuously depends on the model, though the basic rule of thumb is anywhere from six to 18 hours. Most inverter generators can run up to 10 hours continuously.
Originally Published: March 22, 2024
