

A case could be made that generators under 2,000 watts aren’t worth the investment. However, you’ll have less flexibility for plugging in other devices with a low-wattage model. Heavy-duty (powering an entire home, powering a welder, etc.): 4,500+ wattsĪ compact portable generator may be feasible if you’re only using it to power a radio or a small refrigerator.Medium-duty (RV camping, emergency home use, job site, etc.): 3,000 to 4,500 watts.Light-duty (tent camping, tailgating, etc.): 2,000 to 3,000 watts.Higher wattages usually mean larger, more expensive units, so here’s a guide to choosing the right size for your needs: The higher the wattage rating, the higher the power output. Inverter generators, like their open-framed counterparts, come in different wattage ratings. Wattage should be the most critical factor as you shop.

The info below will help narrow down a unit that provides enough power, portability, and convenience for you. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Inverter GeneratorĪ variety of important factors go into selecting the best inverter generator for your backup power needs.

This inverted current is considered “clean electricity,” which is important for safely charging sensitive devices, especially handheld electronics like phones and laptops. The addition of an inverter ensures less fluctuation in the current of the power generated, somewhat like a regulator. This makes inverter generators lighter, quieter, and more efficient than open-framed models. Inverter generators use a computer-controlled inverter to provide usable power. Similar to their open-framed counterparts, inverter generators come in different models and sizes, which means they lend themselves to some uses better than others. While both use fuel (gasoline, diesel, or propane), open-framed generators use an alternator to make usable power for homes, campers, and job sites.

Inverter generators are a different breed than the open-framed conventional generators most people are familiar with. It can do all this while hardly being noticed, even at full electrical load. In the event of a natural disaster, the backup power produced by a generator can keep your refrigerator and air conditioner running, the lights on, and other electronics running. Portable generators are one of the most important tools in a home safety plan for when power outages occur.
