An inverter generator is a newer type of portable generator. Its design improves on conventional generators for many uses, from camping and tailgating to powering your home during a power outage.
An inverter generator typically uses less fuel, produces fewer emissions, and generally is much quieter than a conventional generator.
But what is an inverter generator, and how do they work? Read on to find out…
What is a portable generator?
Portable generators comprise five essential functional parts: internal combustion engine, alternator, starter, fuel tank, and outlets.
Portable generators run on fuel for the engine; the engine turns the alternator which produces the AC made available through the outlets that you plug appliances into. All wrapped up in a small enough package to be transported from one place to another.
- 【CO Alarm and Parallel Function】 The NEXPOW portable inverter generator adopts a sensor CO alarm, If used in a confined environment, it reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for consumers. The generator also features AC parallel operation, allowing you to easily connect two generator units with the same voltage and frequency in parallel to increase power output.
- 【Eco Mode and EPA Certification】 The NEXPOW portable inverter generator has obtained EPA certification, ensuring safe and reliable use. It also includes an Eco mode feature that extends the runtime. By using the eco switch, the fuel tank can run for more than 10 hours at 25% load.
- 【Upgraded Configuration】NEXPOW inverter generator is used high-quality copper wire as the core material, which has excellent conductivity and high thermal conductivity,This 2250W portable inverter generator is equipped with 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV single-cylinder engine, a forced air cooling system, and overhead valves. It is also equipped with a muffler, fuel filter, air filter, and more. We have added more configurations than traditional generators, allowing you to use it with greater safety.
- 【Multipurpose Portable Inverter Generator】It produces 2250W of surge power and 1800W of rated power with an overload protection function. It is easy to run a small house lighting system or other appliances such as a refrigerator. You can rest assured to use it for outdoor living, RV travel, vacation, food trucks, and any situation that requires power.
- 【Super Quiet Mode】NEXPOW generator is equipped with an advanced muffler and adopts a fully enclosed design mode, which greatly reduces the noise when the product is running. Compared with other traditional generators, NEXPOW Generator is an ultra-quiet mode, at a distance of 23 feet, the decibel level of the product running in ECO mode is 58 decibels, which is almost equal to the sound of normal talking or a dishwasher running, there is virtually no disturbance to the user or anyone nearby.
- Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 39 pounds for easy transport and storage.Engine Speed : 4800 RPM. Lubrication System : Splash Lubrication.Rated Amperage: AC: 15.8A, DC: 8.3A (Cigarette Plug), 2.1A/1A (USB)
- Extremely quiet operation comparable to the sound of a normal conversation according to the US Department of Health and Human Services
- Produces 2350 surge watts and 1900 rated watts of clean power for safe charging of sensitive electronics (phones, tablets, televisions, computers, etc.)
- Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
- Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and a two-year warranty
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry.Fully assembled with hassle-free setup, the built-in carrying handle makes transport a cinch.Champion’s Inverter Technology includes smart Economy Mode, which can reduce the electrical load, providing quieter operation, extended engine life and better fuel economy.When the 1.1-gallon tank of gasoline is full, this inverter will run up to 11.5 hours at 25% load.
- QUIET OPERATION: 53 dBA from 23 feet is perfect for camping, tailgating or to backup a few home essentials, featuring 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time
- PARALLEL READY: The optional clip-on parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power
- CLEAN POWER: Includes two covered 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD)
- Fully assembled with hassle-free setup, the built-in carrying handle makes transport a cinch.
- 4500 Peak Watts and 3700 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD; Telescoping Handle; Gas Powered; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start
- Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 Amp Outlet and Two USB Outlets – Great Choice for Travel Trailers or Home Use – Strong Enough to Run All Your Essentials
- Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output, Remaining Run Time, Voltage Output, and Lifetime Hours
- Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise Output and Up to 18 Hour Run Time on a 3. 4 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Economy Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficiency
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
How Do Inverter Generators work?
As we just saw, a traditional generator produces alternating current (AC) using an alternator attached to the engine and routes that power directly to its outlets.
An inverter generator produces AC similarly but converts it to direct current (DC) with a rectifier and then back to AC using an inverter.
Electronic switches in the inverter regulate and adapt the DC power input, converting it into AC power and smoothing out the power fluctuations and spikes in the current. The result is an inverter generator produces cleaner and smoother electricity, just the kind you need to avoid harm or malfunction of many electronic devices.
A Little History
While conventional portable generators have existed for about 100 years, Honda motors debuted the first portable inverter generator in 1987. The first model produced electricity with what’s known as a square waveform, which can cause problems. In 1988 they came out with a model that produced output with a pure sine wave, which is what you want. Electrical power in pure sine waveform is recommended for electronics and also works best for electrical motors, allowing them to run at peak efficiency.
Sizes of Inverter Generators
Depending on your needs and usage, the size of the inverter generator you should get will vary. Consider what you will use it for and under what conditions to determine which one will work best for you.
Recreational Inverter Generators
A recreational inverter generator is small and weighs no more than 60 pounds. They put out about 2000 watts. Let’s consider some potential applications for different power capabilities.
One thousand watts is approximately enough to run a coffee maker. You can also run a low-power slow cooker and a small toaster oven. When considering off-grid energy options, you might have specific items you want to always keep on, such as a mini-fridge, which uses about 200 watts.
A small TV, about 25″, running continuously could take up about 150 watts. Additionally, you could rotate one or two other small appliances, such as a blender.
Mid Size Inverter Generator
A mid-size inverter generator may weigh 80 lbs or more. To improve its portability, it may come with wheels. These typically have wattages of between 2500 watts to 4500 watts.
This will give you enough power to run an RV air conditioner, a small refrigerator, and a few small appliances simultaneously.
Large Inverter Generators
These are the biggest and can weigh more than 250 lbs. At 220 volts, they can produce up to around 9000 watts of power. A large inverter generator can power entire homes with a transfer switch. Although you need to be careful not to overload the generator, say by running central AC, multiple refrigerators, and laundry machines simultaneously.
What’s the difference between an inverter generator and a regular generator?
There are a few critical differences between inverter generators and regular generators. As already noted, inverter generators produce cleaner power than traditional generators.
Inverter generators also tend to be much quieter than regular ones, making them ideal for use in camping or RVing situations where noise is an issue. This is partly because an inverter generator can throttle the engine speed down if less than maximum power is needed. Conventional generators must run their engines at a fixed high speed (usually 3,600 RPMs in the US market) to produce the required frequency that appliances are designed to use.
The ability to throttle down the engine means that inverter generators are more fuel efficient when the wattage demanded is relatively low, as is often the case. Using less fuel saves money, reduces environmental impact, and decreases fuel storage needs.
Tip: for more about reducing environmental impact and improved fuel storage, see “Propane vs. Gas Generator“
Finally, inverter generators are usually more expensive than regular generators, but they offer several advantages that may make them worth the investment.
Benefits of an inverter generator
Because of their advanced technological aspects, an inverter generator has many advantages. Here are some of them.
1. Quiet operation
Portable generators have a reputation for being loud. So engineers of inverter generators looked at the construction of portable generators and redesigned them to help make them quieter.
Some are quieter just because they have physically smaller engines. Some have technology specifically to dampen sounds and minimize noise.
The housing that they are built with is explicitly designed to dampen noise. And their ability to operate at lower engine speeds under light loads reduces overall volume.
Newer inverter generator models are so quiet that they can even be used at home. They average around 50-60 decibels, about the volume of a normal conversation.
Honda inverter generators have a reputation for being especially quiet: check out the Honda EU2200i
2. Lower emissions
Inverter generators, in general, have lower emissions than conventional generators. Additionally, many have a CO safety shut-off valve. This means that the generator will shut off in an enclosed space if CO levels are dangerously high.
3. Good for power-sensitive equipment
Inverter generators have a harmonic distortion of 5 percent or less. Their ability to deliver clean power makes them ideal for sensitive electronics.
What is harmonic distortion?
Harmonic distortion measures how far an electrical wave’s shape deviates from being a pure sine wave. The higher the harmonic distortion, the greater the risk of problems with some devices you power.
For instance, running stereo or audio equipment would best be accomplished with an inverter generator. Otherwise, the sound quality could be affected — causing hum, pops, and clicks.
And you would want to choose a power source with the cleanest energy available for powering computers, laptops, or cell phones. In a computer, the high total harmonic distortion could even cause the computer to corrupt memory when a traditional generator powers it.
4. Fuel efficient
By design, inverter generators adapt to the power output required. Instead of running at one set rate, the engine will change speed depending on the load demanded. So the machine won’t use any more fuel than is necessary. This helps to conserve fuel and also reduces emissions.
Many inverter generators have an eco-mode switch that makes the generator work even more aggressively at saving fuel. This comes at the expense of possibly stalling out if the engine is still cold and responding more slowly to changes in load.
5. Lightweight and Portable
Inverter generators are often made to be lighter and more portable than conventional generators. These models are constructed with advanced methods and designs, making them more compact. Which, when you’re transporting them, is a noticeable advantage.

This makes generators like the DuroMax XP2300iH ideal for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Plus, when you are not using them, their smaller body size makes them easier to store.
Some generators can weigh as little as 30 lbs, which makes bringing them to a job site easy and hassle-free.

6. They Can Be Paired For Greater Output
Using a parallel kit, you can increase the power output by pairing the generator with another compatible one. So instead of replacing an inverter generator, if you need more power, you can upgrade it.
It is possible to pair conventional generators, but it’s highly technical and risky; with inverter generators, you can easily do it with a parallel kit. But the generators must be compatible with each other. Usually, you would use two of the same model.
7. Advanced technology
Many inverter generators have “smart” features that give helpful information. For example, it will show you how much fuel is left so you can plan ahead.
Also, you can see how much power it is putting out. This is helpful because it lets you determine if you can safely run more appliances. Finally, some will even tell you if it is time for maintenance so that you can preserve the life of the generator.
Cons of Inverter Generators
Knowing some disadvantages can help you plan and determine the best options when investing in an inverter generator.
1. Higher cost
Because of the advanced technology and design, inverter generators cost more than conventional generators for a given wattage output. Their ability to work at varying levels and meet output demands means that the components and mechanics are more sophisticated and expensive.
So the upfront cost of an inverter generator is higher than a traditional generator. However, because of its ability to adjust engine speed to match power usage, the resulting fuel efficiency will produce cost savings over time.
2. Lower power output
Conventional portable generators produce power ranging from 500 to 20,000 watts. The highest-wattage consumer-grade inverter generator currently available is the Duromax XP9000iH, which peaks at 9000 watts.
On average, an inverter generator will put out 1000 to 5000 watts of power. This limits their usage by themselves in many applications. However, as noted before, two generators can be used simultaneously and synced up to increase power output.
Which is better: an inverter or a generator?
Both machines are incredibly convenient and powerful. To determine which is better for you, look at the various needs and applications you will have for each one.
Inverter generators provide specialized power applications and solutions in situations that typically need lower wattages than conventional generators. However, the additional features of being quieter, lower weight, and using less fuel make an inverter generator an appealing choice for many people.
Generally, inverters use newer technology that could be more cost-effective over the long term. On the other hand, if you need a large power output, it may be that only a conventional generator will do the job.
Is an Inverter Generator Worth It?
If you properly maintain an inverter generator, it will usually outlast a traditional portable generator. Its specialized features and engineering make it a better option in some situations than a conventional generator. Because of its fuel-efficient nature, portability, and high-quality power output, an inverter generator is often worth the higher price.
Inverters are also used for solar power. Check out our article “How Does A Solar Generator Work?” for more information.
- DUAL FUEL: Operate your 7500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 1.2-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
- ELECTRIC START: Power up the 439cc Champion engine with the handy rocker switch, battery included
- INTELLIGAUGE: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals
- POWERFUL: At 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline and 8400 starting watts and 6750 running watts on propane, trust Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
- CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
- All-new control center with a digital multimeter, push-button start, and a front-facing fuel interface allowing you to change your fuel type in seconds. The digital multimeter displays voltage, frequency, total hours run, and hours until the recommended maintenance
- This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
- Equipped with DuroMax “CO Alert Technology” that will automatically shut down the generator if an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected
- Built using a powerful 460cc OHV DuroMax engine and features ALL COPPER WINDINGS designed to make your generator last for years
- The fully loaded power panel includes four 120V GFCI household outlets, one 120V 30AMP outlet, one 120/240V 30AMP twist-lock outlet, and a heavy-duty 120/240V 50AMP outlet making it transfer switch ready.
- Small But Powerfull – BailiBatt portable power station with lightweight 4.6 lbs, this portable generators for home use,camping and outdoor life.And this portable generator equipped with 69600mAh capacity, can charge many small devices,such as laptop,switch,phones,tablet,camera
- Stable & Efficient Outputs – This outdoor generators built-in two pure sine wave AC outlets to protect your devices (laptop) from damage.The portable generator with regulated 12V DC outputs, can provide a stable power output.300W output, can run 8 appliances simultaneously(the total of all output power < 300 watts)
- Multiple Safety Backup Power – This electric generator within clear LCD screen shows all operating status easily and timely. This solar powered generator built-in premium BMS system, can monitor voltage, current, and temperature, to protect the solar generator from damage
- Green and Durable – This portable power station boasts a 257Wh grade-A battery pack, and this portable generator is excellent thermal stability and safety. So this portable power station support>1500 times of charge cycle. The portable generator for camping
- Three Recharging Modes – The solar generator within MPPT controller, you can charge this solar powered generator via AC adapter/ car charge(12V/10A) / solar panel (40W/18V,NOT INCLUDED).Whenever you are, don’t worry the low battery with this solar generator
- 【CO Alarm and Parallel Function】 The NEXPOW portable inverter generator adopts a sensor CO alarm, If used in a confined environment, it reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for consumers. The generator also features AC parallel operation, allowing you to easily connect two generator units with the same voltage and frequency in parallel to increase power output.
- 【Eco Mode and EPA Certification】 The NEXPOW portable inverter generator has obtained EPA certification, ensuring safe and reliable use. It also includes an Eco mode feature that extends the runtime. By using the eco switch, the fuel tank can run for more than 10 hours at 25% load.
- 【Upgraded Configuration】NEXPOW inverter generator is used high-quality copper wire as the core material, which has excellent conductivity and high thermal conductivity,This 2250W portable inverter generator is equipped with 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV single-cylinder engine, a forced air cooling system, and overhead valves. It is also equipped with a muffler, fuel filter, air filter, and more. We have added more configurations than traditional generators, allowing you to use it with greater safety.
- 【Multipurpose Portable Inverter Generator】It produces 2250W of surge power and 1800W of rated power with an overload protection function. It is easy to run a small house lighting system or other appliances such as a refrigerator. You can rest assured to use it for outdoor living, RV travel, vacation, food trucks, and any situation that requires power.
- 【Super Quiet Mode】NEXPOW generator is equipped with an advanced muffler and adopts a fully enclosed design mode, which greatly reduces the noise when the product is running. Compared with other traditional generators, NEXPOW Generator is an ultra-quiet mode, at a distance of 23 feet, the decibel level of the product running in ECO mode is 58 decibels, which is almost equal to the sound of normal talking or a dishwasher running, there is virtually no disturbance to the user or anyone nearby.
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