Best Inverter Generator Review

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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A conventional generator might not be the best choice to run delicate appliances. You need an inverter generator as it produces clean energy thanks to the presence of an alternator.

Inverter generators convert AC electricity into DC electricity that’s safer and more reliable. Thanks to this clean energy output, an inverter generator can be used to power sensitive devices including medical appliances, mobile phones, and laptops.

There are many benefits of an inverter generator. It helps you save fuel, minimizes emissions, and also reduces noise. Thanks to these traits and the ability to convert AC into DC, this generator is a viable fit for both heavy and sensitive appliances.

Such generators are perfect for indoors and outdoors, hence you even carry one when you go out on camping or hunting trips.

There are many inverter generators on the market to choose from, however picking one can be quite difficult due to the huge variety of available options.

To make it easier for you, we have selected a few inverter generators that are perfect for all users. Let’s have a look:

Best Inverter Generator Reviews

Let’s have a look at detailed reviews of our top inverter generators. They are also called intelligent generators due to their ability to adjust engine speed as per the load.

1. Westinghouse 5000 Peak Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Westinghouse 5000 Peak Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel...
  • 5000 Peak Watts and 3900 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD –...
  • Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready...
  • Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power...
  • Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise...
  • All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in...

The Westinghouse 5000 Peak Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a versatile power solution that's great for camping, home backup, or outdoor projects. It runs on both gas and propane, giving you flexibility depending on what’s on hand.

With a peak of 5000 watts, it’s powerful enough to keep essentials running—like refrigerators, lights, or small appliances—during an outage. Despite the power, it’s impressively quiet, so you won’t be bothered by noise. Plus, it’s portable, with wheels and a handle that make it easy to move around. Reliable, quiet, and user-friendly, it’s a solid choice if you need portable power.

Pros:

  • Portable
  • Quiet operation
  • Easy to use
  • Comes in handy as an  emergency power backup

Cons:

  • Not very good at powering heavier appliances

2. ERAYAK 4500W Portable Inverter Generator

ERAYAK 4500W Portable Inverter Generator for Home Use,...
  • 【Inverter Generator For Home Use】The Erayak 4500P inverter...
  • 【Portable Generator】Equipped with a 143cc engine, the 4500P...
  • 【Super Quiet Generator】Operating at just 60.5 dB(A) at half...
  • 【RV Generator】Features a dedicated 30 Amp RV outlet (L5-30P)...
  • 【ESC - Fuel Saving】Electronic Speed Control Mode (ESC Mode)...

The ERAYAK 4500W Portable Inverter Generator is one of the best portable generators for homeowners, campers, and professionals who require a portable power source. Its peak power of the 4500W that comes with a continuous power of 4000W maintains the standard power delivery for important home appliances, equipment, and delicate gadgets. The geometric inverter technology gives it precise power therefore does not harm delicate appliances such as laptops.

The design of this generator is convenience oriented and is built to withstand the test of time. It is also fitted to a fuel efficient 223cc engine offering up to 10 hours of operation time at 50% load, which means little time is spent refueling. It is portable and lightweight with a strong handle which ensures that any transfer is easy. Additional features include 120V AC outlet, USBs, and a DC outlet for differnt power requirements. Also, the operation noise level hence ranges between 60dB; hence, it’s suitable for use in areas that require low noise level such as camp sites, residential areas, among others.

Pros:

  • High 4500W output for versatile power needs.
  • Clean, stable energy ideal for sensitive electronics.
  • Lightweight and portable with a durable design.
  • Long runtime and fuel efficiency.
  • Quiet operation compared to traditional generators.

Cons:

  • Lacks a remote start feature.
  • Limited to gasoline as a fuel source.

3. A-iPower Portable Inverter Generator, 7600W Dual Fuel Electric Start RV Ready

Sale
A-iPower Portable Inverter Generator, 7600W Dual Fuel...
  • Powerful Engine: 322cc OHV high performance 4 cycle engine. This...
  • High Output + Quiet: 7,600 starting watts with 6,100 running...
  • Pure Power: 3% THD of clean power output. Inverter technology...
  • Low Idle Technology + Compact Design: Lightweight for easy...
  • Fuel Sense Technology: This portable inverter generator...

The A-iPower 7600W Portable Inverter Generator is a versatile, powerhouse companion for your next camping trip or RV adventure. It’s dual-fuel, meaning you can run it on gas or propane—whatever’s easier to get. With 7600 watts of starting power, it’s strong enough to handle heavy-duty appliances, yet quiet enough for a peaceful night outdoors.

The electric start makes it super easy to use, and it’s RV-ready, so you can plug in and go without hassle. Plus, the compact design means it's portable enough to haul without breaking your back. Reliable, flexible, and powerful—this generator’s got you covered.

Pros:

  • Can run on gas or propane, offering flexibility and convenience.
  • 7600 watts of starting power, suitable for heavy-duty appliances.
  • Easy to start with a push of a button—no fuss with manual pulling.
  • Compact and easy to transport, despite the powerful output.

Cons:

  • Although portable, it’s still on the heavier side due to its high power output.
  • Can consume a lot of fuel, especially when running on gas under heavy loads.

4.  WEN DF451i Super Quiet 4500-Watt Electric Start Portable Inverter Generator

WEN DF451i Super Quiet 4500-Watt Electric Start Dual...
  • Dual fuel design runs on both gasoline (4500 surge watts, 3500...
  • Auto Fuel Selection Technology automatically switches from...
  • EPA III and CARB compliant 212cc engine provides extremely quiet...
  • Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics...
  • Includes keyless electric start, back-up recoil starter, fuel...

The WEN DF451i Super Quiet 4500-Watt Inverter Generator is a solid choice if you’re after reliable power without the noise. It's got a dual-fuel system, so you can run it on gasoline or propane, and the electric start makes it super convenient—no fussing with a pull cord.

Even at full power, it’s surprisingly quiet, which is a huge plus for camping or home backup. It’s compact, portable, and packs enough power to handle most appliances or tools. Plus, with clean energy output, it’s safe for sensitive electronics. Overall, it's a versatile, hassle-free generator that gets the job done without being a headache.

Pros:

  • Super quiet operation, ideal for camping or home use.
  • Dual-fuel capability (gasoline or propane) for flexibility.
  • Electric start for easy and quick operation.
  • Compact and portable design for easy transport.

Cons:

  • Slightly heavier compared to some other portable inverter generators.
  • Propane may reduce the total wattage output compared to gasoline.

5. Generac 8251 GP2500i 2,500-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

Generac 8251 GP2500i 2,500-Watt Gas Powered Portable...
  • Portable Power Solution: The GP2500i inverter generator is your...
  • High Quality and Consistent Power: With TruePower Technology,...
  • Compact and Lightweight: Designed for easy transportation this...
  • Fuel-Efficient and Quiet: Activate Economy Mode to automatically...
  • Smart and Reliable: Equipped with LED indicators for low oil,...

The Generac 8251 GP2500i is a compact yet powerful 2,500-watt gas-powered portable inverter generator. It's a solid choice if you need a reliable power source for camping, tailgating, or small outdoor projects. Weighing just around 50 pounds, it's easy to carry and store.

The GP2500i runs quietly, which is great if you're not looking to disturb the neighbors or wildlife. Plus, it has a decent runtime, making it perfect for longer trips or power outages. With clean power output, you can safely charge sensitive electronics without worry. It's user-friendly, with simple controls and easy maintenance. All in all, a dependable, no-nonsense generator that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • Provides 2,500 watts of power, enough for small appliances and electronics
  • Safe for sensitive devices due to clean power output
  • Simple controls, easy to operate and maintain
  • Good runtime for longer trips or emergencies

Cons:

  • Limited power capacity—not ideal for heavy-duty tools or large appliances.
  • Requires regular maintenance like any gas-powered generator
  • No electric start; relies on manual pull start

How To Find The Best Inverter Generator

Inverter generators are great as they are safe to use and offer some other benefits as well. However, they all claim to be the best inverter generators, hence you need to be careful when picking one.

Let’s have a look at some of the features that will help you identify a suitable inverter generator for your needs:

Factors To Look Into When Buying An Inverter Generator

This is an important section. Go through all the headings to know what factors matter when you set out to buy an inverter generator.

  • Choosing The Right Power Inverter: You can get smaller generators that only product about 2000W of power or you can opt for bigger generators that can go as high as 10000W.The only thing you need to consider is the number of appliances you have to run and the power they need to operate.1000W inverter generators are good if you only want to run a fan, bulb, and small appliances. It can also charge laptops or phones but may not be able to run bigger appliances. For those, you will need a unit that can produce at least 2500W of power. Such units can run television sets too. However, for bigger appliances like air conditioners, you will need a generator that can produce about 3000W of continuous power.
  • Noise: It’s important to choose a generator with as little noise as possible. This is because loud generators can ruin the surroundings and also make it difficult to work or rest. You need to look at the decibel rating to understand how much noise a generator would make. Higher the decibel rating, louder a generator would be. If you are looking for extremely silent generators, go for ones that come under 50-70 decibels. It’s even better if the unit comes enclosed in a noise reducing frame and mufflers. Generators under 50 dB produce little to no noise. Anything above that can be troublesome. Remember that it will be hard to find a generator that’s completely silent. You can, however, take steps to reduce the noise. Never make the mistake of placing the generator on the ground as it can cause vibrations. Other than this, consider placing it at a distance so that the noise can be reduced. A distance of about 20 feet is said to be good as it does not only suppress the noise but also reduces the risk of health hazards.
  • Starting Technology: Go for a generator that is easy to start. The electric start system is the best as you will only need to press a button to get the general started. Some generators, however, only offer a manual start. They require pulling the cord to start the generator. This mechanism can be irritating and also lead to backache.
  • Safety Features: If you’re a beginner, pick a generator that comes equipped with meter gauges so that you can keep tabs on the status. Moreover, look for features such as low oil shutdown so that you can prevent the unit from shutting off due to low oil. It can be very risky to operate a generator when the oil is low. Hence, such features can come in handy.

FAQ: 5 Questions About Inverter Generators

#1 How can I know if it is an inverter generator?

Ans. Most inverter generators will contain the letter “I” in the name. This I stands for ‘inverter’ and can help you identify an inverter generator. However, a more reliable technique is to look at the features.

Since inverter generators are in demand, most sellers clearly mention it on the marketing material.

#2 What are the benefits of inverter generators?

Ans. The biggest benefit of inverter generators is the ability to charge sensitive appliances. These generators produce clean output, hence there is no risk of fluctuations and damage.

#3 Which inverter generator should I buy?

Ans. The right generator depends on your needs and requirements. Consider if you want to run only a few appliances, or run a high number of appliances or need a lot of power.

#4 How often should I change the oil?

Ans. While this changes from generator to generator and the manual is the best option to get the answer, you should ideally change oil every 100 hours of use.

Only use the recommended oil and follow all the guidelines perfectly.
It comes with a detailed manual that answers all oil change related questions you may have.

#5 What are the risk factors associated with using an inverter generator?

Ans. Inverter generators are safe to use but you need to be careful about a few things.

These generators, like most other generators, may produce harmful gases so make sure to keep distance. Also, follow all maintenance tips and get the generator serviced if you encounter problems.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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