Best Inverter Generator
According to a report by Global Market Insight, in 2021, the market for portable inverter generators was estimated at over $1.9 billion, and forecasts for the years 2022-2028 indicate a CAGR of over 7.1%. By 2028, the annual installation in the global industry will be expected to exceed 3.7 million units.
These statistics show that people worldwide are buying inverter generators for their needs. If you are looking for an inverter generator for your home, apartment, or office, then you have found the right place to make a good decision.
You don’t need to spend hours doing market research. We created a short list of the best inverter generators in 2022. We test all 11 generators in our labs so that you can get the original specifications & insight. We only review the products we used/researched (practically) with our hands.
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Best inverter generator for the money
***Inverter generator in this section are selected at a price range between $400-$700
Genkins GK2300i ($399)
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Peak Watt: 2300
- Running Watt: 1900
- Weight: 51 lbs
PowerSmart PS5020 ($449)
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Peak Watt: 2500
- Running Watt: 1900
- Weight: 40.3 lbs
Westinghouse iGen2500 ($649)
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Peak Watt: 2500
- Running Watt: 2200
- Weight: 46.3 lbs
Hudson HD4500iE ($698)
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Peak Watt: 4500
- Running Watt: 3800
- Weight: 99 lbs
GENKINS GK2300i
Review
The GENKIS GK2300i is a 79cc 4-stroke OHV gasoline-powered portable inverter generator. It is designed for various uses, including tailgating, camping, off-grid power supply, emergency backup, and more.
When we turn on the generator, it starts up in 5 seconds with a maximum of two pulls on the cord. It can run for 8 hours at 50% load on a 1.36-gallon fuel tank.
The portable generator has an auto-start feature that will start up automatically when the ignition switch is turned on. You can use this generator anywhere, anytime, without worrying about running out of fuel or having any problems.
This generator has a good weight capacity of 51 lbs & dimensions of 21 x 11 x 19 inches, making it very light in weight while still being able to do its job well enough as efficiently as possible.
While checking its outlet, we were very surprised by the amount of power it was able to produce, especially with its small frame. It features AC outlets that are compatible with 120V NEMA 5-20R devices and a DC carport that can be used to charge 12V batteries.
When we checked how loud it was from 10 meters away, we found that it was 54 dB, which was a pleasant surprise. The low setting was also very quiet.
After an hour of operation, we connected an air conditioner unit of 10000 BTU. When the compressor turned on, it merely increased before adjusting down to a lower rpm.
All features of Genkins GK2300I
After a deep research of Genkins in our lab, we found the following features:
| Feature | Genkins GK2300i |
|---|---|
| Model | GK2300i |
| Engine Brand | GENKIS |
| Engine Size | 79cc |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke OHV |
| Portability | Yes |
| Dimensions (inches) | 21 x 11 x 19 |
| Environment Friendly | Yes |
| RV Ready | Yes |
| Parallel Capable | No |
| Sound Level | 53-56 dB |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.36 gal |
| Run time | 8 hrs |
| Starting Watts | 2300 watts |
| Running Watts | 1900 watts |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| AC Outlets | 120V NEMA 5-20R |
| DC Outlets | 1 DC car port(12V) |
| Idle Control | Automated |
| Cooling System | Air Cooled |
| Starting Method | Recoil |
| Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker) | Yes |
| Weight | 51 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 Years limited warranty |
What we like/dislike
Pros
- Free screwdriver & spark plug wrench
- Installation instructions are well written
- Best value for money
- There’s a gasoline drain plug for the tank and a fuel bowl for the carburetor
- Super quietest
Cons
- We face a little bit issue in changing oil
Warranty
GENKINS products have a free lifetime of technical support and a limited 2-year guarantee.
PowerSmart PS5020
Review
If you are looking for a generator that is fully RV friendly then this generator will be perfect fit for your needs. It is lightweight, convenient and easy to use. It’s dimension is 20.9 x 13.8 x 19.9 inches.
This portable generator will work with most vehicles and can be used in different climate conditions. It has a large 1.05 gallon fuel tank, which makes it very convenient for long trips without having to refill the gas tank each time you go on the road.
Keep in mind that oil is not included with this item (some company does). When we get the item, we’ll put fresh oil in. For optimal performance and longevity, we recommend changing the oil after the first 10 hours of usage and again after 100 hours of operation. Every year you should replace spark plug.
The PowerSmart Generator can run up to 7 hours at 50% load. The PowerSmart Generator is a great way to have access to AC and USB outlets while on the go. This generator has two AC outlets (120V) and two USB-A ports (5V), as well as a DC car port (12V). The PowerSmart Generator is perfect for camping, tailgating, or any other time when you need to be able to charge your devices.
After 7.5 hours of running, we see that it still had a quarter of a tank. It has a harmonic distortion of less than 1.2%. While checking the generator we couldn’t hear any sound from 65 feet away. It is the super quietest generator.
All features of PowerSmart PS5020
Check all the features of this inverter generator at a glance:
| Feature | PowerSmart PS5020 |
|---|---|
| Model | PS5020 |
| Engine Brand | PowerSmart |
| Engine Size | 79 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke OHV |
| Portability | Yes |
| Dimensions (inches) | 20.9 x 13.8 x 19.9 |
| Environment Friendly | Yes |
| RV Ready | Yes |
| Parallel Capable | Yes |
| Sound Level | 58 db |
| Fuel Type | Gas-powered |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.05 Gallons |
| Run time | 7 Hours |
| Starting Watts | 2500 watts |
| Running Watts | 1900 watts |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| AC Outlets | 2* AC outlet (120V), 2* USB-A ports(5V) |
| DC Outlets | 1* DC car port(12V) |
| Idle Control | Yes |
| Cooling System | Automatic |
| Starting Method | Pull start |
| Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker) | Yes |
| Weight | 40.3 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years |
What we like/dislike
Pros
- Super quiet
- Easy to lift & very smooth to start
- Comes with a nice funnel
- Best value for money
Cons
- User manual need to updated
- Oil isn’t included
- This one never cut out due to low oil, but it began smoking like a chimney
Warranty
It has a warranty of 2 years.
Westinghouse iGen2500
Review
The Westinghouse iGen2500 inverter generator is a very popular model. It s small and lightweight, making it easy to transport and move around. It’s weight is 46 lbs. The Westinghouse iGen2500 is useful for a wide range of applications because to its flexibility to run on both gasoline and liquid propane.
Because of its parallel capabilities, Westinghouse is superior. While testing in our lab, we connect an AC of 10,000 BTU in parallel connection. It works well. We recommend this generator for people who lives in places like where the power goes out frequently!
The motor inside the Westinghouse iGen2500 is a powerful 98cc 60 Hz 5500 RPM unit. The Westinghouse generator operates on gasoline and produces 2500 peak watts and 2200 operating watts. It has AC outlets for duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) and DC outlets for 2x 5V USB port (USB-A). Plus, it’s relatively quiet and easy to operate.
When we’re testing this generator, it’s very quiet. We can’t hear it even when we’re standing right next to it while cranking the engine. The noise level is similar to a Honda EU2000i generator. You have to change spark plug, air filter every year or after 300 hours of operation for better performance
The generator has a handle which is easy to carry. It’s not heavy at all. We can easily move it around with our hands. We also like the fact that the battery can be charged while we’re using the generator. The charging process is very fast too!
It is one of the most long-lasting & eco friendly generator on our list. At a load time of fifty percent, we discovered in our lab that it operates for 8.5 hours. In addition to this, it is equipped with a spark arrestor, which makes it appropriate for use while camping in a forest/wooded region.
All features of Westinghouse iGen2500
Check all features at a glance:
| Feature | Westinghouse iGen2500 |
|---|---|
| Model | iGen2500 |
| Engine Brand | Westinghouse |
| Engine Size | 98 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke OHV |
| Portability | Yes |
| Dimensions (inches) | 19.8 x 11.4 x 17.9 |
| Environment Friendly | Yes |
| RV Ready | No |
| Parallel Capable | Yes (Cable isn’t included) |
| Sound Level | 52 db |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1 gallon |
| Run time | 8 hrs at 50% load |
| Starting Watts | 2500 W |
| Running Watts | 2200 W |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| AC Outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC Outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Idle Control | Yes |
| Cooling System | Yes |
| Starting Method | Recoil |
| Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker) | Yes |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
What we like/dislike
Pros
- User manual is well written
- It’s very fuel efficient
- Best value for money
Cons
- Minor glitch in carburetor
- No electric start
Warranty
It has a warranty of 3 years.
Hudson HD4500iE
Review
Overall, the Hudson HD4500iE is a powerful unit that can run most of your needs. Extreme power and convenience all in one package. Running on a gas powered motor, this generator gives you the power of 4500 watts for up to 16 hours of runtime on a single tank of gasoline. It is super easy to start with its recoil backup or electric start.
While checking it’s generator from 3 feet away, we found that it sound was around 65 db. It’s fairly silent. Check out our list of the most quietest inverter generators to see whether noise level is the most important consideration for you.
It comes with two 120V/20A, one 120V/30A, one RV-Ready ,one 5V/1A, one 5V/2.1A AC outlets. This generator also has multiple safety features to protect against overloads and overheating.
It has an robust engine of 224cc 4-stroke OHV & comes with a dimension of 22 x 20.1 x 17 inches. It’s weight 99 lbs. It has a warning for low oil, an alarm for overload, and an output indication that has a “Eco mode” for maximizing energy conservation and reducing fuel use.
All features of Hudson HD4500iE
Check all features at a glance:
| Feature | Hudson HD4500iE |
|---|---|
| Model | HD4500iE |
| Engine Brand | Hudson |
| Engine Size | 224 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-stroke OHV |
| Portability | Yes |
| Dimensions (inches) | 22 x 20.1 x 17 |
| Environment Friendly | Yes |
| RV Ready | Yes |
| Parallel Capable | Yes (Cable isn’t included) |
| Sound Level | 68 db |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.25 Gallon |
| Run time | 16 hours at 1/4 load |
| Starting Watts | 4500W |
| Running Watts | 3800W |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| AC Outlets | two 120V/20A, one 120V/30A, one RV-Ready Tt,one 5V/1A, one 5V/2.1A |
| DC Outlets | No |
| Idle Control | Automated |
| Cooling System | Air Cooled |
| Starting Method | Recoil |
| Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker) | Yes |
| Weight | 99 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
What we like/dislike
Pros
- Super quiet
- RV outlets is top notch
- Easy to setup
- Best value for money
Cons
- Little bit issues in automatic fuel shut off
- Access hatch is too small
- Fail to restart when it gets hot
Warranty
It has a warranty of 3 years.
Comparison of the best inverter generator
| Brand | Engine Size | Parallel Capable | Weight | RV Ready | Sound Level | Run time (at 50% load | Starting Watts | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genkins GK2300i | 79cc | Yes | 51 lbs | Yes | 53-56 dB | 8 hrs | 2300 watts | 2 Years |
| PowerSmart PS5020 | 79 cc | Yes | 40.3 lbs | Yes | 58 db | 7 Hours | 2500 watts | 2 years |
| Westinghouse iGen2500 | 98 cc | Yes (Cable isn’t included) | 46.3 lbs | No | 52 db | 8 hrs | 2500 W | 3 years |
| Hudson HD4500iE | 224 cc | Yes (Cable isn’t included) | 99 lbs | Yes | 68 db | 8 hours | 4500W | 3 years |
| Blit Hard TL-QG-21DF | 212 css | No | 105 lbs | Yes | 68 db | 7 hrs | 4500 W | 30 days |
| Champion 200988 | 212 cc | Yes (Cable isn’t included) | 102 lbs | Yes | 61 db | 7 hrs in gasoline, 10 hrs in propane | 4500 W (both gasoline & propane) | 3 years |
| Generac GP330i | 149 cc | Yes (Cable isn’t included) | 59.5 lbs | No | Unknown | 4.5 hrs | 3300 W | 3 years |
| WEN GN875iX | 420 cc | No | 136.7 lbs | Yes | Unknow | 6.7 hrs | 8750 W | 2 years |
| Honda EU2200i | 121 cc Honda GXR120 | Yes (Cable isn’t included) | 47.4 lbs | No | 48 db | 4 hrs | 2200 W | 3 years |
| Firman WH02942 | 171 cc | Yes (Cable isn’t included) | 90 lbs | Yes | 58 db | 5 hrs in Gasoline, 9.5 hrs in Propane | 3200 W Gasoline, 2900 W Propane | Lifetime |
| Genmax GM9000iED | 458 cc | Yes (Cable isn’t included) | 243.6 lbs | No | 62 db | 10 hrs in Gasoline, 5 hrs in Propane | 9000 W Gasoline 8550 W Propane | 1 year |