Consumarates

Best Inverter Generator to Buy in 2023

All Rounder

WESTINGHOUSE IGEN4500DF blue colored dual fuel generator

WESTINGHOUSE IGEN4500DF

5/5

2nd Pick (portable)

image 3 of WEN 56380I

WEN 56380i

4.7/5

3rd Pick (high power)

DuroMax XP9000iH blue colored 9000 watt dual fuel inverter generator

DuroMax XP9000iH

4.6/5

Our expertly crafted product reviews are designed to help you find the perfect generator to power your life. Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional, noisy generators and hello to quiet, portable and reliable energy sources.

We breakdown the generators in 4 different categories. 

  • Budget friendly
  • Portable
  • Super high power
  • Home backup

Best inverter generator for the Money

***Inverter generator in this section are selected at a price range between $200-$550

Consumarates Choice

image 1 of Westinghouse iGen2500

Westinghouse iGen2500

5/5
GK2300i Full Display

Genkins GK2300i

4.7/5
PowerSmart PS5020 inverter generator

PowerSmart PS5020

4.5/5

Best portable inverter generator

***Low weight, high power portable inverter generator

Consumarates Choice

image 3 of WEN 56380I

WEN 56380i

5/5
A-iPower SUA2000iD ed colored 2000 watt portable dual fuel generator

A-IPOWER SUA2000ID

4.7/5

High power inverter generator

***High power portable inverter generator for long runtime

Consumarates Choice

DuroMax XP9000iH blue colored 9000 watt dual fuel inverter generator

DuroMax XP9000iH

4.7/5
Wen 56325i inverter generator

WEN 56235i

4.6/5

Best inverter generator for home backup

***High backup power source for your home

Consumarates Choice

WESTINGHOUSE IGEN4500DF blue colored dual fuel generator

WESTINGHOUSE IGEN4500DF

5/5

Disclaimer: In some cases, we may receive an affiliate commission when you purchase through one of our links. This does not cost you anything extra, but it helps keep this site up and running.

WESTINGHOUSE IGEN4500DF

Pros

      • Dual fuel
      • RV ready
      • Parallel capable (cable not included)
      • Remote start
      • Quiet operation (52 dB)
      • Accessories included (Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, propane hose, and battery)
      • User manual

Cons

      • No GFCI outlet

Review

The Westinghouse 4500 Watt Inverter Generator is the ultimate home backup inverter power solution. With dual fuel capability, you can choose to run on gasoline or propane, giving you peace of mind during a power outage. 

The generator is so quiet that it only makes 52 dBA, which makes it perfect for use at night. The LED data center shows important information like how much fuel is left, how much power is being used, and how long the engine has been running.

The generator can run for 18 hours on just 3.4 gallons of gas, and it has a “Economy Mode” that makes it use the least amount of gas possible. With a peak output of 4500 watts and a rated output of 3700 watts, this generator has enough power to run all your essentials. 

With its telescoping handle and lightweight, the generator is also easy to move from room to room or take with you when you go out.

With its RV-readiness and parallel capability, you can enjoy the versatility and extra power whenever you need it. This generator is the ultimate solution for home backup power, delivering quiet operation, impressive fuel efficiency, and a range of versatile features. This 4500 model comes with 3 years of limited warranty.

Features

FeaturesWestinghouse igen4500DF
Modeligen4500DF
Engine BrandWestinghouse
Engine Size224 cc Westinghouse
Engine TypeOHV 4-stroke
PortabilityYes
Dimensions (inches)24.5 x 17.5 x 20
Environment FriendlyYes
RV ReadyYes
Parallel CapableYes, cable not included
Sound Level52 dB
Fuel TypeDual Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity3.4 gal
Run timeAt 25% load 18 hrs in Gasoline, 22 hrs in Propane
Starting Watts4500 W Gasoline, 4050 W Propane
Running Watts3700 W Gasoline, 3300 W Propane
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
AC Outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC Outlets2x 5V USB port
Idle ControlYes
Cooling SystemYes
Starting MethodRecoil, Electric, Remote
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight104.7 lbs
Warranty3 years

Duromax XP9000IH

Pros

      • ATS plug
      • Dual fuel & SOD technology
      • CO alert system
      • GFCI outlets
      • Remote start
      • Parallel capable (cable not included)
      • Accessories included (Funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, propane hose, and battery)
      • User manual

Cons

      • No 50 amp output
      • Bulk size (237 lbs)

Review

The Duromax XP9000ih is a powerful dual-fuel inverter generator with a peak power of 9,000 watts and running power of 7,600 watts in gasoline & starting power of 8500 watts and running power of 7200 watts in propane.

With gasoline, the generator can run for up to 20 hours at 25% load, and with propane, it can run for 9 hours at 25% load.

The Duromax XP9000ih provides clean and stable power for sensitive electronics through its inverter technology. It also has a voltage of AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, and DC: 5V. 

The generator is equipped with 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) AC outlet and 2x 5V USB ports (USB-A and USB-C) for DC outlets. 

The Duromax XP9000ih does not have a display screen. It does have a remote control which allows for convenient starting of the generator, but it does not have a display screen to show its operating status or information such as fuel level, power output, or runtime. 

The generator can be equipped with an automatic transfer switch, which can provide information on its status, but this will depend on the specific transfer switch being used.

The Duromax XP9000iH is not just a powerful generator, but it is also environmentally conscious. This generator has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and meets the standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Additionally, it has a spark arrestor which makes it safe to use in forested areas, ensuring that it won’t contribute to any accidental fires.

Features

FeaturesDuromax XP9000IH
ModelXP9000IH
Engine BrandDuromax
Engine Size459 cc
Engine TypeOHV 4 stroke
PortabilityYes
Dimensions (inches)27 x 21 x 25
Environment FriendlyYes
RV ReadyNo
Parallel CapableYes (cable not included)
Sound Level68 dB
Fuel TypeDual Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity6.9 gal
Run timeAt 25% load 20 hrs in Gasoline, 9 hrs in Propane
Starting Watts9000 W Gasoline, 8500 W Propane
Running Watts7600 W Gasoline, 7200 W Propane
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
AC Outlets1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC Outlets2x 5V USB port (USB-A and USB-C)
Idle ControlNo
Cooling SystemNo
Starting MethodRecoil, Electric, Remote
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight237 lbs
Warranty3 years

WEN 56235I

Pros

      • Budget friendly
      • Lightweight (39 lbs)
      • Quiet operation (59 dB)
      • Accessories included (Funnel and tool kit)
      • User manual

Cons

      • No electric start
      • No GFCI outlet

Review

The WEN 56235i is another high-power portable inverter generator. It weighs only 36 lbs which makes it a great choice for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.

In terms of power output, the 79cc OHV 4-stroke engine produces 2350 surge watts and 1900 rated watts of clean power, making it suitable for powering a variety of electronics and appliances. With two 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, 

What sets this generator apart is its pure sine wave output, which is safe for all your sensitive electronics, including laptops, cellphones, and tablets. It limits total harmonic distortion to under 0.3% at no load and under 1.2% at full load.

In addition, the eco-mode switch allows you to maximize fuel economy by automatically adjusting fuel consumption as you plug and unplug items from the panel. With a runtime of 10.5 hours at 25% load and a fuel tank capacity of 1.1 gallons, you won’t have to worry about constantly refueling.

One of the standout features of the WEN 56235i is it operates at just 51 decibels, which is quieter than a window air conditioner or a normal conversation. This unit comes with 2 years of warranty.

Features

FeaturesWEN 56235i
Model56235i
Engine BrandWEN
Engine Size79 cc
Engine TypeOHV 4-stroke
PortabilityYes
Dimensions (inches)17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7
Environment FriendlyYes
RV ReadyNo
Parallel CapableYes (cable not included)
Sound Level51 dB
Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity1.1 gal
Run time10.5 hours at 25% load
Starting Watts2350W
Running Watts1900W
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
AC Outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
DC Outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
2x 5V USB port
Idle ControlYes
Cooling SystemYes
Starting MethodRecoil
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight39 lbs
Warranty2 years

WEN 56380i

Pros

      • Super Quiet
      • RV Ready
      • Parallel Capable (cable not included)
      • Budget Friendly
      • Light Weight
      • Accessories Included (Funnel, tool kit, and battery)
      • User manual

Cons

      • No remote start

Review

The WEN 56380i inverter generator is a compact and portable power solution for all your needs. With a 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine, it produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts.

At 50% load with a gallon the capacity of 2.2 gal it gives you a runtime up to 8.5 hours. The generator’s fuel shutoff feature maximizes its lifespan and prevents damage to sensitive electronics.

This generator is incredibly quiet, producing only 57 dB of noise, making it ideal for use in quiet environments. It is also EPA and CARB-compliant, making it environmentally friendly. With its compact size of 23.2″ x 18″ x 20.1″ and weight of 99.2 lbs, it’s easy to transport and store.

The WEN 56380i comes with multiple outlets, including two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and a digital load and fuel display. This makes it easy to power a variety of devices and appliances.

The generator is easy to start with both manual recoil and electric start options. It also has a cooling system and runs on 10W30 grade oil. Additionally, the generator is protected with an overload protection circuit breaker. This unit comes with a 2 years of warranty.

Features

FeaturesWEN 56380i
Model56380i
Engine BrandWen
Engine Size212cc
Engine Type4 stroke OHV
PortabilityYes
Dimensions23.2" x 18" x 20.1"
Environment FriendlyYes
Sound Level57 db
Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity2.2 gal
Run time8.5 hr (8.33 L)
Starting Watts3800
Running Watts3400
Running amps28.3
Peak amps31.7
AC Outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R), 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC Outlets1x 12V 8A, 2x 5V USB port
Idle ControlYes
Cooling SystemAir Cooled
Starting MethodManual recoil/ Electric
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight99.2 lb
Warranty2 years

A-IPOWER SUA2000ID

Pros

      • Super quiet
      • Easy to lift & very smooth to start
      • Comes with a nice funnel
      • Best value for money

Cons

      • No electric or remote start
      • No GFCI outlets

Review

The A-iPower SUA2000iD is a versatile and portable dual-fuel inverter generator that offers power and convenience in one compact package. When powered with gasoline it has starting watts of 2000W and running watts of 1600W. And when powered with propane it has starting watts of 1800W and running watts of 1500W.

With a fuel tank capacity of 1.1 gallons and at 25% load, it runs for 10 hours on gasoline and 30 hours on propane. 

The A-iPower SUA2000iD boasts a low THD of less than 3%, meaning that it generates a clean and stable power supply suitable for sensitive electronics such as phones, televisions, laptops, and other electronic devices. This is due to its inverter technology, which produces a pure sine wave output.

The A-iPower SUA2000iD is a well-designed generator with a range of features and a convenient display that makes it easy to operate and monitor. The SUA2000iD has a clear and user-friendly interface. It shows the status of the generator, including the fuel level, run time, and wattage. 

The display also alerts users to potential problems, such as low oil levels or overload, helping to ensure that the generator runs smoothly and efficiently. 

This unit comes with 3 years of warranty.

Features

FeaturesA-IPOWER SUA2000ID
ModelSUA2000ID
Engine BrandA-Ipower
Engine Size80 cc Senci
Engine TypeOHV 4-stroke
PortabilityYes
Dimensions (inches)20.9 x 12.4 x 21.1
Environment FriendlyYes
RV ReadyNo
Parallel CapableYes, cable not included
Sound Level52 dB
Fuel TypeDual Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity1.1 gal
Run timeAt 25% load 10 hrs in Gasoline, 30 hrs in Propane
Starting Watts2000 W Gasoline, 1800 W Propane
Running Watts1600 W Gasoline, 1500 W Propane
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
AC Outlets1x 120V 20A (5-20R)
1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC Outlets1x 5V USB port (USB-A)
Idle ControlYes
Cooling SystemYes
Starting MethodRecoil
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight48 lbs
Warranty3 years

Westinghouse iGen2500

Pros

      • User manual is well written
      • It’s very fuel efficient
      • Best value for money

Cons

      • No electric start

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. 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.

It has a very low noise level of 52 dB. 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.

Features

FeatureWestinghouse iGen2500
ModeliGen2500
Engine BrandWestinghouse
Engine Size98 cc
Engine Type4-stroke OHV
PortabilityYes
Dimensions (inches)19.8 x 11.4 x 17.9
Environment FriendlyYes
RV ReadyNo
Parallel CapableYes (Cable isn’t included)
Sound Level52 db
Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity1 gallon
Run time8 hrs at 50% load
Starting Watts2500 W
Running Watts2200 W
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
AC Outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
DC Outlets2x 5V USB port (USB-A)
Idle ControlYes
Cooling SystemYes
Starting MethodRecoil
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight46.3 lbs
Warranty3 years

Genkins GK2300i​

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

      • No fuel shut off

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 inverter 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.

Features

FeatureGenkins ‎GK2300i
Model‎GK2300i
Engine BrandGENKIS
Engine Size79cc
Engine Type4-stroke OHV
PortabilityYes
Dimensions (inches)‎21 x 11 x 19
Environment FriendlyYes
RV ReadyYes
Parallel CapableNo
Sound Level53-56 dB
Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity1.36 gal
Run time8 hrs
Starting Watts2300 watts
Running Watts1900 watts
Voltage120 V
AC Outlets120V NEMA 5-20R
DC Outlets1 DC car port(12V)
Idle ControlAutomated
Cooling SystemAir Cooled
Starting MethodRecoil
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight51 lbs
Warranty‎2 Years limited warranty

PowerSmart PS5020

Pros

      • Super quiet
      • Easy to lift & very smooth to start
      • Comes with a nice funnel
      • Best value for money

Cons

      • Oil isn’t included
      • This one never cut out due to low oil, but it began smoking like a chimney

Review

The PowerSmart PS5020 inverter generator is a compact and portable power source that packs a punch. With a powerful 2350W inverter and a 4-stroke OHV engine, this generator is capable of providing stable reliable power in your emergency.

The generator is made to be easy to carry around. It is light and small, weighing only 40 pounds and measuring 19.1 inches long, 13.4 inches wide, and 20.1 inches tall. Even though it is small, it can still provide power in many ways. There are 2 outlets for AC power, 2 USB ports, and even a DC car port.

Keep in mind that oil is not included with this item (some company does). When you  item, you have to 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 the spark plug.

The PowerSmart Generator can run up to 7 hours at 50% load & it has a harmonic distortion of less than 1.2%. Overall, the PowerSmart PS5020 is a solid choice for anyone in need of a portable and powerful inverter generator. With a 2-year warranty and premium customer service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your purchase is backed by a reliable company.

Features

FeaturePowerSmart ‎PS5020
Model‎PS5020
Engine BrandPowerSmart
Engine Size79 cc
Engine Type4-stroke OHV
PortabilityYes
Dimensions (inches)20.9 x 13.8 x 19.9
Environment FriendlyYes
RV ReadyYes
Parallel CapableYes
Sound Level58 db
Fuel TypeGas-powered
Fuel Tank Capacity1.05 Gallons
Run time7 Hours
Starting Watts2500 watts
Running Watts1900 watts
Voltage120 V
AC Outlets2* AC outlet (120V), 2* USB-A ports(5V)
DC Outlets1* DC car port(12V)
Idle ControlYes
Cooling SystemAutomatic
Starting MethodPull start
Overload Protection (Circuit Breaker)Yes
Weight40.3 lbs
Warranty2 years