Whether your home blacks out from a storm or you're going camping, stay powered up with an inverter generator. Contact online >>
Whether your home blacks out from a storm or you''re going camping, stay powered up with an inverter generator.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Inverter generators are a great way to bring electricity to your home away from home when heading on a camping trip. They also prove useful during power outages caused by storms. While operating a generator seems straightforward, choosing the right one requires careful thought.
For campers, inverter generators provide portable power for RVs, handheld electronics and appliances, and they can supply energy to your home.
“I prefer inverter generators over standard ones for residential use due to their cleaner power output and quieter operation,” says Scot Rounds, a seasoned expert with 20 years of experience in the construction industry. “Inverter generators produce a pure sine wave, similar to household electricity, while standard generators output a square wave, which can damage sensitive electronics. Inverter generators also feature mufflers and sound enclosures, making them run more quietly.”
The Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter Generator makes staying powered simple for camping trips, worksites or home use. Thanks to innovative technology that minimizes noise, it’s 50% quieter and 20% lighter than traditional generators with the same wattage.
Equipped with two large side wheels and a foldable handle, it’s easy to move around. Running on oil, the generator includes a sensor that alerts you when its 1.2-quart tank is low, ensuring you’re always aware when it’s time for a refill.
When shopping for an inverter generator, it’s crucial to assess your specific needs before purchasing. Power output is the key factor—ensure the generator can handle the demands of your devices and appliances.
A smaller, portable option is suitable for powering small items like a toaster or slow cooker while camping. However, a much larger generator is required if you need to power an entire RV, camper, or home. Additionally, regular maintenance is important for extending the generator''s lifespan and efficiency, so be prepared to keep up with upkeep to ensure optimal performance.
When calculating the total wattage of appliances and devices you plan to run simultaneously, ensure the generator can handle both their starting and running wattage. A 30-amp (3,600-watt, 120-volt) inverter generator can power an AC unit but likely won''t support much beyond that. If you need to power your whole house in an emergency—including AC, lights and a refrigerator—you''ll need a generator capable of producing closer to 10,000 watts or more.
“When it comes to inverters versus standard generators, the main tradeoff is efficiency versus cost,” says Luis Montes, a 15-year veteran of the gas and electric industries. Standard generators are cheaper but much less efficient than inverters, consuming significantly more fuel to deliver the same power. Inverter generators, on the other hand, can run longer because they burn fuel more slowly. In fact, inverters can be up to 40% more efficient than standard generators operating on the same fuel and power output.
“Inverters provide cleaner, more stable power, superior for sensitive electronics,” says Montes. He suggests that an inverter generator''s electrical output is as stable as household electricity. Standard generators, however, can experience power output spikes that pose risks to sensitive electronics, potentially causing overloads or damage. If you’re concerned about protecting your devices, an inverter generator is likely the best choice. You can also use surge protectors as an additional safeguard.
When selecting an inverter generator, it’s crucial to consider size and weight, especially if you need portability. Inverter generators tend to be lighter and more portable than standard models. Many include wheels for added mobility. “I prefer wheeled models under 100 pounds for portability, particularly in the 2,000-3,500 watt range,” says Montes. Smaller generators are ideal for camping or running a single appliance, while larger inverters—designed for higher power output—are less portable but better suited for emergency home use, where they can remain stationary.
Remember that a generator’s size and weight are proportional to its power capabilities. The higher the wattage, the larger and heavier the generator. On average, inverter generators weigh less than 100 pounds, whereas standard generators can be significantly heavier, sometimes reaching hundreds of pounds.
Inverter generators have a clear advantage over standard models in terms of efficiency, including longer runtimes on a single tank of fuel. However, some inverter generators are more efficient than others, so it’s essential to review the manufacturer’s specifications for details on fuel consumption. Prioritize generators with extended run times to reduce the need for frequent refueling, especially during extended power outages.
It’s also important to remember that a generator’s endurance correlates directly with its power output. For example, a generator running at 50% load might last 14 hours, but that duration will significantly decrease if it operates near or at its maximum load.
Inverter generators typically produce around 60-65 dB of noise, similar to the sound level of a normal conversation or background music. However, as power output increases, so does the noise level. It’s important to check a generator’s decibel rating to ensure it operates quietly, especially in residential areas where noise restrictions may apply, particularly during nighttime hours.
“Fuel efficiency is another important factor,” says Montes. “One project might save $100/month by switching to propane from gas.” When choosing between gasoline, propane or dual-fuel generators, consider availability and convenience. Propane generally costs less but can be harder to acquire. Gasoline is more expensive and fluctuates in price, but it’s more widely available.
“Bonus features like electric starts, low-oil alarms and outlets can be tailored to your equipment,” says Montes. These features might not be essential but can certainly influence your decision, especially if they enhance a model’s convenience.
Many inverter generators also come with crucial safety features. These include automatic shutoff when fuel is low, overload protection (similar to a home’s breaker) and carbon monoxide detection, which shuts the generator off if it detects excessive CO2 levels.
Ashlyn Needham is a freelance writer and home decor expert with over six years of experience. She has created home-related content featured in The Spruce, HomeLight, Wayfair and Family Handyman. Ashlyn focuses on designing functional homes and inspires readers to do the same.
For this article, we consulted Tim Hodnicki, an electrician with 30 years of experience who currently serves as president of a top-rated electrical company in Easthampton, MA. We also spoke with Scott Rounds, CEO and president of Sunray Roofing and Solar, who brings over two decades of experience in the construction industry. His leadership blends innovation with sustainability.
Finally, we contacted Luis Montes, a 15-year veteran in the gas and electric industries. He is a structural engineer and heavy-duty equipment expert, currently serving as Chief Editor at Fortis HD, a company that simplifies the procurement of heavy equipment parts across America.
When choosing an inverter generator for your RV, there are several factors to consider, such as the RV’s size, your power needs and how often you plan to use it. A 2,000- to 2,500-watt generator can handle most essentials, including lights and appliances, but not an air conditioner. To power an AC unit, you’ll need at least a 3,600-watt generator. Running everything simultaneously—like the AC, appliances and electronics—would require a larger generator, closer to 6,000 watts or more.
Due to their smaller engines and more compact designs, inverter generators are significantly quieter than standard generators. A typical inverter generator produces around 60-65 dB, comparable to a normal conversation or background music. On the other hand, a standard generator with a larger fuel tank and engine may produce about 75 dB, similar to the noise level of a vacuum cleaner or window air conditioner.
Yes, an inverter generator can run an air conditioner, provided the generator’s power output is sufficient. To handle the starting and running power needs of a standard RV air conditioner, you’ll need a generator rated at least 3,600 watts.
We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.
We recommend our users to update the browser.
Thanks for visiting Pro Tool Reviews to see our recommendations for the best inverter generators. We know there are many reasons you might be looking for one, and your needs aren’t exactly the same as everyone else’s. In this guide, I’ll share which models I believe are the best for the job based on specific criteria we used to rate each model we considered.
If you’re new to inverter generators, I’ve also included information to help you make sense of the terms you should know and the most important things to look for when you’re shopping. Click the links to jump to the section you’re interested in and look for the “Back to Top” link at the bottom of each one to jump back up here.
Champion’s 4250W open-frame inverter generator series includes four models, and any one of them is a fine choice for jobsite use. The 201185 is the most full-featured of the group and includes carbon monoxide detection, remote electric start, parallel capability, and a generous fuel tank that offers outstanding runtime. It’s a fantastic all-around option that can be just as happy on your RV or tailgating as it is on the jobsite.
Westinghouse’s ecoGen10000 is near the top of the range we recommend for portable emergency power needs. At the same time, it’s not nearly as heavy as competing models in the same power class, so it’s easier to move than you might think. The biggest downside is that it’s noticeably louder that the other models we considered.
This race came down to Westinghouse and Champion, and either one will be an excellent choice for your 30A RV needs. What pushed Westinghouse into the win column was its incredibly low operating noise level—just 52 decibels. Even among quiet generators, that’s really quiet. Runtime and efficiency also rate very high, and the iGen4500DFc has a luxurious feature set.
Not many brands make inverter generators that are a good fit for 50A RVs. In the final tally, the three that made our cut were separated by only 0.2 points. Edging out Champion and Westinghouse, DuroMax’s XP11000iH offers lower noise and an impressive runtime, but even in those categories, it was a close call.
About Best open frame inverter generator
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Best open frame inverter generator have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Best open frame inverter generator for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Best open frame inverter generator featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
