There are many different situations where the inverter generator is a real help. It can be used in the event of a power outage or wherever there is no conventional power source, which is often the case in more remote garden areas.
A modern inverter power generator is characterized by the fact that there are no dangerous power fluctuations as with other units. A converter (inverter) is integrated for this purpose. Use the following inverter power generator guide to find out when and why the purchase is worthwhile.
Purchase advice for the inverter power generator buyers
- Inverter power generators are available in many different versions for stationary and mobile use. In hospitals and important administrative buildings, they are used to maintain the infrastructure in the event of a power failure.
- One of the most important characteristics compared to other emergency power generators is that this type of power generator first generates direct current, which is converted into fluctuation-free alternating current via an inverter. The main purpose of the process is to protect sensitive devices from damage.
- In addition to stationary applications, the generator is also often used on construction sites to operate a wide variety of power tools. An inverter power generator with 400 volts, which can also be used for home security, is particularly suitable for this. An inverter power generator with 1,900 watts or more power output is more versatile.
- When making a selection, it is therefore important to calculate or estimate the power consumption of all consumers that are to be supplied via the unit.
- You should also clarify whether an inverter power generator with a three-phase current is required to protect the house. This typically includes induction hotplates and ovens.
- Mobile devices expand personal freedom of action since you can generate electricity wherever it is needed. You can use an inverter power generator in the boat or garden to mow the lawn or to provide light in the house and operate the music system.
The basic inverter generator components
As with all other units, a motor that can be driven with different fuels is required to generate electricity. The essential distinguishing feature is the inverter, which is also referred to as an inverter. It is part of the electronics and ensures that the direct current produced is converted into alternating current with a constant sine wave.
In most cases, the models are still equipped with a pull starter that you have to operate manually. Some manufacturers equip their products with a starter battery so that an electric start is possible at the push of a button, which makes handling noticeably easier.
Useful and efficient applications of inverter generators
Use an inverter power generator wherever there is no conventional power source. Basically, it is important to know that the outgoing frequency and voltage of a power generator must not fluctuate or only slightly if you want to connect sensitive devices such as your laptop and comparable consumers. These requirements are met with an inverter power generator of up to 3,000 watts, even if you remove a consumer during operation or add another one.
Another issue is home security so that the fridge and freezer keep running during a power outage, preventing food from thawing prematurely or spoiling. There are other possible uses in the workshop at home and outdoors if you are away from campsites and need independent electricity for heating at temperatures well below zero degrees.
From time to time, even the top models have problems. Operating instructions that go with the product can often be helpful in order to take the right measures in advance. If necessary, you will also find the inverter power generator circuit diagram in the document so that you can carry out repairs yourself with the appropriate know-how.
Important accessory: the inverter generator exhaust hose
You always need an exhaust hose if you want to set up and operate an inverter emergency power generator inside closed rooms. This is typically the case when it is set up permanently in a basement room to protect a single-family home. This applies equally to aggregates powered by diesel, petrol, or gas. The exhaust gases are transported outside via the hose. As a rule, it is attached as close as possible to the tailpipe.
Inverter power generators compared in terms of fuel type
Inverter power generator with diesel
- Offers a very high mileage overall and are considered to be less maintenance-intensive
- Diesel fuel is significantly cheaper than petrol in terms of running costs
- Somewhat louder in comparison in terms of noise emissions
- The higher purchase price is particularly worthwhile if the inverter power generator is used in continuous operation
Inverter generators with gasoline
- Ahead of the inverter generator with diesel in terms of continuous output
- Slightly quieter in terms of engine noise during operation at the same distance
- Despite the inverter, there may be small current fluctuations
- Cheaper to buy, but more expensive to run due to current petrol prices
Inverter gas generators
- Often used as an inverter power generator when camping
- Also partly available as a dual inverter, so that it can also be operated with petrol in addition to propane gas
- Starting and mileage are slightly lower with gas operation than with petrol or diesel
- Slightly more expensive, and propane gas cylinders must also be transported for mobile use
Buying an inverter power generator: What do I have to pay attention to?
An inverter power generator is very practical in the event of a power failure. To find the best inverter generator for your needs, there are a few details to include in your search:
The display as a useful feature
If the inverter power generator is equipped with a display, various parameters are displayed digitally, which can be a great advantage. This includes, for example, the previous operating time and how much fuel is still available.
The number of sockets and other connection options
The connections are an important criterion. Whether an inverter power generator with 400 volts or another variant: Often there are two and sometimes more sockets with 230 volts available, via which a corresponding number of consumers can be connected. Ideally, there is also a 12 V connection, for example, to charge a mobile home battery. This is partly supplemented by USB connection options.
The inverter generator start-up current
The starting current is important in connection with the type of consumer. Some require a short-term power peak to start, which can exceed the nominal power of the aggregate used. Inverters have the edge here. A distinction is made between the following types:
Other features that may be useful
Regardless of whether the inverter power generator is operated with gas or another energy source: Especially in the camping area, the remote control is one of the preferred equipment to start the generator if necessary while you are sitting comfortably in the caravan or mobile home.
Since the question is asked more frequently, at least in the professional field: A diesel power generator inverter can be water-cooled, such as models from Hyundai, which, however, are mainly used in industry and are correspondingly expensive.
Tip: It is possible to combine an inverter power generator with a photovoltaic system to create an additional power source in addition to the solar cells on the roof. In this context, there is talk of a hybrid system, so that bottlenecks can be bridged when there is too little sunshine. If the generator is used relatively frequently, inverter generator tests carried out by experts show that a diesel generator should be preferred due to the lower consumption.
Which are the most popular inverter power generator manufacturers?
Inverter generators are operated with gas, diesel, or petrol.
There are numerous providers of modern inverter power generators (with a maximum output of 2 kW) are small, quiet, and light at the same time. There are also many other models with different performances. The currently well-known brands include those listed below:
- Scheppach
- Huyndai
- Hofer
- Deng bar
- Champion
- Ferrex
- Goodness
- Bosch
- Westinghouse
When looking for a cheap inverter power generator, it is helpful to pay attention to special offers from well-known discounters in order to make a bargain. Consider other criteria such as weight and the number of connections available.
FAQ about inverter power generators
How quiet does an inverter generator have to be?
Naturally, an inverter power generator should be as quiet as possible. Who doesn’t know the hum of a diesel engine in the background, for example at a garden party? Well-damped models are ideally below 60 decibels (dB), which is roughly equivalent to a normal conversation.
Do I need to ground the inverter generator?
As a rule, grounding is not necessary for smaller inverter devices, since equipotential bonding is present. Pay attention to the information in the operating instructions in connection with this detail.
When do you need an inverter generator?
You use an inverter power generator wherever there is no direct power supply or it has failed. Well-known areas of application are the construction site or the open field. An inverter power generator can also be used as an emergency generator.
How much does an inverter generator cost?
Inexpensive inverter power generators cost between $250 and $350. In the middle price range, you pay more like 500 to 1,000 euros for the power generator with inverter technology. Especially powerful inverter power generators are not available for less than $1,500.
What is an inverter?
The inverter is also called an inverter or rotary converter. The device converts DC voltage into AC voltage. The inverter is therefore one of the so-called converters and represents a subgroup there with rectifiers or converters.
Conclusion: Which are the best inverter power generators in 2022?
Choose your best inverter power generator test winner from the following list:
DENQBAR 2100 W Inverter DQ-0301
Briggs and Stratton PowerSmart P2400
DENQBAR inverter power generator DQ-4200
DENQBAR 2000 W inverter
Matrix PG 2000i
Itcpower IT-GG9I
Fuxtec FX-IG12
Scheppach SG2000