Inverter generators are a terrific source of off-grid power, but they aren’t the only kind. To find out what else is available, please visit our page: Generators or Portable Power Centers: Which One is Right for You?
Portable Inverter/Generator Comparison
Lets take a look at four popular portable Inverter/Generators in the 2000W to 3500W range. This is enough power to run your most important electronics like a computer, TV, satellite receiver, network router. They can be used to run small appliances like a CPAP machine and charge your cell phone battery. They produce really clean 110v, 60 Hz power.
If you are careful you can run everything in a 30-amp RV or travel trailer, even one air-conditioner.
These all run very quietly in the 50-60 db range. For more information about decibels, how it’s measured, and how it relates to generators visit this page.
Honda, EU3000IS 3000W 120V Portable Home Gas Power Inverter Generator
The Honda EU3000iS has a larger fuel tank than most so it can run longer, but, it weighs 144 lbs. I’m not sure how they packed that much weight into this tiny box (26 x 22 x 17.6 inches). It has a whopping price on Amazon, $2,599.00*. It’s only $2,399.00 from The Home Depot*.
- Super quiet: so quiet your neighbors will thank you; the EU3000is operates at 49 to 58 dBA, which is less noise than a normal conversation; this makes it ideal for camping, RV power, and any other activity that requires quiet operation.
- Fuel efficient runs up to 20 hours on 3.4 Gal. of fuel: thanks to their exclusive eco-throttle, the EU3000 is offers great fuel efficiency. It runs 7.2 to 20 hours on a single tank, depending on the load. This makes it great for overnight power.
- Can produce 2,800 watts, which is enough to operate a wide variety of appliances, including a furnace, fridge, microwave, TV, blenders, and most 13,500 BTU RV AC units .
- It can be run in parallel with a second one to double the power with only a 25% increase in noise level. 3-year warranty.
Generac iQ3500 Portable Inverter/Generator
This Generac inverter/generator is another great choice. The noise level at 25% load is 57 dBA. Supposedly 40% quieter than the Honda when operating with the same load (over 5 dBA) and quieter than the EU3000is, based on independent third-party testing. They also boast 16% more power than the Honda.
It weighs 109.4 lbs. and measures 23.7 x 18 x 21.7 inches. It has two USB outlets as well as the two 110v AC outlets and the 30-amp connector. Electric start (battery included) capability with two speed choices so it can be extra quiet when lower power is all that is needed.
The Generac, iQ3500 produces 3500 watts starting and then 3000 watts running. It has parallel connection ports to run an additional unit for more power. Run time is 14 hrs. on a tank of gas. 3-year warranty.
It’s available on Amazon for $999.00*. E-Bay has is for $989.00*.
Champion 200988, 4500 watt Portable Inverter/Generator.
This powerful beast is packed with awesome features like duel-fuel and electric start.
4500 starting watts and 3500 running watts with up to 14 hours run time on gasoline and 21 hours on a 20lb propane tank.
This powerhouse will run everything in a 30-amp RV, including the air-conditioner.
61 dBA is is a bit louder than the others because of it’s higher wattage capability. RV ready with a 120V 30A RV outlet, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter.
It weighs 97 lbs. in it’s 23.2″ x 17.7″ x 20.1″ package. Includes wheels for easy movement. Parallel capability. 3-year warranty. Just $986.71* on Amazon.
My favorite accessory:
Champion 50-Amp RV Ready Parallel Kit for Linking Two 2800-Watt or Higher Inverter Generators. $72.09.
WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
This 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours at just 57 db.
It weighs just 92 lbs. and measures 23.2″ L x 18″ W x 20.1″ H. It includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, one 5V USB port.
The WEN 3800W Inverter Generator is also equipped with fuel shutoff. This feature turns off the flow of fuel, allowing the generator to use up the remaining fuel from the carburetor before automatically shutting down. This helps fight the build-up and blockages caused by stagnant fuel inside of the carburetor, minimizing maintenance while prolonging the unit’s lifespan.
It has electric starting and can be run in parallel with another one. It has wheels. 2-year warranty.
It’s just $798.00 from Amazon*.
Firman W03083 Whisper Series 3000/3300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Firman W03083 inverter generator features 3300 starting & 3000 running. Power is supplied by their Max Pro Series 171cc Firman engine, which runs cool & efficiently thanks to its Phoenix Fat Head Block.
Their Whisper Series muffler keeps the W03083 running a quiet 58 decibels, well below the standards set by the National Parks Service. Their spark arrester has been approved by the USDA Forest Service.
The 1.8 gallon fuel capacity provides 9 hours of run time.
Starting and stopping is as simple as the push of a button on the remote start key fob from up to 168′ Away. It includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port.
It’s 25 x 19 x 19 inches and weighs 90 lbs. $949.00* at EBay. 3-year warranty.
Harbor Freight Predator Inverter/Generator 3500
Using advanced inverter technology, this generator produces more power, with a clean power curve & low fuel consumption. With 11 hours of run time at 25% load, this powerful inverter generator is ideal for powering RVs, camping, supplying household emergency power & tailgating.
Powerful 212 cc engine provides super-quiet power output (57 dB) makes this generator ideal for campsites. 3500 starting watts, 3000 running watts with electric start.
Parallel capable to double your output. 30 amp RV adapter included for easy hookup to your RV. Connectors also include (2) 120VAC grounded outlets, (1) 120VAC twist lock outlet, (1) dc-12v two Pin out.
It weighs 99 lbs but comes with wheels. Measures 22.75 x 17.3 x 20 inches.
They guarantee only the emissions control system on your engine to be free from defects in material and workmanship for two (2) years, provided there has been no improper maintenance, misuse, or abuse of your engine. They guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for only 90 days from the date of purchase. Limitations apply.
Right now it’s just $799.99* direct from Harbor Freight Tools.
Ryobi 2,300-Watt Starting Electric Start Gasoline Powered Digital Inverter Generator
With 2,300 starting watt and 1,800 running watt, this generator is whisper-quiet and is safe for most sensitive electronics. No more hassle to start your engine. Insert the included ONE+ 18-Volt battery to utilize the electric start feature and start your generator with the push of a button. Conveniently monitor power consumption, fuel level, and runtime remaining from the GENControl App on your Apple or Android smart phone. You can also remotely start or shutdown the generator using the GENControl App.
This inverter generator is equipped with Idle-Down technology for increased fuel efficiency and rear wheels with an extending handle for easy transportation. It is also parallel capable, so when larger power demands are needed you can link 2 RYOBI inverter generators together for twice the power. RYOBI ONE+ 18-Volt 1.5 Ah battery and charger included. Backed by a 3-year Manufacturer Warranty. $849.00* each from The Home Depot. Financing available $140.00* monthly. Non-electric start version just $699.00*.
You can also buy an additional three year protection plan from AllState thru The Home Depot for $150.00*.
It runs at a quiet 57 db but you’d need two of them (package with parallel cable shown price $1,215.80*) to equal the power of the Honda shown at the top of the page. Because the Ryobi battery takes up such a large part of the panel, the connection package is limited. You need the additional parallel connecting cable (shown) to get the 30-amp outlet.
They weigh just 57.85 lbs each. Dimensions: 12.5 wide, 22″ long. It will run for 8 hours on one tank of gas with 1/2 load.
For more information on generators see these pages:
Running RV appliances like air-conditioners off-Grid
TV Reception for a Tiny House or RV
How to Quiet Down Your Generator
Portable Power Centers How To Choose
Here are some extra-powerful inverter generators
These are the largest closed-frame inverter/generators available. Really well-priced compared to the Tiny Honda model shown at the top of the page but they are heavy.
The PREDATOR® 9500W SUPER QUIET™ Inverter Generator is powerful beast.
This PREDATOR® 9500W Max Starting, 7600W running SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator uses a powerful 459cc engine providing clean, efficient power where it’s needed most. With a 6.8 gallon fuel tank, this closed-frame inverter generator delivers runtime up to 18.5 hours @ 25% load. Designed with efficiency in mind, this inverter generator is built with Electronic Speed Control Mode (ESC Mode) to optimize engine performance, maximize runtime and lower fuel consumption. Rated at 67 dB, this 9500 max starting watt closed-frame inverter generator delivers enough power to back up entire your home.
Yes, it’s heavy (257 lbs.) but it has four flat-free wheels to move it around easily.
It’s available from Harbor Freight for $2,299.99*.
Only a 90 day warranty.
GENMAX 9,000-Watt Electric Start Gasoline Powered Inverter Generator
Similar specifications with a 1-year warranty with FREE lifetime technical support.
Only 62 dBA noise level at 23 feet distance quarter load.
Remote electric start. Runtime: 10 Hours 50%-Load
Voltage Transfer switch allows you to parallel both 120V or 240V. Confidently connect two GM9000iE inverters together to double your power to 18,000 peak watts and 15,200 running watts.(Parallel kit sold separately.)
Available from Amazon for $1,899.00*. There is also a Dual-Fuel version, gas and propane, usually $2,199.99*.