Power outages and planned blackouts are becoming more common, making a reliable home backup power source a necessity rather than a luxury. Inverter generators are the preferred choice for home use because they provide clean, stable electricity that is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, and modern appliances. Their quiet operation and fuel efficiency also make them ideal for everything from emergency preparedness to powering your next backyard project.
Choosing the right generator depends on your specific power needs, portability requirements, and budget. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of top-performing inverter generators known for their reliability, features, and user satisfaction. This roundup will guide you toward the perfect model to keep your home running smoothly during an unexpected outage.
Our Top Picks for Home Inverter Generators
- Honda EU2200ITAN 2200-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
- Champion Power Equipment 4000-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter
- WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
- Krieger 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter Dual 110V AC Outlets
- XIAOWEI Recoil Starter for CAT RP6500 RP6500E Gas Generator
- Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200ITAN 2200-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
The Honda EU2200ITAN is often considered the gold standard in the portable generator market. It builds on Honda’s legendary reputation for reliability by delivering 10% more power than its predecessor in the same compact and lightweight package. This extra power gives you the flexibility to run more essential devices during a power interruption.
Safety and convenience are key highlights of this model. The integrated CO-Minder technology provides peace of mind by automatically shutting down the generator if it detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Furthermore, with the Honda My Generator app and Bluetooth capability, you can start, stop, and monitor your generator’s performance remotely from your smartphone.
Champion Power Equipment 4000-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter
For those needing substantial power for a home or an RV, the Champion 4000-watt open frame inverter is a formidable option. It provides 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts, capable of powering multiple appliances simultaneously. Its open-frame design makes it 20% lighter and 50% quieter than traditional generators, striking a balance between high output and manageable noise levels.
This generator is engineered for extended use, offering up to 17 hours of run time on a single tank of gasoline. It produces clean power with less than 3% THD, making it safe for sensitive electronics. With a dedicated 30A RV outlet plus standard household outlets, it offers exceptional versatility for emergency home backup or recreational use.
WEN 56225i 2250-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56225i stands out for its exceptional quietness, operating at a mere 53 dB, which is comparable to the volume of a normal conversation. This makes it an excellent neighbor-friendly choice for residential areas or for camping trips where noise is a concern. Despite its quiet operation, it doesn’t compromise on power, delivering 1800 rated watts and 2250 surge watts.
Weighing just 48.5 pounds, this model is highly portable and easy to store. It features a fuel shut-off that helps protect the carburetor for long-term reliability. Its clean power output ensures that your phones, tablets, and other delicate electronics can be charged safely without risk of damage.
Krieger 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter Dual 110V AC Outlets
The Krieger 1100 Watt Power Inverter offers a unique and cost-effective solution for backup power. Instead of a standalone generator, this device converts the 12V DC power from your car or truck battery into 110V AC household power. It provides 1100 watts of continuous power, perfect for smaller electronics, power tools, or kitchen appliances like blenders.
This unit is designed with user convenience and safety in mind. The package includes an installation kit and a wired remote control with an LCD display. The display shows input voltage, output wattage, and battery level, while built-in protections guard against overload, high temperature, and short circuits.
XIAOWEI Recoil Starter for CAT RP6500 RP6500E Gas Generator
This product from XIAOWEI is a replacement part designed specifically for CAT RP6500 and RP6500E gas generators. A functional recoil starter is essential for the manual starting process of many generator models. If your generator’s original starter has failed, this part can help restore its functionality.
Ensuring you have access to reliable replacement parts is key to maintaining your home backup power system over the long term. This recoil starter offers a practical solution for generator owners who need to perform their own maintenance and repairs, helping to extend the life of their equipment.
Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
The Champion 2000-Watt Dual Fuel model provides exceptional flexibility for home backup power. Its key advantage is the ability to run on either gasoline or propane. Propane is a popular choice for storage as it has a much longer shelf life than gasoline, making it ideal for emergency preparedness kits.
This generator is built to be quiet and lightweight, offering the clean power necessary for sensitive electronics. The dual-fuel capability allows you to choose the most convenient or available fuel source during an outage, giving you more control and options in a stressful situation.
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Another excellent offering from WEN, the 56203i model is a super quiet 2000-watt inverter generator. It is designed for users who need reliable power for essential home devices without the noise of a conventional generator. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and store when not in use.
This generator produces clean energy, preventing damage to phones, laptops, and other modern electronics. It is an economical and efficient choice for powering a few critical items during a blackout, such as a refrigerator, lights, and communication devices.
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
The Honda EU2200i is the core model behind the feature-rich EU2200ITAN, sharing the same reliable 2200-watt powerhouse engine. It is renowned for its super quiet operation, incredible fuel efficiency, and industry-leading durability. This generator is a workhorse built to last for years.
It provides ample power for a wide range of home applications, from sump pumps and refrigerators to window air conditioning units. While it may lack the Bluetooth and CO-Minder features of its sibling, it retains the fundamental quality and performance that has made Honda generators a trusted name for decades.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Inverter Generator for Your Home
So you’re thinking about getting an inverter generator for your home. It’s a smart move, especially if you want to keep the lights on and the fridge running during a power outage. But with so many models out there, how do you pick the right one? I’ve been through this process myself, and I can tell you it’s not just about grabbing the biggest or cheapest one you see. Let’s break down the key things you need to consider.
First up is power, or wattage. You need to figure out how much you actually need. Start by making a list of the essential appliances you want to run. Add up their starting wattage (the surge they need to turn on) and running wattage (what they need to keep going). A refrigerator might need 2,200 watts to start but only 700 to run. A few lights and a phone charger are negligible. For most homes, a generator in the 2,000 to 3,000-watt range can handle a fridge, some lights, a fan, and a TV. If you want to power something bigger like a well pump or central air conditioning, you’re looking at 7,000 watts or more. It’s always better to have a little more power than you think you’ll need.
Next, think about the fuel type and runtime. Most inverter generators run on gasoline, which is easy to find but doesn’t store well long-term. Some models are dual-fuel, meaning they can also run on propane, which stores indefinitely. Runtime is huge. Look at how long the generator can run on a single tank of gas at a 50% load. A runtime of 8-12 hours means you won’t have to refuel in the middle of the night, which is a major plus for convenience and safety.
Noise level is a big deal, and it’s where inverter generators really shine. They are much quieter than traditional generators. The noise level is measured in decibels (dB). Look for something in the 50-60 dB range for a model you can have a normal conversation next to without shouting. This is crucial if you have close neighbors or just value your peace and quiet.
Finally, consider the outlets and features. Make sure the generator has the right types and number of outlets for your needs. A 120V household outlet is standard, but a 30A RV outlet (TT-30) is incredibly useful for connecting to a home transfer switch. Parallel capability is a fantastic feature; it lets you connect two identical generators to double your power output. This gives you a lot of flexibility for future needs. Portability matters too—check the weight and see if it has wheels if you plan on moving it around often. Taking the time to think through these points will help you find one of the best inverter generators for home use that truly fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between an inverter generator and a regular generator?
The biggest difference is in the quality and stability of the electricity they produce. A regular generator runs at a constant speed to produce AC power, but this power can have surges and drops. An inverter generator first produces AC power, then converts it to DC, and then “inverts” it back to a very clean and stable AC signal. This “pure sine wave” power is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, and flat-screen TVs. Inverter generators are also typically much quieter, more fuel-efficient, and lighter than conventional models.
Can I use an inverter generator to power my entire house?
Most portable inverter generators are not designed to power an entire house simultaneously. They are intended for powering a selection of essential appliances. To run your whole home, including central air conditioning and electric heating, you would need a very large, permanently installed standby generator. However, you can use a portable inverter generator to power critical circuits in your home if you have a professional install a transfer switch. This allows you to safely connect the generator to your home’s electrical panel and run things like your refrigerator, furnace fan, well pump, and some lights.
How do I calculate what size generator I need?
You calculate the size by adding up the wattage requirements of everything you want to power at the same time. The trick is to account for both the running watts and the higher starting watts (or surge watts) that motors in appliances like fridges and pumps require. Check the labels on your appliances for their wattage ratings. As a rough guide, a 2,200-watt generator can run a refrigerator and a few lights, while a 4,500-watt model could handle that plus a sump pump and a microwave. When looking at the best inverter generators for home use, I always recommend choosing a model with a wattage rating about 20% higher than your calculated need to be safe.
Is it safe to run an inverter generator in my garage?
No, it is never safe to run a generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space like a garage, even with the door open. Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly, odorless gas. You must always place the generator outdoors, far away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent exhaust fumes from entering your home. A good rule is to keep it at least 20 feet from your house, with the exhaust directed away from any structures.
How often should I perform maintenance on my inverter generator?
Regular maintenance is key to reliability. After every use, or about every 50-60 hours of operation, you should check the oil level. You should also change the oil after the first 20-30 hours of use (the break-in period) and then every 100 hours of runtime or at least once per season. Always use the type of oil recommended in your owner’s manual. It’s also important to not let old gas sit in the tank for long periods, as it can gum up the carburetor. If you’re storing it for more than a month, either drain the fuel or use a fuel stabilizer.