Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators
They cost more, but top-rated models from Champion and Honda run longer and quieter than traditional generators
When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more.
Should you buy an inverter generator? It depends on your willingness to pay more for better performance.
Much like a traditional portable generator, an inverter generator can power your home appliances and electronics when the electricity goes out. You set it up the same way, too, using gasoline as fuel and safely positioning it at least 20 feet from your home—never indoors—with the exhaust pointing away from your dwelling to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. (More about that below.)
But inverter generators are better in a variety of ways:
- They’re quieter than traditional portable generators.
- They’re more efficient, so they use less fuel.
- They deliver cleaner power, which can be important if you’re plugging in sensitive electronic equipment or medical devices.
Is an Inverter Generator Worth It?
The main drawback of inverter generators is the cost. Though prices have come down somewhat, the units can be significantly more expensive than a traditional portable generator with a comparable claimed wattage—from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars more expensive.
Are Inverter Generators Safer Than Other Portable Generators?
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious risk with all portable generators that aren’t used properly. Like other portables, inverter generators should only be used outside in an unenclosed area, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust port pointing away from your dwelling.
To further reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, some new portable generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space.
And some also have engines that emit less CO in the first place. Honda has introduced an inverter model, the EU3200i, that according to our testers has much lower CO emissions than normal. That’s obviously a good thing, but you’ll still want to observe all of the safety precautions that you’d use with a regular generator.
The bottom line is that inverter generators are not inherently safer than other portable generators. Most of the inverter generators in our ratings have the automatic CO shutoff, but that’s also true of most of the traditional portable generators in our ratings.
You can best ensure your household’s safety by choosing a recommended model from CR’s inverter generator ratings. Only portable and inverter generators with automatic CO shutoff can earn our recommendation, regardless of how well the models perform otherwise. (In 2020, CR expanded its safety tests to distinguish between generators that simply have these safety features and those we’ve found to be demonstrably safer in various situations.)
What Size Inverter Generator Should You Get?
To help you make better sense of your options, we break our inverter generator ratings into four groups:
1. Large Inverter Generators
Most large inverter generators in our ratings weigh from about 150 to about 300 pounds (wheels included). That’s too big and heavy to haul along on a camping trip or to a tailgate party, but it’s big enough to power your house. They generate 5,000 watts of power or more (at 220 volts).
This category of inverter generator can be connected directly to your electrical panel with a safety device called a transfer switch, which CR strongly recommends. That allows the generator to power entire circuits in your home rather than requiring you to plug in individual electronics with extension cords.
2. Midsized Inverter Generators
These weigh 80 pounds or more and might come with wheels. They produce 2,500 to 5,000 watts but don’t allow the recommended option of connecting to an electrical panel with a transfer switch. Instead, you plug appliances or electronics directly into the generator, which can be dangerous if you don’t follow certain safety guidelines.
This size is well suited for tailgaters or users of recreational vehicles. These models put out all the power you need for plug-in appliances like a toaster or microwave, and they’re light enough to unload and carry away to a safe distance from your vehicle or RV before use.
3. Small Recreational Inverter Generators
Models of this category of our ratings generate 1,500 to 2,500 watts. That’s enough to be a steady source of basic backup power for a fridge, some lights, and a phone charger—but not much else. These units can’t be connected to a circuit breaker panel or used to power any device that doesn’t have a standard two- or three-prong plug. But you can link multiple inverter generators together with a special cable to combine their output.
Many small recreational inverter models come with user-friendly features such as fuel-level indicators; some come with wheels. These units typically weigh between 50 and 60 pounds and are designed to be carried with one hand.
4. Compact Inverter Generators
You can plug two small appliances directly into the compact inverter generators in our ratings. They produce around 1,000 watts, enough power for light-duty tailgating or camping. These units lack convenience features like fuel gauges or standard wheels. With weights between 30 and 40 pounds, though, they’re designed for convenient, one-hand carrying.
Don’t let the small size of these units lull you into thinking you can bring them inside safely, however.
“Even a smaller generator can emit hazardous levels of CO in an enclosed space, so make sure you get a unit with CO safety technology and follow placement guidelines,” Kollontai says.
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/consumerreports.org/cro/interactives/generator-safety/images/generator-safety-desktop.png)
![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/consumerreports.org/cro/interactives/generator-safety/images/generator-safety-mobile.png)
Our generator buying guide is a great place to learn generator basics, and our full generator ratings will let you compare specific models. CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of four top-performing inverter generators, one each from the four sizes we test.