Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators

To help you make better sense of your size 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 also big enough to power your house. These models generate 5,000 watts or more.

The largest inverter generators have 220v outlets that 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 appliances and 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 you can’t connect them directly to your electrical panel with a transfer switch because they lack 220v connections. That means you can’t use them to power equipment such as a water heater or well pump. Instead, you plug appliances or electronics directly into the generator, which is less convenient.

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 in 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 hard-wired device that doesn’t have a standard two- or three-prong plug.

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,” Trezza says.