Have you been thinking about buying an inverter generator, but didn’t know what to look for? You probably heard that an inverter generator is a lot quieter and more fuel efficient than a typical generator, which is true. An inverter generator allows you to provide safer and cleaner power for sensitive electronics by inverting electricity making it a great choice for parties and tailgating.
Generac inverter generators are quieter, more compact, and very energy efficient in comparison to a regular generator. Generac is a well-known brand for its quality generators and reliable and safe power. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the Best Generator Inverter Generator for your needs.
Top 5 Best Generac Inverter Generators
Generac 76711 Inverter Generator – Best User-Friendly Inverter Generator
Allowing you to access power wherever you are, the Generac GP1200i Inverter Generator offers 1200 Watt and is a portable solution to camping trips and tailgating parties. With its lightweight design, this inverter generator is specifically engineered to make it easy to move. This is also a quiet generator that is good for use in neighborhoods since its completely enclosed design reduces noise levels dramatically making it neighbor-friendly.
Features
Using a different type of alternator, the Generac GP1200i Inverter Generator has a reduced weight along with power that is super clean. Featuring True Power Technology, it provides a stable and clean power that is perfect for running appliances, electronics, and tools. In economy mode, this unit adjusts engine speed automatically to save on fuel and reduce any sound emissions.
Design and Materials
Lightweight and compact, this is an easy to move inverter generator that comes with a built-in handle. Featuring LED Indicators, you are alerted to when the oil level is low, ready to use, or it is overloaded. Plus, it comes with covered outlets that offer additional protection from the environment.
Drawbacks
Most users have commented on how heavy this inverter generator is, especially when it’s full of fuel. The one thing the Generac GP1200i Inverter Generator needs is a set of casters or wheels. This would help to move the unit around your yard as you clean the siding.
Overall
This is a very user-friendly unit that comes with indicator lights that tell you when to change the oil and when it’s ready to use again. The Generac GP1200i Inverter Generator also included covered outlets and a built-in handle to aid in moving the unit.
- This is a quiet generator that would be safe to use in a neighborhood setting
- It comes with an economy mode that is designed to save you money and fuel
- It includes LED indicators to tell you when to service the unit
- It’s a pretty heavy unit
- It needs wheels or casters to help move it
Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator – Best Quick Starting Inverter Generator
Providing the power you need wherever you are, the Generac’s GP3000i Inverter Generator offers quick starts and is capable of operating RV AC units, power tools, and other types of motor-driven equipment. Featuring the patented POWERRUSH technology, this unit delivers more than 50 percent of the starting capacity you need, so you can do more with less. And the PowerDial features integrates the START/STOP/RUN functions into a simple-to-use dial.
Features
The Generac GP3000i Inverter Generator offers quiet power that reduces sound emissions while providing optimal performance. It is equipped with two USB outlets that let you charge tablets, smartphones, and other electronics. You can also connect two of these inverters together to gain twice the power.
Design and Materials
Lightweight and compact, this is an easy to carry inverter generator that comes with a built-in handle. The Tryepower features offer clean power for sensitive electronics.
Drawbacks
It has an awkward design that makes oil changes difficult. The Generac GP3000i Inverter Generator also has a structural design that makes it hard to change out the spark plugs.
Overall
This super quiet inverter generator is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry and move when necessary. Ideal for sensitive electronics, you can also parallel Generac GP3000i Inverter Generator to double your power.
- It’s a very quiet machine
- Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to move
- You can use it to power sensitive electronics
- Oil changes are awkward due to the unit’s design
- It’s hard to change out spark plugs with their design
Generac 7117 Gp2200I Inverter – Best Portable Inverter Generator
Offering outdoor enthusiasts a portable power option, the Generac 7117 Gp2200i Inverter is a great option that is ideal for cookouts and festivals. This is a stable power solution that is also super quiet making it perfect for neighborhoods or the surrounding wildlife. You can also parallel two of the unit together to create more power.
Features
With the Generac GP2200i Inverter Generator, you get TruePower Technology that produces clean power that is required by a range of appliances, electronics, and tools. This fully-enclosed inverter is easy to move and the ECO mode helps to reduce noise emissions and fuel consumption rate, so it can offer quiet operation for long periods of time. Plus, its parallel capability lets you connect two of these units together in order to power cell phones, RV AC units, lights, and any portable appliance.
Design and Materials
Compact and quiet, the Generac 7177 Inverter offers 1700 watts and stable, clean power. The 1.2-gallon fuel tank lets this generator run for almost 11 hours on a 25 percent load. It also comes with built-in handles that make it very easy to move while the integrated OFF/RUN/CHOKE knob helps to simplify startup procedures.
Drawbacks
Users have complained about the amount of plastic that is in this generator. Plus, it tends to shake when it is in the ECO setting.
Overall
If you do a lot of recreational activities, the Generac 7117 Gp2200i Inverter is a great choice. Quiet and compact, it has a long-lasting run time and offers clean and stable power to keep your sensitive electronics charged.
- The unit is very quiet
- It has an easy pull start
- This is a pretty lightweight unit even with the large motor
- There is a lot of plastic in this unit
- It will shake when it’s on the ECO setting
Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator – Best Open Frame Inverter Generator
Perfect for an RV, camping, or the job site, the Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator has 3500 starting watts and has an open frame. Using POWERRUSH patented technology, this generator delivers over 50 percent more starting capacity letting you do more with less. The PowerDial allows you to integrate START/RUN/STOP functions into a simple-to-use dial, plus the two USB outlets let you charge tablets, smartphones, and other sensitive electronics.
Features
The Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator allows you to connect two inverters together to give you twice the power. This generator is up to 50 percent quieter making it great for a sensitive environment. Plus, it is up to 25 percent lighter making it super portable.
Design and Materials
This is an RV ready inverter generator that can connect right to the RV to power most of the RV AC unites up to 15,000 BTUs. The Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator is parallel ready, so you can get double the power when needed. It also comes with USB outlets and is also parallel ready, so you can connect two units together to double the power when you need it.
Drawbacks
Users weren’t thrilled with how heavy this unit is, especially when it’s full of fuel. Plus, the power for the Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator is split into two circuits.
Overall
The Generac GP3500iO Inverter Generator is a very quiet unit that gives you solid power to run your sensitive electronics. Offering great fuel economy, this is a parallel ready unit that comes ready to connect to an RV for extra power.
- This is a super quiet generator with solid power
- It’s a great unit for areas that lose power frequently
- It has great fuel economy
- It’s pretty heavy to move
- The power is split into two circuits
Generac 7127 iQ3500 Inverter Generator – Best Lightweight Inverter Generator
The Generac 7127 iQ3500 Inverter Generator offers 3500 Watts in this quiet and portable generator. This lightweight, but durable design is a great choice for camping, the job site, or tailgating. With the intuitive Power Dial, you get integrated start, run, and stop function in an easy to use dial.
Features
Choose from two different engine speeds, which can allow you to reduce engine noise, maximize power, and reduce fuel consumption. Using a different type of alternator portable generator has reduced size and weight but can safely power tools and sensitive electronics. Using advanced inverter technology, this enclosure design helps to provide optimal quiet performance.
Design and Materials
Perfect for play and work, the Generac 7127 iQ3500 Inverter Generator has a durable steel enclosure that is easy to move, which makes it great for recreational activities or job sites. Featuring a digital smart LCD, it is equipped with a fuel level, hour meter, generator status, run time remaining display, and digital wattage meter. Plus, it comes with USB ports that allow you to charge mobile devices.
Drawbacks
As you read the reviews, you notice several complaints about the design of the unit and the difficulty of changing the oil. There are also issues with the poor quality of the cover gasket.
- You can use this unit at the jobsite or at home
- The digital smart LCD makes maintenance easy
- It comes with handy USB ports
- Oil changes are difficult due to the unit’s design
- The cover gasket is poor quality
Comparison Table
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing a Generac Inverter Generator
Before you choose an inverter generator, you will need to decide two things:
- How are you planning to use it?
- How much power do you need?
For those looking for a backup energy source during a hurricane, an inverter generator is not designed for it. In this case, you need a large, portable emergency generator or a standby home generator. If you only need to power a few things, then a large inverter generator should work just fine.
Typically, an inverter generator is best when used for a recreational activity. Think camping or tailgating parties. This is where an inverter generator will shine.
What is an Inverter Generator?
The Inverter
An inverter generator uses inverter technology, hence the name. It allows you to switch the current from direct to alternating current and then back again. This helps to ensure that you have a consistent power flow to your appliances.
Fuel Efficiency
Inverter Generators are also super-efficient when it comes to fuel. An inverter generator allows you to adjust the engine speed to match the needs of what you are powering. This is a more fuel-efficient design that doesn’t stay at just one speed no matter what it’s powering and wastes a ton of excess power. Think about all the money you’ll save on fuel!
Noise
Typically, a portable generator will have some sort of hum that can be super loud. An inverter generator is a lot quieter thanks to their engines throttling back. When run at low throttle, an inverter generator is about as loud as a normal conversation.
Size
Usually smaller than a portable generator, an inverter generator is also easier to transport in a car or RV.
Maximum Power
A portable generator is able to support more than 10,000 watts over a several hour period. With an inverter generator, you are limited due to their small size, efficiency, and portability. Like a portable generator, an inverter generator provides mobile power or temporary power solutions.
Regular Generator versus Inverter Generator
As we mentioned, the main difference between an inverter and a regular generator is the inverter’s ability to create clean electrical power for sensitive electronics. Here are a few other differences between the two:
Fuel Efficiency
You get a higher fuel efficiency with an inverter in comparison to a regular generator. You are able to change the engine’s speed on an inverter allowing it to produce less current and run slower when you are only powering a box fan. As you add other items, you can adjust the speed to meet the new demand.
With a regular generator, you get one speed, period. No matter what the power demand is, so you end up wasting energy and fuel since it is constantly running on full power.
Output
With a limited wattage range, an inverter generator can only produce about 7,000 watts of electricity. This is a lot less wattage than a regular portable generator that creates up to 17,000 watts.
This is one of the reasons you wouldn’t use an inverter generator for emergency backup situations unless you just need to power a couple of smaller items. Typically, an inverter generator is used for recreational needs when you are tailgating or camping.
Power
Offering a lower total harmonic distortion, inverter generators don’t create a large amount of electricity. If you are looking for a generator to power a TV as you tailgate or to supplement the power supply in your RV, or you need something to power the television at your tailgating party, an inverter generator is the better choice. When you need something to power your entire house, then you want a traditional generator.
Noise
Everyone knows that generators are noisy. After a hurricane, it’s basically all you hear in the neighborhood. Since you can only turn them on and off, they run at full throttle anytime they are on.
However, with an inverter generator, you can have an almost whisper quiet generator thanks to its ability to spool down and up as you need it to. Many inverter generators on the market are actually quieter than a normal conversation. This allows you to have one at a party without worrying about needing to shout to your guests during conversations.
Portability
Since an inverter generator has a smaller design, they are more portable than a regular generator. This is a great feature if you need to pick it up and put it down again, plus it’s a great size for small backyard parties and tailgating.
Cost
If there is one major drawback to the inverter generator, it’s the price. They are more expensive, but if you need them to power personal electronics, it is probably worth the extra cost.
Weight
Most inverter generators weigh less than 100 pounds. Larger inverter generators also come with wheels and a telescoping handle to help maneuver them into place. This is a great option if you need a lightweight and portable generator for small power applications.
Size
A lot more compact than a regular generator, an inverter generator has a more efficient internal design that uses a smaller fuel tank. Many inverter generators weigh under 40 pounds, which makes it easy for anyone to move them around. This also helps make them popular for recreational activities.
Noise Level
Designed to be quieter than a regular generator, inverter generators offer noise levels that are ideal for campgrounds where there is an official noise restriction. Typically, an inverter generator registers around 66 dB, which is about the same noise level as a regular conversation. In comparison, a regular generator measures as high as 76 dB, which is the same noise level as a vacuum cleaner.
Parallel Capability
Inverter generators may not be that powerful on their own, but you can double their power by combining two of them together with a parallel cable. This ability to parallel with other inverter generators will allow you to power larger things like the air conditioning in a home. Not all inverter generators have this ability, but, if it’s important to you, make sure the one you choose has it.
FAQs – Generac Inverter Generators
How Do You Connect an Inverter Generator to a House?
There are several ways to connect an inverter generator to your house. A convenience cord, an extension cord, a manual transfer switch, or a through-the-wall kit. It is actually no different connecting an inverter generator to your house than a regular portable generator.
However, hooking up an inverter generator to your house isn’t that common since it can only power a few items at a time. However, there are some situations where you can use a manual transfer switch in order to connect an inverter generator to your furnace system circuit to provide emergency heat during the winter.
Can You Use Inverter Generators Indoors?
No, you cannot use an inverter generator inside. This is the number one rule of generator safety. An inverter generator may appear harmless and small, but they use a combustion engine that will release exhaust gases that can poison and even kill you.
Remember that you should not use an inverter generator in an open garage, shed, detached garage, under a deck, and within 15-feet of a house. Always keep in mind that people die doing this and using a generator does not have a workaround. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Is an Inverter Generator Worth the Investment?
For their fuel efficiency and convenience, an inverter generator is definitely worth it to keep your sensitive electronics safe during a power outage. While there are more upfront costs, many people it’s made up for in its fuel savings, portability, and quiet operation.
Summary/Conclusion
A Generac inverter generator is a great choice for anyone that needs backup power for a trip, small power outages, or any recreational activity. However, if you need heavy backup power, you should look at portable generators instead. Otherwise, you can’t beat the clean power, quiet operation, and convenience of a Generac inverter generator.
John Billiou
LOCATION: Visalia, California
OCCUPATION: President
John Billiou assumed operations of the family business in 1989 with a "big appetite" for success.
Based in Central California, Billiou's Has been serving the Parts Needs of Lawn & Garden Dealers Across the Western United States for 70 Years.
Today, the company distributes new equipment and parts in 13 Western states and John said their No. 1 customers are cities and counties.
Billiou’s provides field support through their call center, field sales force, and an extensive website.
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