Best and Worst Inverter Generators From Consumer Reports' Tests
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Inverter generators are an elite breed of portable generators. And as a group, they outperform their conventional counterparts in almost every way. They provide better run times and efficiency, and a much quieter operation, whether you’re using one at home or at a tailgate party.
But that doesn’t mean all inverter models are created equal. Far from it, according to Consumer Reports’ tests.
“Even with inverter models, we see big differences in how well generators deliver power,” says Dave Trezza, who oversees Consumer Reports’ generator testing. “Especially when they’re pushed to extremes.”
How a portable inverter generator operates at peak demand is important. A model that can’t keep up with your power needs may trip its own internal circuit breaker or cause your appliances to overheat or stall out—a phenomenon we routinely witness in testing. If you end up with a generator that falters during peak demand, you’ll need to unplug some appliances when you plug in others. You’ll also need to reset the generator’s circuit breaker each time you do.
How CR Tests Generators
To test generators for performance, our engineers load up each model with a variety of essentials you might want to power during an outage, such as a space heater, refrigerator, and window air conditioner. We make sure the generator can handle the load it’s supposed to, and also determine what happens when a sudden spike in voltage hits, for example, if the compressor in your refrigerator kicks on when the generator is already close to capacity. The best models take that in stride while others bog down or even stall. We also look at how easy it is to move and use a generator, as well as how efficiently it uses gasoline and how long it runs on a single tank.
We also developed a CO safety technology test to evaluate new automatic shut-off features on portable and inverter generators and low-CO engines.
Our ratings of dozens of models include the brands you’ll see whether you’re shopping online or at home centers: Briggs & Stratton, Generac, and Ryobi. In addition to inverters, you’ll also find traditional gasoline-powered portable generators and home standby generators. Prices for generators in our ratings range from $450 for a modest recreational generator to more than $4,000 for a small home standby model.
Start with our generator buying guide for advice on which kind of generator you’ll need. CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of our top three inverter generators, one from each of the three size categories. (The large inverter below performs well in our tests but doesn’t have a CO safety shut-off.) We also call out a large inverter model to skip.
As always—and regardless of whether or not you buy a generator with a CO safety shut-off—use a gasoline generator only outdoors, at least 20 feet from your house, with the exhaust directed away from any windows or doors.
Consumer Reports only recommends gasoline-powered generators that are designed to produce low levels of carbon monoxide, or which have an automatic shutoff mechanism, to turn off the generator in the presence of excessive carbon monoxide. Currently, none of the inverter generators in our ratings have either of these potentially life-saving features, but the models below fare extremely well in our performance tests. With any generator, it’s extremely important to follow our longstanding advice of always operating a generator a minimum of 20 feet from your house, with the exhaust directed away from any windows, doors, or air conditioners.
Worst Inverter Generator in CR's Tests
Generator Tips
Damaging storms can happen anytime. On the "Consumer 101" TV show, host Jack Rico learns from Consumer Reports expert Paul Hope how to avoid being left in the dark during a power outage.
