6 best cheap inverter generators of 2022
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An inverter generator is more fuel efficient and quieter, yet more expensive than a traditional counterpart. But does it mean you can’t enjoy the amazing advantages of an inverter generator with a tight budget? Of course not.
With our list of 6 best cheap inverter generators of 2022, you can make a power outage or a camping trip or whatever tasks more pleasurable without breaking your bank. Check it out!
Westinghouse iGen1200Most fuel efficient
Pros
- Most lightweight on the list
- Fuel efficient with Efficient Mode
- Great emergency backup for home
- Parallel capable
Cons
- The least powerful
- Takes time to start
Weighing only 33lb with a suitcase compact design, the Westinghouse iGen1200 is the lightest generator on the list. There is no doubt that it generates the least power.
If you have small power demands, such as laptops, cellphones, lighting, small TVs, the iGen1200 will be the perfect match for you.
Despite a modest 0.8 gallon tank, this small beast can run 10 hours with no interruption. That being said, along with its Efficiency Mode, iGen1200 inverter generator is super fuel efficient.
If 1000W is too little for you, remember that it has parallel capability that allows you to pair it with another iGen1200 for double power output.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 0.8 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 54cc |
| Running Watts | 1000W |
| Starting Watts | 1200W |
| Run Time (Eco mode) | 7 Hours |
| Noise Level (25% load) | 52 dBA |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 33 |
| Outlets | (2) 120V Outlets; (2) USB Ports |
| Highlight Features | Quiet Operation, Ultra lightweight and ultra compact, parallel capable, Efficiency Mode |
Efficiently reducing generator fuel bills, Westinghouse iGen1200 inverter generator is everything you need for every power outage at home.
WEN 56200iQuietest
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- Lightweight and compact design
- Versatile panel
- Parallel capacity
Cons
- Lack wheels and adjustable handle
- Changing oil is difficult
Let’s move on to the quietest model of the list - WEN 56200i Inverter Generator. Operating at 51 decibels which is quieter than a normal conversation, this generator guarantees a quiet campsite or neighborhood during an emergency backup.
Rest assured that your most sensitive devices such as laptops, cellphones and tablets will be safe with WEN 56200i because it is equipped with minimal harmonic distortion of nearly 1.2% at full load and only 0.3% at no load.
What’s more? You meet no hassle carrying this 48 lbs generator, making your away-from-home trip more memorable. If your demand excesses 2000 watts, you can simply hook up 2 generators with parallel connector kit.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 1 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 79.7cc |
| Running Watts | 1600W |
| Starting Watts | 2000W |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 6 Hours |
| Noise Level (22 feet) | 51 dBA |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 48 |
| Outlets | (2) three-prong 120V receptacles, (1) 12V DC receptacle and (1) 5V USB port |
| Highlight Features | Parallel Connection Capability, Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port, EPA III and CARB compliant |
Your neighbors won’t ever never complain about the noise if you own a WEN 56200i.
Pulsar PG2000iSNMost portable
Pros
- Compact suitcase design
- Fuel efficient with 8 hours running time at half load
- Can charge multiple devices at the same time
- Parallel capacity
Cons
- Runs rough at no or little load
- Oil needs to be changed regularly
The next cheap inverter generator we want to introduce to you is Pulsar PG2000iSN. Pulsar never fails to bring to its customers durable, long lasting generators to power their devices at a competitive price. PG2000iSN is not the exception.
With Stable Sine Wave Technology, PG2000iSN proudly brings you pure, safe power for your sensitive devices. 2 AC 120V 13A Outlets, a 12V DC 8A Outlet, a 5V DC USB Outlet, allow you to charge and power several devices at a time.
Carrying a generator to a campsite is easier than ever with the compact suitcase design and 47 lbs weight the generator offers. If you want to run some power hungry devices like the AC or fridge, just connect 2 PG2000iSN generators and let them do the rest for you.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 1.18 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 80cc |
| Running Watts | 1600W |
| Starting Watts | 2000W |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 8 Hours |
| Noise Level (10 feet) | 59 dBA |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 47 |
| Outlets | (2) AC 120V 13A Outlets, (1) 12V DC 8A Outlet, (1) 5V DC USB Outlet |
| Highlight Features | Compact Suitcase Design, 8 Hours of Continuous Operation at Half Load, Stable Sine Wave Technology Parallel Connection Capability |
Pulsar PG2000iSN is good value for the money regarding its durability and portability.
A-iPower SUA2000iVUser-friendliest
Pros
- Hassle-free startup with Easy-start engine
- One switch for start, run and stop functions
- Parallel capability allows you to connect 2 A-iPower generators for increased power
- EPA and CARB compliant
- Eco mode saves fuel and reduces noise
- RV Ready
Cons
- Not so powerful to run an RV AC
- Long break in time
Want to own your first inverter generator but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry because A-iPower SUA2000iV has you covered. Packed with various user-friendly features, it is the best we can offer you as a beginner.
With 1600 running watts and 2000 running watts, SUA2000iV is perfect for your camping trips, tailgating parties and even RVs. It is the only inverter generator on the list that the raw power from DC to AC output with a DC charging cable.
The biggest selling point is the integrated multi switch that at the same time, starts, runs and stops the generator. How effortless it is!
Another worth mentioning features are easy start engine and parallel capacity.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 1.1 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 79cc |
| Running Watts | 1600W |
| Starting Watts | 2000W |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 7 Hours |
| Noise Level (23 feet) | 58 dBA |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 46 |
| Outlets | (1) NEMA 120VAC 20A Outlets, (1) NEMA 120VAC 30A, L5-3OR Twist-Lock Outlet, (1) 12VDC 8.3A Adapter Plug for Battery Charging or with USB Adapter, 30 AMP RV Adapter |
| Highlight Features | Easy start engine, Multi-switch, Parallel Connection Capability, Eco Throttle system, EPA and CARB compliant, DC charging cable, Parallel Cable included |
Using a generator has been more hassle-free and easier with A-iPower SUA2000iV Inverter Generator.
DuroMax XP2000EHBest dual fuel
Pros
- Dual Fuel technology
- Parallel capacity
- Idle control
- Low oil shutoff
- Durability when running on liquid propane
Cons
- More noisy than the other ones
Are you looking for a cheap inverter generator providing every feature you need, and even more? We have found for you one of the best. The DuroMax XP2000EH is a portable inverter generator with a capability of 2000 Watts.
Its dual-fuel technology allows you to fill the tank with gasoline or liquid propane. Liquid propane is fuel efficient, less expensive and has a longer storage life.While running on propane, the DuroMax XP2000EH can last up to 20 hours. It is an ideal emergency supplier!
The idle control feature of this inverter generator save fuel and reduce noise by lowering the engine speed when not in use. Furthermore, it shut offs automatically when the oil is low.
Just relax your camping, do not worry about energy anymore. If you need you can bridge two XP2000EH units together to double the power!
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 1.19 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 80cc |
| Running Watts | 1600W |
| Starting Watts | 2000W |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 13 Hours |
| Noise Level (22 feet) | 61 dBA |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 53 |
| Outlets | 2 120V household GFCI outlets |
| Highlight Features | Dual Fuel Technology, Two 120V household GFCI outlets, EPA & CARB Compliant, Low Oil Shutoff, Parallel Connection Capability, Idle Control |
DuroMax XP2000EH is an interesting choice as inverter generator since it can be fueled by liquid propane and last much longer.
Rainier R2200iLongest runtime
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- Lightweight and compact design
- Eco mode
- Parallel capacity
- Large tank capacity
Cons
- Not really responsive customer service
- Changing oil might be messy
The Rainier R2200i will be an ergonomic companion for providing you a power source while you’ll look for. Its lightness (44 lbs) allows you to bring it everywhere for any kind of opportunities. It’s a wise choice of cheap inverter generator.
Don’t think about if you’ll have enough energy, the Rainier R2200i tank has a fuel capacity of 1.3 Gallon. In addition, you can turn on the ‘Eco mode’ to save fuel and energy in order to make it last up to 13 hours.
Just enjoy camping or fishing, you won’t be disturbed by any annoying engine. This portable generator is quieter than human conversations (52 dBA vs 60 dBA). Try to hear it!
It contains the connections you need: two 120V 20A 5-20R household outlets and a 12V 8A DC accessory socket. On top of that, it provides clean power (< 3% THD) for your sensitive electronics. Do not worry about them anymore.
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 1.3 Gallon |
| Engine Displacement | 79cc |
| Running Watts | 1800W |
| Starting Watts | 2200W |
| Run Time (Eco mode) | 13 Hours |
| Noise Level | 52 dBA |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 44 |
| Outlets | Two three-prong 120V receptacles, One 12V DC receptacle |
| Highlight Features | Parallel Connection Capability, Eco Mode Up to 13 Hours of Run Time, EPA & CARB Compliant, Indicator alarm, <3% THD for Sensitive Electronics |
Sit down and listen to the birds twittering when illuminating the camping with the Rainier R2200i, plus save your money!
Conclusion
We hope our list of the best cheap inverter generators will help you find the best solution for your next power outage or your camping trip. Thank you for reading and don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any trouble buying and using your generators!