This piece of hardware known as power inverter converts a direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC). These are commonly used as uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) to provide AC when main power is not available. These are also utilized in power grids, electric motor speed control, induction heating, electroshock weapons, and various other applications as well. The following article is a walk-through of the 10 best power inverters.
10. iMeshbean® Power Inverter ($239.99)
This power inverter features MPPT function, over-current protection, and over-temperature protection. It also protects against reverse polarity. The operating temperature range is -10-degree to 45-degree. It is a robust and well-built unit.
“So far, I’m satisfied with its operation. I’ll let you know more after a few months of operation. Don’t have that many hours of operation on this unit yet. Seems to be well built. Very solid unit. I have one of these is a 600 watt 12v and like it. I’ll be watching the efficiency. So far, about 70% is the best I’ve achieved. Time will tell. But, so far, I like this unit.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
9. Tripp LitePower Inverter ($205.06)
This is a compact power inverter by TrippLite. It provides 1000W of continuous and 2000W of instantaneous power. It has 4 AC outlets and a rugged metal housing. The automatic shutdown feature prevents battery drain, and it can run a full-sized refrigerator.
“An awesome inverter. It will run my old full sized refrigerator. It does produce some RF “trash” as any inverted will do. Get large gauge cables to connect to the battery. I’d recommend the Cobra CPI-A4000BC 4-AWG Heavy-Duty cables.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
8. Wagan Power Inverter ($81.67)
This is a 1000W continuous power inverter with overload protector and indicator. It has three AC outlets with ground and auto-reset short circuit protection. The battery also shuts down when DC voltage falls below the specified level. It is cheap, works decently, and can power almost anything that you need on a road trip. It is smaller and lighter than others and is available at low price.
“This was my second one. The first one I bought five years ago in San Pedro Sula Honduras and used it almost daily because the electric is horrible in Honduras, so it ran my computer back up the system. Here the electric goes up and down so much in incredible low and even more amazing spikes, which it is not uncommon to lose a lot of electrical appliances here every year. This new one is performing well, and I have no complaints. It seems to be high quality. Would recommend highly.”
Available here
7. Cobra Power Inverter ($86.95)
This is a 1000W continuous power inverter with 2000W peak rating. It has two grounded AC outlets and can power up to two household appliances. It comes with battery cables that can be connected directly and 2.1 A USB port. It also provides five layers of protection: thermal shutdown, reverse polarity protection, over-voltage shutdown, low voltage shutdown and low voltage alarm.
“It worked! It did as advertised and didn’t crap out. Good stuff.I hooked it up to a battery; it started making some whirring noises, and it helped me get POWERED UP! One iffy thing was the fan would go on and off, but I think that was to limit the energy being expended by this device. It never overheated anyway, so it wasn’t an issue. 10/10 would buy again.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
6. PowerBright Power Inverter ($156.70)
This is a 600W continuous and 1000W peak power inverter by Power Bright. The anodized aluminium case provides durability, and the integrated cooling fan serves well against overheating that otherwise may fry the battery. This is a heavy-duty inverter that works decently.
“I am very satisfied with this APS600 Inverter and Amazon makes the price very competitive.
My husband can now take our house AC Oxygen Concentrator in my SUV and go anywhere, due to Excellent Sine Wave (on the scope) with accurate regulation. This gives us freedom and mobility to visit our family and roll the unit into their home and not need heavy Oxygen tanks or expensive portable units.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
5. Cobra Power Inverter ($91.02)
Cobra’s 1000W continuous power inverter features 2V DC to 120V AC power conversion. This is a small compact unit with two grounded AC outlets and can power up to two household appliances. You can charge iPod, Blackberry, mobile phones, and many other USB devices. It features five levels of protection, i.e., thermal shutdown, reverse polarity protection, over-voltage shutdown, low voltage shutdown, and low voltage alarm to provide the best security to the user.
“Excellent product, I am using it to run my Directtv, automatic dish, TV, and much more. I am sure I am only using a few its capabilities but works great.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
4. MicroSolar Power Inverter ($169.99)
This is a 1000W power inverter that has a peak power of 2000W. It comes with 15-feet wire remote controller and 2-feet AWG battery cable. It features 90% efficiency and a cooling fan. This cooling fan turns ON when the inverter reaches a certain temperature. Its case is made up of aluminium, and it can power a lot of things like a Sawzall and weedwhacker.
“I gave it a good burn in test with max rated loads; it has performed without flaw so far. If you get over 450 watts through it, the fan starts kicking on to cool it. The fan seems to be thermostatically controlled. The end of the unit where input wires are gets the warmest, measured with an IR thermometer under full load the case got up to 141 degrees at one end but cooled quickly as load decreased. I will update if there are any issues later.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
3. Xantrex Power Inverter ($231.79)
This is a 1000W, 120V, and 60Hz DC to AC power inverter. The input range is 10.5V – 15.5V DC and includes a USB charging receptacle. It provides clean and reliable power and offers three times more units without sacrificing the quality or stability. It is easy to install and comes with instructions.
“I bought this about two months ago. So far I only use about 250 watts every day 6-7 hours run time) and have had no issues at all. To test it I plugged in my 32″ tube TV, two 60 watt lamps, two 15’6 notebooks, PS3 Playstation and the Frig. Ran it all just fine and took the surge from the Frig very easily. And more I’m sure! Well made product, great directions, easy to install. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a well-made power inverter that performs as advertised.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
2. Energizer Power Inverter ($59.98)
This is a 900W continuous power inverter with a peak power of 1800W. It has an integrated input, output, battery level LCD, and an ultra-silent thermal fan. This unit is exclusively made for cars and has to be connected to a car battery. It also has two USB charging ports. This unit shuts off for a few minutes if it gets too hot. The device is durable, and the low battery shutoff feature makes it non-hazardous. It comes with two cables and can charge multiple devices simultaneously. It also comes with a hardware mount to install it permanently on your vehicle.
“Great product. Remember that you only get 100 watts from the cigarette lighter adapter and 500 watts from the battery cables. All in all the unit is a great buy if you need electricity from your automobile or 12-volt source. The maximum amperage that the device will use while on battery terminal cables is about 54 amps. Great buy” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
1. Bestek Power Inverter ($89.99)
This is a 1000W power inverter with dual AC outlets. It is a 12V DC to 110V AC converter that delivers 1000W continuous power to keep your appliances running. It has an inbuilt overload and low battery shutdown feature to protect your connected equipment. This unit has three external fuses, built-in cooling fan, and signal status LEDs. The rugged constructions allow the inverter to work in harsh environments. Ideal to use on the road, campsites, and remote job sites. The battery clamps and cigarette lighter adapter come with the power inverter.
“This is a great product! I am an espresso addict, and I hooked this up UNDER THE HOOD (had to figure out how to open the hood first, being a GIRL!!!) and then set my espresso machine on the engine, and made myself a perfect cup! YAY! What a hoot!!! The only drawback is that I first tried to plug it into my cigarette lighter, but it only draws 300W that way.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here
We would appreciate your valuable feedback in the comments’ section below.