Inverters come with a host of benefits compared to conventional generators and that is probably why you are in the market for one.
For one, inverters are portable, safer, ad quieter so there is no doubt that this is the way to go. That said; not all inverters will deliver the functionality you want and that is why in this review, we want to help you get the best 2000 Watt inverter generator.
Are you ready to embark on this journey? Come with us, we promise it will be worth your while.
Contents
- Comparison Table
- How an Inverter Generator Works
- Buying Guide – Choosing a 2000 Watt Inverter Generator
- Our Expert Product Reviews
- 1. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 2. PowerSmart PS5020
- 3. Yeti 3000X Portable Solar
- 4. Champion Power 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter
- 5. Yamaha EF2400iSHC
- 6. WEN 56203i
- 7. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt
- 8. JEGS 81963 Inverter
- 9. A-iPower SUA2000i 2000-Watt Inverter
- 10. Champion 100148 2000-Watt Stackable
- Differences Between Inverter Generators and Conventional Portable Generators
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Top Pick
- Conclusion
Comparison Table
We have a detailed article lined up for you. Our goal is to ensure that you’re adequately informed. But, what if you only have a few seconds to spare?
In that regard, we have put together the following comparison table that analyzes our top choices so you can make a faster decision.
How an Inverter Generator Works
Before we go any further, it would only be wise to let you know how inverter generators work. Now, the technicalities of the inverter generator are a bit complex compared to the conventional generator. This is simply because there are more parts involved in transporting the final electric output.
The power from the engine is an AC current that is converted to DC by the alternator and then converted back to AC.
The power from the engine is a high-frequency AC current which is then converted into DC current by the alternator. That DC current is then converted back into AC current by the inverter.
Just like with the traditional portable generator, an inverter generator also comes with an output of 120 volts. Nevertheless, the current of inverter generators is much more stable because of the additional steps involved in electricity production.
Simply put…
Inverter generators are said to generate clean electricity because there is less harmonic distortion. Still don’t get it? We mean that the quality of electricity produced by an inverter generator is more or less the same as that of the mains electric supplier.
You get clean electricity from the inverter because of two factors. First, the original AC in the generator is a high frequency which translates to more electrical energy.
Second, the mechanics of inverter generators have more control over the AC frequency that facilitates the production of a stable sine wave.
That control is what makes the inverter generator energy-efficient. You also want to note that the inverter generator is quieter because it has a stable current.
Buying Guide – Choosing a 2000 Watt Inverter Generator
For you to get your hands on a high-quality 2000 watt inverter, you want to consider several factors before parting with your money such as:
Fuel Type
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider but as you will soon realize, most 2000 watt generators use gasoline to run.
Nonetheless, it would be wise to invest in a dual fuel generator. Let us tell you why. You see, with that, you get to run your generator using propane as well.
This comes in handy when you have no gas. Moreover, propane has a longer shelf-life so you can store it for emergencies.
Inverter Durability
This is another crucial factor that you need to consider. Not all low-priced inverters are durable and some sturdy and heavy-duty models come at a reasonable rate.
What you need to keep in mind is that any product that is made from cheap substandard material is not likely to last.
Some will exhibit signs of flimsiness right out of the box while others will deteriorate over time while using. You may also want to check reviews to get an idea of how the inverter generator you intend to purchase holds up.
Engine Capacity and Control Panel
You want a powerful engine if you want a stable current and no fluctuations. Therefore, if you intend to run appliances like the AC, or fridge, it is important to go for a powerful engine.
2000 Watt inverters can effortlessly run lightweight appliances like laptops, lights, phones, and televisions.
Irrespective of your generator’s size, you want a fully functional and advanced control panel. With this, you will in a better position to control your inverter generator without experiencing any issues.
Power Outlets
Sometimes, you may have to run your appliances directly from your inverter generator and that calls for you to use any power outlets you can find.
That means car adapter outlets, DC/AC outlets, USB outlets, and any other options that can be used to connect your appliances to the power source.
Tank Capacity and Run Time
2000 watt inverter generators do not come with the biggest tanks but they can still give you a good amount of run time.
Anyway, to get the most out of your unit, you want to ensure that you get one with as much tank capacity as you can for a longer run time.
Portability and Safety Features
An inverter generator should be lightweight to facilitate portability. Along with that, it should feature carry handles for the same purpose and while we are still talking about handles, ensure that they are ergonomically designed for your comfort.
Also, you want your inverter to come with safety features as that guarantees durability and reliability. We are talking about things like voltage protection, overloading protection, and low oil shutdown.
Starting Mechanism and Noise Level
You have probably seen how most generators are started. It has to do with the pulling of ropes but if you do not fancy that method, you can get an electric start model that only requires you to push a button. Do note however that an inverter generator with automatic starting will cost you more.
When it comes to the level of noise, inverters are typically less noisy. Look for the quietest model within your budget because then again, extended exposure to generator noise can adversely affect your health.
Parallel Capability
Most inverters are parallel capable but that doesn’t mean that you should skip checking yours for the same. If you miss out on this functionality, you will not be able to connect two similar generators to get more power.
You see, with paralleling, you can run heavier appliances that otherwise would not function on a single 2000 watt inverter.
Warranty Period
It is important to get an inverter that comes with a warranty because you never can tell when trouble will come knocking.
With a product warranty in place, you get to save on the money you would have used for repairs on manufacturer defects.
You also want the user instructions to be clear and detailed for a seamless user experience.
Unit Price
We cannot emphasize the need to have a budget in place before settling on an inverter. This will help you narrow down your options from the onset.
You also want to keep in mind that expensive units are not necessarily highly functional nor are cheap units useless.
As such, you want to strike the perfect balance between price ad functionality if you want to get value for your money.
Our Expert Product Reviews
Now that we have that out of the way, it is time to get into the thick of things. Here we are going to review some of the best-selling 2000 watt inverter generators.
We believe you want to stick around for that.
1. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dB operation
- EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
On top of our list, we have this WEN inverter generator that doesn’t cost as much as other high-end options from the same brand.
You would think that because it is inexpensive, it doesn’t have as much to offer but how wrong you would be. This is a highly-functional unit and that is backed by many positive reviews.
It is also quieter and that makes it an ideal choice for camping and kayaking.
What We Liked About It
You get to double your power with this unit because it allows for paralleling. Simply connect any two inverter generators from the same manufacturer with a parallel kit to increase your wattage.
Other than that, this unit features a lightweight design and comes with carrying handles. What that does is facilitate portability so that you can easily move from one spot to the other.
However, what we loved most about this unit is that it generates reliable, clean power making it safe to run any of your appliances on it.
What Could Have Been Better
Granted, this unit is not the most expensive on this list and while that is good for your pocket, do not expect the best finishing.
We feel that the manufacturer could have done a better job with that.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quiet operation
- Compact
Cons
- The finishing could be better
2. PowerSmart PS5020
Just as the name implies, this is one of the most powerful generators you will ever come across. As a brand, PowerSmart is committed to providing clean energy and the best outdoor electricity supply.
With this particular unit, you are less likely to damage any of your electronics because it comes with less than 1.2% percent harmonic distortion.
It also comes with an outdoor camping battery making it a portable power station that you can use to charge your drone, phone, laptop, and other outdoor devices. That means you get to indulge in your outdoor escapades without worry.
What We Liked About It
This unit weighs only 42.5 pounds – that’s lightweight and it translates to portability so you can carry the generator with you wherever you want to.
Moving away from that, this piece comes with one 12V receptacle, two 3-prong receptacles, and two 5V ports that means versatility as far as powering your appliances.
You may also want to note that this generator comes with a 2-year warranty we feel like that is a reasonable amount of time for a warranty period and we love that about this product.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that this product does not come with clear and detailed instructions. We feel that the manufacturer could have done a better job with that.
Pros
- Portable
- Maneuverable
- Sheer
Cons
- Vague user instructions
3. Yeti 3000X Portable Solar
At Yeti, the goal is to provide you with a way forward as well as portable energy. The company is based in the U.S. a country that is generally known for producing quality products.
Every feature in this solar-powered generator is designed with real-life functionality in mind. You, therefore, get to power anything from your home to outdoor events.
Another great thing about this product is that it is fortified with professional-grade power and built to last.
What We Liked About It
The manufacturer of this unit used industry-leading technology in its construction to give you power that you can rely on even during emergencies.
This unit is as powerful as they come so you can plug in and power any appliance you like. It also comes with an integrated charge controller that works to increase charge efficiency by up to 30% when recharging with the solar panel.
We love that the unit comes with a battery management system, temperature protection, and voltage protection all of which act as safety features. The unit is also extremely user-friendly hence ideal for beginners.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this generator’s battery would not fully charge and we feel that the manufacturer should have fitted with a higher capacity battery to avoid that.
Pros
- Solar-powered
- Built to last
- User friendly
Cons
- The battery could be better
4. Champion Power 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter
Champion Power is a leading manufacturer when it comes to generators, and the 100692 is not an exception. With this inverter generator, you get exceptional quality and value for money.
One remarkable thing we noticed about this unit is its innovative design. You will be able to stack several generators on top of one another in case you want to do some paralleling.
As far as the weight, this one weighs only 39 pounds and we believe that the average person can comfortably carry that. What we loved most nevertheless is that the unit operates quietly such that you won’t have to remember that you have a generator running.
What We Liked About It
This generator is parallel ready and what this means is that it comes with a kit that enables you to link it with another Champion inverter to double your power.
Moving away from that, this inverter comes with two 20A and 120V outlets that provide clean electricity for sensitive electronics.
What we loved most nonetheless is that this product comes with a 3-year warranty along with free lifetime support from experts that you can access at any time.
What Could Have Been Better
Several users have complained that their packages arrived with missing parts. We feel that the manufacturer could have done a better job with the packaging.
Pros
- USB charging
- Parallel ready
- Less noisy
Cons
- Packaging could have been better
5. Yamaha EF2400iSHC
No products found.
If you are looking for a user-friendly experience, you will certainly find it in this Yamaha EF2400iSHC inverter. It features a TCI rotor and an aluminum die-cast frame that contribute hugely to its portability.
You will also have an easy time setting this unit up because it comes with high current output for both air conditioning and motor starting ability.
The noise level is low as well so go figure.
What We Liked About It
You will get a significant amount of run time with this unit as long as you run light appliances like your laptop, phone, or microwave.
Do not even get us started on the fact that this unit is eco-friendly. That means that you are less likely to encounter any gas leak issues and engine damage caused by low oil.
Moreover, you get easier portability, quieter operation, enhanced dependability, and improved efficiency with this product. We love that about it.
What Could Have Been Better
Although the product description claims that this unit is portable, several users have complained that it is quite heavy.
We feel that the manufacturer could have used lighter material in its construction to facilitate transportation.
Pros
- Impressive engine life
- Consistent performance
- Value for money
Cons
- Could be lighter
6. WEN 56203i
This is yet another lightweight inverter generator and at 39 pounds, there is no way you are going to have a hard time transporting this baby from one spot to another.
As if that is not enough, this product comes with a quiet operation that we are sure you will appreciate because those generator noises can be quite annoying.
What We Liked About It
We have already talked about clean power and with this unit, you get that as well. That means that you can safe-charge all your electronics.
Another feature worthy of note is the fuel shutoff that maximizes the device’s lifespan by utilizing the fuel that remains in the carburetor before shutting down.
We love that this unit comes in a compact design that makes it easier to store.
What Could Have Been Better
As reported by some users, this product does not meet the stated wattage. We feel that the manufacturer should have been clear about that to avoid customer mistrust.
Pros
- Maximized lifespan
- Powerful
- Easy to store
Cons
- Below-par product description
7. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt
You can rely on this inverter generator to provide safe and clean power for your sensitive electronics such as laptops, televisions, and phones.
Moving on swiftly, it comes with a “Low idle” technology to give you a prolonged run time of up to 4 hours. Imagine how much you can do with that.
What We Liked About It
This product comes fitted with an indicator light for low oil. Of course, this will help keep the generator in top condition all the time.
Along with that, the manufacturer included a powerful engine that not only supplies power to your appliances but also runs quietly with only 52 decibels.
The unit is quite lightweight as well weighing just 48 pounds, making your camping or tailgate camping experience as seamless as possible.
What Could Have Been Better
As per some users, the fasteners on this unit are of poor quality and cause issues. We feel that the manufacturer should have used better-quality fasteners to avoid the said issues.
Pros
- Low oil alert
- Highly functional
- Powerful engine
Cons
- Questionable control issues
8. JEGS 81963 Inverter
When you talk about power, you have to think about this piece from JEGS but that is not the only thing it has to offer.
The power we are raving about is clean so you do not have to worry about the safety of your appliances when using this inverter.
What We Liked About It
This unit doesn’t weigh much either and by that, we mean that it is light and compact enough for you to comfortably carry from one place to another.
However, what we loved most about this product is that it gives you value for money because even with all the features it comes with, it is reasonably priced.
What Could Have Been Better
Difficult to start
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- Could be more user friendly
9. A-iPower SUA2000i 2000-Watt Inverter
No products found.
Relax and enjoy power on the go with this gas-powered generator. You will appreciate that it comes with parallel cables to double your power should you ever need it.
Besides, it runs on a 79cc OHV engine that comes with enough power to run any small outdoor event as well as electronics such as your laptop and phone.
What We Liked About It
It is easy for electronics to be damaged while running on power sources but not with this one. With this inverter generator, you get clean power so that you can safely run your appliances.
Another thing we loved about it is that it comes with a multi-switch that integrates the stop, start, and functions so that you can enjoy an easier user experience.
What Could Have Been Better
Judging from reviews, this unit is hard to start we feel that the manufacturer should have included a dedicated button for the start function to avoid the same.
Pros
- In-built fuel gauge
- Great packaging
- Multi-switch
Cons
- Not as user friendly
10. Champion 100148 2000-Watt Stackable
No products found.
Most generators are huge and therefore not ideal for persons who do not have enough storage space. This one is stackable, so you get to save on space.
Other than that, it is built to offer durability so you can rely on it to provide years of service without falling apart or needing repair.
What We Liked About It
You will have an extremely easy time as far as using this unit because it is designed to give you a seamless user experience.
This inverter generator is also lightweight and will not require a lot of energy to lift and carry from place to place. We love that about it.
What Could Have Been Better
As per some users, their packages arrived broken and we feel that the manufacture could have packaged the product better to avoid this.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Stackable
Cons
- Packaging not as great
Differences Between Inverter Generators and Conventional Portable Generators
You are probably wondering what the difference is between an inverter generator and the conventional portable generator so here we go.
Current
When it comes to the technical differences, the main one has to do with current or the kind of electricity generated. Traditional generators produce only AC current while an inverter generator produces electricity in three stages.
The inverter generator also produces a sine wave that is considered ‘clean’ and that is what makes it so unique.
Conventional generators produce messier sine waves that can easily damage your electronic appliances.
Fuel Efficiency and Power
Traditional generators are known to generate more power mostly because they come with larger fuel tanks and the fact they produce electricity differently.
Inverter generators on the other hand are more energy-efficient owing to how the final AC current is generated. Their engines also automatically adjust to the load, something that the conventional generator cannot do.
Since inverter generators are energy efficient, they can operate with smaller fuel tanks and still deliver ample run times.
Portability
When it comes to portability, the inverter generator wins and this has to do with how much power it generates again.
For the conventional generator to produce more power, it has to have a large engine and fuel tank. This is why most traditional generators are heavier and larger.
Noise Level
You can tell that you have a traditional generator at hand simply by the noise it produces. This is caused largely by the mechanics so even with noise-reduction mechanisms in place, the conventional generator remains noisy.
On the other hand, the technology applied by inverter generators allows them to operate quietly. These generators operate at an rpm of 3600 that eliminates most of the noise produced.
Product descriptions usually state how much noise a generator will make and most inverter generators produce about 58 decibels which is quieter than what the average conventional generator will produce which is about 64 decibels.
Parallel Connections
Inverter generators come with lower power output and a lot of manufacturers make up for that by including a parallel connection. With that, two different inverter generators of the same model can be linked to deliver more power.
At the time of writing this review, traditional generators cannot be linked in a parallel connection. That shouldn’t come as a surprise though seeing as they are less portable and more powerful already.
Emissions
Every state comes with its regulations as well as what is acceptable in terms of greenhouse generator emissions. Such regulations tend to be stricter when a portable generator is used inside nature reserves or animal parks.
Usually, portable generators must be EPA compliant and in other states like California, the generator has to be CARB compliant.
Already, inverter generators generate fewer greenhouse emissions compared to conventional power-fueled generators. What that means is that it is easier to access an inverter generator that meets ecological requirements than it is to find a conventional generator that does.
Price
Generally, traditional generators are cheaper compared to inverter generators. The former is the most affordable option particularly when a lot of power is required.
Inverter generators cost more is because they operate on modern technology and come with numerous additional benefits like greater fuel efficiency and quieter operation.
The traditional portable generator is a simpler machine and has been there for longer which is why it costs less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have addressed some commonly asked questions that have to do with the best 2000 watt inverter generator. This is supposed to give you a clearer insight.
What can I run on a 2000 watt inverter?
Any electronic appliance that comes with a wattage below 2000 watts can run a 2000 watts generator. Nevertheless, if you add an appliance with 1700 starting watts and 400 running watts, you would have to power off all the other electronics on the generator and then add the other appliances.
Anyway, you can connect a computer, TV, AC, and small fridge as long as they are all under 2000 watts. Ensure that the total load on the generator is never beyond the generator’s maximum rated power.
How many batteries are required to run a 2000 watt inverter?
That would have to be 4 batteries.
Is an inverter generator better?
Instead of running full tilt, the inverter generator electronically regulates the engine up and down to meet demand.
That results in efficiency improvement which means that you will not have to fill your gas tank often. Inverter generators also generate fewer emissions and are quieter.
How long do inverter generators last?
Based on the quality of the engine fitted, a portable generator should last 1000-2000 hours. Simply put, if you operate your portable generator on an average of 100 hours a year, it should last 1—20 years.
Our Top Pick
After analyzing all 10 products on this list, we have settled on the WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator as our top pick.
The first thing we noticed about it is that it is not as expensive as other WEN inverter generators. But doesn’t that mean that it has fewer features or is not as functional? Not at all!
You get a quieter operation with this unit making it the perfect companion for those events and instances where you need silence.
It is also possible to get double the power that this unit produces because it comes with a parallel kit that allows you to connect another similar generator to provide more power.
Moving on swiftly this inverter generator comes with carrying handles and is lightweight. With that, you easily get to carry the device around.
What we loved most however is that this generator is a source of clean power making it safe for your electronics.
Conclusion
Getting yourself a 2000 Watt generator is not going to supply you with adequate power to run your whole household in case of a power blackout.
However, the same device is portable and useful hence ideal for keeping essential appliances like your phone and laptop running.
With a 2000 Watt inverter generator, you get to spend less and use less fuel and with this review in your hands, you should find the decision-making process easier.
