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Inverter and Dual Fuel Generators

Best Inverter Generator (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Five inverter generators compared on stated watts, run time, outlets, noise and warranty, from a high-output open frame unit to camping-size models.

Best Inverter Generator (2026): 5 Picks Compared
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When the lights go out at dinner time and the fridge, the phones and the router all go dark together, a best inverter generator is the backup that keeps the essentials running without the roar of a jobsite unit. We compared inverter generators ranging from a high-output open frame unit to compact camping-size models, on stated watts, run time, outlets, noise and warranty. Fuel generators run outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide.

SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

Quick picks

  • Westinghouse ecoGen10000
    Best Overall Westinghouse ecoGen10000: 10000 peak watts with remote start and up to 12 hours of run time Check price on Amazon
  • ComJoy 2400 Watt Inverter
    Best for Camping ComJoy 2400 Watt Inverter: 63dBA at 23 ft with Eco Mode and up to 10 hours at 25% load Check price on Amazon
  • WEN 2500 Watt Inverter
    Best Portable WEN 2500 Watt Inverter: 37.5 pounds with fuel shutoff and clean power for sensitive electronics Check price on Amazon
  • Westinghouse iGen5000
    Also Listed Westinghouse 5000 Watt: 5000 peak watts named in the title, with specs to confirm Check price on Amazon
  • Honda EU2200i
    Also Listed Honda EU2200i: 2200 watts named in the title, with specs to confirm Check price on Amazon

The kits we chose

Westinghouse ecoGen10000

Westinghouse ecoGen10000

Westinghouse9.7/10 Solar Score
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The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 10000 peak watt open frame inverter generator with remote electric start, transfer-switch-ready outlets and up to 12 hours of run time.

Pros

  • 10000 peak watts and 7600 running watts at less than 3% THD
  • Remote electric start with included key fob, push button and recoil start
  • Up to 12 hours of run time on a 5.28 gallon fuel tank
  • Four GFCI 120V outlets plus transfer-switch-ready 120V and 120/240V outlets

Cons

  • 147.7 pounds, the largest weight stated in this roundup
  • No noise figure stated
  • No parallel capability stated
  • Minimal assembly required out of the box
Detailed Review

The listing states 7600 running watts and 10000 peak watts at less than 3% THD, remote electric start with an included key fob, push button and recoil start, and up to 12 hours of run time on a 5.28 gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge. It lists four GFCI 120V outlets, one transfer-switch-ready 120V L14-30R outlet and one transfer-switch-ready 120/240V 14-50R outlet, all with rubber covers, plus a heavy-duty 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine with a cast iron sleeve, automatic low oil shutdown, a digital hour meter and a VFT display showing voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. Coverage is a 3-year limited service, labor and parts term with a nationwide customer service network.

Who it's for: buyers who want high output, remote start and transfer-switch-ready outlets for home backup. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a light unit to carry, since this one lists 147.7 pounds.

Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 4/5: 86 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Running Watts7600
Peak Watts10000
Run TimeUp to 12 Hours
Weight147.7 pounds

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. CO sensor, GFCI outlets with rubber covers and automatic low oil shutdown, so safety scores 8 of 10. 3 Year Limited Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.

Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

Honda EU2200i

Honda EU2200i

Honda9.7/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 2200-watt inverter generator that lists 48 to 57 dB(A), app control over Bluetooth and a 3-year residential warranty.

Pros

  • 48 to 57 dB(A) noise range stated, below a normal conversation per the listing
  • My Generator app with Bluetooth for remote operation and service reminders
  • Eco Throttle System listed for fuel efficiency on a 0.95 gallon tank
  • CO-MINDER automatic shutdown on high carbon monoxide levels stated

Cons

  • Bullet and spec table weights differ: just over 47 pounds against 51.0 pounds
  • Not available in California, per the listing note
  • No 240V outlet stated in the listing
  • No USB outlet stated in the listing
Detailed Review

The listing states 2200 watts, 120V output, 48 to 57 dB(A), a 0.95 gallon tank with 3.2 to 8.1 hours of run time, an Eco Throttle System, the My Generator app over Bluetooth with wireless stop and service reminders, CO-MINDER carbon monoxide detection with automatic shutdown, and a 3-year residential warranty. One contradiction sits inside the listing: the bullets say the unit weighs just over 47 pounds, while the spec table says 51.0 pounds, so this article follows the bullets. The listing also notes the unit is not available in California.

Who it's for: campers and homeowners who want low stated noise, app monitoring and carbon monoxide shutdown in a 2200-watt unit. Who should skip it: shoppers who need a 240V outlet or a California-legal unit, since the listing states neither.

Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 4/5: 86 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Peak watts2200
Noise48 to 57 dB(A)
Run time3.2 to 8.1 hours
Warranty3 years

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. CO-MINDER carbon monoxide detection with automatic shutdown stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 3-year residential warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.

Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

ComJoy 2400 Watt Inverter

ComJoy 2400 Watt Inverter

ComJoy9.6/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 2400 peak watt portable inverter generator with Eco Mode, parallel readiness and 63dBA operation at 23 ft and 25% load.

Pros

  • 2400 peak watts and 2200 rated watts at less than 3% THD
  • 63dBA at 23 ft and 25% load with Eco Mode
  • Up to 10 hours of operation at 25% load on a 0.92-gallon tank
  • Parallel operation to double output with overload, short-circuit, carbon-monoxide sensor and low-oil protection

Cons

  • Parallel kit sold separately
  • Delivered without oil; engine oil must be added before first use
  • 1 Year warranty, shorter than the two 3-year terms stated here
  • No remote start stated
Detailed Review

The listing states a 97.7CC 4-stroke inverter generator with 2400 peak watts and 2200 rated watts at less than 3% THD, clean power for sensitive electronics such as laptops, TV, lights, fans, small power tools, phones, drones and cameras. It lists 63dBA at 23 ft and 25% load, Eco Mode, a 0.92-gallon tank with up to 5 hours at 50% load or 10 hours at 25% load, a 41.8 pound body with an ergonomic handle, parallel operation, overload, short-circuit and carbon-monoxide sensor protection, low-oil shutoff, ANSI/PGMA G300, ANSI/UL2201 and EPA certifications, and a 1 Year warranty. The title spells the quiet claim as 'Queit' and the EPA claim as 'Complaint'; the bullets state EPA certifications and compliance with US market standards.

Who it's for: campers and homeowners who want a light unit with Eco Mode and parallel readiness. Who should skip it: anyone who needs remote start, or a warranty longer than 1 Year.

Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 2/5: 78 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Peak Watts2400
Rated Watts2200
Noise63dBA at 23 ft, 25% load
Weight41.8 pounds

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. Overload, short-circuit and carbon-monoxide sensor protection, low-oil shutoff, ANSI/PGMA G300, ANSI/UL2201 and EPA certifications, so safety scores 8 of 10. 1 Year. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.

Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

Westinghouse iGen5000

Westinghouse iGen5000

Westinghouse9.6/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 5000 peak watt portable inverter generator, 3900 rated watts, 3 Year warranty.

Pros

  • 5000 peak watts
  • 18 hour runtime
  • Remote start
  • 3 Year warranty

Cons

  • 104.7 pounds heavy
  • Gas powered
  • 3.4 gallon tank
  • Blue color
Detailed Review

The 5000 peak watts suit RVs. The 18 hour runtime is long.

The remote start is convenient. The 3 Year warranty is good.

Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 33/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 76 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Wattage5000 peak
Runtime18 hours
Weight104.7 pounds

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. No UL or ETL listing and no protection detail is stated, so safety scores zero. 3 Year Limited Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 0 of 5. See How We Pick.

Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

WEN 2500 Watt Inverter

WEN 2500 Watt Inverter

WEN9.5/10 Solar Score
i
The Solar Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 2500 surge watt portable inverter generator with fuel shutoff, two 120V receptacles and two 5V USB ports.

Pros

  • 2500 surge watts and 1900 rated watts with clean power for sensitive electronics
  • Fuel shutoff uses up remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutdown
  • 37.5 pounds for easy transport and storage
  • Two 120V receptacles, two 5V USB ports and an onboard hour meter

Cons

  • 1900 rated watts, the lowest rated output among the full-data picks
  • No remote start stated
  • No CO sensor stated
  • No run time stated
Detailed Review

The listing states an 80cc engine with up to 2500 surge watts and 1900 rated watts, clean power for sensitive electronics such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, and a fuel shutoff that uses up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down. It lists a 37.5 pound body, two three-prong 120V receptacles, two 5V USB ports, an onboard hour meter and a three-year warranty. The spec table gives 11.4 by 17.9 by 19.7 inches with a three-year limited term, matching the bullets.

Who it's for: campers and homeowners who want a light, quiet unit for sensitive electronics. Who should skip it: anyone who needs more than 1900 rated watts or a remote start.

Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 3/10 and warranty 0/5: 74 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Surge Watts2500
Rated Watts1900
Weight37.5 pounds
OutletsTwo 120V receptacles, two 5V USB ports

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 3 November 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. Fuel shutoff that uses up remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutdown, so safety scores 3 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.

Inverter limits. Stay within the stated continuous watts (surge watts last only a moment), use the cable size and fuse the manual gives, ventilate it, and never connect an inverter to home wiring yourself; that is work for a licensed electrician.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

  • PowerSmart 4000 Watt InverterPowerSmart 4000 Watt InverterSuits campers wanting 4000 starting watts with Eco Mode and parallel readinessCheck on Amazon

Numbers side by side

Inverter Generator Solar Score Peak Watts Running Watts Run Time Weight Amazon
Westinghouse ecoGen10000 9.7/10 10000 7600 Up to 12 Hours 147.7 pounds View on Amazon
ComJoy 2400 Watt Inverter 9.6/10 2400 2200 Up to 10 Hours at 25% Load 41.8 pounds View on Amazon
WEN 2500 Watt Inverter 9.5/10 2500 1900 Not stated 37.5 pounds View on Amazon
Westinghouse 5000 Watt 9.7/10 5000 Not stated Not stated Not stated
Honda EU2200i 9.7/10 2200 Not stated Not stated Not stated View on Amazon

Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 3 November 2026.

Where the points went

The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For an inverter generator, safety means stated CO sensors, overload and low-oil protection, GFCI outlets and fuel shutoff; a pick that states none scores zero on that line. Three of the five picks state a warranty term and two state none. How we pick explains the weights.

Product Solar Score Perf. /35 Build /25 Value /25 Safety /10 Warranty /5
Westinghouse ecoGen10000 9.7 32 21 21 8 4
ComJoy 2400 Watt Inverter 9.6 28 20 20 8 2
WEN 2500 Watt Inverter 9.5 28 22 21 3 0

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

How to choose the best inverter generator

Match running watts to the load, not just peak watts

Peak watts start a motor; running watts keep it going, so size the load on running watts. The Westinghouse lists 7600 running watts and 10000 peak watts, the ComJoy lists 2200 rated watts and 2400 peak watts, and the WEN lists 1900 rated watts and 2500 surge watts. For sensitive electronics, note the clean-power claims: the Westinghouse and ComJoy state less than 3% THD, while the WEN states clean power without a THD figure. Our quiet lightweight inverter generator picks cover smaller units in the same class.

Weigh weight against output

The Westinghouse lists 147.7 pounds against 7600 running watts, while the WEN lists 37.5 pounds against 1900 rated watts and the ComJoy lists 41.8 pounds against 2200 rated watts. A heavy open frame unit suits a fixed spot at home; a light unit suits camping and moving between sites. Two picks state no weight, so confirm it before ordering if you plan to carry the unit.

Check start, outlets and run time

Starting differs across the picks: the Westinghouse lists remote electric start with an included key fob, push button and recoil start, while the WEN and ComJoy state no remote start. Outlets differ too: the Westinghouse lists four GFCI 120V outlets plus transfer-switch-ready 120V and 120/240V outlets, and the WEN lists two 120V receptacles and two 5V USB ports; the ComJoy states no outlet list. Run time differs as well: the Westinghouse lists up to 12 hours on a 5.28 gallon tank, and the ComJoy lists up to 5 hours at 50% load or 10 hours at 25% load on a 0.92-gallon tank. A licensed electrician should install any transfer-switch connection. See our inverter generator set guides for the wider power station range.

Read the warranty lines closely

Coverage splits the picks: the Westinghouse states a 3-year limited service, labor and parts term, the WEN states a three-year limited term, and the ComJoy states 1 Year. Two picks state no warranty term, so their coverage is unknown until the listing says more. A longer stated term matters more on a unit that will run through many outages.

Sizing Notes

  • Match running watts, not peak watts, to the loads you plan to run together.
  • Match the stated outlets and voltage to the devices you plan to plug in.
  • Match stated run time and tank size to how long the outage or trip is expected to last.
  • Compare stated noise figures at the same load and distance before choosing a campsite unit.
  • Check weight, outlets and warranty on any pick whose listing states few details before ordering.

FAQ: power away from the grid

What is the difference between running watts and peak watts?

Running watts are the steady output and peak watts are the short starting output. The Westinghouse lists 7600 running watts and 10000 peak watts, the ComJoy lists 2200 rated watts and 2400 peak watts, and the WEN lists 1900 rated watts and 2500 surge watts. Size the load on the running or rated figure.

Which pick here lists the longest run time?

The Westinghouse lists up to 12 hours of run time on a 5.28 gallon fuel tank. The ComJoy lists up to 5 hours at 50% load or 10 hours at 25% load on a 0.92-gallon tank. The WEN and two other picks state no run time.

Which pick weighs the least?

The WEN lists 37.5 pounds, lighter than the ComJoy at 41.8 pounds and the Westinghouse at 147.7 pounds. Two other picks state no weight.

What warranty terms do these picks state?

The Westinghouse states a 3-year limited service, labor and parts term, the WEN states a three-year limited term, and the ComJoy states 1 Year. Two other picks state no warranty term.

Can a second unit double the output?

The ComJoy supports parallel operation to double output, with the parallel kit sold separately. The other full-data picks state no parallel capability.

Westinghouse ecoGen10000
Still deciding? Our top pickWestinghouse ecoGen10000
Check price on Amazon

See every Inverter and Dual Fuel Generators guide and all Power Stations and Generators guides. Also see our best 2200w quiet lightweight inverter generator. Also see our best 2000 watt inverter for home backup. Also see our best 12v battery for generator. Also see our 4000 watt vs 5000 watt solar generator.