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David Beren is a former tech and commerce writer for Lifewire with 10+ years' experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless and contributor for sites like WebGeekStuff and MakeTechEasier.
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Power inverters turn DC power into power for AC devices (typical for most consumer electronics). When selecting the best power inverter for your needs, look for high wattage, plenty of outlets, and durability to keep your devices safe.
After extensive research, here are our recommendations for various purposes.
LCD display is a handy addition
Billed as the world's smallest 1100W power inverter, the Krieger is powerful enough to handle small appliances and electronics.
Packed in a heavy-duty aluminum casing durable enough to last for years, the Krieger provides all of its relevant info on an LCD, including output wattage, input voltage, and battery level.
It's ideal for keeping power tools charged or powering televisions, gaming consoles, or small appliances such as a microwave (it features 2200 watts of peak power).
Plugging any of those appliances into the KRIEGER is easy, thanks to the two standard AC 12V outlets on dual USB charging ports that push out 2.1A, making it equally suitable for charging smartphones or tablets. KRIEGER's three-year warranty backs it.
Purchasers give this product 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Produces lower voltage than indicated
BESTEK is one of the most highly regarded and well-known names in the power inverter space, and their 300W product is a standout choice for buyers looking for something small (it's about the length of a smartphone).
The BESTEK includes two 110V AC outlets for charging electronics like a laptop and has dual USB charging ports for charging smartphones or tablets.
The included two-foot cigarette adapter plug combines with the BESTEK's small footprint to fit into nearly any vehicle, making it a great choice to pack while camping or on vacation.
A built-in 40-amp fuse and the integrated cooling fan help protect both a car and plugged-in devices from overheating, overloading, or overcharging.
And the robust metal housing ensures the BESTEK can handle a few drops and bumps.
The BESTEK earns 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The AMPEAK 2000-watt power inverter offers a maximum power output of 4000 surge watts.
The available three AC outlets and single 2.1A USB outlet will work with everything from cell phones, digital cameras, electrical fans, freezers, floodlights, microwaves, and other electronics you might find in an RV.
To protect against device damage, the AMPEAK adds some welcome protections, including three cooling fans and an audible alarm to alert you to overloads, over-voltage, or overheating.
Another significant benefit to the AMPEAK 2000W is the opportunity to connect to a 12V battery system, allowing the AMPEAK to provide additional power for your needs during events such as a hurricane or storm where power outages can be frequent.
Purchasers give the AMPEAK 2000W 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Smart fan keeps noise to a minimum
Auto-shutdown if battery falls below a certain level
Built-in alarm is incredibly loud
You can never go wrong by having too much power on you while driving across town or the country.
The POTEK 500W is an ideal option for buyers looking at power inverters that are appropriately sized for a car and keep the energy flowing to a slew of electronics and hand-held devices.
This inverter and its dual 110V AC outlets and two USB ports will have no problem keeping a laptop, Kindle, iPad, or multiple smartphones going with power to spare.
Keeping all of these charges going simultaneously without causing any damage is the work of the built-in cooling fan that ensures no devices or the POTEK itself will get overheated or overloaded.
Measuring 7.1 x 4.1 x 2.2 inches in size, the POTEK fits in most glove compartments or center consoles, which makes it a must-have for anyone who spends a good chunk of time commuting in a car.
Purchasers give the POTEK 4.4 out of 5 stars.
The Renogy 2000W is a jack-of-all-trades pure sine wave power inverter.
It's optimized for 12 VDC systems and offers overload protection for DC input and AC output.
It protects devices from under-voltage, over-voltage, over-temperature, overload, and short circuits, with LED indicators for each item.
Built-in high-speed ventilation keep it from overheating, and there's a ground-fault circuit interrupter to prevent short circuits.
The power the Renogy 2000W produces is good enough for tools, fans, lights, and other electronics. As a final selling point, it has a built-in 5V/2.1A USB port and an AC hardwire port to cover all your needs and devices.
Purchasers give the Renogy 2000W 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Shopping for a power inverter largely depends on your purposes. Once you narrow the use case, you can determine your wattage and safeguarding needs.
The more wattage an inverter has, the more power it can generate.
Depending on your use, you may need large loads of power, or your consumption may be minimal.
Before you buy a power inverter, consider how you’ll be using the device and try to determine how much power you’ll need.
Power inverters vary widely in wattage, from 300W to 3,000W and up. Some can even generate surge power as high as 6,000W.
Most power inverters have two standard AC outlets for various electronic devices. Other models offer additional AC outlets and often USB ports to charge all of your devices—from laptops to fans and flood flights.
If you need a power inverter that can withstand the elements, look for a durable device with features like an aluminum casing.
Many inverters also have extra protection features to prevent overvoltage or overloaded devices with resistance to overloads, short circuits, and high temperatures.
Still feeling insecure? Look for an inverter with a warranty for even more protection.
A power inverter transforms direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power that powers many common devices and appliances. Because DC power is derived from batteries, an inverter can provide a great way to run or charge your devices on the go.
Inverters rated for 450 watts and under usually include a cable that allows you to connect them to your vehicle by way of a cigarette lighter outlet. Larger inverters (500W and up) typically need to be wired up directly to the battery.
The best way to utilize multiple batteries with an inverter is to chain together identical 12-volt batteries in parallel. This will dramatically increase the amount of time between recharging the batteries that power your devices.
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