Best Inverter Generators

They do cost more to purchase, but many consumers find that after weighing the pros and cons, the higher price is worth it.

“If money isn’t an issue, I would choose an inverter over a portable,” says Misha Kollontai, the Consumer Reports engineer who tests generators.

Still, our tests reveal that not all inverter generators perform equally well. Under demanding conditions, some models simply fail to deliver the promised increments of power, potentially shutting down or causing appliances to overheat or stall out.

And when that happens, you have to unplug certain appliances to use others. You also have to reset the generator’s circuit breaker each time the problem resurfaces.

Our generator ratings (available to CR members) feature brands you’ll see whether you’re shopping at an online retailer, a home center, or a dealer: Briggs & Stratton, Generac, Honda, Predator, and Ryobi. In addition to inverters, they include traditional gasoline-powered portable generators and home standby generators. Prices range from about $350 for a modest option that can power a few key appliances to more than $4,000 for a permanently installed model that can handle everything in your home.

CR members can read on for a list of top-rated inverter generators, one from each of the four size categories. For more shopping tips, you can also consult our generator buying guide.

As always—and regardless of whether you buy a model with a CO safety shutoff—be sure to place a gasoline generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from your house, with the exhaust directed away from windows or doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.