It’s thankful that nowadays, finding the best cheap inverter generators isn’t something fanciful at all. Due to the rapid advance of technology, there’s always a good choice for any budget. If you’re looking one for yours, the answer is right below:
- WEN 56200i – Quietest
- Westinghouse iGen1200 – Best emergency backup for home
- Rainier R2200i
- Pulsar PG2000iSN
- DuroMax XP2000EH – Best dual fuel
Top 5 Best Cheap Inverter Generators
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Quietest WEN 56200i |
| View on Amazon |
 | Best emergency backup for home Westinghouse iGen1200 |
| View on Amazon |
 | Best overall Rainier R2200i |
| View on Amazon |
 | Best for nature lovers Pulsar PG2000iSN |
| View on Amazon |
 | Best dual fuel DuroMax XP2000EH |
| View on Amazon |
WEN 56200i – Quietest
- Very silent
- Produce clean sensitive-electronic-friendly and environment-friendly energy
- Equip with many safety features to safeguard the generator from damage
- Difficult to pour oil into the unit
Well…yes. It’s considered one of the quietest generators on the market with the impressive 51-decibel noise level at 50% load (which is a big thank to the 4-stroke 79.7 cc engine).
The sound is so quiet that due to the US Department of Health and Human Services, it’s just as noisy as a regular people conversation. That makes WEN 56200i becomes an ideal generator for camping or other outdoor activities.
While producing clean energy with under 0.3% of total harmonic distortion at no load that saves your sensitive electronics from damages, the unit features the Eco-mode function.
It allows the motor to automatically adjust the fuel consumption when you plug or unplug devices to the panel. That’s the key to help a 1-gallon fuel-tank generator can run continuously within 6 hours at 1600 running watts.
As a result, it is more fuel-efficient.
Product specifications
| Fuel Capacity | 1 gallon |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 6 hours |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 48 |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1600W |
| AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 2000W |
| Outlets | two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 51 |
| Highlight Features | EPA III and CARB Compliant, clean power, Eco-Mode Throttle, Low-oil, and low-fuel automatic shutdown |
WEN 56200i is indeed a value for money and a good generator that won’t make a big dent in your savings.
Westinghouse iGen1200 – Best emergency backup for home
- High energy efficient
- Can double the power output for bigger energy demands
- Compact and very portable frame
- Parallel ready
- Have restricted access to fuel panels and the control
- Need more times to start
But what I really admire about this unit is despite a modest 0.8-gallon fuel tank, it can run continuously within 10 hours. That means with less than 1 gallon of gasoline, you can run many electronics through the night with no interruption.
I know, with only 1200 starting wattages, many people will underestimate its ability, however, take note that this little devil features a parallel ready. In other words, you can hook it up to another Westinghouse iGen1200 for double power output.
While giving a freakily cheap price, I’m glad that it’s still designed with safety in mind. There is a low-oil shutoff, circuit protection, overload prevention, and <3% THD energy producing.
Product specifications
| Fuel Capacity | 0.8 gallon |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 7 hours |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 35 |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1000W |
| AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 1200W |
| Outlets | Two 120V 20 Amp Outlets |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 52 |
| Highlight Features | efficiency mode, parallel capable, long runtime |
Compact, ultra-quiet, and energy-efficient, it’s wise to go for Westinghouse iGen1200 as your excellent home emergency backup plan. Does it make sense?
Rainier R2200i
- Save wear-and-tear on the motor while maximizing the fuel efficiency
- Can start the unit at the first pull
- Easy to track many indicators at one spot
- Easy to assemble
- Hard to start the unit during cold weather
On one side of the unit, you’ll find a control panel which is presented many indicators to track down. There is a voltmeter, eco-mode button, on/off switch, parallel ready, a detail instruction to start off the generator, and so on.
The biggest selling point here lies in its energy-conserving capability.
With only 1.3 gallons of a tank, it can run unstoppably within 13 hours at 1800 rated watts. So, surely the most fuel-efficient model in this list. 100% clean energy only to run most of your electronics, even the sensitive.
Though I prefer an electric start, as the recoil start of this generator is pretty easy access so, it’s a big thumbs-up.
Product specifications
| Fuel Capacity | 1.3 gallons |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 8 hours |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 44 |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1800W |
| AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 2200W |
| Outlets | Two 5-20R 120V 20 AMP Household Outlets; One 12V 15 AMP DC Outlet; One Neutral Floating Grounding Port |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 52 |
| Highlight Features | easy access recoil start, features eco mode, the control panel includes low oil alarm, overload alarm, and output indicator, lightweight |
At Rainier, they do the best to make reliable, long-runtime products and the R2200i is a typical example of that.
Pulsar PG2000iSN
- Variable outlets to charge and power multiple appliances at the same time
- Very lightweight
- Minimal design for ease of use
- Whine sound, which is a bit distracting
Not only small and compact but the design of this unit is also arguably futuristic and modern. It emphasizes a user-friendly control panel where all switches and indicators are clearly laid out on the front.
Power output is truly respectable for a generator at such this small.
With a full 1.18-gal fuel tank, it can output 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts – powerful enough to run a freezer or fridge during emergencies with impressive 8 hours of runtime (at 50% load).
If you use it for fewer appliances, the unit can last up to 12 hours, which is rather flexible to back up power during a blackout or for outdoor uses.
Product specifications
| Fuel Capacity | 1.18 gallons |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 8 hours |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 47 |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1600W |
| AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 2000W |
| Outlets | (2) AC 120V 13A Outlets, (1) 12V DC 8A Outlet, (1) 5V DC USB Outlet |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 59 |
| Highlight Features | Lightweight, quiet operation, stable sine wave technology, parallel capability |
Designed with long lifetime in mind, Pulsar PG2000iSN is a well-worth investment for anyone who have lightweight needs from a home backup or outdoor generator.
DuroMax XP2000EH – Best dual fuel
- Reduce the maintenance cost significantly
- More convenient during storm or hurricane
- Eco-friendlier and safer to use
- A bit noisy
- Don’t have a small container of oil
Though not as fuel-efficient as its counterpart, propane is the cleanest fuel that can last for years with no harming to the unit’s carburetor. Not to say that this hybrid version truly gives maximum convenience.
About the rest of this generator, actually, there’s no difference from the XP2000iS.
Parallel ready, smart throttle, stable, clean energy producing, and (2) 120 Volt Household Outlets. But if your budget is on the table, I highly recommend this version. Why?
Aside from some benefits of propane that I’ve just listed, fuel availability is another big bonus for people to prefer dual-fuel generators. This’s particularly practical during a storm or hurricane when a gas turns out to be harder to find.
Product specifications
| Fuel Capacity | 0.924 gallon |
| Run Time (50% Load) | 6.5 hours |
| Item Weight (lb.) | 53 |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 1600W – gasoline 1520W – propane |
| AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 2000W – gasoline 1900W – propane |
| Outlets | 2 120V household GFCI outlets. |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 61 |
| Highlight Features | produces stable, clean power suitable for sensitive electronics, parallel ready, Eco mode |
As there’s a long list of propane’s benefits to hybrid generators, DuroMax XP2000EH becomes a worthy option if you intend to get one for your emergency backup plans.
How to choose the best cheap inverter generator (buying guide)
Know your power demand
Might it be different from your initial thought but figuring out your deepest power demand on a generator will help you choose the most suitable one for your own. Therefore, nothing is called “wasteful” here and it turns out the cheapest.
I’ll give you a simple example.
Suppose that your power needs are surrounded 3000W during a blackout. However, if you don’t know exactly your power demand, choosing a higher-wattage generator will lead to excessive power and costlier fee for fuel bills.
Conversely, a lower-wattage generator can’t afford that power demand and as a result, you have to buy another one, which is more expensive at the end.
See?
Parallel ready feature
But that’s not solidly a bad idea to choose a lower-wattage generator than your demand because nowadays, many models come with parallel ready technology. It allows you to connect to another generator for higher power output while the price isn’t much costlier.
Your task is to make a comparison between buying two small generators and getting one big model, which is cheaper?
Back to the previous case, for instance, if you find out a 3000W generator (meet your power needs) pricing $600 and a 1500W model with parallel ready which is $200, the cheaper option here will be the 1500W.
Because if you want to leverage its total power output by buying another 1500W generator, the total cost is just $400.
Fuel type
This is also worth considering.
The initial cost of each fuel type will be different and out of the bunch, diesel will be the most expensive. Next is propane and the cheapest is gasoline.
However, you should take note of their pros and cons.
Gasoline is cheap to buy at first though. It’s prone to cause harm to the carburetor if not regularly use. Hence, require most maintenance cost.
Propane is known for the cleanest-burning fuel, which can be stored in a long time with no damage to carburetor. In the long terms, this turns out to be a cheaper option.
Who makes the cheap inverter generator?
WEN
While producing a wide range of generators serving for different power demands, WEN’s products are also known for their affordability. Regardless, the most highlight of them is silent operation – perfect for situations that require less disruption.
Westinghouse
Always well-loved as a brand producing best generators for home emergency backups but rarely many people known that Westinghouse also provides many budget-friendly lines.
Rainier
Rainier is another good suggestion of generators for the money. While offering freakily cheap price, their generators are famous for quality. Their biggest selling points are long runtime and fuel efficiency.
Pulsar
Pulsar is a familiar brand for customers who have lightweight needs in their generators. Their products also boast incredible affordability that won’t dent your savings.
Duromax
Last up, is Duromax. Actually, they are not the only one brand out there that produce hybrid generators but in terms of the cheap price range, they are the market leader.
FAQs
Do I need an inverter generator?
Yes, you do.
While the conventional generators are so bulky and risky for vulnerable electronics, the inverter isn’t. They are also fuel-efficient and longer lasting than its counterpart while the price isn’t much costlier.
In a pinch, really worth a try.
Can an inverter generator run a refrigerator?
To know if an inverter generator can run a fridge, it’s essential to determine the wattage of that appliance. For example, if your refrigerator runs at 800W than a generator with AT LEAST 900 surged watts will be okay.
What size generator do I need to run my whole house?
It depends on how many appliances you intend to run in your whole house.
To find the right size of a generator, you should list out all devices that are needed operating as well as their surged watts and running watts. Then, count them up. The final number will decide the size of generator you should choose.
Do inverter generators run on gas?
Yes, they do. Not only gasoline but inverter generators can also run on propane and diesel.
Is pure sine wave inverter necessary?
Yes, it is.
Pure sine wave inverter helps to limit the total harmonic distortion in the power frequency to avoid causing harm to sensitive electronics. In other words, with this feature, your generator can run most appliances.
Conclusion
Not all good designs cost the Earth. Hence, don’t be too worry if you have a tight budget. There’s always the best cheap inverter generator meeting the deepest power needs of yours. And hopefully, that one is found here. Thanks for reading, anyway!
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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