What Are the Disadvantages of an Inverter Generator to Expect

Inverter generators are often touted as a convenient and efficient way to power your devices on the go, but like any technology, they have their downsides.

One of the main disadvantages of an inverter generator is its relatively high cost, with prices ranging from $300 to over $1,000, depending on the model and features.

Their compact design and quiet operation make them ideal for camping or RV use, but they can be less suitable for heavy-duty applications that require a lot of power.

Inverter generators typically have a lower surge capacity compared to traditional generators, which can be a problem for appliances that require a sudden spike in power.

Inverter generators can be a significant investment, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars more than traditional portable generators.

One top-rated large inverter generator, the 5,500-watt Yamaha EF6300iSDE, costs a whopping $4,600. This is a stark contrast to a top-rated large conventional generator, the Westinghouse WGen7500c, which can be purchased for as little as $850.

Prices of inverter models are coming down, making them more affordable. The Champion 201049, a top-rated 3,650-watt inverter generator, sells for just over $600.

Servicing an inverter generator can be more difficult for a homeowner due to its compact size, which often results from burying important components, like the carburetor, inside the unit.

Inverter generators aren't inherently safer than other portable generators, despite their advanced technology.

You can't rely solely on an inverter generator's design to keep you safe - you still need to follow basic safety precautions like using it outside and at least 20 feet away from your home.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk with all portable generators, and inverter generators are no exception.

To minimize this risk, look for models with automatic CO shutoff, which can trigger an emergency shut-down if CO levels become too high.

Inverter generators can be quieter than traditional gas generators, operating as low as 60 dB, but they're still much louder than a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, which can operate at a whisper-quiet 30 dB.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk with portable generators, and it's not unique to inverter generators. In fact, all portable generators should be used outside in an unenclosed area, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust port pointing away from your dwelling.

Some new portable generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space. This is a crucial safety feature that can save lives.

To ensure the safety of the people in your home, choose a recommended model from a reputable source that has undergone rigorous testing. In fact, CR's inverter generator ratings only recommend portable and inverter generators with automatic CO shutoff.

Running an inverter generator in an enclosed space is a recipe for disaster, so never do it. Always direct exhaust away from your home and run it at least 20 feet away.

Inverter generators with lower CO emissions are available, but even they require proper use and safety precautions. For example, Honda's EU3200i has much lower CO emissions than a typical generator.

Explore further: Portable Generators Home

Traditional gas generators are loud, operating at between 80 and 100 decibels, which is as loud as an oncoming subway train.

Inverter generators, on the other hand, can be significantly quieter, operating at 60 dB, but they're still not as quiet as a portable power station.

A portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max can operate at a safe 30 dB, making it suitable for indoor use.

This is a big deal, especially if you plan to use your generator indoors or in a residential area.

Inverter generators max out at around 9000W of AC output, and most models sold are in the 2000W to 3000W range, making them less suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Limited AC output means that while inverters may excel at applications with low to medium electrical loads, they may lack the output required for standby and whole-home backup generators. This can be a major limitation for users who need to power larger appliances or entire homes.

Inverter generators can be chained together in parallel to overcome insufficient AC output for some applications, but this can be a complex process.

The higher cost of inverter generators is another major drawback, with prices often being higher upfront compared to conventional generators.

Here are some key limitations of inverter generators:

Inverter generators can be more fuel-efficient than traditional generators, especially when operating under low-to-medium electrical loads. This is because they throttle up and down based on electricity consumption.

For example, powering 1000W of appliances with a 2000W inverter generator uses approximately half as much fuel as a traditional generator. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.

The closer you get to an inverter generator's maximum AC output, the more its fuel efficiency advantage diminishes, providing only +/- 10% more fuel efficiency than a conventional portable generator.

For your interest: Thermoelectric Generator Efficiency

Inverter generators are indeed more expensive to manufacture than conventional generators, which means the added cost gets passed on to consumers.

This added expense is due to the additional components required for inverter generators, including the inverter itself.

The EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000, for example, retails for about $1800 USD, offering 4000W of AC output and seamless integration with EcoFlow DELTA series portable power stations and solar generators.

In recent years, inverter generators have come down in price, but they still require a significant investment.

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and DELTA Pro Ultra feature proprietary X-Core 3.0 tech architecture, which provides industry-leading performance, safety, and intelligence, but also likely contributes to their higher price point.

Related reading: Ecoflow Inverter Generator

Inverter generators are a game-changer when it comes to fuel efficiency.

If you regularly power only 1000W of appliances simultaneously, you'll use approximately half as much fuel as a traditional generator.

The closer you get to an inverter generator's maximum AC output, the more its fuel efficiency advantage diminishes.

Powering 1800W of electronics with a 2000W inverter will only provide +/- 10% more fuel efficiency than a conventional portable generator.

Using an inverter generator under low-to-medium electrical loads is where you'll see the biggest fuel efficiency benefits.