What is the best inverter generator below $1000?
First off, why use an inverter generator rather than a conventional generator? For one, the newer and more technologically advanced inverter generators are much more fuel-efficient.
Thus, saving you money in the long run. Inverter generators are also much quieter and less annoying to be around. Lastly, we believe that inverter generators are typically a much better bang for the buck.
There are a plethora of reasons why people get a generator. Camping, traveling in an RV, tailgating, home back up, and off-grid living are a few examples. Before the creation of portable inverter generators, people thought owning a generator would be incredibly inconvenient. Luckily, owning an inverter generator in today’s day in age is relatively convenient, portable, and affordable.
Not only are they used for fun, but they come in serious handy in case of an emergency. It wasn’t until I had a family of my own until I decided to purchase my first inverter generator. Knowing that my family will have a working refrigerator and other power sources in a severe storm certainly gave me peace of mind.
Without further ado, based on experience, reviews, research, and comparisons; we gathered a list of the 9 best inverter generators under $1000.
In Short, Here Are The 9 Best Inverter Generators Under $1000
- Westinghouse iGen4500 (3700-Watt)
- Champion 100573
- WEN 56225i
- Generac GP3500iO (3500-Watt)
- Briggs & Stratton P3000
- WEN 56380i (3800-Watt)
- Champion Power Equipment 100233
- Westinghouse iGen4200 (3500-Watt)
- Pulsar GN200KT
1. Westinghouse iGen4500 (3700-4500 Watt)
First up, the highly-rated Westinghouse iGen4500 is a great portable generator running below $1000. It is incredibly powerful, producing 3700-watts and a peak of 4500-watts. Coming with wheels, it is very convenient and easy to travel with for the weight of 104lbs.
The generator is powered by gas or propane. On a quarter load, you receive 18 hours of run time. However, in “efficient mode,” the Westinghouse iGen4500 is incredibly fuel-efficient. You get about 11 hours with only 1 gallon of gas. On the front, the display shows fuel amount, remaining run time, lifetime hours, power output, and voltage output.
The Westinghouse iGen4500 inverter generator is extremely quiet, averaging 52-55dB. Something I like about the iGen4500 is the ability to run a midsized air conditioner of 15,000 BTU if needed. It’s effortless to hold a conversation next to it without the noise becoming too overbearing.
On the front, you will see two 5 volt USB ports for your laptop, tablets, phones, etc. Considering it produces nearly the highest amount of Watts for the price, it is also one of the largest inverter generators on the market.
It can be powered on by a push start, wireless start, or recoil if the battery dies. Many people who need a generator for their RV will benefit from this unit. On the front is a 30 amp receptacle ready to go. One of the few downsides is the many claims of Westinghouse’s poor customer service.
Overall, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is an outstanding generator running below $1000 for a plethora of reasons. It has exceptionally high voltage, very fuel-efficient, durable, very quiet, has an efficient mode, has incredible ratings, and is very reliable. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- 3700-Watt and 4500-Watt peak
- RV compatible
- Push-button start
- Wireless start
- Weight: 104 pounds
- Inverter
- TT-30R outlet
- Display: Fuel amount, remaining run time, lifetime hours, power output, and voltage output
- Gas Powered
- Very quiet at 52dB noise
- Feature: Efficient mode
- Two 5V USB ports
- Clean power
- CARB compliant
2. Champion 100573 (3500-4000 Watts)
Running well below $1000, the Champion 100573 is an incredible bang for the buck. Coming with a remote, you have the option to start it up via wireless up to 80 feet away. It is an open frame inverter generator with a portable design. The wheels make it more convenient for travel.
Not only is it naturally a more quiet generator since it’s an inverter, but Champion also uses quiet technology, cutting the noise in half. The average noise level it produces is around 64 dBA. Especially for an open frame, it is incredibly quiet.
The Champion 100573 comes with a 30-amp RV plug located on the front. This generator gives you an excessive amount of Wattage in comparison to the price. It starts with 4000-Watts and runs on 3500-Watts.
The generator is both EPA certified and CARB compliant. Champion also offers an optional parallel kit that enables you to add an additional 2800-Watts or increase inverters. Like the previous generator, this system can run a 15,000 BTU air conditioner as well.
The tank holds up to 2.9 gallons of gasoline. The only downside I noticed with the Champion 100573 had to do with the wireless remote. The start power button on the generator that must be pressed before starting the engine times out every 12 hours.
While I personally don’t see a big issue with it, many people wished the start power button didn’t have a time limit. Overall, the Champion 100573 open frame inverter generator is an incredible bang for the buck for camping, tailgating, home backup, RV, etc.
Details & Tech Specs
- 4000-Watt starting- 3500-Watt running
- Volts 120
- EPA certified
- CARB compliant
- Eco-mode for better fuel efficiency
- 64-dBA noise level
- Floating-neutral generator
- Open frame inverter
- Wireless remote control start option
- Recoil start
- 30-Amp RV plug
- Clean power
- 3-year limited warranty
- Gas running Amps: 120V29.2A
Included Accessories
- USB adapter
- Oil funnel
- Battery charging cords
3. WEN 56225i (1800-2250 Watts)
Next up, the WEN 56225i is a highly-rated inverter generator running well below $1000. Although this unit is possibly the cheapest on this list at $520, it certainly makes the top 9 for many reasons. For one, it is incredibly compact and portable while still producing high Watts.
The starting surge is 2250-Watts while it runs on 1800-Watts. Another impressive attribute is its extremely low noise of 53dB. As a matter of fact, the WEN 56225i is one of the quietest generators on the market. This unit is immune to voltage dropouts and surges.
One of the features that indeed come in handy is the fuel shut-off. Essentially, fuel shut-off maximizes the lifetime of the generator by using the remaining fuel in the carburetor before it shuts down. The WEN 56225i is incredibly fuel-efficient as it sips gas slowly.
One of the downsides of this generator is fueling. For many, it can be kind of challenging to fuel this generator without spilling any gas or propane. Wen is incredibly confident in its product and rightfully so. With the purchase, you get a 2-year warranty. Overall, the WEN 56225i is an affordable, but high-quality, inverter generator with low-noise. If all you need is 2250-1800 Watts, this may be the generator for you.
Overall, the WEN 56225i is an affordable and dependable inverter generator. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- EPA III Compliant
- CARB-Compliant
- Self-noise: 53dB
- Clean power
- Two 5V USB ports
- Fuel shut-off
- Oil panel
- 2 three-prong 15A 120V receptacles
- 2-year warranty
4. Generac GP3500iO (3000-3500 Watt)
The Generac GP3500iO is a portable inverter generator with an open frame. For the high Wattage, it’s competitively priced well below $1000. This generator is relatively popular in the construction industry. The unit is much more compact and portable than it seems in the pictures.
It is 16 inches tall, 19 inches deep, and 17 inches wide. It is also slightly lighter than the typical generator at roughly 74 pounds. For campers, you won’t have any issue powering your RV or 15,000BTU air conditioner. On the front is a 30-Amp, recoil start, 2 USB outlets, and more.
It is relatively light for the size and easy to carry. You can single-handedly carry this generator. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have wheels for more comfortable travel. This unit offers parallel technology, enabling you to add a second generator for more Wattage.
However, it can only be paralleled with another GP3500iO. Starting up at 3500-Watts and running at 3000-Watts, it’s incredibly powerful for the size. Let alone, incredibly powerful for the price, as well.
One of the essential features I like about the Generac GP3500iO is its Powerrush technology. Basically, it offers more than 50% more start-up capacity. The only downside I noticed with this unit is the lack of wheels. Although it is relatively light for a generator at 74 pounds, it is much heavier when full of gas. Besides that, it is an excellent choice for RV, camping, job sites, or home backup.
Details & Tech Specs
- Open frame
- Can only be paralleled with another GP3500iO
- Inverter generator
- Starting Watts: 3500
- Running Watts: 3000
- True Power Technology for clean power
- CARB compliant
- 30-Amp RV plug
5. Briggs & Stratton P3000 (3000 Watts)
Here is another popular inverter generator under $1000. For many reasons, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 is a solid choice. On the front, you will find one 12-Volt DC Outlet, four 12-Volt AC outlets, a 30-Amp RV plug, and one USB outlet. The power produced by this unit is very stable and clean.
You are safe to use sensitive electronics without any harmful power surges. Coming with both wheels and a travel handle, this generator is very portable and convenient.
This generator is incredibly fuel-efficient, offering 10 hours of run-time with 1.5 gallons of gas. This is due to the adapting engine speed depending upon how much energy is being used. For example, if you are powering on a furnace, once the furnace stops, the P3000 automatically slows its engine speed.
This feature enables a much better fuel efficiency saving you money in the long run. One of the great attributes the P3000 has to offer is its low-self noise of 58dBA.
Showing their confidence, Briggs & Stratton offers a 2-year limited warranty for this unit. One of the downsides to this unit is the few claims of people receiving a defective unit. Be sure to purchase a generator from a trusted website! Overall, the Briggs & Stratton P3000 is a powerful and portable inverter generator. Be sure to check out the reviews.
Warning! Can’t Be Shipped To California
Details & Tech Specs
- Running Amps- 21.7A
- 2-year limited warranty
- Four 12-Volt AC outlets
- One 12-Volt DC Outlet
- 30-Amp RV plug
- One USB
- Recoil start
- Wheels
- Travel handle
6. WEN 56380i (3800-3400Watt)
The WEN 56380i is, rightfully so, one of the highest-rated and reviewed inverter generators below $1000. With an incredible surge of 3800-Watts and 3400 rated Watts, this portable generator is mighty.
On the front, you will find an AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 5V USB port, two three-prong 120V receptacles, and a fuel display. Especially for its size, this generator is very quiet at 57dBA. Many say it’s even quieter than the famous Honda generator. Without any fuel, the generator is pretty heavy at 99 pounds. Fortunately, the wheels and extended travel handle make it significantly easier for travel.
One of the things I like about this unit is it’s very reliable. Both the body and motor are robustly made and built to last. I also appreciate the electric start this generator offers. Another thing fascinating about the WEN 56380i is the option to get it as an open frame at a much lower price.
Like many inverter generators, it provides a 30-Amp RV plug. Another essential feature is its Eco mode, which increases your fuel efficiency. Overall, the WEN 56380i is a dependable generator that will not let you down. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- EPA III
- CARB Compliant
- Clean power
- Watts: 3800 Start and 3400 run
- Self-noise: 57dBA
- Wheels
- Travel handle
- Recoil start
- 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine
- Closed frame
7. Champion Power Equipment 100233 (3100-3400 Watts)
The Champion Power Equipment 100233 is a great inverted generator from a reliable company. It produces 3400 starting Watts and 3100 running Watts. One of the things that stick out with this generator is its tough build.
It’s also able to perform well under harsh climate conditions which certainly may come in handy. The wheels and travel handle make it much more convenient and portable. Another great thing is the tough motor and quick start-up time.
It has a relatively low self-noise of 57dBA when you’re 23 feet away. With 7.5 hours of run-time at a 25% load, the Champion Power Equipment 100233 is very fuel-efficient. Giving you all the necessary plugs for an RV, tailgating, and camping, this generator is a great choice.
Something I really appreciate about Champion is their excellent customer service. Overall, the Champion Power Equipment 100233 is a reliable portable inverter generator running below $1000.
Details & Tech Specs
- Self-noise: 57dBA
- 120V AC load
- 12V DC outlet
- Weight: 78 pounds
- TT-30R outlet
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.6 gallons (7.5 hours, 25% load)
8. Westinghouse iGen4200 (3500- 4200 Watt)
Next in line, the popular Westinghouse iGen4200 is yet another awesome choice under $1000. This portable inverter generator is a hybrid with an open frame. The hybrid technology adds a unique element to its fuel efficiency. Thus, saving money in the long run.
It is most fuel-efficient while the generator is in Efficiency Mode.” Not to forget, this generator is well priced as it is well below $1000. It is both CARB and EPA compliant producing clean energy.
With the purchase, you receive a tool kit, oil funnel, oil, and a manual. This generator is popular among campers with its TT-30R outlet located in the front. It has a powerful 4-Stroke OHV engine that’s relatively easy to start.
One of the things we like about this unit is the incredibly high Wattage for the price. You get 3500 rated Watts with a 4200 peak Watt at only $620. It’s extremely hard to find this high of Wattage unit at that price point.
Going back to the fuel efficiency, you will be delighted with the iGen4200. It gives you 18 hours of run time with 2.6 gallons of gas.
The self-noise is relatively low as well at 62dBA. One of the downsides to this generator is the fact that it does not have wheels. Considering its weight at 82 pounds, it may be difficult to transport. Overall, the Westinghouse iGen4200 portable inverter generator is an excellent choice. Running well below $1000, it offers incredibly high Wattage for the price.
Details & Tech Specs
- EPA compliant
- CARB Compliant
- TT-30R outlet
- 18 hours run time with 2.6 gallons of gas
- Self-noise: 62dBA
9. Pulsar GN200KT (4600-3600 Watts)
Last but not least, the Pulsar GN200KT is a parallel kit combo inverter generator below $1000. With both generators combined, you get a peak of 4600-Watts, and 3600 rated Watts. In short, the GN200KT is extremely powerful. Each unit weighs about 47 pounds.
Making it easier for travel, the suitcase handle design is incredibly convenient. On “Eco Mode,” this generator is relatively quiet. However, the generator gets significantly louder while trying to handle high loads. On Eco mode at lower modes, the self-noise ranges around 59 decibels.
One of the main downsides of the Pulsar GN200KT is the lack of the TT-30R outlet. However, this generator pair is fantastic for tailgating, camping, or home back up. Another great thing about Pulsar GN200KT is its incredible reliability.
There are numerous stories of this unit powering their homes during a hurricane with superb dependability. Overall, this inverter generator is an excellent choice. Be sure to check out the reviews below.
Details & Tech Specs
- Total Watts: 4600-peak, 3600-rated
- Each generator provides 2 AC 120V (4 total)
Quick Recap
Here Are 9 Quiet Inverter Generators Under $1000
- Westinghouse iGen4500 (3700-Watt)
- Champion 100573
- WEN 56225i
- Generac GP3500iO (3500-Watt)
- Briggs & Stratton P3000
- WEN 56380i (3800-Watt)
- Champion Power Equipment 100233
- Westinghouse iGen4200 (3500-Watt)
- Pulsar GN200KT
What’s a portable generator?
A generator is a machine that turns mechanical energy into electricity. It’s used to power electronics portably.
What’s a portable inverter generator?
An inverter generator is more energy-efficient and quieter than a standard generator. This is because the engine throttles in accordance with how much energy is needed rather than full-throttle consistently.
How much does a portable generator cost?
While most generators hover between $450-$1400, you can find some generators as low as $100 and as high as $5000.
How much does a generator weigh?
With a few exceptions, most generators weigh anywhere between 21-235 pounds. Keep in mind, the heavier generators usually have built-in wheels for easier mobility.
How much does an inverter generator weigh?
Most inverter generators weigh anywhere between 21-115 pounds.
When do generators come in handy?
Generators come in handy anytime you need portable electric power such as camping trips, tailgating, off-grid living, RV trips, etc. They’re also essential if your home loses electricity.
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