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Best inverter 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated March 1, 2023
My name is Brayden Diaz. After 27 hours of research including speaking with consultants and experts, and plenty of parents and 18 hours spent testing 10 inverter, I believe that I found the best inverter of 2018.
In this article, I will be categorizing the items according to their functions and most typical features. You see I’m an average member of the public just like you and the main reason I decided to publish a review website on inverter is because I was looking for one not so long ago.
Best inverter of 2018
Now, let’s get to the gist of the matter: which are the best inverter for the money? The above tidbits will bring you closer to selecting inverter that best serves your needs and as per your budget. Here are my top picks with detailed reviews, comparison charts and buying guides to help you purchase the perfect item for your needs. I review the three best inverter on the market at the moment.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
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| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Style |
5 points
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4 points
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4 points
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| Materials |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
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| Durability |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
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| Quality |
4 points
|
5 points
|
5 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
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|
 |
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How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the inverter by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter 3 AC Outlets 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverter
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this inverter win the first place?
I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. I was completely satisfied with the price. Its counterparts in this price range are way worse.
5
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
№2 – BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 4.2A Dual USB Car Adapter
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this inverter come in second place?
The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed. Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery.
4
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
№3 – POTEK 3000W Power Inverter 4 AC Outlets 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverter with 2 USB Port
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this inverter take third place?
A very convenient model. It is affordable and made of high-quality materials. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment.
4
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
inverter Buyer’s Guide
How to choose an inverter
Inverter for use at home has become a necessity than a luxury with frequent power cuts across India. The sales of popular brands like APC, Luminous, Sukam, Microtek, Amaron, V guard, Hykon with good reviews have been zooming even though the prices have been rising. People now want to run all home appliances including air conditioners, televisions and refrigerators for their convenience.
Solar Power Support
Inverter today also support solar power system. They convert DC power generated by solar panels and store it in batteries. These get transformed to power which can be used for home appliances. These systems can be can be expensive and hence might not be advisable for individual homes.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INVERTER AND UPS
Both provide backup when there is a power outage. In case of UPS the switch is instantaneous whereas in case of inverters there is a lag in switch.
Hence in case of critical applications like computers a UPS is needed.
For household appliances like fan, light, cooler etc. the gap is fine and hence an inverter works well.
Volts x Amps = Watts
The sum of wattage of all appliance should be within the specifications of the inverter. e.g. if you are planning a outlet inverter then take the sum of wattage and add another 50% to account for any surges in power draw. For example if your tubelight draws 50W and fan draws 50W you should go for at least a 150W ( 50W+50W+50% of (50W+50W) ) inverter.
Make sure the power of the inverter is listed as “continuous”. They should not draw the wattage for a short period of time and then will shut off, reset themselves and resume functioning. Such outages can be frustrating and harmful to the appliances.
True Sine Wave
True sine wave inverters are the most expensive. They deliver the most consistent, highest quality wave output.
These can have high surge capacity which indicates that they can exceed the rated wattage for limited time which is helpful in starting appliances.
Some equipment requires a true sine wave like laptops, battery chargers and so on. AC appliances will run on a true sine wave inverter.
Inverter Efficiency
Sometimes bigger is not better. What we really need to know is what percentage of the power that goes into the inverter from the battery comes out the other side as AC power. To make this calculation even more difficult, the efficiency of an inverter changes with the output load placed on it. if a small load is put on an inverter it may be only around 50% efficient. However increase the load to near the inverters stated maximum continuous load and the efficiency will rise to around 90%.
Practically this means that you coud run your 20 Watt appliance for much longer on the same battery by choosing to use the 150 Watt inverter rather than the 3000 inverter.
Starting power and running power
Starting and running power requirement of all electric appliances are different. An 1Watts CFL takes around 2Watts power to start and after few seconds it stabilizes to 1Watts. Some appliances like Refrigerator, Washing Machine etc take almost double power to start as compared to the normal running power. Hence before selecting an inverter you must calculate the starting power requirement also.
Difference between VA and Watts
The ratio of Power in Watts to Power in VA is termed as Power factor. Unfortunately manufacturers often don’t specify the power factor or efficiency in their products.
Let’s see an example. You are purchasing an inverter with 650 VA power ratings. This 650 VA indicates, it can supply 650 VA power under ideal situations( means efficiency of the inverter is 100%). If we take 80% as a typical efficiency figure, the said inverter can supply 80% of 650 = 520 Watts only. Now you can understand why inverter manufacturers only publish the VA rating on their products. If an inverter or UPS is coming without mentioning power factor, you must take a safe value of 0.(60%) as power factor while connecting appliances.
Digital Inverter
What is digital in inverters? First generation inverters were using power transistors as switching devices and transistorized circuitry for monitoring/controlling applications. That is an old story. Nowadays inverter technology has changed a lot. A complete transition from old square wave technology to Pure Sine wave technology with the help of advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques. Micro controllers are extensively utilized for précised monitoring and controlling applications. Switching transistors are replaced with high efficient MOSFETs.
Battery
Batter- the vital part of inverter. Performance and life of an inverter is greatly depends upon battery. We can see several classifications of inverter batteries. Normally high power Lead Acid batteries are used to power inverters. Lead acid batteries are classified in to different types as per application, design, technology etc.
Maintenance Free batteries
Lead acid batteries require regular maintenance. You have to check the electrolyte level and require to be topped up on regular intervals. Moreover these batteries release poisonous gases during charging and discharging. If you don’t keep the batteries in a properly ventilated place, it can invite serious health problems. You have to keep the terminals of normal lead acid batteries corrosion free by applying petroleum jelly or grease regularly.
Maintenance free batteries are sealed lead acid batteries which do not require topping up or additional ventilation.
Tubular batteries
This is the most popular segment of inverter batteries-Tubular batteries have several advantages compared to flat plate batteries. More complex design increases the manufacture cost but the high electrical efficiency and extra long life make tubular batteries suitable for both domestic and industrial applications. A good maintained tubular battery can run unto years or more. Tubular batteries comparatively require less maintenance. Cost of tubular batteries can go up to double of a normal flat plate battery, however if you have a high efficiency inverter then go for a tubular battery, you will not regret. Almost all popular battery brands in India like Exide, Prestolite, Amaron etc have specially designed tubular batteries for inverters.
Batteries from Inverter manufacturers
We can see that almost all inverter manufacturers supplies battery along with inverter. I strongly suggest-don’t go for such batteries. This is a simple business technique, often they just market batteries on their brand name. As battery costs more than inverter, it is always better to go for a reputed and trusted battery brand. I have personal experience with Exide and Prestolite tubular batteries. Exide Invatubular batteries run flawlessly upto years.
Local made batteries
Efficiency of an inverter is proportional to the amount of power drawn. It can varies from 90% to 50% from full load to light load. Here the notable factor is that inverter efficiency is high on maximum load. Generally an inverter is in its most efficient capacity when being used at around 1/to 3/of it’s full rating.
Power Consumption of inverters
Inverters take mains power supply to charge the batteries. If the charging section of an inverter is not energy efficient, it will waste electricity even after the battery is fully charged. This will inflate your electricity bill. It is very difficult to check this aspect in shop before purchasing an inverter. However you can test the same at your home. Switch off all appliances except the mains supply to inverter, disconnect the battery and measure the power consumption for a specific period.
Battery backup duration
Other features
Solar Panel input: In typical Indian situations even eight hours of continuous commercial power supply availability can not be assured. Hence many people use the most reliable and alternate non conventional power source- Solar energy. Nowadays inverters facilitates the usage of Solar Panels also. Those inverters are embedded with solar charging circuits and regulators.
LCD Status Indicators: Modern inverters come with LCD status indicators to display various status like Battery charge level, Load, Input/Output voltages, Battery life etc.
Voltage stabilizer, High/Low voltage cutoff : Normal inverters don’t stabilize the mains supply, means the commercial supply is routed directly to the appliances without monitoring. Some inverters comes with in built voltage stabilizer, which protects your appliances from voltage fluctuations.
Earth Leakage Protection: Earth leakage protector is a safety device used to protect users from electric shock and appliances from damage. Modern inverters come with in built earth leakage protection circuits, which continuously monitor earth leakage and cut off the supply to safeguard the users.
After Sales Support
We can’t give a blanket suggestion in favor of a particular brand or model. All electronics equipment are prone to damage, hence after sales support is always paramount which varies from place to place. As inverters are static devices, go for a dealer or brand who offers on site warranty repair and maintenance.
Energizer 500-Watt Power Inverter
It is interesting to know that the EN54is the first power inverter that incorporates 9.6A of USB charging capability. It can be permanently installed through the use of its built-in mounting post. The brand emphasizes their manufacture of high-quality products that they offer a two-year warranty for parts and labor. The package includes one power inverter, a set of alligator clips, a cigarette lighter cable, and a user manual.
For its specifications, the Energizer offers 500W continuous inversion and peaks at 1000W. The model has been tested, validated and approved for safety and performance by Intertek. Input voltage is set at 12V and output voltage is set at 110V~120V. It also offers protection the user may need such as overload, high temperature, and short circuit. Lastly, the model comes with an ultra-silent thermal fan.
Kriëger 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter
For its specifications, power is set at 1100W continuous capacity and it peaks at 2200W. You cannot go wrong with the Kriëger as they have been tested and approved by METLAB for performance and safety. Input voltage is set at 12V DC while the output voltage is set at 110V~120V. It features dual USB 2.1A shared and an LCD display that indicates input voltage, output wattage, and battery level.
Lastly, the Kriëger set comes with 1100W power inverter and a set of FT gauge cables. To add, the set includes a remote control, an in-line fuse and a user manual for the instructions.
Power Bright PW2300-1Power Inverter 2300W
The Power Bright Power Inverter is a heavy-duty product that you can plug directly into a 12V direct current battery. This will enable you to power up televisions, laptops, game consoles, small appliances and other gadgets in your vehicle. This power inverter features 2300W continuous power and it peaks at 4600W.
The power inverter’s case is made from anodized aluminum for outstanding durability. It also features a LED display that indicates input voltages and output wattages. It has a built-in cooling fan, an internal 30A fuse, and an overload indicator. Another great feature of the Power Bright is that it has an audible low-voltage alarm. It will shut down in case there is a power overload, short-circuiting and other thermal problems.
A UPS (Uninterrupted Power Service) also converts DC to AC, but the switching over time in such devices is much faster. An inverter will take at least 100 milli seconds to switch from grid power to battery power, when power fails. This is acceptable in case of basic simple appliances like lights and fans, but if a desktop is connected to the inverter, you will lose data until the backup kicks in. A UPS, on the other hand, takes mere 3-milli seconds, thus ensuring critical support and minimum damage to your sensitive electronic devices.
We recommend that you buy an inverter twice the size of your total energy requirements so that you have extra capacity and do not run the risk of overloading your inverter.
Battery Bank
Batteries are required to store energy from NEPA, Generator or a renewable energy source e.g solar panels. Batteries are an essential part of any power backup system and the performance and longevity of your inverter system will largely be dependent on the quality of the batteries you use.
The minimum required size of your battery bank will be determined by the voltage requirements of your inverter. A 12-volt inverter, for example, requires 1volts and will work if you connect it to a single 12v battery. A 24-volt inverter will require 2volts, which you can achieve by connecting two 1volt batteries in series.
The most common inverter battery capacities available in Nigeria are 12v 100AH and 200AH.
The minimum required battery bank size may or may not be enough to meet your needs. You can determine the correct sizing for your home by using the following formula.
Amp rating of battery x inverter voltage (assuming 80% efficiency ) load wattage.
Inverter Battery Brands
There are a lot of inverter battery brands available on the Nigerian market. The problem is that the majority of these batteries are relatively low-quality compared to those from dedicated inverter battery manufacturers. This is why most experts recommend investing in a battery from reputable manufacturers such as Mercury.
Warranties and Guarantees
A warranty simply means the manufacturer will be willing to provide maintenance and repair of certain components for a specific number of years or months if a malfunction occurs, while a guarantee stipulates a brand new replacement if faulty.
Due to the high cost of Deep Cycles batteries, it is always recommended that you invest in a brand new unit so you can take advantage of the guarantee and warranty, should there be a malfunction. Mercury batteries are sold with a one year guarantee and warranty, meaning you will get a new replacement in the unlikely event your batteries become faulty within the first year.
Over-the-range
You install this style of microwave above your range, which will save you some counter space. These models have vent systems that take the place of the oven hood and lights to illuminate your cooktop.
Built-in
Built-in models that you place among custom cabinets or paired with built-in, full-sized wall oven are the most high-end (aka expensive) types of microwaves. Some microwaves in this category are even designed specifically as drawers with a compartment you pull out for your food.
Wattage
Microwave wattage equals power. In general, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves sit somewhere between 600-1,200 watts. Larger, more expensive microwaves tend to have a higher wattage, so this is a price and size consideration that can strongly influence microwave cooking performance.
Features
Many microwaves share common functions. Here are some microwave cooking essentials: cook time, defrost, power level and timer. Each one requires your direct input, but they are usually very easy to set. Most microwaves have touch panel controls and a rotating carousel to spin your food for more even cooking.
Default settings
Many microwaves come with preset cooking modes so you only have to press one button to automatically cook a dish. For example, many microwaves have a “popcorn” button that will cook your bag based on factory settings. This can be handy for common dishes you heat in the microwave, but you’ll have to figure out if the microwave’s default cook times work for your own food. Other common presets include: baked potato, pizza, beverage, frozen dinner and reheat.
Manufacturers are increasingly including features in microwaves that mimic what we see in full-size ovens, such as a broiler. This is a good addition for finishing off a dish or cooking something for which you’d prefer more direct heat.
Convection
A convection fan that’s built into the back of a microwave oven circulates the heat around the food to cook things more quickly and evenly. (Many new full-size ovens come with at least one convection fan.) However, microwaves with convection fans are generally more expensive than those without.
Inverter technology
Inverter heating is another option available on some high-end models. If you want to heat something at a 50 percent power level, most microwaves actually switch between 100 percent power and 0 percent power to average in at 50 percent power. This doesn’t yield great results if you want to heat something on a lower heat and achieve an even result. So, some models now use inverter technology, which maintains a consistent 50 percent power. That way, you can poach salmon, make a fluffy omelet, etc.
Goal Zero 2200Yeti is one of the best inverters in the market. It is a best quality, 150W solar powered inverter and works great for charging batteries of smart phone, laptop, light and more. Goal Zero inverters are convenient and work quickly and have easy to use handles that popup for easy hand holding. They are long lasting, robust, multipurpose appliances with built in inverters. Their compact shapes also make them easily storable and their systems works for almost all DC appliances. They also have easy hold handles that let you to use them with one hand. If you camp a lot or enjoy outdoor activities, these inverters will come in handy.
Energizer 12V 180W EN180 Cup Inverter
Energizer EN180 is one of the top under-500W inverter products. These inverters support devices at the same time with USB port and one 2.amp shares ports. They support up to 180W and 12V. They’re lightweight, transportable, and compacted enough to fit into your cup holder. Their themes are neutral black in colors which is suitable for all car interior designs. On top of that, they’re inexpensive, simple-to-use, and safe and created with North American standards.
Choosing the right car power inverter
Make sure to always consider how many outlets you really need. You need to determine whether you want the basic the basic outlets, the USB ones or a mix of both as well. Make sure to check out the capacity of your car power inverter as well. It is very important to know this in order to not overload it. You always need to put your primary focus on the continuous current capacity. That is the maximum capacity that a particular device can hold (and withstand) during an extended time period.
Closing words
There is a difference between peak load and continuous load. Peak load is the maximum load that inverter can handle, usually only for short amount of time (few seconds). Continuous load is generally advertised and it means how much it can run normally.
Overload protection
This is mostly the feature of better and more expensive inverters. In case you plugged them in too high powered device, they automatically adapt. Some power inverters could blow up in this case, so it is very important to have the protection.
Of course in the end you also have to look at the cost. Naturally with more features the price will increase. In this guide we will review some of the best pure sine power inverters. They are the best based on the price for which you are buying them.
This power inverter is 600 watts power inverter. It has aluminum case which will provide a good longevity of this product. In case it falls somewhere, it should still work. Its maximum power is 1000 watts. What is more is that this power inverter is relatively quiet and easy to use. It will certainly come in very handy in the situations of need. It has an attractive price point and a built-in thermos cooling fan. Although it does not have many features, it is still quite a good power inverter for the price. It can be used in variety of applications. This multifunctionality is something you will appreciate a lot if you decide to buy this inverter. It is also easy to transport and to simply set it to work. It does not have many buttons and it is generally known to have a good durability.
So in case you are looking for simple, relatively cheap, power sine wave inverter that still works good, you should definitely consider this product. It will leave you satisfied.
Go Power! GP-SW300-1300-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Are you looking for an inverter with lower power? This is a 300 watt pure sine wave inverter and 450 watt at the peak. Although this product is relatively cheap compared to other wave inverters, it still has some useful features such as overvoltage and overload protection. What is worth mentioning about this product is that it runs quietly and effectively which can be very useful in some applications. It can be portable, so you can also use it in different applications and while travelling. It weighs less than pounds which makes it relatively light. Besides silence and reliability the strongest point of this inverter is also durability. Because of that, it is certainly the kind of item that somebody who is buying long term wants to buy. What is more is that it does come with the manual for easier installation. It is a very cheap inverter, so it is good if you are looking for something in slightly lower price range and if you are ok with only few features. Despite the cheap price, it does not disappoint you and you will grow fond of it.
Rs. 70000 * All the above figures are indicative only. Actual figures vary from time to time, from manufacturer to manufacturer, also from model to model. * All the above figures are indicative only. Actual figures vary from time to time, from manufacturer to manufacturer, also from model to model.
Honda EU2000i
One of the main selling points of the Honda EU2000i is in its quiet operation. Typically producing between 5and 5decibels during operation, it’s at a similar level to the average conversation. Therefore it’s ideal for certain environments where a noisy generator just isn’t possible. Of course, being a generator from Honda, the EU2000i has an impressive engine with a 0.95-gallon fuel capacity and can run just over hours on one tank. Despite the impressive power that this inverter generator provides, it weighs only 46lbs. Small and compact, it’s easy to transport and store away when not in use.
At the price you’re paying for this product, you’d expect it to be relatively quiet and offer high fuel efficiency. So it’s nice to see a number of other advantages. In particular, we feel that this is a very well constructed product which should prove to be durable. After all, this is a very reliable brand and the EU2000i does come with a good 3-year warranty. The only real disadvantages of this product are the lofty price (though we must say that it still offers good value) and that 2000W still might not be enough for some people. If money isn’t an issue and you don’t require more than 2000W, you may well want to consider this product.
Yamaha EF2000iSv2
For powering a wide range of applications for hours at a time, the Yamaha EF2000iSvis a great choice. It’s worth us first mentioning that this is the most stylish-looking inverter generator we’ve seen in a long time. Smooth blue and black exterior and rounded corners make it look more like a radio than something that will power your lights or air conditioning! Of course, it’s more than just a pretty face. It has a highly reliable and efficient OHV engine with a smart throttle that varies the speed based on load. This improves fuel economy and reduces noise.
One great thing about the EU2000i is that you can buy the companion generator which would then double your power to 4000 watts. These are daisy-chained together. However, if you need more wattage, we would recommend upgrading to the EU3000i Handi as fewer components is always better as it minimizes your risk of problems.
If you are looking to go boondocking but need some power, this is likely the best portable generator as it is what you will see most in the RV community.
EF2000iS
Generac
Ideal For: portable home emergency backup power, utilizing the benefits of propane to provide enough power to cover essential circuits in your home.
A huge advantage to propane-powered generators over gasoline-powered generators is that propane can be stored for an indefinite amount of time without the need for stabilizers. In an emergency, gasoline may not be readily available and pumps require electricity to work, so it can be convenient to have multiple propane tanks stored for an emergency.
Foval 150W Car Power Inverter
When you are travelling, then this is an ultimate charger that you need to take care of your charging problems. It is an easy to use charger because you need to simply plug the inverter into the vehicles lighter so that you have the best convenient charging while you are on the road. You can use this item in different places so that you have the convenience of its use.
It has been made from materials that are durable and luckily, installed with the perfect color that will fit into any car décor that you will put it in. when you are not using it, you can take it or store it in the glove compartment. It is also usable to charge a variety of mobile devices safely. When you want to use it, just plug it in and it is ready to start charging your devices.
Power Bright PW2300-1Power Inverter
The Power Bright PW2300-1Power Inverter is one of the best when it comes to power inverters for mobile applications. This 1Volt power inverter converts the 1Volt DC or direct to the normal AC or alternating current and allows you to run applications aboard your smoothly and without any hiccups. This is one of the most popular choices that boat owners make when it comes to buying extras for their boat to make their time on it more enjoyable and convenient. With this, you will never have to worry about power again and make the most of your time instead.
Psystems was founded in 200and is one of the largest microinverter and MLPE solution providers in the world. APsystems serves customers in more than 70 countries through three global business units operating in: Seattle for the Americas region; Lyon, France, for the EMEA region; and Jiaxing, China, for the APAC region. APsystems has hundreds of thousands of units installed around the globe producing over 130 GWh of energy.
First understand your Power Requirement
One of the most important thing that you must know before buying an inverter is your “power requirement”. In simple words- what all home appliances (like lights, fans, televisions, or any other appliances) you will run at the time of power cut. Power requirement is an addition of the power consumed by various electrical home appliances.
Find the VA Rating of the Inverter You Need
VA stands for Volt ampere rating. It is the voltage and current supplied by the inverter to the equipment. Your appliances need more VA than the power requirement in Watts due to the nature of the devices. The ratio is called Power factor.
Hence Power supplied (or VA rating of inverter) = Power requirement (power consumed by equipment in watts) / Power factor.
Single Battery or Double Battery
Now suppose your power back up requirement is hrs for the same power load.
Battery Capacity required = (851*4) / 1= 28Ah ~ 300Ah
Since batteries are available between 60-200Ah, you will need battery of 150Ah (in series) to provide 300 Ah. Two batteries together create 2V output, hence you need to choose inverter which supports 24V input.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the inverter by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your inverter wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of inverter
- №1 — BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter 3 AC Outlets 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverter
- №2 — BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter with 4.2A Dual USB Car Adapter
- №3 — POTEK 3000W Power Inverter 4 AC Outlets 12V DC to 110V AC Car Inverter with 2 USB Port
Questions? Leave a comment below!
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