Best inverter generators 2022
Oriuginal post By Niclas Hallin and Mikael Lindkvist, M3 2022
Are you looking for a small and handy inverter generator for your summer camping adventure, or as backup power at home or on your farm? M3 has tested three different portable models.
A power station in all its glory, when you really need a lot of electricity over a longer period of time, then a real power plant is the answer. For example, if you want to be able to run a saw or a log splitter for a whole day, or if you have a long power outage at home and don’t want to curl up under a pile of blankets while you wait for the problem to be fixed. At the same time, it’s incredibly convenient to have a solution that you can carry with you without breaking your back.
Tested generators:
- Briggs & Stratton P2400
- Champion 2200W Dual Fuel The Mighty Atom
- Honda EU22i
We contacted the largest manufacturers and asked for portable generators that could deliver around
2,000 watts. The generators should also be able to power sensitive equipment, so we chose to focus on inverter models, that is, capable of delivering a pure sine wave. The three models we have tested are all comparable in terms of power and format, although they differ somewhat in other respects.
So we tested
We measured the load the generators were able to deliver before the overload protection tripped, as well as the noise level without and with maximum load (one and five meters away from the front). We checked the frequency and measured the voltage at different loads to see any deviations. In addition, we looked at factors such as weight/dimensions, IP rating, operating time, functions and overall quality feel. Finally, we assessed how easy the generators were to handle and of course weighed this against the price tag.
Briggs & Stratton P2400
The Briggs & Stratton generator is the largest and heaviest in the test, but it doesn’t differ much from the others. The P2400 weighs 22.7 kilos dry, so it’s no problem to lug it to and from the car. The only thing that’s a bit strange is that the carrying handle isn’t centered, which makes it feel unnecessarily cumbersome to lug around.
Like Champion, Briggs & Stratton has put up stickers that show you step by step how to prepare and start the generator, which is exemplary easy. No tools are required to access the oil pan, but there is no dipstick, instead you should fill the oil “up to the brim”. Just expect some spillage. The fuel tank holds 3.8 liters of gasoline and there is an integrated filler filter.
The P2400 starts immediately on the first attempt when the choke is activated, after which the generator runs stably and nicely. We mainly associate the American manufacturer with lawnmower engines, an area where the company itself claims to be a world leader. This generator has a 4-stroke OHV engine that should be able to deliver stable power of 1,800 watts with a pure sine curve. We test the generator up to the maximum limit and at 2,000 watts the P2400 continues to deliver, but with a clear warning. The generator should be able to handle a starting power of 2,400 watts (hence the name, we assume) and there are no problems whatsoever. However, when we go over 2,000 watts, the circuit breaker trips immediately (without a voltage drop). The frequency is constantly stable at 50Hz, so the generator undoubtedly delivers what is promised.
Sounds the most of the three
When it comes to noise levels, the P2400 is louder than the other generators we tested. Without load, we measured 77.6 dB one meter from the front and 64.6 dB five meters away. With maximum load, we measured a whopping 72.5 dB at a distance of five meters. Not terribly annoying, but still the worst in the starting field.
Briggs & Stratton’s generator is the cheapest of the three we tested, while still having some advantages over its competitors. It has a built-in carbon monoxide sensor that automatically turns off the generator if the level gets too high (life-threatening). And in the front, in addition to two AC connectors, there are dual USB ports and a 12-volt DC connector. It’s a shame that the latter only delivers five amps at most. If you know for sure that you don’t need LPG operation but instead appreciate the extra sockets and lower price, then the P2400 is definitely a good buy.
Opinion
The cheapest generator in the test delivers what is promised while offering more connections than the competing models. It is not the lightest and it makes more noise than the other two models we have tested, but it is still affordable in our eyes.
Plenty of connections
Possibility to parallel connect several generators
Built-in carbon monoxide sensor
A little loud noise level
Relatively heavy and large
Only 5 amps out of the DC socket
Rating 4 out of 5
Facts Briggs & Stratton P2400
Model: P2400 EU, model no. 030800
Manufacturer : Briggs & Stratton
Running power : 1,800W
Starting power : 2,400W
Running time (25% load): 8h
Tank volume : 3.8 liters
Connections : 2 pcs 230V ac, 12V dc (5A), 2 pcs usb (2A/1A), parallel connection
Measured sound level without load (1 m/5 m) : 77.6 dB/64.6 dB
Measured sound level max load (1 m/5 m): 85 dB/72.5 dB
Dimensions (LxWxH): 510 x 310 x 440 mm
Weight (dry): 22.7 kg
Warranty: 3 years (limited)
Other: Built-in carbon monoxide sensor
Champion 2200W Dual Fuel The Mighty Atom
American Champion is big on generators, they offer models in all sizes. The model we have tested is brand new on the market and differs from the other two generators tested in that it can also run on LPG. More on that later.“The Mighty Atom” is undoubtedly a powerful product name and according to the manufacturer this is the world’s lightest 2200 watt model. On the side there is a sticker that explains step by step how to prepare the generator for use. We fill it with petrol and the included oil, the latter requiring you to open a side cover with two screws. The cover where you fill the oil has a dipstick, so you can keep an eye on the level, but the generator automatically switches off if the level gets too low.
The Champion 2200W Dual Fuel starts up immediately after two pulls on the cord and it runs surprisingly quietly without a load. We measured 70 dB directly at the front of the machine and 53.3 dB 5 meters from the generator. When we connect our 1,800-watt convector element, the speed increases significantly and then the Honda generator is quieter. There is also an eco mode, with this activated the engine hums really discreetly (but then it can’t handle the same load).
The generator has a 230 volt socket in the front behind an IP44-rated protective cover. Otherwise, there is only a 12 volt DC socket (8 amps) available. In addition, there is a knob in the front, where you choose between LPG or petrol, and whether you want to activate the choke or turn off the generator. There are also connections here to parallel connect the generator to a similar one to increase the power. For the AC socket, you also have a 16 amp circuit breaker that resets the generator if it has been overloaded.
Stable 2,000 watts
The Champion generator has no problem driving the load it is specified for, and then some. 2,000 watts is no match and it even handled short spikes up to 2,500 watts. Unlike the other generators, however, we had a voltage drop (down to 180 volts) just before the overload protection kicked in. But as long as we did not load the generator outside the specs, it ran stably and the frequency stayed exactly at 50 Hertz.The package includes a gas regulator and hoses, but unfortunately we had to cut the quick coupling as the one on it does not fit the gas bottle you buy at the gas station. Once started, we immediately notice (it takes a bit of pulling to get gas to the machine) that the engine runs really clean and nice. There are several advantages to running on gas, in addition to cleaner running, the operating costs are also lower. Then you can choose the size of the bottle yourself and thus extend the operating time, and you don’t have to deal with smelly gasoline. The disadvantage is that the effect is slightly lower and that you have to bring a separate tank with you.
If you want as much generator as possible for the money, this is a really good buy. The quality feel of the lid and plastic details in the front is not up to Honda standards and it would have been nice to have more outputs. The low noise level, the ability to also run on LPG and the low weight make this generator a winner.
Opinion
The Champion 2200W dual fuel performs really well and we like the flexibility of being able to run the generator on LPG.
Runs on both gasoline and LPG
Possibility to connect several generators in parallel
Runs relatively quietly
Light weight and compact size
Sparing with connections
Requires screwdriver to access the dipstick
Rating 4.5 out of 5
Facts Champion 2200W DF The Mighty Atom
Model: 92001i-DF-EU-SC
Manufacturer : Champion
Driving power : 1,900W
Maximum power : 2,200W
Driving time (25% load): 10.5h (petrol)
Tank volume : 4 liters
Connections : 1 pc 230V ac, 12V dc (8.3A), parallel connection
Measured sound level without load (1 m/5 m) : 70 dB/53.3 dB
Measured sound level max load (1 m/5 m) : 85.3 dB/68.6 dB
Dimensions (LxWxH) : 440 x 290 x 450 mm
Weight (dry): 17.6 kg
Warranty : 3 years
Other : Also runs on LPG (regulator included)
Honda EU22i
Honda generators are extremely reputable, as we have seen, you have probably seen several really worn out, well-used little red generators that are still working tirelessly, even though they are many years old. The manufacturer was the first to introduce inverter technology in generators back in 1987, so they have been doing this for a while.
The model we have been able to borrow for testing is a small and handy generator that weighs just over 21 kilos, before we fill it with fuel and oil. There are no stickers with instructions on the generator itself, but it is super easy to get started. After we loosen a screw, we can fill it with oil (the dipstick is in the lid) and the gas tank has an integrated filter. After we turn on the choke, the Honda starts on the first pull and then runs stably and nicely.Both with and without a load, the Honda falls somewhere between the Champion and Briggs & Stratton generators in terms of noise. 62.3 dB at five meters with maximum load is perfectly fine. And this machine also has an eco mode that reduces the speed (and maximum power). The Honda generator is not annoyingly loud, but if the lowest possible noise level is the highest priority, the Champion model is a better choice.
Honda’s generator has two built-in AC sockets with separate 16-amp fuses. The front doors are IP54 rated, which means they have a higher dust/pet protection class than the other two generators and it is also clear that all plastic parts on Honda’s model are of higher quality than on competitors’ generators. There is also a 12-volt DC socket (8.3 amps) here, but this is a special type that requires an optional adapter. You can also parallel two Honda generators to double the power.
Stable frequency and 1.8 steady kW
The EU22i has no problem continuously delivering the 1,800 watts it is spec’d for, but when we push the generator closer to its maximum output of 2,200 watts, the overload protection quickly trips (without any hint of voltage drop). Just like the other two generators, Honda’s machine delivers a pure sine wave and a stable 50 Hz.
We are a little torn about Honda’s generator as it costs a lot more than the competitors’ alternatives. Will this generator still be stable in 20 years when others have long since retired? It is of course difficult to test, but there is no denying that Honda has a really good reputation in the industry. What we find is that it feels more expensive than the other two models tested, but that it is heavier, noisier and delivers slightly lower power than Champion’s generator, while also costing considerably more. However, if we were to buy a model to have as a backup to cool down a small nuclear reactor (we are thinking a little fictionally here…), then the choice would still fall on Honda.
Opinion
Honda’s EU22i is undoubtedly a high-quality generator that delivers stable power exactly according to specifications. However, given what you get for the money, it’s hard to justify the higher price tag.
Sturdy and convenient
Dual AC outlets with separate fuses
Possibility to parallel multiple generators
Expensive
Rating 3.5 out of 5
Facts Honda EU22i
Model: 92001i-DF-EU-SC
Manufacturer : Honda
Driving power : 1,800W
Maximum power : 2,200W
Driving time (25% load) : 3h 30 min
Tank volume : 3.6 liters
Connections : 1 pc 230V ac, 12V dc (8.3A), parallel connection
Measured sound level without load (1 m/5 m): 76.4 dB/58.8 dB
Measured sound level max load (1 m/5 m): 78.8 dB/62.3 dB
Dimensions (LxWxH) : 512 x 290 x 425 mm
Weight (dry) : 21.1 kg
Warranty : 2 years
