A 2000-watt inverter generator is a viable option to power your essential appliances during a power outage. It can keep you going during a power outage and provides a reliable backup power option for camping, tailgating, fairs and festivals, and RVs. While a 2000-watt generator has its limitations, but one thing is for sure: it’s a reliable device that provides decent power and value for the money.
If you are looking for the best 2000 watt generator, you may have a few concerns in mind. The main concerns of consumers usually include the quality, reliability, and durability of the generator. Another important issue is how long the generator can power a particular appliance.
In this article, we will answer these questions for you. We will review some of the best inverter generators on the market and discuss how long some common household appliances and work equipment can be powered by a 2000-watt inverter generator. Our main goal is to make sure that you can choose the best 2000-watt inverter generator for your specific needs.
In order to help you decide, we have done thorough research on how much longer a certain appliance/machine/tool can run on 2000-watt inverters. Therefore, next to each product review, we will also suggest which of the generators would be the best choice to run certain appliances.
Please note that there may be some variations in the runtimes because of a slight variance in the wattage and generator strength. Our research was done with the brand new generators and appliances. Factors like working conditions, the generator and appliances’ health, power losses due to faulty wirings, wrong connections, fuel quality, and overall load on the generator can affect the runtime measurements.
Let’s scrutinize some of the best generators on the market!
1. WEN 56203i 2000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
For our editor’s pick, we have chosen the WEN 56203i 2000-watt inverter generator. This excellent machine comes with a starting power of 2000 watts and delivers 1700 running watts. It has a 1-gallon gas tank and runs for 10.8 hours on a 25% load. It means that if you run a 400-watt load, you will get almost 10 hours of backup power on a full gas tank. For most households, this is more than sufficient.
It is built around a 4-stroke 79cc OHV gasoline engine. The engine has been designed to ensure that the unit remains lightweight and compact. To start the engine, use the starting cord as it doesn’t offer an electric or key starting mechanism.
It measures 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches and weighs only 39 pounds. The lightweight and small size improve portability and allow you to easily take it with you. As for the outlets, you get two 3-prong 120V outlets, one 12 V outlet DC and two 5 V USB outlets.
The generator comes with safety features like fuel shutoff, overload protection, and surge voltage protection. The output current has less than 1.2% THD (total harmonic distortion). A low THD keeps sensitive appliances like TVs, phones, and laptops safe while running on the generator. You get indicators for low oil, overloading, and output. The inverter also comes with eco mode, choke lever, and parallel connectivity.
It produces 51 dBA noise at a distance of 23 feet, which is similar to that of a vacuum cleaner. WEN offers a 2-year warranty on this machine which covers labor and parts.
All in all, it’s an excellent device with some of the best features on the market. It is reasonably priced and offers the kind of durability that is worth the expense. If you can’t afford a high-end generator with a correspondingly higher price tag, this generator is your best bet. The only problem people point out with this unit is that it is made in China. Research on this machine shows that it goes through a series of thorough quality checks before it hits the market, so there should be no quality concerns for you. This particular generator is approved by EPA and CARB for use in all 50 states.
Pros
- Economical buy
- Multiple outlets
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Lightweight
- Less noise
- Clean power output
Cons
- Missing data center
- External grounding required
- Low power output
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2. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
If you are looking for a cost-effective and reliable generator, the A-ipower generator is your best bet. Simply put, the generator is ideal for budget-conscious people who don’t want to compromise on unique quality and output. The machine produces 2000 starting and 1600 running watts. The running wattage is slightly lower than the machine discussed above, but don’t let that deter you because it does the job without a hitch. The gas tank is 1.1 gallons, and it gives a 4 hours runtime at full load and 7 hours at 50% load. The runtime is impressive.
The 4-stroke 79cc OHV engine is gasoline-powered and is started with a starting cord. The unit has dimensions of 22 x 13 x 20 inches and weighs 50 pounds. It is heavier than the previously mentioned generator and is easily managed by one healthy adult. The carry handle is also ergonomically designed, making it a lot easier to move the unit around.
As for safety features, it offers low oil warning and automatic low oil shutdown, as well as overvoltage protection and overload protection. The noise level is 52 dBA from a distance of 23-30 feet. The low noise gives you mental peace and satisfaction when camping, RVing, or during a power outage where peace and quiet are paramount.
The control panel is loaded with an on/off button, eco mode, indicator LEDs, and parallel operation outlets. The unit offers a 120V 20A NEMA 5-20R outlet, a 120V 30A NEMA L5 30R outlet, a 12V DC 8.3A outlet, and a USB outlet for quick connection for your phone and laptop chargers, making it most convenient.
It is a CARB and EPA compliant machine, and the warranty for residential usage is for two years. The warranty on this generator for commercial use is one year. The choke on the control panel makes the cold start a breeze. User experience and feedback reveal that it is an excellent machine. The only issue with this machine is that it is slightly weighty for this particular power range.
Pros
- Economical buy
- Multiple outlets
- Lightweight design
- Ergonomic handle
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Impressive run time
- Less noise
Cons
- Missing data center
- No DC outlet
- Manual start
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3. Westinghouse iGen2200 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
For people who want the best return on their investment, Westinghouse’s 2200 watt inverter is the best deal. Westinghouse is known for manufacturing quality portable generators, and this unit illustrates that point. The unit delivers 2200 starting and 1800 running watts and is more powerful than the two machines discussed above.
The machine has a THD of less than 3% and can run for up to 12 hours at a 25% load. The gas tank holds 1.2 gallons, and the 80cc OHV Westinghouse engine starts conveniently with a pull-start. The machine features an eco mode and parallel shift. The engine is rugged and durable, even when used in poor weather conditions.
This generator offers two 120V 20A outlets and two USB outlets but doesn’t offer the 12V DC outlet. The control panel is loaded with an engine/fuel control switch, low oil, overload, and output ready indicator LEDs, a circuit breaker, an overload reset, and a choke lever. The machine keeps your appliances safe with the help of surge voltage protection, overload protection, and automatic low oil shutdown.
It measures 19.8 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches and weighs 46 pounds. Its dimensions are compact, making it easy to store and travel with, and the case-style handle provides a comfortable grip and makes it easy to carry. The best thing about this unit is that it comes with a 3-year warranty, one of the longest warranties offered for inverters in this power range. Interestingly, the operating noise is 52 dBA, the warranty covers labor and parts, and the unit is EPA and CARB compliant. This puts it in line with other inverters in the same power range.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Quiet
- Fairly ecofriendly
- Reduced emissions
Cons
- Small gas tank
- Low wattage
- Relatively short running time
Westinghouse iGen2200 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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4. Champion 100692 2000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Champion takes the credit for offering the most lightweight and compact 2000-watt inverter on the market. The unit’s dimensions are 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches, and it weighs only 39.5 pounds, making this unit the most lightweight inverter on our list. This machine can give you 2000 watts starting and 1700 running watts when it comes to power output. It has a 1.1-gallon fuel tank, and you can run this machine for up to 11.5 hours on a 25% load.
The generator is built around a 4-stroke 79cc OHV engine from Champion. A point of interest is that Champion engines are ranked one of the best in the generator industry. Champion has been in the business since 2003 and has a reputation for producing affordable, durable, and reliable generators. The engine produces a running sound of 58 dBA at a distance of 23 feet and we cannot help but note that the noise rating is higher than those of the two previous generators mentioned above.
The inverter can be paralleled, offers an eco mode, and is equipped with a recoil starter since it is a recoil start unit. The cold start feature allows the machine to start effortlessly even in extremely cold weather conditions. The unit offers two power outlets: a 120 V 20 A outlet and a 12 V automotive outlet DC, while USB ports are not included. However, it is noted that USB adapters can be used with this device, one of which is included. The output voltage has a harmonic distortion of less than 3%. Safety features include low oil shutdown, overvoltage protection, and overload protection, which is not surprising since the unit is EPA and CARB-approved. The control panel also features a choke, LED gauges, and a fuel regulator.
Various features make this generator stand out from the rest, including battery charging cables, a dual USB adapter, and a bottle of engine oil for first-time use. You get a 3-year warranty on this machine and free lifetime customer service support.
Pros
- Ultra-light
- Multiple outlets
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Parallel ready
- Super quiet
Cons
- No data center
- No remote start
Champion 100692 2000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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5. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
If you want an almost silent 2000-watt inverter with the industry best features, you don’t need to look any further. The last generator on our best 2000-watt inverter generator list is the 48 dBA electric start machine from Honda. With Honda, you get the comfort of soundless running and easy-to-start features.
You don’t need to test your arm’s strength every time you have to start the machine – all you need to do is push a button, and your inverter will be up and running almost immediately.
The unit is a gasoline-powered inverter and can produce 2200 starting and 1800 running watts. Not only does it offer outstanding features, but it also comes with a higher power rating than the majority of other machines available in this power range.
The dimensions are 20 x 11.4 x 16.7 inches, and the machine weighs 46.5 pounds. It is a bit heavier than other inverters on the list, but its ergonomic carry handle makes it easy to lift and move the machine around, so this should be a non-issue. It has a trusted and powerful 121cc GXR120 Honda engine, which sets this machine apart from other similar units. The inverter is loaded with a powerful engine, which makes it more reliable than other inverters.
As for outlets, the unit offers two 120V 15A AC outlets and one DC battery charging port. The USB port is missing; you can buy a USB adapter to connect USB cables/chargers to this unit, so that’s not too much of a disappointment. Some other intriguing features of the generator are Bluetooth connectivity and Co-Minder (the ability of the device to automatically shut off when carbon monoxide levels in the environment rise above the safe limit). You can expect the machine to include LED indicators for low oil, overload, and power, and it’s also loaded with eco mode, parallel connectivity, circuit protection, and a choke for easy cold starting.
This particular generator is backed by a powerful 3-year warranty from a Honda with a lifetime customer support service. The only and big issue with this inverter is its selling price. There is no doubt that it is one of the most reliable and durable machines in the market; however, it is pretty pricey. It also lacks a fuel gauge and a data center; which you would expect from a generator within this price range.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to transport and store
- Durable and quiet
- Low harmonic distortion
- Low fuel shutdown alert
- Overload electronic circuit breaker and spark arrestor
Cons
- Higher price
- Missing fuel gauge
- No USB outlet
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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Check Out More Of Our Generator Reviews
The Ultimate Champion 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator Review
The Ultimate Champion 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator Review
The Ultimate WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Portable Inverter Generator Review
The Ultimate WEN 56203i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator Review
FAQ
You can use a 2000-watt inverter generator for camping trips, tailgate parties, run power appliances in an RV, deal with brief power outages and run small tools at a worksite.
Inverter generators are modern-day machines that make the power generator eco-friendly, economical, less noisy, and safe for appliances and human beings. When your power needs are low (less than 4000-watts), you must buy an inverter generator. Inverters are lightweight, produce electricity with a low THD, and are safer to use than conventional generators.
The basic working mechanism is the same compared to a conventional generator. Once the generator produces AC power, it is converted to DC (direct current) power, and the inverter within the generator then converts it back into AC power. This extra conversion makes the output safe for your sensitive appliances and decreases the THD value of the output current.
Inverter generators offer a maximum of 4000-watt inverter power output. The best way to find out the right size of your generator is to calculate your power needs. You can do this by making a list of all the appliances you need to run on the generator. Find out the starting and running wattage and calculate the total. This way you will be able to decide what size inverter or conventional generator is best for you.
All of the machines reviewed above are the best in their respective categories. In our opinion, WEN, Westinghouse, and Honda make the best 2000-watt inverter generators.
Yes, a refrigerator can be perfectly run by a 2000-watt inverter generator since most household refrigerators have a starting wattage of 1200 watts. It can be easily accommodated along with a couple of other appliances on a 2K watt inverter. If you know load management (adding heavy loads one by one and turning off the unwanted appliances), you can do wonders with a 2000-watt inverter.
A 2000-watt generator can power a bunch of different appliances. We will cover this in detail later in this article. To give you an idea, you can run a 10,000 BTU air conditioning unit, a furnace fan or a radiant fan, a washing machine, or any other machine/appliance, fixtures with a starting wattage lower than the maximum output of the machine.
Eco-mode or auto-throttle is an inverter generator’s ability to adjust the engine speed according to the load applied. If the load is low, the RPM will decrease. When the engine’s load increases, it will respond and produce more power to meet the needs. In this way, you get a low running cost.
Parallel connectivity allows you to connect two of the same model inverters and double the power output and outlets. This feature comes in handy when you have to run a heavy machine that a single inverter can’t manage. For example, you need to run a sound system at an outdoor party with 3000 watts of power, and you have a 2000-watt inverter. If one of your friends also happens to have a 2000-watt inverter (same model), you can daisy chain both units and get 4000 watts output. In this way, you can run a speaker system and still have some power left to run some other appliances too.
Final Words
Now that you know a little more about the best 2000-watt inverter generators on the market and what appliances you can run with them, deciding which one is best for your needs should be an easier task. Choose wisely depending on your power needs, but rest assured that all of the above generators are good choices.