6 Advantages of Inverter Generators

If you’re in the market for a new generator, you’ve probably noticed that there are a million different types available on the market: standby, portable, standard, inverter, open frame, dual fuel, etc. With so many terms, it’s easy to get lost. Fortunately, your friends at WEN are here to help clear things up.

Today we will be focusing specifically on closed-frame inverter generators. At first glance, you’re likely to notice that this style of generator costs nearly double the money as a traditional open frame generator. So, with that in mind, what exactly are you getting for your money? Below is a breakdown of all the potential reasons you may want to splurge on the upgrade.

1. It’s quiet.

Historically speaking, generators get a bad rap for being loud and invasive during operation. Inverter generators, however, use advanced sound-dampening technology to keep noise to a minimum. With their closed sound-absorbing housing, they’re great for places where silence is supreme, such as camping, hunting, tailgating, or residential emergency backup. For instance, our WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Inverter Generator operates at a mere 51 decibels at half load, quieter than a window air conditioner or the average conversation. So if you’re worried about being “that guy” on the block during a power outage, an inverter generator might be the best way to keep noise to a minimum.

2. It’s compact and lightweight.

Inverter generators are often more compact than their traditional counterparts, making them easy to transport wherever you need them. Their small, lightweight bodies also allow for easy storage between uses. Take our WEN 56125i 1250-Watt Inverter Generator for example. This generator measures in at 17 by 9 by 12.5 inches and weighs an easy 30 pounds. It can get annoying lugging around a traditional generator from the job site to home and vice versa. Luckily, inverter generators eliminate transportation concerns for users on the move.

3. It’s safe for electronics.

Many sensitive electronics such as cellphones, computers, and TVs, require a “clean” power source to avoid being damaged during operation. In a traditional generator, the power is fed (more or less) straight from the engine to the control panel. This means that the created electricity is not necessarily “clean” power. With an inverter generator however, the power produced by the alternator is first sent through an inverter before being sent to the outlets (hence the name inverter). Although this limits the maximum output a generator can reach for a given engine size, it also allows for a reliable and consistent electricity source free of the voltage spikes of traditional generators. That means you can feel free to plug in whatever sensitive electronics your heart desires without the fear of damage. For more on this topic, check out our handy guide to total harmonic distortion in generators and power stations.

4. It’s fuel-efficient and eco-friendly.

Inverter generators have special adjustments built into the engine that let them use less fuel than traditional generators. It’s a win for your wallet, as well as the environment. The automated internal computer adjusts the generated electricity up and down depending on what’s plugged into the panel. If you need an extra boost of power, all WEN inverter generators are equipped with an ECO-Mode switch that can be enabled or disabled depending on the needs of the project at hand. Consider our WEN 56380i 3800-Watt Inverter Generator. This unit generates on average 6500 watt-hours per gallon of gas used, providing 30% more efficiency than a traditional generator of the same size.

5. It’s modular.

If you need some extra juice, you no longer have to upgrade your entire generator. With inverter generators, two units can be linked together to provide more power as needed. Simply buy a second WEN inverter generator, along with a parallel connection kit, to increase the total wattage output of each individual outlet. Now, you no longer need a huge, bulky, traditional generator in order to get some serious power. You can also check out our deep-dive article on parallel kits for more information. 

6. It’s smart.

Inverter generators can give real-time feedback on how and what they are doing, such as how much power they are putting out, how much gas is left, if it’s time for maintenance, and more. Knowing your machine has never been easier. Our WEN 56380i 3800-Watt Inverter Generator features a digital fuel and load display so you know your current wattage and gas levels with a quick glance at the panel.

Ultimately, the right generator for you depends on your needs, including the types of devices you want to power, how much power you need, acceptable noise level and more. But no matter your need, WEN has a generator to suit you. If you have any questions or need help choosing the generator that’s right for you, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-232-1195 (M-F 8AM to 5PM CST) or drop us a message at orders@wenproducts.com to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable technical support team.

NOTE: For a more technical explanation of the inner-workings of inverter generators, check out this article about how inverter generators create electricity.