Best Power Inverter for Car
What happens when you need power for your devices when AC power is not a choice? Well, owning one of the best power inverters can be an excellent solution. It’s a device you use to change DC power into AC power – perfect for operating various types of devices. These can include devices such as microwaves, power tools, kitchen appliances, TVs, and more. Furthermore, inverters can provide portable power for other resources you own, such as boats, vehicles, emergency applications, and more.
But these are not the typical chargers that you will find in the home or your car. There are various factors you have to consider to ensure the best results when shopping. Below, we have a comprehensive guide to help you get started:
Best Power Inverter for Car from A Glance
Best Overall | BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter 3 AC Outlets DC 12V to 110V AC Car Power Converter |
Also a Top Pick | |
Editor’s Pick | |
Best for Ease of Use | |
Best Durable |
Buying Guide for Best Power Inverter for Car
Why Buy A Car Power Inverter?
Asking questions before investing can be an excellent way to get the best value for your money. If your question is “why should I buy a car power inverter?” then the following guide should suffice:
- A reliable supply of power – have you wanted to use a computer or tablet, but the battery was down? A power inverter would help in such a case because you can use it to draw power from the car power supply system. The good thing is that you can use it to charge as many as two devices simultaneously.
- Makes outdoor activities convenient – for those who love outdoor activities, power inverters are great! Why? Well, you can use them to power various types of devices, including blenders, kettles, and more.
- Easy to maintain – car power inverters do not require a direct power line to the house or fuel to run. They draw power from the power supply system in your car. Equipped with one, you can be sure of a reliable supply of power – perfect for addressing your daily power supply needs.
- Eco-friendly – car power inverters won’t produce fumes when in use. Plus, other wastes such as harmful rays and more won’t be an issue.
Common Types of Car Power Inverters
Single Outlet
These are the basic power inverter types and can provide 150 to 500 watts of power. Usually, they feature a small, portable, and compact design. Plus, these devices only support the charging of one device at the same time. Often, these inverters are also affordable and come with basic functions.
Multiple Outlet
These are the types that have many power supply outlets and are suitable for those who have many electrical devices. That said, the only issue when using these types is overloading or overheating complications. Most brands have included electrical safety protection mechanisms to help combat such a problem when it comes to power supply issues.
USB Outlet
USB outlets let you use USB compatible devices such as tablets, MP3 players, and more. Furthermore, USB ports provide sufficient power for only the small types of devices. However, they are not reliable for use with household devices, or those that require lots of energy.
Key Features
Wattage
This is a metric that determines the power level your inverter can produce. It’s a metric that will determine the type of device you can power at any given time. If you want to change a small number of electronics, then consider a 150 to a 700-watt inverter. That said, if you spend most of your time outdoors with your car, such as during camping, then go for the types with bigger ratings. These include ratings that are above the 1,000-watt rating level.
Ports
Remember to determine the number of devices you can connect to one inverter. Usually, a significant number of inverters come with USB ports and AC outlets, which you can use to charge different devices. These can include applications such as charging your phone or laptop simultaneously. Even more, the number of ports required is directly dependent on the number of devices you own. If the inverter has several ports, then consider an increase in costs.
Sine Waves
Most brands come with sine waves, which have specific ratings for the best power supply. Why? It’s because most damages are prone to damage due to inconsistent waves such as the square waveforms. When it comes to the modified sine wave types, you can be sure your device won’t be exposed to excessive power or stress. Furthermore, pure sine wave devices are also highly efficient.
Other Considerations
- Safety certifications – the best would be to go for products that have an ETL stamp. The stamp indicates the inverter is suitable for use anywhere and based on specific safety recommendations. It’s a stamp that ensures the inverter can protect against the common electrical issues.
- Size and weight – you want won’t a device that consumes lots of space in your vehicle, unless you have a big car. A compact power inverter is ideal for your vehicle, and they are often compact enough for you to move around.
Top Brands
Bestek
Started in 2007, Bestek Ranks among some of the best electrical accessory and household appliance brands in the world. The company has several branches around the world, including the UK, the USA, and Japan. We have one of their products on this list, which would be the BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC.
Foval
Also, a top company in producing high-quality car power supply units, FOVAL is a reliable brand. While it mostly functions as an online setup, its goal is to provide reasonable solutions and good prices. Perhaps one of their best power supply units would be the Foval 150W Car Power Inverter.
Kruger
Kruger is a famous brand when it comes to the solar power supply industry, and they also make various other appliances. Their main zones of operation would be Australia, Asia, South Africa, and more.
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Other Key Factors
Surge Rating and Continuous Rating
The two key factors to consider in power rating would be the surge and continuous rating. It’s a metric which means the inverter can accommodate a specific power load for a particular time. Usually, the capacity for surge changes is different because of various factors.
In some cases, the level of variation might be as little as 20%, or higher than 200%. Before investing in a power inverter, remember to consider this perspective. On average, a power surge that averages between 4 to 30 seconds, should be adequate for your devices. A good example would be the motor on your pump
The most popular types you will find are the ones with low surge ratings. Why? Its because they are suitable for high-speed electronic switching applications. Furthermore, they have power ranges of between 25 to 60% of the optimal load. Even more, a significant number of the affordable inverters have a power range of between 100 to 5000 watts are the low surge category. The types that have large surge ratings have transformers and are not efficient to use.
Even if high-frequency switching inverters provide low surge capacity, they are also beneficial in many ways. For instance, they are small, affordable, and easy to move around.
Below is a table to help you get started on power ratings:
Device | Watts | Minimum Inverter Need (Watt) |
|---|---|---|
Mobile phone and camera chargers | 10 | 100 |
Charging drones | 20 | 100 |
Laptops | 45 | 100 |
TVs | 300 | 100 |
Freezer | 525 | 300 |
Coffee makers | 750 | 800 |
Home or Car Stereo | 250 | 400 |
Best Below $50
BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC
BESTEK is among some of the leading brands when it comes to producing electronic resources. Thus, the BESTEK 300W power inverter would also make up for an excellent addition to your power supply regimen. Why? Well, its easy to see why all thanks to the unique features this unit can provide.
For instance, the power inverter can provide 300Watts of continuous DC to AC power, and an exceptional 700Watts of Instantaneous power. Even more, this unit comes with 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports for convenient use. Thanks to the fast charging 110V AC outlets, you will find it easy to power devices such as tablets or laptops. The BESTEK 300W power inverter even features 2 USB charging ports (0-2.4A), which you can use to power USB devices.
Also, it’s ultra-compact and lightweight, making it the ideal companion to your travels, work trips and more. It even comes with a 24-inch cigarette lighter plug, which you can use in any car. With the inbuilt 40 amps fuse, this unit can protect your device from damage. The safe charging design ensures protection against issues such as overheating, under and over-voltage charging.
Made using a durable aluminium alloy, this unit is solid and exceptionally durable. It can stand up to various types of severe environments, and this also helps safeguard internal components from damage.
The Good
- Comes with 2 USB charging ports
- Ultra-compact and lightweight design
- Has an inbuilt 40 amps fuse to protect your devices
- Durable metal housing offers protection from drops
The Bad
- The fan is a little noisy when the car is idle
POTEK 500W Power Inverter DC 12 V to 110V AC Car Converter
With the POTEK 500W Power Inverter, you have a powerful and simple to use power supply unit for your needs. This unit can provide 1000 watts of peak power, and the dual USB ports can charge most phones at the same time. Whether it’s a laptop, breast pump, iPhone or more, you can always count on this unit to get the job done.
Plus, thanks to the convenient cooling fan, this unit is always safe from overheating complications. You will also be pleased with the various additional components such as the overload protection, short circuit mechanism and more.
It has a digital display, which will identify the current status of the inverter. These include aspects such as INPUT (V), OUTPUT(V) and OUTPUT(W). The dimensions of this unit are also exceptional, measuring in at Just about 7.1 x 4.1 x 2.2 inches. Thus, it offers space-saving benefits, and it’s also easy to store.
You can even plug this unit to a cigarette lighter, and it will provide an exceptional 150 watts of continuous power. Also, its ideal for use at campgrounds, where you will find it easy to connect to the battery in your car. Since it’s a powerful tool, you can expect well over 500 watts of continuous power.
The Good
- Can provide 1000 watts of peak power
- Has an inbuilt cooling fan and full protection
- The digital display provides useful information
- Ultra-portable and convenient design
The Bad
- Plugging the alligator clips wrong will blow the fuse
Foval 150W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter
The FOVAL 150W power inverter is a reliable addition to your power supply regimen. It’s also a fully-featured machine, which you can expect to be reliable for use in your modern kitchen. Equipped with 2 USB ports and AC outlets, this unit is perfect for addressing power supply issues. The dual USB ports are ideal for charging devices such as CPAP machines, game consoles, kindles and more.
With an average dimension of 3.2 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches, this unit is space-saving and easy to store. You will also be pleased with the exceptional aluminum shell design, which ensures longevity. To back this feature up, this Power Inverter is also portable and lightweight weighing in at eight 0z+.
Thanks to the in-built fuse, you have a convenient mechanism that can protect your device from damage. On top of that, the stable charging design protects against various issues. These include overheating, short-circuiting, overloads and more.
The Foval brand has been benevolent enough to ensure this unit has a heavy-duty structure – perfect for longevity purposes. It even has an integrated cooling fan, which can reduce heat and stops short-circuiting issues.
The Good
- Comes with dual ports for charging phones and tablets
- Extremely portable and lightweight design
- Has an in-built fuse to protect your device
- Durable metal housing offers advanced protection
The Bad
- N/A
Best Over $50
BESTEK 1200W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter
Discover the excellence of the BESTEK 1200W Power Inverter, which has 2 AC power outlets and USB charging ports. Yes, it’s one of the most reliable power supply units you will find on the market. The charger comes with a digital LCD, which will indicate various aspects of the performance of your device. These include aspects such as output power, protection indication in time and it’s convenient for mastering the working status.
Furthermore, its also equipped with a smart cooling fan that moves at exceptional speeds. The speeds of this fan also relate to the power load and temperature levels. It’s a unique design that is ideal for controlling fan noise. Furthermore, the high-speed cooling fan ensures protection against issues such as overheating.
The aluminium alloy housing is durable, and this means this unit can stand up to anything you throw at it. Yes, the durable design is perfect for safeguarding the internal components in this unit. Thanks to the powerful and inbuilt 4*50 fuse, you have a reliable mechanism for protecting your battery and the device.
The safe charging technology offers protection against issues such as overheating, over-voltage, short-circuiting and more. The unique safety shutters on the AC outlets ensures optimal protection for children and pets from electric shock.
The Good
- Comes with 2 USB ports for your devices
- Has 2 AC outlets and a digital LCD
- The smart cooling fan rotates in relation to load and temperature
The Bad
- N/A
Car Power Inverter, imoli 1200W/2400W(Peak) DC 12V to AC 110V Converter
Owning a reliable power inverter for your car has never been this easy. The Imoli Car Power inverter makes up for the perfect way to power various types of devices. You can use it to power an induction cooker, coffee maker, microwave ovens, power tools and more. Furthermore, the fast charging ports are highly convenient, and this feature gets backing from the convenient USB outlets.
Equipped with a multi-protection mechanism, this unit is safe against various types of electrical issues. These include problems such as overload, over current, under-voltage, overheating, short-circuiting and more.
Thanks to the high-quality aluminium shell, you have a durable unit that is safe from issues such as drops and bumps. Plus, the durable construction can withstand various types of harsh environments.
The Good
- Comes with a free cigarette lighter
- Fast charging and equipped with 2 AC outlets
- Has a multi-protection mechanism for optimal power control
- Made using high-quality aluminium material
The Bad
- The fan runs continuously which can be annoying
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Best Over $100
Energizer 1500 Watts Power Inverter 12V to 110V
When you have the right resources, issues such as power supply become things of the past. Literally! This is nothing short of what you can expect when you have the Energizer 1500 Watts Power Inverter. It’s a power inverter, which you can use in various situations. You can use it as a power supply unit during hurricanes, storms, outages, and more.
Furthermore, this unit comes with 2 USB ports, each capable of producing 2.4A each. The inverter is a powerful tool that has all the protection mechanisms you need. These include overload, over-voltage, under-voltage, and even short circuit protection mechanisms. What is the best part of all this?
Well, it’s that you will receive information on all these metrics on a highly convenient LCD screen. Some of the additional information you may receive include the input voltage, output wattage, and battery level.
The Good
- Modified inverter can convert DC to AC power
- Suitable for various emergency power supply purposes
- Comes with a highly convenient LCD
The Bad
- Slightly bulky than most brands
DEWALT DXAEPI1000 Power Inverter 1000W Car Converter
Any savvy electrical device owner will know that DEWALT is a top brand. Yes, do some research, and you will notice their diverse range of products is more than exceptional. Thus, the DEWALT DXAEPI1000 car converter easily ranks among the top power supply units you should consider for your needs. Why?
Well, let us start with the fact that a 1000W power inverter can deliver clean power, to make it an excellent power supply unit. The robust LCD screen provides real-time information on power consumption, battery status, and fault problems. Thanks to the heavy-duty design of this unit, you are sure of several years of reliable power supply benefits.
You will be pleased with the various electrical and power supply mechanisms that are available with this unit. These include a low battery shutdown, low voltage audible alarm, short circuit protection, and more. It also provides a clean supply of power to make it suitable for different types of electric devices.
The Good
- Comes with an LCD screen that shows real-time information
- Has a slim aluminium housing and integrated grommets
- Equipped with battery housing and mounting hardware for convenience
The Bad
- N/A
BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter 3 AC Outlets DC 12V to 110V AC Car Power Converter
This list would not have been complete without the BESTEK 2000W Power Inverter. It’s a compact unit that can provide 2000 watts continuous DC to AC power. Plus, this unit can also deliver 4,600 peak surge power, which is more than sufficient for starting your gear. It even comes with three 110V AC outlets for convenient use.
You will find it easy to convert the DC 12V to an AC 110V unit. Yes, that’s right. With such a unique combination of features, it’s easy to see why this unit is suitable for various devices. These include freezers, TV, lights, DVD players, and more. As you would expect with most high-end power inverter units, this unit has a solid and durable aluminium housing. It’s a housing that ensures this unit is safe from bumps and drops.
Equipped with an external and replaceable fuse, this power converter is an excellent addition to your power supply regimen. The power converters consist of 6 50A replaceable fuses, that ensure your battery is safe from damage. Even more, it ensures this unit is safe and highly convenient to use.
The Good
- Can provide an exceptional 4600W peak of surge power
- Has multi-protection mechanisms that protect your devices
- Comes with a robust and durable aluminium housing
The Bad
- N/A
Best Over $200
Modified Sine Wave Power Inverter 3000 Watt DC12 Volt
Change how you address your unique power supply needs when you have the Modified Sine Wave Inverter. This unit is a true rated 3000-watt power inverter, which is also highly convenient to use. It can provide 3000w continuous power and an exceptional 6000-watt surge power level. Plus, the heavy-duty design of this unit means that it’s perfect for use in various settings. You will find it easy to use in trucks, RVs, boats, or even when addressing power failure issues.
Furthermore, the USB auto-detect mechanism is highly convenient and offers fast charge benefits. To make things better, the inverter is available with remote control, which makes it easy to use. Equipped with a 15ft long cable; you will find this unit easy to control inverters. The LED display also lets you watch the input voltage and output power levels with ease.
To make things better, the isolated input and output design make this a highly convenient addition to your regimen. You can be sure that it’s safe from issues such as under-voltage, overheating, short-circuiting, and more.
The Good
- 3000-watt heavy-duty inverter suitable for various applications
- Comes with an excellent electrical safety mechanism
- The inverter is available with a remote-control function
- USB auto-detect function offers fast charge benefits
The Bad
- Slightly heavy for some users
Best Power Inverter for Car: Final Thoughts
We all need power, whether it’s at camp, during picnics, when travelling or more! Getting a reliable power supply has never been easier than when you have the best power inverter for your car. Therefore, the main goal of this guide is to leave you in a better position to pick one that suits your needs. Yes, that’s right! Power inverters are more than just the ordinary power supply unit you may find in the market. Use this guide to buy a good one for your power supply needs.
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