You just never know when or, perhaps even more importantly, where you’re going to need to plug something in to power it up. Often the 12-volt power point in your SUV or minivan just won’t get the job done. Fortunately, those needing a 110v hook-up can get it done using a power inverter, which takes direct current (DC) like 12-volt and converts it to alternating current, or AC — think the three-prong outlets all over your house. However, sometimes you need a little extra juice, and having a pure sine wave inverter takes care of that need as it provides higher power output than regular converters. To help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled a list of must-see pure sine wave inverters for your review.
Best Heavy Duty: Giandel 4000W Heavy Duty Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
Whether you’re camping, out on a boat or working at a remote job site, the Giandel 4000W Heavy Duty Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter is ready to rise to the challenge. It puts out 4,000 watts of power with a peak of 8,000 watts, and comes with four outlets and a USB port. It hooks up quickly and easily to any vehicle battery. It’s housed in a durable aluminum alloy that provides advanced protection from the rigors of being outside. It also has an intelligent cooling fan to reduce heat and prevent shortages. It also offers protection against over voltage, low voltage, overload, short circuiting, and polarity reversals. It also has an auto-restart function and GND protection from leakage of electricity. For convenience, it also features a remote control allowing it to be turned on or shut off without having to go back to the vehicle.
Best for Emergencies: GoWISE Power PS1004
The GoWISE Power PS1004 is a great option when a sudden power failure leaves you scrambling to find a way to power a few items in your home. With three sockets and a USB port, users have a few options on what devices get power and what don’t. It offers 3,000 watts of power with a surge capability of 6,000 watts. It’s designed for maximum efficiency so it can be used with computers, electronics, and other sensitive equipment. Because it’s compact and portable, this inverter can be used on jobsites, boats, cars, camping or for permanent use. It has five types of protection systems: thermal protection, overload protection, over-voltage protection, under voltage protection, and a low voltage-protection alarm. It comes with black and red cables with ring terminals, a remote switch and a detailed instruction manual.
Best Value: Energizer 1500 Watts Power Inverter
When you’re looking for a simple inverter to travel with — and don’t want to make a big investment — the Energizer 1500 Watts Power Inverter may be the top choice. This modified sine wave inverter puts out 1,500 watts of power, with a surge level of 3,000 watts. It has two outlets and two USB ports, ideal if you’re camping or offsite somewhere and simply need to plug in a phone or other device. This inverter has all the protections that you will need. Overload, over voltage, under voltage, high temperature and short circuit, and it’s all displayed on the LCD screen as well as input voltage, output wattage and battery level. It comes with a two-year warranty as well as customer service available on the phone, via email or internet chat.
Best for Cars: BESTEK 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter Car Adapter
If you’ve ever been on a road trip and the battery on your laptop is going to die and you can’t charge it off a 12-volt power point, the BESTEK 300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter Car Adapter is the answer. This 300-watt inverter surges to 700 watts and plugs into any 12-volt, i.e. cigarette lighter/phone charging outlet, and gives you two AC outlets as well as two USB ports for immediate use. It can charge the aforementioned laptop, as well as other things such as speakers, cameras, game consoles, Kindles, iPad — even a nebulizer. It uses vents and a smart fan design to dissipate heat quickly and efficiently while a built-in 40-amp fuse offers protection against overheating, under and over voltage charging, short circuiting, overloads and overcharging. It also protects the owner with an 18-month warranty.
Best for Camping: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
For some, camping means a tent, a sleeping bag, a fire pit and little else. But if your idea of camping is more like glamping, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is a must-have. It acts as a pure sine wave inverter to power and protect your sensitive devices while you save yourself from mosquitoes, sloths or bears. However, it doesn’t need to be hooked up to a car battery — although it can be plugged into a cigarette lighter — as its 240 watt-hour lithium-ion battery can be charged before leaving or by using solar panels. It comes as an all-in-one unit with a carrying handle and a digital display gives you all the information you’ll need. However, it does come with just one regular AC outlet, two USB ports and a 12-volt plug — remember you are camping.
