Top 10 Best Power Inverters For Cars 2022 For You To Buy

I was recently seeking a portable power inverter for use in my vehicle as well as my travel trailer for when I go camping. I happened to find the Potek 500W Inverter here and opted to give it a shot based on the price and because it looked like it would get the job done. Of course, there is a 1000W inverter; however, I don’t need anything with that much drag on my battery and am quite satisfied with 500W at this time based on my personal needs.If you’re a camper or need an emergency power supply (110 – 125 VAC) when you’re on the go, then an inverter is what you need. I am not going to pretend that I know enough about electrical connections or currents in order to sell this to you in my review, but what I will do is present it how I intend to use it and have used it and you can decide from there. I haven’t a significant understanding of electrical systems, so I am a bit of a letdown there. However, as a “typical user,” perhaps this will review will help you as it would me!Here are some specs for those interested:Input voltage: 12.8-13.2 volts DC (VDC)Output voltage: 110-125 volts AC (VAC)Output frequency 60Hz +/- 3HzContinuous output power: up to 500 WWaveform: Modified Sine WaveEfficiency (Maximum): 90%Output power overload shutdown: 550+/- 50 WFuses: 30A (x2)2 NEMA AC Receptacles1 USB Port (2.0A)Can connect both to a battery (e.g., vehicle/deep cycle) and via 12V accessory plugOkay, now that specs are out of the way, let’s just talk about how the unit works and how it looks. I love the look of the unit, as I mentioned before, because it appeared like it would get the job done. I like that it looks professional and is not very large. In fact, the unit is smaller than a typical amplifier you would see in a vehicle for an audio system. In addition, the unit has four small notches on each of the bottom corners so that it can be mounted flush against a wall or other setup such as in a vehicle, trailer, etc. I will likely mount mine on a block of wood that is easy to set out with my battery on my trailer and at my vehicle should the need arise to use it.The unit performs very well and is extremely quiet. I’ve owned other inverters that kicked the cooling fan on within 30 seconds of use; however, this unit does not kick the fan on for quite some time, even under decent load (not full). I assume that if I maxed out the output power upon first turning the unit on, it would likely kick the fan on immediately.I love that this unit has two NEMA AC Receptacles, as I can connect my laptop and a mobile phone charger that requires something higher than 2A. For example, I use devices that use Quick Charge, and I need a higher amp charger for that to function, therefore connecting two units to the NEMA ports is convenient. Additionally, I can charge my Bluetooth headset or other lower-amp requiring device using the 1 USB port (2.0 A) (e.g., low-end tablet, Bluetooth Headset, speaker, portable Wi-Fi hotspot, Nintendo DS, etc.).Overall, I wasn’t able to overpower the unit during my use. Although I would not necessarily recommend it, I was able to connect an extension cord into the NEMA port and power an electric drill off of my battery (this is not pictured as I did not have my mobile device with me during that use). This was a great example of how I can use this inverter in a pinch when I am in need of power supply and all I have is a battery. The unit performs well, is quiet, doesn’t get extremely hot, and is easy to hide away in a compartment or under a seat – don’t forget it’s mountable should that be necessary!I am quite pleased with this unit. I have placed it in my vehicle’s trunk at this time so that I can use it in a pinch should I need connected to power without being close to it. I travel for work quite a bit and am on the road constantly, which means I am not always near a power supply that is sufficient for my needs. Therefore, this unit will provide a much-needed connection point when I am on the road for extended periods. Additionally, it will be great for camping as an extra connection or in my shop that is not connected to AC power.If you’re in need of portable power, look no further!

This works well for loads up to about 150 watts. The displayed load appears to be accurate up to about 75 -100 watts, but above that shows a 5 or 10 watt load. I’m using it primarily to run a Starlink system drawing around 40 watts average, and it works excellently for that. It has about 0.35 A draw from battery when idle, fairly typical for an inverter (about 0.29A with display off). Good value for money, for what my needs are. I was seeing around 3.0 to 4.5 amp draw from battery with fluctuating 30 to 50 watt AC load, consistent with prior experience using inverters. My rule of thumb is 10 amps at 12V for every 100 watts at 120 volts.

Update 9/18 – inverter works well with my 700watt microwave (draws 1100watt) and 1000watt airfryer. Seller sent new Bluetooth adapter for free (excellent support), and it is better. 2 issues 1) the Android app needs to be reset every time before using. – its a hasstle, but there is a workaround 2) I noticed my battery drain when in standby in Bluetooth mode. Its not a huge concern, and I have now started turning off the invertor after use (instead of using Bluetooth standby). Overall, I am happy with the purchase at this price point.Update 6/17 – increased 1 star after testing Invertor under load – tested with 700watt Microwave (which draws 1100watts). Bluetooth is still a bit unreliable and hence 1 star is reduced. Testing completed – I will be using the invertor next week when camping.Update – 6/16 – increased 1 star of review because Tech support reached out and sent a new bluetooth USB adapter which appears to be working better. The App is still has connection issues, but the workaround to connectivity issues is to reset storage or uninstall-reinstall app, and it works. Invertor must be in bluetooth mode – not in ON mode.Next step – I will test the invertor at full power, and then post a update.Original review of 6/14/2022I just bought it few days back – tested it and now installing it.Sharing my initial impression after unboxing and testing- 6/14/2022. Will share updates later.1. The positive – Invertor function works along with auto-matic bypass – have not load tested it.2. The positive – really good value for the features-capabilities.3. Bluetooth is unreliable enough to be a pain- Android app only connects to Invertor in Bluetooth mode, and the app stops connecting and needs to be reinstalled frequently. – the workaround of reinstalling or clearing storage every time it stops connecting is currently working, but not a good sign4. Total Lack of tech support- this is the biggest problem with this product. The US phone number listed in manual is disconnected. No response to email support. The facebook page listed in manual does not exist. – this is a serious problem and I reduced 3 stars due to this.

My 3500W 24V inverter failed, no AC power, contacted info@powerreliable.com by Email. This started a series of Emails everyday, checking, testing, comments back and forth. To make a long story short the Service Dept. and Tech team decided to send me a new inverter. Problem solved, the new inverter works great. The Service Dept. and Tech team were very through and reasonable timely. I will stay with Reliable Inverters because of there reliable Service Dept. I will buy again in future. They rate 5 stars. Thank You

My Potek 750 finally have up after 5+years of constant use. Decided to get the smaller unit since my power requirements were much less than 750w.It might just be that I got one that wasn’t up to par for Potek. After about 2 weeks the coming fan did not seem to be working correctly, unit was getting quite warm & fan didn’t kick on.I believe if you need one periodically it would be fine. But didn’t seem to be able to handle continuous use for an extended period.

solid inverter output as promised

Great for emergency

Ran it for 4 hrs with a small sound system a smoke machine and 2 strands of lights. About 500 watts of the available 1000wNo issues.Pros small comes with connections for battery and aux power outlets in vehicles. I also liked the voltage read out and the fact that it came with extra fusesCon. The cover / lapel on top is a sticker and it was off alignment just a hair.

I really love this. I have a back massager and only one 12v port. So this work perfect. And plus it charges the phone way faster

Most of the reviews below may not have factored in starting amps when sizing the proper power inverter. This model has a description of being a 1000w inverter, so a max of 8.3amps could be continually used. However a lot of people forget to consider starting amperage, which in some cases can more than double the normal running amps. Tested on may different smaller devices & equipment.

This is an amazing product… I have 4 children and this comes in handy when I need them to charge their electronics . the fact that it even has different ways of connecting your electronic is wonderful. it’s a 10/10

They’re only rated 200w but I’ve pushed them with some of my tools and equipment that are under or about 200w and they’re reliable and don’t have an annoying battery alarm feature.My old one from another brand would beep constantly at 12.0v and it would bug me. These ones are nice and don’t harass you lol this is my 2nd one and the 1st is still going strong use them daily for the past few months

I purchased this to run christmas lights to the rear of my jeep. Works just how I need it. Considering it’s in the back of my vehicle I can’t hear any fan noise from it. Good price for a great product.

Upgraded my solar system in my ATV shed to support battery tenders and overhead lights. This convertor works as advertised and functions well.

it wont push a 380 watt blow dryer. It tries, and fails, over and over. I bought 3. None of them work for what I need.