{"id":239,"date":"2020-09-28T19:32:31","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T19:32:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.batterymart.com\/battery-blog\/?p=239"},"modified":"2025-07-30T15:58:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T15:58:19","slug":"selecting-the-correct-power-inverter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.batterymart.com\/battery-blog\/selecting-the-correct-power-inverter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Right Power Inverter for Your Next Off Grid Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A power inverter<\/strong> is one of the most useful tools when you\u2019re off the grid whether you’re camping, tailgating or preparing for power outages. It converts 12 volt DC power<\/strong> from your battery into 120 volt AC power<\/strong>, so you can run everyday items like laptops, fans, or even a coffee maker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how do you know what size inverter you need? And what kind of battery works best? We\u2019ve broken it down in a simple way, plus we\u2019ve included helpful product links from BatteryMart.com<\/a> so you can shop smart and get set up with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Step 1: Know How Much Power You Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Power inverters are rated in watts<\/strong> and each appliance you plan to use has its own wattage requirement. Here’s a quick look at the average wattages for some common gear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appliance<\/th>Watts<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Cell Phone Charger<\/td>50<\/td><\/tr>
Laptop<\/td>25\u2013150<\/td><\/tr>
Coffee Maker<\/td>800\u20131200<\/td><\/tr>
Hair Dryer<\/td>900\u20131600<\/td><\/tr>
Microwave Oven<\/td>1500\u20132000<\/td><\/tr>
Flat Screen TV<\/td>65<\/td><\/tr>
Gaming Console<\/td>100<\/td><\/tr>
Toaster Oven<\/td>1500<\/td><\/tr>
Vacuum Cleaner<\/td>1225\u20131500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quick tip:<\/strong> If an item only lists amps, multiply the amps by 120 to get its wattage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 2: Choose the Right Battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Not all batteries are created equal when it comes to running a power inverter. You’ll want to avoid regular starting batteries, they’re great for starting engines but aren\u2019t built for a deep, long lasting power draw.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Instead, use a deep cycle battery<\/strong>, which is designed to be discharged and recharged repeatedly without damage. These are rated in Amp Hours (Ah)<\/strong>, which tell you how long the battery can supply power over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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🔋 Check out our reliable deep cycle batteries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n