Types of Power Inverters

Modified Sine Wave Power Inverters

The most common type of power inverter available. Most appliances will run on these and purchasing one won't drain your wallet. These are also referred to as 'square wave' power inverters, although technically they are not square waves...just funny looking sine waves.

True Sine Wave Power Inverters

The more expensive type of power inverter, needed for very high end appliances and potentially oxygen concentrators, fax machines, laser printers, high voltage cordless tool chargers, variable speed motors, electric razors, and garage door openers. The safe bet, albeit more expensive bet, is to buy one of these, but well over 95% of appliances will run on the modified sine wave.

Battery-Direct Power Inverters

More common mainly due to load flexibility, these inverters connect directly to the battery of your car, boat, or RV. You can purchase a battery-direct power inverter for just about any wattage maximum or other power inverter options. What they gain in flexibility though, they lack in convenience...

Cigarette Ligher Power Inverters

Cheap and handy are the two words most likely used to describe these power inverters. For use (typically) in your vehicle, these cool little dudes plug right into the cigarette lighter and allow you to run a regular appliance. The drawback is that you can't really buy one above 200 to 300 Watts because your car's fuses won't be able to handle that kind of load. So running your George Forman grill inside your vehicle is not likely to work (or is it recommended!!!).