What Size Inverter Do I Need?

When planning your off-grid adventures, choosing the right inverter size is crucial. The right inverter will ensure you have enough power to run all your essential devices without any hiccups. But how do you determine the right size for your needs? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Inverter Sizes

Inverters come in different sizes, measured in watts (W), which indicate
how much power they can handle. The size you need depends on the total wattage of the devices you plan to run simultaneously. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences.

Calculating Your Power Needs

To determine the right inverter size, you need to calculate the total
wattage of the devices you’ll be using. Here’s a simple way to do it:

  1. List Your Devices: Write down all the devices you plan to use and their wattage. This information is usually found on the device or in the user manual.
  2. Add Up the Wattage: Tally up the total wattage of all the devices. This will give you an idea of your total power requirement.
  3. Add a Buffer: It’s a good idea to add a 20-30% buffer to your total wattage to ensure the inverter can handle any power surges. Our KickAss range of Pure Sine Wave Inverters also have a 200% surge power rating, which means they can power twice their rated output for 2 seconds. Perfect for running devices with a high inrush current.

Choosing the Right Inverter Size

Now that you have an idea of your total power needs, let’s look at some common inverter sizes and what they can handle:

  • 1000W Inverter: Great for small electronics like laptops, phones, small kitchen appliances, and even our KickAss QuickFire Portable 600W Electric BBQ. This size is perfect for basic off-grid setups where power needs are minimal.
  • 2000W Inverter: Ideal for medium-sized appliances like coffee makers, small power tools, and our KickAss QuickFire Portable Induction Cooktop. This size is versatile for more demanding setups.
  • 3000W Inverter: Suitable for larger appliances like microwaves, larger power tools, and running multiple devices simultaneously. If you have a more extensive off-grid setup or plan to power several high-wattage devices at once, this is the inverter for you.

Additional Considerations

When choosing an inverter, you should also consider the following:

  • Future Needs: Plan for potential future additions to your setup. It’s better to have a slightly larger inverter than you need, than to find yourself short on power later.
  • Portability: If you move your setup frequently, consider the size and weight of the inverter. KickAss inverters are designed to be robust yet portable, making them ideal for mobile setups.

Conclusion

Choosing the right inverter size is all about understanding your power needs and selecting an inverter that can handle them comfortably. By taking the time to calculate your total wattage and adding a buffer, you can ensure you have reliable power for all your off-grid adventures. Check out our KickAss Inverter Collection to find the perfect inverter for your setup.

FAQ: What Size Inverter Do I Need?

How do I calculate what size inverter I need?

To calculate the size of the inverter you need, first add up the total wattage of all the devices you'll be running at the same time. Look at the wattage labels on each device or check their manuals. Choose an inverter with a wattage rating that's higher than your total wattage. It's a good idea to have a bit of extra capacity to handle any surge power requirements, like when devices with motors start up. For example, if your combined wattage is 800W, go for an inverter that's at least 1000W to be safe.
What can you run off a 1000W inverter?

A 1000W inverter is great for running small appliances and electronics while you're camping or on the road. You can easily power things like laptops, small TVs, LED lights, portable fans, and even some power tools. Just remember to keep the total wattage of all the devices you're using under 1000W. For instance, you could run a 300W TV, a 100W fan, and still have enough power left for charging your phone and running some lights.
How long will a 100Ah battery run a 1000W inverter?

To figure out how long a 100Ah battery will run a 1000W inverter, you need to consider the battery's voltage and the inverter's efficiency. Assuming you're using a 12V battery and the inverter is about 90% efficient, you'll get roughly 1 hour of run time if you're pulling the full 1000W. But in real-world conditions, it's best to avoid fully draining the battery to extend its lifespan. So, for practical purposes, you might get around 45-50 minutes of use at full load.