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Best Car Inverter Kit

Did you know that it is possible to unlock that 12V plug in your car to get it to power items that require more wattage? Yes! It is possible. Imagine being able to watch TV wherever you are or being able to charge your laptop or even your portable stereo? You will be surprised with what your car can do with the right equipment.

Today, we are looking at a device that could revolutionize how you use your car. This is going to be an interesting read for every car user that is always trying to get more out of their car and also for campers that would love to make more use of their car battery and more comfort to their life in the wild. It is also going to finally put to bed those challenges of having your phone run out of charge in the middle of nowhere with no solution..

How does a car inverter work?

The functioning of a converter is quite confusing but, we are going to try and make it as easy to understand as possible.

First, for the inverter to work, it has to be connected to the cars electrical system. There are three ways this can be done. You can us the 12V cigarette lighter, by being hard-wired to the car’s electrical system or being connected directly to the battery. The goal of the connection is so that the inverter is able to draw power from the car’s battery.

Once it has drawn the 12Volts from the battery, the inverter has the duty of multiplying this tenfold to 120V. To do this, the inverter is fitted with a transformer that draws a certain amount of amperage from the battery with the help of additional circuitry.

Depending on the age of the engineering of the inverter you choose, the inverter might be fitted with a vibrator for older models or an oscillator for the new models. They both serve the same function of changing the current from DC to AC. A capacitor is then used to panel beat and filter the current to make it more usable by most electronics.

However the power converted does not fully match that found in the house and as a result, there are some electronics that might not work with such a current. Nonetheless, it is sufficient to work with most of them.

Hopefully that was not too confusing. If it was, let’s put it this way. The duty of an inverter is to draw a low DC current from the battery upscale it and convert it into AC current which can be used by devices that are more ‘power thirsty’ so to say. Hoping that was much easier to understand.

Best Car Inverter Kit 2018

Choosing the best car inverter kit for your car is going to be critical. If not for your car, then for the devices that you intend to use. That said, paying attention to the features and the details of the inverter is going to be essential. There is no question you have a lot of research to do and probably a bit of polishing on your technical know-how but, to help you get started, we took our in-house geek and electrical expert and helped to bust the best car inverter kits open just for you.

BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Car Inverter


Without further ado, let’s get started on the inverters that will turn your car into a moving home. The first on the list is the BESTEK 300W inverter which comes with two outlets and 2 USB ports. These lets you supply power to more devices at once.

The fast charging 700Watts inverter is ultra-compact and lightweight which makes it perfect for on the go use. The compact design means you can tuck it safely at just about anywhere in the car. The device is perfect for use while you are on vacations and work trips and even when camping. It is connected through the cigarette lighter plug which makes it quite easy to use since you don’t have to take it the car to a shop to have it fitted.

You always have to be concerned about a power surge. The last thing you want is to end up with a fried phone or laptop while all you were trying to do is pump up the battery. To protect against this the inverter comes with a built-in 40 amps fuse that will protect your devices while they are charging. The fuse should take care of a variety of concerns among them being short-circuiting, overloads, and overcharging.

Lastly, you want your new investment to last. To help you with that, the inverter comes with a metal housing with advanced protection from drops and bumps which protect it against shock. As for the heat, it comes with fan that helps dissipate the heat.

PROS
  • It is easy to connect
  • Comes with built-in USB ports
  • Compact size
  • Multi-protection system
CONS
  • the cooling fan is noisy
  • you have to remove covers to replace blown fuses

Foval 150W Power Inverter DC 12V


If your thirst for power is not significant and you are looking to have more portability and less power, this can be a great option for you. It is rated 150W and features 2 USB ports and an AC outlet. It is connected to the car through the Cigarette lighter plug which makes it more of plug and play set-up.

The device can work with quite a number of electronics ranging from your typical mobile phone all the way to a breast pump, nebulizer and even a CPAP machine. It also happens to be the perfect travel pattern because of its small size and lightweight design.

Other useful features you will be able to enjoy with this handy device include the built in fuse, durable metal housing, integrated silent cooling fans and an 18 month warranty with every purchase.

PROS
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Two USB ports for simultaneous charging
  • Compact size
  • In built multi-protection fuse
CONS
  • It is only rated at 150W

BESTEK 400W Power Inverter


For the gadget lover, this is going to be an important addition in your car. It is able to provide up to 300 watts of continuous power and up to 700W of instantaneous power that should keep up to five devices running at the same time.

The most standout feature with this inverter is its high starting wattage and the low operational wattage. This is essential because it supports plenty of electronics and it is something that very few other inverters are capable of.

We loved the dual AC outlets with household capacity with is enough to power anything from a digital camera straight through to a refrigerator. Now those summer days at camp just got better with a cold beer in your hand.

The inverter comes with a built in and replicable protection fuse, a cooling fan for safety and a 2.3ft car cigarette lighter plug. It is efficient and very easy to use and applicable with quite a wide array of electronics.

PROS
  • Light weight design
  • Dual AC 110V outputs
  • Easy to maintain
  • an work with some household appliances
CONS
  • The cooling fan is quite loud.

Ampeak 100W Car Power Inverter



Here is a little something you are going to love. If you are not the type of person that has decided to live in his car and you simply want just enough power to get your laptop and maybe a phone going, this is definitely going to do the trick for you.

The inverter is able to put out up to 100W of continuous power with a surge capacity of up to 300W. It is fitted with AC output sockets and a 2.1A USB port. One neat feature we loved with this inverter is the fast smart charge. You don’t have to wait for hours for your devices to charge and the most important thing is it is safe.

It would not be a great inverter if it did not come with the in-built fuse to protect your devices against any current issues and the compact and ultra-lightweight design makes it a must have for the constant traveler. One of the things we really loved about it is that the cigarette lighter plug does not have an extended wire. It made it a lot easier to secure the inverter and the fact that it came with an 18-month hassle free warranty.

PROS
  • Compact and ultra-light
  • AC outlets socket
  • Cigarette lighter plug connection
CONS
  • It has a low wattage rating of only 100W

Quesvow 300W Power Inverter


The Quesvow and the earlier reviewed BESTEK 300W match each other almost pound for pound. They even have a strikingly similar look. We still thought it would be a great idea to feature this one as well just in case for any reason you had something against BESTEK and wanted something to match the power and quality but with a different name.

Its long list of features includes fast charging capacity for a variety of devices which include TV, DVD players and a laptop among others. With this inverter you get two USB charging ports and dual AC outlets. That means you have more than enough power to run four devices at the same time.

The inverter is all about safety and features an external fuse to protect your devices against a variety of current problems. It also comes with a temperature controlled cooling fan which keeps inverter cool and safe from overheating. Additionally, it comes with a 24 month warranty and the always convenience cigarette lighter plug that allows you to use the product the moment you buy it.

PROS
  • Ample wattage rating
  • External protection fuse which is easy to change
  • Convenient cigarette lighter plug
  • Fast charging
  • 24 month warranty
CONS
  • The fan can get a little noisy when it kicks in

BESTEK 200W Car Power Inverter

There is no harm in getting a little class and elegance in your car as well as a useful inverter. In any case, no one wants to have an awkward looking piece of metal lying around in their car. Until now, we have no looked at any inverter that cared to think of the design but this one did. It would have ranked a lot higher if it had a higher wattage ranking but even at 200W it is still handy.

One of the leading inverter brands comes fitted with 2 AC outlets and 2 USB charging ports housed in a neat and well thought out and space saving design. The inverter has the capacity to charge up to five devices at the same time and its 24 inch power cord makes it more flexible to use and position in the car.

Its range of safety features are the most advanced we have seen so far. These include an auto-shutdown full protection feature that ensures your devices are safe from under-voltage, over-current and overheating.

Now you have a classy looking inverter for your car and it comes with an 18-month warranty just so that you are sure that you are investing in the right product.

PROS
  • Unique classy design
  • Auto-shutdown feature for device protection
  • Can charge up to five devices at a go
  • 18-month warranty
CONS
  • Low continuous wattage rating

Foval 200W Car Power Inverter


This was our favorite on very many levels. It is the perfect car inverter for the auto head that loves to keep a crisp looking interior and one who believes that having a device as important as the inverter should not affect the aesthetics of his car.

I am that kind of person and that is why I paid particular attention on this one. With a 200W continuous rating it is agreeable that the rating might not be the best for more aggressive users but nonetheless, that does not mean it can’t get the job done for more subtle users.

It has a premium build with 4 USB ports and 2 AC outlets with the capacity to charge most phones, laptops and tablets at the same times. It has the capacity to even power a TV so you can take the entertainment wherever you are.

The inverter spots a compact build that is the size of a credit which is perfect because it does not attract attention to itself and it is easy to find spaces where you can store it. The aluminum shell casing on this inverter ensures that it remains lightweight yet useful and it also has a multi-protection built in fuse that protects your devices as they are charging. With this little angel, you have everything you want in an inverter. Elegant and classy finishing, convenience and practicability.

PROS
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Classy and elegant finish
  • Built in multi-protection fuse
  • Comes with an 28-month warranty
CONS
  • If the fuse burns out, you have to take the casing off to replace.

BESTEK 200w Power Inverter (MRI2011GU)


One of the most interesting things about BESTEK inverters is that you can never really tell what the next ones is going to look like but, you can be sure it is going to look great. This one adopts the look of the common household extension which is great for a couple or reasons. The first is that it becomes easier to find the perfect spot to tuck the inverter and the second is that it makes it easier to use even in outdoor applications.

Thanks to the design, this inverter is able to hold a record three AC output sockets and four USB charging ports allowing the inverter the hold up to seven devices at the same time. The 2.5 foot cigarette plug is convenient because it allows you to place the inverter within reach in any part of the car. You also get other vital additions like an in-built fuse and a cooling fan and the 18-month warranty which is synonymous with BESTEK inverters.

PROS
  • Multiple charging ports
  • Convenience design
  • 18-month warranty
  • Long cigarette lighter plug
CONS
  • It’s a little more expensive.

Ampeak 400W Power Inverter DC12V Converter


Sometimes, you really don’t want a fine looking inverter that hides in backgrounds while it works. Sometimes a more rustic approach might be better suited based on the intentions you have for the inverter and sometimes even your own personal preferences. The Ampeak 400W is built to be rough around the edges and provides you with some generous kick in power.

It provides up to 400W of continuous power which more than enough to power a wide range of items among them being a breast pimp, TV game consoles and other electricals. Unlike all other reviews that we have featured, you have the option of choosing how you would like to draw power from the battery. You can either use the cigarette lighter plug or use the battery clips. You also get an all-round protection built in fuse that protects your gadgets from current issues while they charge and an 18-month warranty.

PROS
  • Rustic and tough design
  • The option of drawing power from the battery directly
  • Multiple power outlets
  • 18 month warranty
CONS
  • It is costly

Odoga 150W Car Power Inverter

To close out our list, we have a car inverter that is best suited for the less aggressive users who are looking for functionality and the ability to power maybe one or two devices. It is a compact and lean inverter with a 150W continuous capacity that you are going to love.

Other than being small and handy, the invert is durable and comes with an aluminum body to protect it against shock. It is lightweight and has the ability to support up to three devices simultaneously. For the sake of safety it comes with worry free safety features that protect your devices while they juice up.

One of the features that earned it an entry into our glamorous list is the super silent fan. Ideally, the fan should not be much of a concern but, when you want serenity inside your car, it can be quite the nuisance.

PROS
  • Small and compact size
  • Super silent fan
  • Durable body casing
CONS
  • The warranty is only one year long

Best Car Inverter Kit Buying Guide

While counting the number of devices you would like to use with your inverter kit is a great start to choosing the perfect option for you, there is more to inverter kits that you need to be aware of before you go making the purchase. Now, even with all the reviews that we have offered which we believe are very useful, sometimes, padding that information can be helpful just in case you are looking for something a little different. So, here is something that is going to help you make the best choice when choosing a car inverter kit.

  • Wave output – the first thing you want to consider when buying a car inverter kit is the wave output. There are two main types of waves. The first is the pure sine wave. This is identical to that of the home grade systems and it means that the converter can power virtually any electronic including some home appliances. The other option which is the modified sine only works with devices like laptops, mobile phones and tablets. That means you have to be careful picking your inverter based on what you intend to power.
  • Wattage – your next concern should be the wattage. You have to consider the devices you need to power up and you should make sure that the total wattage of those devices should not supersede that of the inverter and you also have to put into account the peak power of some for the devices that might require more power to start up.
  • Safety features – when it comes to inverters, there are two things that can go wrong. Either the inverter will blow your gadgets to pieces or it will be blown to pieces. Luckily, with the right safety features like fuses and a fan both scenarios can be avoided and you have to make sure that these safety features are present.

Conclusion

Whether you are heading out for that camping trip and you are looking to bring the civilization with you or you are just joined at the hip with your gadgets and you take them wherever you go, having the best car inverter kit will guarantee that your devices are always powered up at all times.

We have provided you with all the necessary information you need for this and we have ensured that our reviews have covered virtually all needs from subtle to the most aggressive of users. All that is left for you to do is take your finger and point out the inverter you think will work best for you.