An inverter generator is a compact, low noise option for use in an RV, camping, tailgating or as a home backup. If you get the right one, they are easy to use, reliable and extremely convenient. Having the best 3000-Watt inverter generator will make your out adventures a pleasure.
We take you through 10 of the leading options and explore what each one has to offer. We will also guide you through a few of the important specifics to look out for to ensure you make the right choice.
Overview table
We really want to ensure you make an educated choice and select the ideal 3000-watt inverter generator for your needs. We only looked at the very best options on the market but some will suit your requirements better than others.
Based on extensive research, we have put this handy overview table together. This table will highlight and compare the important features of each option to make your decision easier.
This is a powerful and popular generator that delivers good power. It is user-friendly and value for money. Not only is Honda durable and extremely reliable it also offers outstanding fuel efficiency. Yamaha is a trusted brand and this tough generator is powerful, efficient and dependable. In terms of value for money the Aitma generator is hard to beat. It is compact, lightweight and easy to use. This is a lightweight and highly portable generator. It is also durable and has a number of high-end features. The Briggs & Stratton has a very large fuel tank for long run time. It is a user-friendly generator with a heavy-duty reliable motor. The WEN 56310i works quietly and efficiently. It delivers a decent runtime and good power. The Firman is easy to start with the handy remote start. It is user-friendly, value for money and has a good warranty. Not only is this generator relatively quiet but it has an outstanding runtime. The large tank and fuel efficiency will allow you to 30 hours at a quarter load. If you need power from an inverter generator but are on a tight budget, the Coleman CG3500i is one to consider. It has some decent features and will work well for basic power on the go. 
(Best user-friendly 3100-Watt inverter generator)
(Best fuel-efficient 3000-Watt inverter generator)
(Best solid 3500-Watt inverter generator)
(Best 3000-Watt inverter generator for the money)
(Best lightweight 3000-Watt inverter generator)
(Best 3000-Watt inverter generator for large fuel tank)
(Best for quiet operation in a 3000-Watt inverter generator)
(Best for remote and easy start 3000-Watt inverter generator)
(Best for run time on a 3000-Watt inverter generator)
(Best budget 3000-Watt inverter generator)
This handy generator is a popular choice and is highly rated by users. It is compact and lightweight and delivers 3100 watts maximum and 2800 running watts. The wireless remote start is convenient and will allow you to start or stop the generator remotely. It has a range of 80 feet. The electric starter makes the generator easy to get going. It has an ignition switch with 3 positions and the battery is included. The Quick Touch Panel makes the generator user-friendly and you control all functions from the panel. Another convenience is the 2 USB outlets as well as a 12V DC outlet. It generates clean energy so laptops, smartphones and other sensitive electronic devices can be safely charged. There is a 120V 30A RV as well as 2 x 120V 20A standard household outlets. Operation of the 171cc 4-stroke gasoline engine is pretty quiet at only 58 dBA. This combined with the compact lightweight design and the conveniences makes it ideal for RVs, camping, tailgating and other adventures. It can also be used for home backup power. You can expect around 8 hours of use at a load of 25%. It is fuel-efficient and has a large 1.6-gallon fuel tank. Support from Champion is good. You get free lifetime technical support as well as a 3-year limited warranty. The cast iron sleeve increases the durability of the generator. It also has a low oil shutdown for protection. Considering all the great features and quality and performance of this generator, this model is great value for the money. Honda is known for durable and reliable products that offer good value for money. This generator is no exception. It delivers 3000 watts and 120V with no hassle or fuss. This is a gas-powered generator and it is fuel-efficient. It does not make too much noise and operates around 49 and 58 dBA. The noise-canceling casing and Honda eco-throttle help to minimize noise. The eco-throttle also makes the Honda Super Quiet Gasoline Portable Generator more fuel-efficient. The 3000 watts should run most appliances in an RV, when camping or tailgating or help with home backup. If you need more power it has the ability to connect a second generator in parallel. Run time is good and you will get around 20 hours using 3,4 gallons of gas. The running power is 2800 watts and starting power is 3000. The generator is powered by an efficient 196cc Honda gx200 engine. This generator has a quick and easy electric start as well as a pull start for backup. One feature it does not have is a remote start but should not be a major issue for most people. This is a handy convenience. It is a robust and durable unit with wheels for portability. The design is compact and relatively lightweight. This is a top seller and well-liked by most users. Another benefit is that it is easy to maintain. It is tough and durable and delivers good performance. Yamaha also has a reputation for quality and reliability. This is an extremely lightweight, compact and portable generator that delivers decent power in this class. The sound-absorbing material helps to reduce noise. Combined with the molded fan and muffler, it allows this generator to operate at around 53 to 60dBA. What’s more is that it can run for up to 19 hours before it needs to be topped up. It is highly efficient and will automatically adjust the engine according to the load. The max output of the 171cc Overhead Valve (OHV) engine is 3000 watts and running watts 2800. The Yamaha Boost Technology™ will boost it up to 3500 watts for around 10 seconds. This is handy when starting up more power-hungry appliances. The Yamaha EF3000iSEB is safe to use with sensitive equipment. The centralized control panel makes operation quick and easy. It has an efficient electrical starter and an oil watch warning function. At 154 pounds it is rather heavy but movement is easy and safe thanks to the 4 wheels and safety brake. The generator has a 3-year warranty. It has a 12V DC outlet. The Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) allows for clean power and it is ideal for sensitive electronics including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This is a feature-rich reliable and efficient generator that is a well-liked top seller. The Atima generator also has a reliable and dependable Yamaha MZ175 engine. Atima has a solid reputation in their own right and combined with quality Yamaha engines it is a formidable combination. It is low maintenance, hard-working and durable. The AY3000I has decent power to run most RV power needs and can also be used for home backup power. If you require more power it is parallel ready so a second generator can be attached. The parallel cable has to be purchased separately. The starting load is good and will help to get larger appliances going. It delivers constant stead power so electronics are perfectly safe with this generator. The running power is 2600 watts with a peak or start power of 3000 watts. It has a body of aluminum alloy to reduce weight and improve durability. The design is compact and ergonomic. It is extremely user-friendly. The LCD screen will display the status of all important indicators such as run time, current, voltage, power, frequency and rotation speed. It will also remind you when service is needed with maintenance alerts. These alerts come at 20, 50, 100 and 200 hours. This way the generator will keep working reliably for many years. The user manual will give more details on the maintenance requirements. It also has a low oil indicator. There are 2 recessed wheels and folding handles which make the AY3000i easy to move. The generator is pretty quiet and produces around 54.3 dBA at a quarter load and 61 dBA at full capacity. This is a reliable and easy to use generator that will work well for RV use, camping or home backup. It is a popular unit that is well-liked. They have achieved a good balance of performance, portability, and durability. Generac has a wide range of popular generators. This compact and quiet generator has a 149cc engine and produces 3000 starting watts and 2300 running watts. The PowerRUSH Technology gives it a 50% boost to deliver additional starting power. This is great for appliances and other items that need additional power to get started. It is compact and fairly lightweight. The built-in handles make it easy to move. The Generac produces clean power that is safe for sensitive electronics. It has 2 convenient USB outlets. Other outlets include a 120v 30A Twist-lock outlet and a 120v 20A 5-20R Duplex outlet. The generator is parallel ready so it allows you to connect a second generator if more power is needed. Note that parallel kit is sold separately.The control panel makes it convenient and easy to use. There are also indicator lights for low oil as well as fuel. The choke makes it easy to start when it’s cold. Insulation is good and the generator is not noisy. This is a popular choice that is reliable and good value for money. Briggs & Stratton is a name that is synonymous with quality, power, and reliability. They are a well established and respect brand of motors and power equipment. The 30545 P3000 PowerSmart Series Portable 3000-Watt Inverter Generator has a 1.5-gallon fuel tank which will provide you with a good 10 hours use when operating at about 25 percent of load. Plus, you’re provided with a 2-year warranty. The 171cc engine is pretty quiet and the generator has 4 household outlets as well as a 12V 30 amp locking outlet with RV adaptor. It also has a USB port. The running watts are 2600 with starting watts of 3000. It also has a parallel port if you need to connect a second generator for additional power. The StatStation LCD Display is intuitive and allows for quick and easy control. It displays the power consumption and unit hours used. It will also give you maintenance reminders to ensure the reliability and durability of the generator. There are 6-inch wheels and a retractable handle to make moving the generator easy. This is a popular and highly rated choice that receive loads of positive feedback. It is ideal for RV use or other outdoor activity and can even be used in the home when needed. It lacks an electric start but is easy to get going with the pull start. WEN is a trusted and respected name in generators and the 56310i-RV Super Quiet 3100-Watt does not disappoint. It has a silent and smooth operation and delivers decent power. Two wheels and a collapsible handle allows you to convieniently move the generator when it’s needed. The WEN 56310i-RV has a powerful 212 cc engine. It is a 4-stroke OHV engine that delivers an impressive 2800 watts with a peak output of 3100 watts. It produces clean power that is safe to use for laptops, smartphones and other sensitive electronic equipment. The outlets include 2 x 120V connections, a 120V AC 30A RV connection and 2 USB ports. The generator is relatively quiet and reliable. The 1.85-gallon tank will give you up to 7.5 hours of operation at a half-load. If more power is needed the 56310i-RV is parallel ready so you can easily connect a second generator. The Eco-Mode switch will adjust power output automatically for optimal performance. This not only reduces noise but also makes the generator more fuel-efficient. There is a 2-year guarantee and most users find the aftersales support to be helpful. The Firman W03081 Gas Portable Generator has a lot going for it. It is a popular choice for RV or camping use. The Generator has a 1.8 Gallon tank that will give you around 9 hours of runtime at a quarter load. The Eco Mode improves fuel efficiency while keeping the noise levels low. It is parallel ready if you wish to connect a second generator. The cables are sold separately but it is an easy connection. The operation is relatively quiet and the decibel rating is National Park certified. The generator has a 3-year warranty. The power producer is clean and therefore safe to use with sensitive electronic equipment. The voltage regulator keeps the power consistent and safe. It delivers 3300 starting watts and a running power of 3000 watts. This model features an efficient 171cc Firman engine. Additionally, the Phoenix Fat Head Block keeps it cool and reliable. Starting is easy thanks to the remote key fob start and pull recoil start for backup. The remote start is an optional feature, if you need one, Firman features a generous range of 168-feet reach. The generator is easy to move and the Tuff-Stuff Handle & Wheels are builtin in for great mobility. The available outlets include a 12V and USB outlet as well as 2 x 120VStandard outlets. It comes with a spark plug wrench, a funnel, and oil. The control panel is easy to use and will allow you to set up and operate the generator with ease. The panel is protected from dirt and dust for added reliability. This is a well-priced option with decent run time and good features. It is not noisy but the Firman W3081 is not as silent as some of our other options. This generator has a 3.96-gallon capacity and will give you a solid 30 hours at a quarter load or 15 hours with a half load. It delivers consistent power of 2800 watts with a peak output (starting power) of 3000 wats. The power is clean so is ideal for sensitive electronics. There is a convenient 5V USB port for this purpose. The 171 CC engine is a 4-stroke OHV engine with air cooling. There is an electric start as well as a recoil backup starter. If needed, the generator can be connected in parallel for additional power. This is a popular choice for campers or for RV use. The handles make it easy to move and the compact design is easy to fit in or store where necessary. There is a low oil shut off for added protection as well as remote reset circuit protection to avoid overheating or circuit damage. Operation is not too noisy and you can expect around 58 dBA with a load of 25%. This is approved by most campgrounds and national parks. It has 1 x DC 12V/8.3A connection 2 x AC 120V/20A and 1 AC 120V/30A connection. This is a good value for money option for RV use, camping, and other outdoor adventures. It can also be used for home backup. It delivers a powerful 3500 watts startup power and 3000 watts running power. The economy switch allows it to be more fuel-efficient by automatically adapting the output to the power requirements. There is a built-in overload protection as well as a low-oil indicator that will automatically shut off the engine if necessary. This makes operations convenient and safe. A half-load will allow you to operate for just over 4 hours and you can get 3 hours on a full 100% load. At 23 feet the noise level is a decent 63 Db. With all this power and efficiency, the Coleman CG3500i 3500W is remarkably lightweight at only 70 pounds. One drawback for some is that it is not parallel ready so you cannot connect a second generator if more power is needed. In all, Coleman is a respected name in outdoor equipment and most people are happy with this generator. That being said, the run time is not great and it does not have a great warranty. 
Honda EU3000IS1A – Best fuel-efficient 3000-Watt inverter generator
Yamaha EF3000iSEB – Best solid 3500-Watt inverter generator
Atima AY3000i – Best 3000-Watt inverter generator for the money
Generac GP3000i – Best lightweight 3000-Watt inverter generator
Briggs & Stratton 30545 – Best 3000-Watt inverter generator for large fuel tank
WEN 56310i-RV – Best for quiet operation in a 3000-Watt inverter generator
Firman W03081 – Best for remote and easy start 3000-Watt inverter generator
Xtremepower 65065 – Best for run time on a 3000-Watt inverter generator
Coleman CG3500i – Best budget 3000-Watt inverter generator
Buyer’s Guide
Going without power is challenging. Unless you are really roughing it in the wild, it is handy to have a generator to give you some comfort and basic essentials. You want something reliable and dependable. Modern 3000 watt generators are light and portable, operate relatively quietly and offer enough power for most needs when in an RV or camping. They will also work as an emergency backup at home if there is a power outage.
If you have used generators in the past you should have a fair idea of what to look for. There might be a few important points you have not considered. It is an important investment so you want to ensure you get the ideal option for your needs.
There are a few important factors to consider when making your decision:
Purpose
The first thing you want to be sure of is that you buy a generator that is capable to fulfill your needs and requirements. There are a number of styles, powers, and sizes available so be clear on what you want it for, how much power you need and where you intend to use it. This will help guide your selection.
Power
As this review looked at 3000-watt inverter generators they are all fairly similar. That is not to say, however, that they are the same. Some have a higher running power and many have a better boost of starting or max power. Consider the power needs of the items you need to use with the generator when making your selection.
All of these generators have a fairly similar running power but the Champion and WEN generators have a peak of 3100-watts and the Coleman peaks at 3500-watts.
Size and weight
If you intend to use the generator in an RV, on a camping trip or other outdoor adventure, you want it to be light and compact. Some are much heavier and larger than others. If you want to have a portable generator, ensure it is light or at least has wheels and a handle. If it is to be used in an RV or similar environment check the size of the space that is available and check the dimensions carefully. Remember that it has to have a bit of space to breath and you need room for the outlets and connections.
The Generac generator is one of the more compact and lightweight options available.
Noise
Noise is often an issue with generators. If it is too loud it will disturb you and those around you. You want to be able to enjoy the benefit of power without the noise of a loud generator. Fortunately, most 3000 watt generators are inverter generators which are pretty quiet.
The sound is measured in decibels (dBA). Consider where and how often the generator will be used and give some thought to how much noise it will make.
The Yamaha is designed with a cover of sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise output.
Budget
Prices can vary from highly affordable to somewhat expensive. Obviously quality does cost a bit so avoid the ultra-budget options from unknown companies. These often lack good support and are sometimes of questionable quality. Having said that, there are a number of generators that work well and offer great value for money.
The Coleman generator is the best option if you are on a really tight budget.
Start technology
In the past generators were often quite difficult to start. Modern generators are fortunately much easier. The most common technology used is a recoil pull start. Some models have an electric start sometimes even with a remote control option to start the generator from a distance. It is still important to have a recoil starts as a backup in case of a flat battery or other problems starting the generator.
The Champion and WEN generators both sport a convenient remote start.
Outlets available
You want to have a few options when it comes to outlets. The primary outlets you will find on most generators are a pair of typical household 120V outlets. For RV use you will want an RV ready twist-lock outlet. For appliances or equipment with higher power requirements, a 240V outlet is handy. USB outlets and 12V charging outlets are also very useful.
The Champion, Briggs and Stratton, Wen and Generac all offer handy USB ports.
Ease of use
Wase of usehile some generators can cause frustration, most quality inverter generators are easy to use. LCD displays, in particular, make control and management a breeze. They are also able to display warning and service related information for the safety and reliability of the generator.
A good example is the user-friendly control panels found on the Yamaha, Generac, Atima, and Champion generators.
Run time
This is determined by the fuel tank capacity as well as how efficient the generator is. Obviously, the more power you are consuming the more fuel you will use and the faster it will run out.
A generator running at full capacity will run out much faster than one with a lighter load. For comparison, most runtimes are measured at a quarter or half capacity. Ensure you are reading the specs correctly when making a comparison.
While they are generally quick and easy to fill up, the last thing you want to do is run out of fuel. Remember that a longer run time does not necessarily mean that the generator is more efficient. It might simply be that it has a larger fuel tank. This might mean that you need to carry more fuel with you and the cost might also be a factor.
The Xtremepower US will deliver an exceptional 15 hours at a half load or 30 hours at a quarter load.
Parallel ready
Some appliances or environments might need more power than a 3000-watt generator can offer. Many of these generators allow you to connect another generator in parallel to increase the power output. Generally, these need to be the same or similar generators. A parallel cable is needed and these are normally purchased separately.
The WEN and Firman generators are some of the options with this feature.
Safety features
You want to ensure the generator is safe and most 3000-watt generators are perfectly safe to use so long as you use them correctly. Most will have a low-oil warning and shutdown to protect the engine and prevent overheating. The outlets are grounded to ensure the power is not overloaded and to protect from surges.
Durability
Some generators are designed and built with greater durability than others. It is a tricky aspect as additional durability might increase the size and weight of the generator. If it is fixed in position in an RV this might not be a huge factor but if you will move it around often you want one that will handle the odd bump.
The durability of the engine is also important. Names like Honda and Yamaha are known for outstanding engine durability and will last many years. That is not to say the other makes are inferior and many of them have exceptional engines that will go on for many years.
The Honda, Yamaha, Atima and Briggs and Stratton generators are all examples of tough and durable options.
Warranty
A decent warranty demonstrates that the manufacturer has confidence in the quality and durability of their product. That is not to say that all generators with a low warranty are inferior but it is worth looking into when making an investment.
You want to ensure that you are covered for any defects or breakdowns for at least a few years after purchase. Both the Yamaha and WEN generators have a good 3-year warranty.
Conclusion
We have reviewed some of the leading options for people looking for a 3000-watt inverter generator. We only looked at the best makes and models that have proved themselves in the market. Everyone has different needs so it is important to find the best one for you.
For us, the Champion 3100-Watt stands out as a winner. It is light and compact and has handles for easy portability. The operation is relatively quiet and it delivers clean power for use with sensitive electronics. It even features 2 USB ports for convenience.
It is fuel-efficient, has a convenient remote start and a user-friendly Quick Touch Control Panel. Despite all these features, it is a tough and durable generator that offers great value for money.
Give some thought to your needs and budget. These are the best 3000-Watt inverter generator options so all you have to do is decide which one will suit your needs best.
