Do you want to use 220V electrical appliances in your van without having to spend a lot of money? Buying a good modified wave inverter may be your best option. There are many models available in the market that are generating good opinions among their users. Do you want to know which ones they are? In this post we will analyze the best rated modified wave inverter models to help you decide which one is the most suitable for you and your camper van 👍
Amazon’s best modified wave inverters comparison of 2022
Most of the electrical power that is generated is at 50 or 60Hz, it depends on the country. There are also countries that have supplies at both frequencies.
Which modified wave inverter to buy for your camper? Buying guide
To choose the right inverter for your camper and to ensure that it works properly, you should keep in mind that the power consumed by the devices you plug in should not exceed 85% of their rated power. Keep this in mind as you read this small buying guide we have prepared to help you in your search for a modified wave inverter.
1. Krieger 1500 Watts Power Inverter 12V to 110V
The Krieger 1500 Watts Power Inverter 12V modified wave inverter (see on Amazon) is one of the best selling power transformer on Amazon. It has a 1500W continuous and 3000W momentary peak power. There are few more models available:
- A 12V with 400W rated power and 800W peak.
- A 12V with 600W rated power and 1200W peak
- A 12V with 1100W rated power and 2200W peak
- A 12V with 2000W rated power and 4000W peak
- A 12V with 3000W rated power and 6000W peak
- A 12V with 4000W rated power and 8000W peak
It includes 2 usb ports and 2 standard northamerican outlets and LCD digital display. The LCD Display shows you the Input Voltage, Output Wattage, Battery Level and few warning message protections.
It has a silent and intelligent fan that regulates its speed according to the temperature of the inverter.
In addition, it includes a series of protections that add extra safety and reliability to the device:
- Overload.
- Over voltage.
- Under voltage.
- High temperature.
- Short circuit.
Advantages of the Krieger 12-110V 1500W Inverter
- It offers good value for money.
- It has an LCD display that provides relevant information.
- According to its users, it is very quiet.
Disadvantages of the Krieger 12-110V 1500W Inverter
- Some users point out that the LCD screen is not very visible from far away or from the side.
- It cannot be connected to a 24 volt power bank
- It does not offer the ability to connect a remote switch.
- The cables that come included may be a little short. If you need to put longer cables, remember to increase their section.
2. POTEK 750W Modified Wave Inverter
The POTEK 750W modified wave inverter (see on Amazon) is the best selling power transformer on Amazon with 1500W instantaneous peak.
Dual AC outlets and One USB charging ports.
It has a comprehensive safety system that includes 1 silent intelligent fan, 2 replaceable 40A fuses and a set of protections against:
- Short circuit.
- Overheating.
- Over voltage.
- High voltage.
- Low voltage.
For ease of use, the manufacturer also includes in the package the necessary 2xCar Battery Cables, 4xSpare Fuses and User Manual.
Advantages of the POTEK 750W inverter
- It offers very good value for money.
- Its users point out that its fans are quite quiet.
- Its fuses are replaceable.
Disadvantages of the POTEK 750W inverter
- The included cables may be a bit short. If you need to run longer cables, remember to increase their section.
- It does not offer the possibility of connecting a remote switch.
3. Voltworks Power Inverter 2000W modified wave
The Voltworks Power Inverter 2000W (see on Amazon) is an inverter with 2000W rated power and 4000W momentary peak and 90% efficiency, making it ideal for use with devices with low power consumption.
To dissipate heat throughout operation.The cooling fan is automatically started at 800W load or temperature at 104℉. Effectively prevent inverter from malfunction due to overheating.
In addition, like other higher power models, this inverter incorporates various safety systems that will protect it and your installation. There are 8pcs 30A UL certificated fuse inside, an intelligent fan that is activated by power and a series of protections against:
- Over voltage.
- Overload.
- Under voltage.
- Overheating.
- Short circuit.
Package List:
- 1x 2000watts Power Inverter.
- 2x Cables (5AWG, 2Feet, black and red).
- 1x Remote Controller (RJ10, 15Feet).
- User manual.
Advantages of the Voltworks Power Inverter 2000W
- Very good efficiency.
- It has an LCD display remote control.
- It is small and light.
- Very good heat dissipation.
Disadvantages of the Voltworks Power Inverter 2000W
- The included cables may be a bit short. If you need to run longer cables, remember to increase their section.
- External fuses are not easy to replace.
4. Krieger 3000 Watts Power Inverter
The Krieger 3000 Watts Power Inverter 12V to 110V (see on Amazon) offers about 3000W of continuous rated power and about 6000W of momentary peak, so it is recommended for use with a battery of about 375Ah or more, depending on the intended use.
It includes an LCD display on its front area that indicates the input and output voltages, the % of battery, warnings indicator and the temperature overload, values that are very useful.
This inverter includes wired remote control, ANL Fuse kit and 3 ft Battery Cables.
Among its safety measures are a silent intelligent fan and a series of protections against:
- Overvoltage.
- Low voltage.
- Overload.
- Short circuit.
- Overheating.
Advantages of the Krieger 3000 Watts Power Inverter
- Displays very useful information on its LCD screen (input and output voltage, % of battery and % of inverter “charge”).
- Includes the necessary power cables and ANL fuse.
- It is quite light.
Disadvantages of the Krieger 3000 Watts Power Inverter
- It does not offer the ability to connect a remote switch.
5. Energizer 4000 Watts Power 12V to 110V
The Energizer 4000 Watts modified wave inverter (see on Amazon) is a 4000W rated inverter with 8000W instantaneous peak power.
Its include, 2 Standard North American AC outlets (each rated at 15Amps) and 2 USB ports (2.4Amps each).
Like the previous model, it also has an LCD display that shows the voltage, both input and output, the % of battery charge and the % of connected power consumption.
Like the other inverters analyzed, it also has safety measures to ensure proper operation:
- Overvoltage.
- Low voltage.
- Overload.
- Overheating.
- Reverse polarity.
Advantages of the Energizer 4000W
- It has an LCD display that shows useful information (Input and output voltage, % of battery and % of inverter “charge”).
- Includes the necessary power cables: Cables with eye and cigarette lighter socket terminals.
- It offers very good value for money.
Disadvantages of the Energizer 4000W
- It does not offer the ability to connect a remote switch.
Remember that the power consumed by your devices should not exceed 85% of the inverter’s rated power.
Want to buy a cheap modified wave inverter? Check out the offer available on Amazon 2022
Alternating current is a type of electric current whose voltage is varying at constant intervals in a cyclical manner, half the time it will be positive (the energy circulates in one direction) and the other half negative (it circulates in the opposite direction) forming, normally, a sine wave.
What are the characteristics of a modified wave inverter?
The main characteristic of a modified wave inverter is the shape of the waveform of the alternating current it generates, which is not a sine function (like that of the current of the conventional electrical system). During the DC to AC transformation process, a square wave is obtained, which is then electronically smoothed, with the intention of making it more similar to a sine wave, until the final modified wave is obtained. In the following image you can see the difference of each one of them:
When is it worth buying a modified wave inverter?
Modified wave inverters can present you with some benefits over pure wave inverters, for example, their price, which is significantly lower. But, on the other hand, the fact that the current wave is not a pure sine wave can also cause you some problems when using it. So, is it a good idea to buy a modified sine wave inverter for a camper van?
Devices that may not work well with a modified wave inverter
Modified wave inverters present more problems when using devices with the following characteristics:
- Appliances with AC motors:
- Appliances: some blenders, fans, hair dryers, etc.
- Tools: Drills, electric saws, radials, etc.
- Water pumps.
- Complex appliances or appliances with electronics that work with AC (those without a transformer):
- Refrigerators.
- Microwaves.
- Air conditioners.
Appliances that should work perfectly with a modified wave inverter
Instead, they work perfectly, without any kind of problem or difference with respect to a pure wave inverter with these others:
- Devices that use a current transformer, either externally or internally. Devices such as the following may have a transformer:
- Household appliances and electronic devices: televisions, desktop computers, smart assistants, sound equipment, etc.
- Battery-powered appliances in general: Laptops, cell phones, tablets, battery chargers, battery-powered tools, etc.
- Appliances with DC motors (DC in English):
- Household appliances: Some small blenders, hair dryers, etc.
- Lighting.
To know if your appliances and household appliances would work properly you should carefully read their characteristics, to know if they use a transformer or the type of motor they have.
Benefits and disadvantages of modified wave inverters
Advantages of modified wave inverters
- Modified wave inverter technology is simpler and more reliable, so it will generally have fewer failures.
- As simpler devices, they are lighter in weight.
- They are considerably less expensive.
Disadvantages of modified wave inverters
- Modified wave inverters can tend to overload since their maximum voltages vary according to the voltage present in the battery.
- They are not suitable for inductive loads (transformerless and/or AC motorized electronic devices).
Final conclusions on modified waveform inverters and their price
We, personally, have not used a modified wave inverter, our inverter is a Phoenix Victron 12V 800W pure wave (see on Amazon). But, making this post, we have gathered a lot of information from real users who have shown their opinions and helped us to draw our own conclusions:
While it is true that it is always usually said: pure wave inverter yes or yes and that at the time of buying it we had no doubt in choosing it, now, after researching I do not think it should be so resounding that decision. Each case is very particular, so you will have to analyze your situation very well. If your budget is somewhat tight and you think that the devices you will use fit well in the group of devices that do not have problems with modified waves (devices with current transformer, DC motors and lighting) these inverters may be a good option for you.
A modified wave inverter is cheaper, simpler and more robust than a pure wave inverter and may work perfectly for many users, while for many others it will be a piece of junk without any utility.
Many times we sin of always wanting to buy the best we can afford and there are many times when it is not necessary. My advice, if you allow me, is to value your situation and your needs and decide what suits you best.