If your life is full of gadgets working around the clock and you require constant power backup, then a 100 watt power inverter is a handy option to save you from a power disruption.
The big benefit to these units is their size and price. Compared to more powerful options they’re much cheaper and easier to throw in a backpack or car for your travels. Plus there’s enough power to keep your essential gadgets like phones and laptops fully charged.
Devices like video cameras, computers, or mobile devices can be rendered useless if they run out of charge. These inverters are lightweight to carry anywhere and easily plugged into a battery source. Put simply, inverters are a reliable solution for people who require constant power for their electronic devices.
What Will a 100 Watt Inverter Run?
100 watt inverters are designed to run low-powered devices, usually while you are in a vehicle. Thanks to included AC and USB ports, there is a wide range of gadgets you can run. This includes laptops, smartphones, digital cameras, tablets, GPS, mini-fridges, TVs, portable games consoles, and lighting.
Below I have created a list of items you can run and their average power requirement:
| Device | Average Wattage |
| Smartphone | 5 |
| Tablet | 10 |
| Mini-fridge | 40-70 |
| Laptop | 40-60 |
| LED lighting | 10-30 |
| Digital camera | 15-30 |
| CCTV camera | 5-15 |
| Portable games console | 5-10 |
| Garmin GPS | 5-10 |
Education: Choosing a 100 Watt Power Inverter
Here are the most important features you should look at before buying the inverter
Outlets
The first important thing to consider is the number and type of outlets you need for your devices. The best products have a nice mix of three-prong AC outlets and USB ports. Of course, if you’re planning to just charge USB devices you may favor a product with dedicated fast charging ports. On the other hand, if you want to run laptops you’ll need 1 or 2 AC outlets as well.
Power Output
Don’t forget to check the exact power output specifications as this can vary on some units. For example, an inverter might advertise 100W but actually only have 2 outlets rated for 50W each. Plus, ensure you are able to draw 100W continuous power not just peak power. Peak power is only designed to run for a few seconds during spikes in power draw. You will usually find a peak rating that is double to continuous capacity.
Safety
Safety is always a concern when electronics are involved. You want to ensure both you and your devices are protected.
As these are compact-sized inverters, they can overheat quickly. If you want to draw a high load for long periods of time you should consider spending more money to get something with decent safety features, including cooling systems such as fans. Another important feature is prevention from short circuits, overload, overvoltage, undervoltage and overheating. Most of the inverters nowadays have all the safety features but be sure to check.
Durability
The durability of these products varies massively, there are a number of very cheap options on the market that might be fragile and perform poorly.
Some use cheap plastic, whereas others use high-quality carbon fiber casing. The better the material they use the more sturdy and long-lasting will the inverter be. Therefore, the built quality and material used are extremely important. Never compromise on this feature.
Ease of Use
These small 100 watt inverters should be very easy to use and require no technical knowledge to install. The vast majority are designed to be used inside vehicles. For a plug and play experience look for a unit with a 12V cigarette lighter plug so you don’t need to hook up directly to a battery.
Price
Wondering how much a 100 watt inverter costs?
The good news is that they are very cost-effective and can be picked up for between $20 and $50. Anything in this price range should provide you with a decent balance of quality and performance. I would be very wary about purchasing anything cheaper than $20 – don’t expect great quality. At the other end, anything costing more than $50 is probably overkill for the amount of power you’ll be able to generate.
How to Install a 100W Power Inverter in a Car?
Installing a 100W power inverter in your car couldn’t be easier. In fact, if it includes a 12V cigarette lighter plug then all you need to do is plug it into the outlet on your center console or dashboard. It looks like this:
Remember, always run your engine when drawing electricity from your power inverter. If you don’t you will quickly deplete your starter battery and leave you unable to start your engine!
FAQ about 100 Watt Power Inverters
Can a 100W inverter run a refrigerator?
No, you will not be able to run a full size refrigerator with a 100W inverter. You simply won’t have enough power. If you are careful, you might be able to run a low-wattage mini-fridge which draws less than 50W.
Can I run high power devices on a 100 watt power inverter?
No, these inverters are designed to work for smaller electronic devices like laptops, cameras, charging smartphones, etc. Anyhow, if you have mini-power devices (like an air pump) that require 100 watts or less energy then you can use a 100 watt power inverter. You won’t be able to run anything with a motor or heat elements like drills and hairdryers.
Can I run other home devices like refrigerators, washing machines, or TV on these 100 watt inverters?
Any product that requires 100 watts or less energy can be used. Refrigerators, washing machines, etc generally require far more energy than 100 watt. You might be able to get away with a low power mini-fridge. You’re best just using them for charging portable gadgets like phones and laptops.
Therefore, it is not advised to use these inverters for such products. This can either damage your device or the inverter.
How long can a fully charged 100 watt inverter run my laptop?
The power inverter works on the power supplied from batteries. Usually, these types of inverters are meant for cars. Therefore, as far as your car batteries are charged and live, your inverter will keep supplying power to your laptop. It is always best to use the inverter when the car engine is running, this will stop your car battery from depleting and leaving you stranded.
What is the best length of an extension cord?
There is no specific answer to this question. Anyhow, the shorter the cord is the better output you will get. A longer cord might reach to the back of the car, but long cables will reduce efficiency of the inverter.
Final Words on 100 Watt Power Inverters
As you will know by now, 100 watt power inverters are not that complicated.
Generally, most of the products have a very similar design, usually made to be used in cars.
The main thing to consider is the size and type of outlets that are available. As long as it includes a 12 cigarette lighter plug you will be able to plug it into your car to run your gadgets such as phones, tablets, and laptops.
If you’re still undecided you can’t go wrong picking from the list of top picks above.
Thanks for reading.
