An inverter charger combo does two jobs in one box: it makes 120V AC from your 12V bank when you're off-grid, and it charges that bank from shore power (or a generator) when you're plugged in. If you want to run a microwave, coffee maker, or laptop charger without a generator, this is the device.
Inverter vs inverter-charger
- Plain inverter: only makes AC from DC. You still need a separate converter/charger for shore power.
- Inverter charger: makes AC and charges your house bank with a proper multi-stage profile when plugged in. Cleaner wiring, one device to mount.
Most RVers upgrading to lithium go straight to a combo so their shore-power charging is lithium-aware. Pair it with a battery monitor so you can see exactly what's happening.
Sizing the watts
- 2000W: laptop, phone, small TV, occasional microwave (not with other loads).
- 3000W: microwave + coffee maker, toaster, bigger induction loads, and a soft-start A/C.
- Continuous vs surge: motors (fridge compressors, A/C) need 2–3× surge; pick a unit rated for it.
Remember your battery bank must supply the DC side — a 3000W inverter pulls ~250A at 12V, so you need a big enough LiFePO4 bank. Our battery guide helps you size it.
The units compared
| Unit | Output | Why consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000 | 3000W | Top-tier, programmable, scales |
| Renogy REGO 3000W | 3000W | Strong value, LiFePO4-native |
| Victron MultiPlus 12/2000 | 2000W | Compact, proven |
| Renogy 2000W Inverter Charger | 2000W | Budget 2000W combo |
| Giandel 2000W Pure Sine | 2000W | Affordable pure-sine option |
Our pick
- Best overall 3000W: Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000 — the one pros spec; programmable, rock solid, and it stacks if you ever need more.
- Best value 3000W: Renogy REGO 3000W — lithium-native charging and a friendlier price.
- Best 2000W: Victron MultiPlus 12/2000 for longevity, or Renogy/Giandel for budget.
Shop the units
See the full list of inverter chargers we recommend.
Will a 2000W inverter run my microwave?
Usually, if nothing else big is on and the microwave is ~900–1000W. But the startup surge can trip a weak unit. For regular microwave use, step up to 3000W.
Do I still need a DC-DC charger?
Yes, for different jobs: the inverter charger handles shore power charging; a DC-DC charger handles alternator charging while driving. Many RVs run both.
Can it charge my lithium bank from shore power?
A good combo charges LiFePO4 with the correct profile automatically. Make sure the unit supports a lithium setting (all the ones above do).
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