The Best 12V to 240V Inverters for Caravans, Motorhomes, and Campers – A Friendly Guide
Have you ever wished you could flick the kettle on or watch a film in your caravan without hunting for a mains hookup? That’s exactly why so many people love having a 12V to 240V inverter on board.
These clever little boxes turn your leisure battery power into proper 3-pin sockets, so you can bring a bit of home comfort wherever you go. We’ve been using inverters ourselves for years, and trust us—once you try one, you’ll never want to be without it.
Let’s walk you through everything step by step, in plain English.
Notice: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, offgridwifi.co.uk may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
What Can an Inverter Actually Power? (Real-Life Examples)
It’s easy to get lost in watts and volts, so here’s what different inverters can run in simple terms:
Charging a Laptop (60–90W):
One 100Ah leisure battery can keep you going for about 10–14 hours of charging, depending on how much you use it.Running a Small Microwave (700–800W):
You’ll need at least a 1000W inverter, and preferably 2 batteries. Running it for 10 minutes can use up around 15Ah.Watching TV (50–100W):
No problem for most inverters—one battery will last 10–15 hours of telly time.Using a Hair Dryer or Kettle (1500–2000W):
These need serious power. You’ll want a 2000–3000W inverter and a bank of multiple batteries. Even 5 minutes can drain 10–15Ah straight away.
💡 Quick Tip: Always check the wattage label on your appliances before plugging them in.
What Does the Power Output Mean?
Inverter labels can look confusing, so let’s break them down:
Continuous Power:
This is the maximum power the inverter can supply all the time without shutting down. For example, a 1000W inverter will deliver 1000 watts as long as you need it.Peak Power:
Some appliances, like microwaves or power tools, need an extra boost when they first switch on. Peak power covers this short burst—usually 2–3 times the continuous rating.
In other words:
✅ Continuous power = how much it can handle steadily
✅ Peak power = the momentary surge when something starts up
Common Inverter Sizes and What They’re Good For
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
🔌 300–500W Inverters:
Charging phones, tablets, laptops, and running a small TV.
🔌 600–1000W Inverters:
Great if you occasionally use a microwave or small coffee machine.
🔌 1500–2000W Inverters:
Good for kettles, hair dryers, and running several devices at once.
🔌 3000W Inverters:
Ideal for full off-grid living with multiple high-wattage appliances.
If you’re unsure, it’s usually better to go a little bigger than you think you’ll need—so you’re covered for those “just in case” moments.
What Battery Setup Should You Use for Each Inverter Size?
Your inverter is only as good as the batteries behind it. Here’s what most people use for each size:
🔋 300–500W Inverters:
✅ One 100Ah leisure battery is usually enough if you’re mostly charging devices or running a small TV.
🔋 600–1000W Inverters:
✅ One or two 100–120Ah batteries. Ideal if you plan to use bigger devices like a microwave occasionally.
🔋 1500–2000W Inverters:
✅ Two or more 100–120Ah batteries wired in parallel. This gives you the capacity to run hair dryers and kettles for short periods.
🔋 3000W Inverters:
✅ Three or more 100–120Ah batteries. This is serious power for off-grid setups with everything running.
💡 Tip:
Think of batteries like a fuel tank. The bigger your appliances, the quicker you’ll drain them.
What Cable Size and Fuse Do You Need?
Using the correct cables and fuses keeps your system safe. Here’s a guide to what you’ll need:
⚡ 300–500W Inverters:
Cable Size: 16mm² (about 110A rated)
Fuse: 50–60A
⚡ 600–1000W Inverters:
Cable Size: 25mm² (about 150A rated)
Fuse: 100–125A
⚡ 1500–2000W Inverters:
Cable Size: 35–50mm² (200–250A rated)
Fuse: 200–250A
⚡ 3000W Inverters:
Cable Size: 70–95mm² (300–400A rated)
Fuse: 300–400A
💡 Helpful Hints:
Always put the fuse close to the battery—ideally within 30cm.
Use proper cable lugs and tighten everything properly.
If in doubt, get an auto-electrician to check.
Replacing an Existing Inverter? Here’s What to Check
If you already have an inverter and are thinking of swapping it, here’s how to avoid headaches later:
🔍 Power Rating:
Check the label on your old inverter—it will say something like “1000W continuous / 2000W peak.” Match or exceed this rating.
🔍 Sine Wave Type:
If you’ve had trouble with buzzing TVs or overheating chargers, consider upgrading to a pure sine wave model.
🔍 Cabling and Fuses:
More powerful inverters often need thicker cables and bigger fuses—so double-check before installation.
🔍 Space:
Some inverters are bigger, so measure where you plan to mount the new one.
Reviews: 5 Great market leading Inverters
We’ve picked out 5 inverters covering different sizes and budgets—all well-reviewed and beginner-friendly.
1. BESTEK 300W Power Inverter – Perfect for Small Jobs
This is a lovely little inverter if you mainly want to charge your gadgets and maybe run a small telly. It’s about the size of a loaf of bread, so it tucks away neatly under a seat or in a cupboard. You can plug in two devices plus a couple of USB chargers. Great for occasional use and perfect if you’re just starting out.
Why We Like It:
It’s cheap, simple, and does exactly what it says on the tin without fuss.
Customer Reviews:
Most people say it’s ideal for charging laptops and phones. A few mention it will beep if you try to plug in something too big—but that’s just the inverter protecting itself.
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Why: Super cheap, very reliable for small gadgets, and great for beginners.
Expected Price: Around £40–£50
2. BESTEK 600W Pure Sine Wave – Clean Power for Sensitive Devices
If you’re planning to run laptops, TVs, or any electronics you don’t want buzzing or overheating, this pure sine wave model is worth the extra. It’s still compact and comes with the cables you need. Great for caravans and motorhomes where you want reliable, clean power for modern gadgets.
Why We Like It:
You get smooth power without spending loads—brilliant value.
Customer Reviews:
People love how quiet and cool it stays. Some say it’s perfect for work-from-camper setups.
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Why: Clean sine wave power for sensitive devices without costing a fortune.
Expected Price: Around £110–£130.
3. EDECOA 1200W Pure Sine Wave – A Reliable All-Rounder
This inverter is ideal if you’d like to run a microwave or coffee machine occasionally without stressing about overloading. It comes with a remote switch, so you can hide it in a locker and still turn it on easily. If you only buy one inverter for a caravan or motorhome, this is a solid choice that won’t let you down.
Why We Like It:
It hits the sweet spot between price and power—and the remote makes it very user-friendly.
Customer Reviews:
Most say it’s reliable and robust. A couple mention the cooling fan gets louder under load—but that’s normal when you’re shifting 1000W of power.
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Why: A brilliant all-rounder that handles most caravan needs sensibly priced.
Expected Price: Around £160–£190.
4. NOVOPAL 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter – Bigger Power, No Hassle
Looking to go up a level? This NOVOPAL unit is a brilliant replacement—giving you all the oomph you need to run kettles, microwaves, hair dryers, or even a fridge, with clean, reliable power.
Type: Pure sine wave
Power: 2000 W continuous / 4000 W peak
Features: 2 UK sockets, LCD screen, USB port, remote control
Why it’s useful: Compact yet powerful, it fits neatly into caravans and motorhomes and handles big tasks without breaking a sweat.
Why we like it: The LCD display means you can monitor voltage and load at a glance, and that remote makes it super easy to switch on without rummaging behind lockers.
Customer reviews: Buyers praise its solid build and smooth performance; one reviewer said it “runs my kettle and toaster simultaneously without a hiccup.” A few noted the fan gets louder under load—but that’s normal for this power level.
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Why: Lots of power and handy features (LCD display, remote) at a fair price.
Expected Price: Around £230–£260.
5. EDECOA 3000W Pure Sine Wave – Serious Power for Full Off-Grid Setups
This is the one if you plan to run pretty much everything—kettle, microwave, fridge, chargers, all at once. The LCD display is handy for keeping an eye on usage, and the remote lets you mount it out of sight. Just remember: it needs a bank of batteries to keep up.
Why We Like It:
Heavy-duty, reliable, and does everything you could ask for.
Customer Reviews:
Most buyers say it’s a game-changer if you live off-grid for weeks at a time. Just be ready for the size—it’s a chunky bit of kit.
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Why: Serious power for full off-grid setups. It costs more, but worth it if you need the output.
Expected Price: Around £280–£320.
Integrating with Solar Panel Kits
Harness the sun to keep your adventures powered all day long. Most 500–600 Wh stations pair beautifully with a 100–200 W solar panel kit. Simply connect the solar input cable from your station to the panel’s output, angle the panels towards the sun, and watch them top up your battery while you hike, relax or sleep.
For detailed solar setup, mounting tips and UK-specific kit recommendations, check out our full solar guide:
You have the power, now enjoy a connectivity
Pair your WiFi kit with a PAYG SIM card (e.g. Smarty, GiffGaff, EE Flex) so you only pay for internet when you’re not there.
Final Thoughts
Having an inverter on board opens up a world of comfort and convenience. Whether you just want to charge your phone or cook a full meal off-grid, there’s an inverter here for you.
If you’re not sure which one suits you best, or how to get it set up safely, feel free to ask—we’re always happy to help you figure it out.
Happy travels—and enjoy making your caravan or motorhome feel just like home!
Still Interested?
We have plenty more information to share
Check out more of our guides below
