Modified sine wave inverters are much cheaper than true sine wave inverters, and work in many applications. If your electronic arsenal is minimal and your bank account is low, a modified sine wave inverter will probably work just fine. As noted in the text, most electronic devices and appliances, including TVs, lights, stereos, computers, inkjet printers, power tools, and standard washing machines run well on modified sine wave electricity.

Modified sine wave inverters come in two varieties: high-frequency conversion units and low-frequency (60 hertz) conversion units. High-frequency units are much cheaper and much lighter than low-frequency models. A typical 2,000-watt high frequency inverter, for example, will cost 2 to 5 times less than a low-frequency model and may weigh 13 pounds versus 50 pounds.

But don’t be fooled by cost and weight into buying a high-frequency inverter for your home. You get what you pay for. High-frequency inverters are generally manufactured overseas in Taiwan, China, and other countries. They’re sometimes dumped on the US market by companies going bankrupt, so servicing a defective model can be difficult.

Low-frequency modified sine wave inverters are typically produced in North America by fairly reliable manufacturers like Xantrex (formerly Trace Engineering). These inverters cost more and weigh a lot more, but they are a much better product. In addition, these inverters typically have a much higher surge capacity, meaning they can produce greater surges of power needed to start power tools, dishwashers, washing machines, and the like.

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