Firman W03083

Firman's Whisper-series 3 kW inverter, with electric start and a key-fob remote that works from 168 feet away, which is a handy feature on a cold morning. The 171cc engine makes 3,000 running and 3,300 starting watts, enough for a fridge, a furnace blower and a few lights, or a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner on a soft start. The remote start and the build get good marks, and Firman's Arizona-based service is easier to reach than brands that route support overseas, by owner accounts. The complaints are price and noise: at $1,130 it sits above WEN and DuroMax models with more output, and the 58 dB figure is taken at a quarter load, so it is louder when you are running appliances. It has no CO sensor and no propane option, and the TT-30R is 120V, so it does not feed a 240V transfer switch. The Firman store sells a refurbished version at a deep discount with a 90-day warranty, which some owners choose.

3,000 W running, 3,300 W peak·Key-fob remote start, 168 ft range·58 dB at 1/4 load, 90 lbs