Want to brew your morning coffee or make a lunchtime toasty at camp but not sure where to start? With an inverter, powering the little luxuries from home has never been easier. In this guide, we’ll break down what an inverter does, how to work out the right size for your needs, and which REDARC Pure Sine Wave Inverter is the perfect match for your setup.
WHAT DOES AN INVERTER DO?
An inverter converts 12V DC battery power into 240V AC power. This allows you to run standard household appliances and electronics while travelling off-grid or camping.
There are two main types of inverters:
- Modified Sine Wave Inverters – cheaper but produce rough AC output that can damage or shorten the life of sensitive electronics.
- Pure Sine Wave Inverters – deliver smooth output, replicates grid-like electricity, perfect for modern appliances, sensitive electronics such as laptops, coffee machines, and microwaves.
With REDARC Pure Sine Wave Inverters, you’ll get reliable, high-quality power built tough for off-road and off-grid conditions to power everything from small electronics to high-draw appliances like microwaves and kettles.
HOW TO CALCULATE THE POWER YOU NEED
Choosing the right inverter starts with understanding how much power your devices consume.
- Check the device label – Most devices list their power consumption in watts somewhere on the tag or device itself. Power is usually listed as wattages.
- Add up total power use – if running multiple devices at once, combine their wattage.
- Account for startup surge – appliances like fridges and power tools draw extra current when starting up.
Pro tip: Always size up your inverter by at least 20%-50% more than your calculated load. This ensures it can handle startup surges and unexpected draws.
REDARC INVERTER RANGE & WHAT THEY CAN RUN
No matter your adventure, there’s a REDARC inverter to match your needs:
- 350W Pure Sine Wave Inverter – ideal for laptops, cameras, and small electronics.
- 1000W Inverter – powers TVs, battery chargers, and small kitchen appliances.
- 1200W Inverter – can run capsule coffee machines and other medium-sized appliances.
- 2000W Inverter – handles microwaves, hairdryers, and irons.
- 3000W Inverter – best for high-power appliances like kettles, espresso machines, heaters, or multiple devices at once.
Built for Australian conditions, all REDARC inverters deliver stable, reliable power wherever you camp.
MATCHING YOUR INVERTER RANGE TO A BATTERY
Once you’ve chosen the right inverter, it’s important to pair it with a battery rated to handle the load. Your inverter is only as good as the battery behind it. The higher the inverter size, the more current it will draw from your battery.
Pairing the right inverter with the right battery ensures your appliances run safely and efficiently, without draining your system too quickly.
POWER YOUR ADVENTURES WITH REDARC
With the right inverter and battery setup, you can enjoy the freedom of off-grid travel without giving up your favourite home comforts. From coffee machines to microwaves, REDARC has a Pure Sine Wave Inverter designed to power it all.
Want to see how to choose the right size inverter step by step? Watch our full video guide below or explore REDARC's range of inverters here.
