Choosing an inverter can feel like one of the most confusing parts of planning a campervan electrical system.
You'll see models ranging from a few hundred watts to several thousand, all claiming to be suitable for different setups. It's easy to assume that buying the biggest one you can afford is the safest option.
In reality, that's rarely the best approach.
The right inverter isn't simply the biggest one—it's the one that's matched to the way you use your campervan.
Whether you're charging a laptop while working remotely, making a morning coffee or running a microwave on an off-grid adventure, choosing the correct inverter starts with one simple question.
What do you actually want to power?
Start With Your Everyday Essentials
Before looking at inverter sizes, think about the appliances you genuinely expect to use.
For some people, that might only be:
- Laptop charger
- Camera batteries
- Phone chargers
- Small television
Others might want to use:
- Coffee machine
- Hairdryer
- Air fryer
- Microwave
- Electric kettle
The more power-hungry appliances you plan to use, the larger the inverter your system is likely to need.
Do You Even Need an Inverter?
It's worth remembering that not everything in a campervan runs on 230V mains electricity.
Many common items already operate directly from your leisure battery, including:
- LED lighting
- Water pumps
- USB chargers
- Roof fans
- Diesel heaters
- Some compressor fridges
An inverter is only needed when you want to run appliances designed for standard household sockets.
If you rarely use those types of appliances, you may not need a particularly large inverter—or one at all.
Think About How You Travel
One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing an inverter based on a single appliance rather than how they actually use their campervan.
Weekend Adventures
If your trips usually involve campsites, occasional off-grid stops and charging a few electronic devices, your power demands are likely to be fairly modest.
Working From the Road
Running laptops, monitors, Starlink or other office equipment throughout the day places much greater demand on your electrical system.
Longer Off-Grid Trips
Cooking with electric appliances, making drinks, using hairdryers or running a microwave all require considerably more power.
The inverter should be chosen to suit your typical day—not your most unusual one.
Common Campervan Appliances
This table gives a rough idea of the power requirements for some popular campervan appliances.
| Appliance | Typical Power | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Charger | Around 20W | Very low power demand. Suitable for almost any inverter. |
| Laptop Charger | 60–100W | Ideal for remote working and everyday charging. |
| Television | 30–100W | Power consumption varies depending on screen size and model. |
| Coffee Machine | 800–1,500W | Check the appliance's rated wattage before choosing an inverter. |
| Microwave | 800–1,500W+ | Input power is often higher than the advertised cooking power. |
| Air Fryer | 1,200–2,000W | A popular choice for campervans, but one of the more demanding appliances. |
| Hairdryer | 1,200–2,000W | One of the highest everyday power loads you'll typically run. |
| Electric Kettle | 1,500–3,000W | Requires a suitably sized inverter and battery system. |
These figures are only intended as a guide. Always check the rating label on your own appliances before choosing an inverter.
Don't Forget About Simultaneous Use
It's easy to look at one appliance and assume that's the inverter size you need.
But what happens if two appliances are running at the same time?
For example, imagine someone is making coffee while another person is drying their hair.
Individually, each appliance might work with your inverter.
Together, they could exceed its maximum output.
When sizing an inverter, think about what you're realistically likely to use at the same time rather than looking at appliances individually.
Bigger Isn't Always Better
It might seem sensible to choose the largest inverter available "just in case", but there are a few reasons why that's not always the best option.
A larger inverter often means:
- Higher purchase cost
- Larger cables
- Bigger fuses
- More installation space
- Greater demands on your battery bank
If you'll never use that extra capacity, you're paying for performance you don't need.
Choosing the right size is usually a better investment than simply choosing the biggest.
Your Battery System Matters Too
Your inverter doesn't work in isolation.
It relies on your leisure battery supplying enough power, so both parts of the system need to be matched.
For example, fitting a high-powered inverter to a relatively small battery bank doesn't suddenly allow you to run high-powered appliances for long periods.
Likewise, cable sizing, fuses and charging equipment all need to be suitable for the inverter you've chosen.
If you're planning a completely new electrical system, it's worth thinking about the whole setup rather than choosing each component separately.
Pure Sine Wave or Modified Sine Wave?
Not all inverters produce the same type of electrical output.
Modified sine wave inverters are generally cheaper, but they aren't suitable for every appliance. Some electronics may not operate correctly, while others can run less efficiently or produce unwanted noise.
Pure sine wave inverters generate a much cleaner electrical output that's much closer to the electricity supplied in your home.
For most modern campervan electrical systems, we'd recommend choosing a pure sine wave inverter. They're compatible with a much wider range of appliances and provide greater peace of mind when powering valuable electronics.
Should You Choose an Inverter or an Inverter Charger?
If you only need to create 230V power from your leisure battery, a standalone inverter may be all you need.
However, many campervan owners choose an inverter charger instead.
Products such as the Victron MultiPlus-II combine an inverter and battery charger into a single unit, allowing you to power 230V appliances when you're off-grid and recharge your leisure batteries when you're connected to electric hook-up.
If you're building a new electrical system from scratch, it's well worth considering whether an inverter charger could simplify your setup.
Our Advice
Rather than asking, "What's the biggest inverter I can fit?", ask yourself these five questions:
- What appliances do I actually want to use?
- Which of those might run at the same time?
- Can my battery bank support that level of demand?
- Will my electrical system grow in the future?
- Would an inverter charger be a better long-term option?
Answering those questions will usually point you towards the right inverter much more effectively than simply comparing wattages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a kettle from my campervan inverter?
It depends on the kettle's power rating and the rest of your electrical system. Many kettles require a relatively large inverter and a suitably sized battery bank.
Is a 2,000W inverter enough for a campervan?
For many campervan setups, a 2,000W inverter provides a good balance between capability and efficiency. However, the right size depends entirely on the appliances you plan to use.
Can I use a hairdryer in my campervan?
Yes, provided your inverter and battery system are capable of supplying the required power.
Will a bigger inverter drain my battery faster?
The inverter itself doesn't automatically use more energy simply because it's larger. However, larger inverters are designed to power larger loads, and running high-powered appliances will place greater demand on your battery bank.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right inverter isn't about buying the biggest model available—it's about choosing one that matches the way you travel and the appliances you actually use.
Taking the time to plan your electrical system properly will help you avoid unnecessary expense and ensure everything works together as it should.
If you're still unsure which inverter is right for your campervan, we'd always recommend discussing your planned setup before making a decision. A little advice at the planning stage can make a big difference once you're out on the road.
