Easy to carry · Gas inverter · 1,800 W

A-iPower SUA2301i review: our full analysis

Brand: A-iPower · Ranked 155th of 174 · Our methodology

5.8/10 Power4.5 Runtime5.3 Noise7.5 Features6.3 Portability6.6 Watts per dollar5.5 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $300–$500 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. The A-iPower SUA2301i pairs a 1,800 W running rating with inverter technology for clean power, built for camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet. It weighs 42.2 lb, is rated at 62 dB(A) and runs about 5 hr 30 min at half load on a tank. Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor.

Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: weight.

Pros

  • 1,800 running watts with a CO sensor that shuts the engine down automatically.
  • Two 5-20R outlets, an L5-30R 30 A outlet, 12 V DC, USB-A and USB-C on one panel.
  • Telescoping handle, parallel cable in the box, and a 3-year limited warranty.

Cons

  • 0.9-gallon tank: about 5.5 hours at half load before refueling.
  • 2,300 starting watts will not start a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner alone.
  • Recoil start only.

Best for

  • Camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet

Specifications

TypeGas inverter (inverter: clean power)
Running watts1,800 W gasoline
Starting watts2,300 W gasoline
FuelGasoline
Fuel tank0.9 gal
Runtime9 hr at 25% load · 5 hr 30 min at 50% load
Noise62 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight42.2 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock · USB ports · 12 V DC outlet
Transfer switch readyNo (no 240 V outlet)
StartRecoil (pull start)
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableYes
EmissionsCARB and EPA compliant
Engine80 cc
Warranty3 years
A-iPower SUA2301i1,800 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The A-iPower SUA2301i is mostly suited to:

  • Camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet.
1

What will a 2,300-watt generator run?

The A-iPower SUA2301i delivers 1,800 W continuously and up to 2,300 W for a few seconds to start motors. It handles 9 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor. As an inverter, it produces clean power suited to laptops, TVs and furnace control boards.

ApplianceRunning / starting wattsWill it run?
Wi-Fi router and modem20 W / 20 W✅ Yes
CPAP (no humidifier)50 W / 50 W✅ Yes
Laptop or TV150 W / 150 W✅ Yes
Full-size refrigerator700 W / 2,200 W✅ Yes
Chest freezer500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Furnace blower (1/2 HP)800 W / 2,350 W❌ No
Sump pump (1/2 HP)1,050 W / 2,150 W✅ Yes
Microwave (1,000 W)1,000 W / 1,000 W✅ Yes
Space heater1,500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Window AC (10,000 BTU)1,200 W / 3,600 W❌ No
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W❌ No
Circular saw1,400 W / 2,300 W✅ Yes
Well pump (1 HP, 240 V)1,000 W / 4,000 W❌ Needs 240 V
Central AC (3-ton, soft start)3,800 W / 5,500 W❌ Needs 240 V

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

A-iPower SUA2301i1,800 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price
2

Fuel tank and runtime

The fuel tank holds 0.9 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 9 hr at a quarter load. At half load, it runs about 5 hr 30 min on a full tank. That is about 0.16 gallon per hour at half load, or 4 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.

Fuel tank0.9 galgasoline
At 25% load9 hrmanufacturer figure
At 50% load5 hr 30 minmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 4 gal24 h at half load
3

62 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the A-iPower SUA2301i at 62 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is about the level of a conversation or a dishwasher: acceptable at a campground.

4

Can you connect it to your house?

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock, USB ports, 12 V DC outlet. It has no 240 V outlet: it runs plug-in appliances through extension cords, not hardwired circuits or a 240 V well pump. It is parallel capable: linked to a second compatible unit with a parallel kit, the two outputs combine.

5

Starting, safety and warranty

It starts with a recoil (pull) cord. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as CARB compliant, so it can be sold in California. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

6

Typical price $300–$500: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the A-iPower SUA2301i scores 5.5/10 on value: a high price per watt, which its other strengths may justify. Inverters always cost more per watt than open frames: compare it with other inverters. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

A-iPower SUA2301i1,800 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Our verdict on the A-iPower SUA2301i

The A-iPower SUA2301i scores 5.8/10 and ranks 155th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 1,800 running watts with a CO sensor that shuts the engine down automatically; two 5-20R outlets, an L5-30R 30 A outlet, 12 V DC, USB-A and USB-C on one panel. It is best suited to camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet.

A-iPower SUA2301i1,800 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the A-iPower SUA2301i run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 1,800 running watts and 2,300 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the A-iPower SUA2301i power a house?

Only plug-in appliances through extension cords: it has no 240 V outlet for a transfer switch.

How long does the A-iPower SUA2301i run on a tank?

About 5 hr 30 min at half load according to the manufacturer, and 9 hr at a quarter load.

Does the A-iPower SUA2301i run on propane?

No, it runs on gasoline only.

Is the A-iPower SUA2301i quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 62 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.

A-iPower SUA2301i1,800 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Other A-iPower generators

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