PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter inverter generatorCheck best price → All photos, customer reviews and today's price →
Easy to carry · Gas inverter · 3,200 W

PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter review: our full analysis

Brand: PowerSmart · Ranked 97th of 174 · Our methodology

6.9/10 Power5.7 Runtime4.5 Noise8.6 Features4.3 Portability9.7 Watts per dollar8.8 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 PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter pairs a 3,200 W running rating with inverter technology for clean power, built for camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet. It weighs 48.0 lb, is rated at 59 dB(A) and runs about 4 hr 30 min at half load on a tank.

Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: parallel capability, outlets.

Pros

  • 3,200 running watts from a 143cc engine in a 48 lb frame.
  • 59 dB at 23 ft per the manufacturer.
  • 120 V 30 A twist-lock outlet plus USB and 12 V DC.

Cons

  • 1.19-gallon tank: rated 4.5 hours at 50% load.
  • No CO shutdown sensor and no parallel capability listed.

Best for

  • Camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet

Specifications

TypeGas inverter (inverter: clean power)
Running watts3,200 W gasoline
Starting watts3,800 W gasoline
FuelGasoline
Fuel tank1.19 gal
Runtime4 hr 30 min at 50% load
Noise59 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight48.0 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 sensorNot listed
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine143 cc
Warranty2 years
PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter3,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter is mostly suited to:

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

3,200 running watts: what can it power?

The PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter delivers 3,200 W continuously and up to 3,800 W for a few seconds to start motors. It handles 12 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✅ Yes
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✅ Yes
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W✅ Yes
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.

PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter3,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price
2

How long does it run on a tank?

The fuel tank holds 1.2 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 4 hr 30 min on a full tank. That is about 0.26 gallon per hour at half load, or 6 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.

Fuel tank1.2 galgasoline
At 50% load4 hr 30 minmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 6 gal24 h at half load
3

59 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter at 59 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

Outlets: home, RV and tools

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.

5

Starting, safety and warranty

It starts with a recoil (pull) cord. The manufacturer does not list a CO shutoff sensor: be strict about placement, 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 2 years (residential use).

6

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

Relative to its running watts, the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter scores 8.8/10 on value: a good result. 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.

PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter3,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Our verdict on the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter

The PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter scores 6.9/10 and ranks 97th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 3,200 running watts from a 143cc engine in a 48 lb frame; 59 dB at 23 ft per the manufacturer. It is best suited to camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet.

PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter3,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Best inverter generators54th of 120Best quiet generator32nd of 46Best generator for camping10th of 61Best lightweight portable generator11th of 55Best 3500 watt generator5th of 32Best generator under $50018th of 54Best generator under $1,00049th of 111Best generator under $1,50074th of 142PowerSmart generators: reviews and lineup comparison4th of 8

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 3,200 running watts and 3,800 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter power a house?

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

How long does the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter run on a tank?

About 4 hr 30 min at half load according to the manufacturer.

Does the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter run on propane?

No, it runs on gasoline only.

Is the PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 59 dB(A), quiet enough for most campgrounds.

PowerSmart DB5068 3800W Inverter3,200 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

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