Inverters Tested

March 2009

The explosion in portable electronic kit such as phones, iPods, laptops and digital cameras has transformed the way we live and work – until these gadgets run out of power. Most come with mains chargers, and are also available with accessories that do the same job from the car cigar lighter. But to buy 12V options for all your gear can be very expensive.

The value-for-money solution to keeping all your kit powered up is an inverter. These neat bits of electronic wizardry convert the 12V of the cigar lighter to mains electricity, so you can charge or power just about any device while on the move.

And the growth in portable kit has been matched by inverter manufacturers – as the choice of products is now wider than ever, with many units specifically designed for in-car use. So which are the top power brokers? We put 12 of the best under pressure to find out.

The Test

Efficiency is essential, as inverters use some power to make the conversion from car to mains electricity. So, we measured what went in and out when the units were hooked up to a 40-Watt test lamp.

We also checked for a smooth and stable output, and noted how close the voltage was to proper mains AC. Many devices create a surge spike when turned on, which inverters are designed to cope with momentarily. We preferred units that can supply at least twice their normal max output to cope with these start-up loads.

Finally, we balanced output against price, and awarded extra points for popular USB sockets and user-friendly features such as long leads and easy mounting.

Verdict

Ring’s E:Can+ is our Best Buy – it’s well designed, efficient and very versatile. The 150-Watt max output and integral USB mean it will handle almost all in-car duties.

Runner-up is the Ring MP:75. Although limited to 75 Watts, it works efficiently and its cable free design is great for many cars. While Black & Decker’s Power Up looks neat, it doesn’t seem quite as well thought out as either Ring product.

Contacts
Argos (Challenge, Black and Decker), 0845 640 3030, www.argos.co.uk
Black and Decker, 01753 567055, www.blackanddecker.co.uk
Clarke, 01992 565300, www.clarkeinternational.com
Custom Accessories (Polco and Michelin), 01980 676400, www.caeurope.co.uk
Draper, 023 8026 6355, www.drapertools.com
Laser, 01926 815000, www.toolconnection.co.uk
Ring, 0113 213 7389, www.ringautomotive.co.uk
Screwfix, 0500 414141, www.screwfix.com

Top 3

1. Ring E:Can+
2. Ring MP:75
3. Black & Decker Power Up

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