Ridgid 18V 175-Watt Power Inverter

When I first laid my hands on the Ridgid 18V 175-Watt Power Inverter, I was curious to see how it would fit into my existing arsenal of Ridgid tools. This compact power inverter promises to be a versatile assistant for anyone needing to power or charge small electronics on the go. With the increasing need to stay connected, having a portable power source is more relevant than ever. Here’s my in-depth review based on my experiences with this little gadget.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Ridgid power inverter is its compact and portable design. Despite being lightweight, it feels sturdy and well-constructed, promising the durability we've come to expect from Ridgid. The form factor is convenient, making it easy to toss into a backpack or a toolkit without worrying about it taking up too much space. The integrated LED light is a thoughtful addition, even though it's not the most powerful—it’s still useful in dimly lit scenarios.

Features and Specifications

This power inverter offers a variety of charging options, including one 120V AC outlet, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port. The USB-C port is particularly appealing for its faster charging capabilities, a critical feature for quickly juicing up modern devices like smartphones and tablets. The inverter is compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries, which is a significant advantage if you're already invested in their ecosystem.

Performance

I tested the inverter with various devices to see how it handles different loads. For charging smartphones and tablets, it performed admirably. Using a 4 amp-hour battery, I could get multiple charges for my phone, although, as expected, the device drained the battery faster when more power-hungry devices were connected.

Charging my laptop, however, revealed some limitations. While it did manage to keep my laptop running, it was clear that the 175-watt max output is somewhat limiting. For instance, my laptop's 180-watt AC adapter pushed the inverter to its limits, making it less efficient for high-power-draw devices. Additionally, the inverter produced a dirty square wave rather than a pure sine wave, which might not be ideal for sensitive electronics.

Usability

One of the standout features of this inverter is its ease of use. Setting it up is straightforward; just plug in a charged 18V battery, and you're ready to go. The multiple output options make it versatile for different scenarios, from charging a phone while on a camping trip to powering small lights during a power outage. However, I did notice that the inverter and its included 2.0Ah battery aren’t a perfect match for sustained use. If you plan to use it for extended periods, a higher capacity 6.0Ah or 8.0Ah battery is a better choice to ensure longer-lasting power.

Practical Applications

I found this inverter particularly useful in several situations. During a recent camping trip, it was invaluable for keeping my devices charged without the constant hum of a generator. It also came in handy during a brief power outage, allowing me to keep essential devices running. For light, mobile use, it's a highly convenient tool. However, for more demanding applications, such as powering tools that require more wattage, this inverter falls short.

Battery Life and Efficiency

The efficiency of this inverter is decent but not exceptional. The lack of a pure sine wave output affects its efficiency somewhat, and the power it provides can drain the Ridgid batteries faster than anticipated. In my experience, a fully charged 6Ah battery lasted about an hour when used for moderately demanding tasks, such as running a laptop and charging a smartphone simultaneously.

Value for Money

The inverter comes bundled with a charger and a 2.0Ah battery, making it a good deal if you're just starting with Ridgid’s ecosystem. However, if you already have high-capacity Ridgid batteries, you'll get more out of this device. For its price point, it offers good value, especially considering its portability and the convenience it brings to those already invested in Ridgid tools.

Downsides

While the Ridgid inverter excels in portability and ease of use, it’s not without its flaws. The 175-watt maximum output is limiting if you need to power more demanding devices. The use of a dirty square wave inverter rather than a pure sine wave also puts it at a disadvantage for sensitive electronics. Additionally, the compact design means limited battery life unless paired with higher capacity batteries, which adds to the cost.

Final Thoughts

After extensively using the Ridgid 18V 175-Watt Power Inverter, I can say it’s a handy tool for the right user. If you need a portable power solution for small electronics and are already invested in Ridgid’s 18V battery system, this inverter is a worthwhile addition. It’s especially useful for camping, traveling, and emergency situations where lightweight and portable power is essential.

However, if you need to power higher wattage devices or require a pure sine wave inverter for sensitive electronics, you may find this inverter lacking. The efficiency and battery life issues also mean you’ll need to invest in higher capacity batteries for prolonged use.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ridgid power inverter to Ridgid tool users who need a compact and versatile power source for light-duty applications. Its portability and ease of use make it a convenient tool to have in various scenarios, but be aware of its limitations and ensure it matches your specific needs.