DeWalt Portable Inverter Generator (2200 Watt)

Why I reached for this little inverter

I keep a few small generators around for jobsite tasks and storm-season insurance, and I’m picky: the unit has to be quiet, easy to live with, and produce clean power that won’t fry a laptop or a modern furnace board. The DeWalt 2200 inverter ticks those boxes and adds some thoughtful touches—CO shutdown, covered outlets, a fold-down handle—that make it feel purpose-built for real-world use.

Setup and first start

Out of the box, the setup is straightforward. Oil and a narrow funnel are included; you’ll want that funnel because the fill port sits deep and it’s easy to spill without it. After fueling the 1‑gallon tank, the combined Off/Run/Choke knob makes the sequence unambiguous. I gave it a couple of primer pulls with the switch off, then switched to Run/Choke and it lit on the first pull in cool weather. Warm restarts have been single-pull affairs.

LED indicators for low oil, overload, and AC output are simple and visible. There’s an economy switch for load-based idle reduction; I leave Eco on unless I’m about to hit it with a big inrush load.

Power and performance

The headline numbers matter here: this is a 2,200‑watt surge unit with a 1,700‑watt continuous rating. Assume 1,700 W for planning and you won’t be disappointed. In “household backup” drills, I was able to run a refrigerator, cable modem/router, a few LED lights, and keep phones/laptops charging with ample headroom. A countertop coffee maker pushed the total closer to the limit but still within spec when run one-at-a-time with the fridge.

For tools, I tested a 10‑inch jobsite table saw for short cuts, a miter saw, and a 6‑gallon pancake compressor cycling intermittently. The inverter handled the inrush on the saws fine—Eco mode kicked up promptly—and it recovered quickly after each cut. Just be mindful of simultaneous loads: if something with a large startup draw (like a compressor) tries to kick on while another tool is running, you can nudge past that 1,700‑watt continuous envelope.

I also attached a 1/3 HP sump pump during a simulated outage; it started and ran cleanly on its own circuit. As always, check your pump’s nameplate—some larger pumps surge well above what a 2k‑class unit can handle.

Noise and comfort

Noise is where this generator earns its space. Listed at 60 dB (typically measured at 23 feet, 25% load), it’s genuinely conversation-level at the property line. At idle in Eco mode, it blends into background noise; under moderate load it’s quieter than my mower and most open-frame generators. For camping, tailgating, or neighborhood use during an outage, that matters. You still need to keep it well away from structures and openings, but it won’t dominate the soundscape.

Fuel economy and runtime

With a 1‑gallon tank, runtime lives or dies on load and Eco mode. At roughly a 400–500 W continuous load (fridge cycling, networking gear, and lights), I’ve seen a bit over eight hours per fill with Eco on. That aligns with the manufacturer’s “up to 11 hours at 25% load” claim while reflecting real-world variability. The auto‑throttle keeps fuel use sensible; you can hear it step up and down as loads change, which is exactly what you want from an inverter.

Outlets and “clean power” considerations

Output is simple: one 120 V, 20 A GFCI-protected AC outlet, a 12 V DC (8 A) port, and a USB port (1.5 A). The inverter produces clean, stable voltage and frequency suitable for sensitive electronics; I’ve run laptops and test instruments directly without worry. The covered outlets keep rain splash and dust off the receptacles, and the faceplate layout is uncluttered.

A couple of planning notes:
- With only a single GFCI-protected 120 V receptacle, you’ll likely use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord and power strip to distribute loads. Size your cord appropriately (12 AWG for longer runs).
- For home backup via a transfer device, make sure you’re using a proper transfer switch or interlock designed for inverter generators. Neutral bonding and GFCI behavior can be incompatible with the wrong switchgear. If you don’t know, consult an electrician.

Portability and build

This generator is compact—carry-on sized in footprint—but at 58 lb it’s not ultralight. The fold-down/locking handle makes short rolls and tight storage easier; carrying up stairs is manageable for one person, but you feel the weight. The housing feels solid, panels fit cleanly, and the controls don’t have that “toy” flex you sometimes get in this class. It survived being loaded into a truck bed and bounced down a gravel driveway without drama.

Safety and the CO sensor

The built-in CO shutdown is a meaningful upgrade over older portables. It’s no substitute for proper use—operate outdoors, far from doors, windows, and vents—but it adds a layer of protection when wind shifts or setups aren’t perfect. In my use, it never nuisance-tripped outdoors. If you manage to trigger it, let the unit air out, relocate to a safer spot, and restart; the sensor is doing its job.

Maintenance, reliability, and quirks

• Oil changes are easy once you accept the narrow fill. The included funnel belongs right in the accessory compartment.
• The integrated Off/Run/Choke knob streamlines starting, but remember to switch fully to Run once it’s warm; leaving it on Choke will bog the engine under load.
• Breaker behavior has been predictable: it tripped cleanly when I intentionally overloaded it and reset without fuss. If you see trips with no load connected, that’s not normal—get it serviced under the 2‑year limited warranty.
• Keep fresh fuel and use stabilizer if it will sit. Like all carbureted portables, stale fuel is the number-one “it won’t start” culprit.

Where it fits—and where it doesn’t

This size class is ideal if your goals are:
- Keeping a fridge cold, internet up, and devices charged during outages
- Running single light-duty tools away from a power source
- Quiet power at a campsite or tailgate

What it won’t do alone:
- Run a whole house or central AC
- Comfortably handle multiple heavy loads simultaneously
- Provide RV‑specific outlets without adapters (no TT‑30), and some RV air conditioners will exceed its capacity unless you run two in parallel

Parallel capability is there if you need more headroom later—you’ll need a compatible second unit and the proper parallel kit. It’s a nice upgrade path for RVers or anyone eyeing a 13.5k BTU air conditioner.

Comparisons and value

Against familiar benchmarks like Honda and Yamaha in the 2k class, the DeWalt 2200 inverter lands well on noise, fuel economy, and build quality, with the added CO safety and a more approachable price. It’s a touch heavier than some rivals and the single AC receptacle may feel limiting, but in day-to-day use the trade-offs haven’t bothered me. The published 60 dB noise figure and the real-world quiet operation are the reasons I grabbed it first when power went out.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Clean inverter output; safe for electronics
- Quiet, especially in Eco mode
- CO‑shutdown adds meaningful safety
- Simple controls and reliable starting
- Covered outlets and compact footprint
- Parallel-ready for future expansion

Cons:
- Heavier than some 2k‑class competitors
- Single 120 V GFCI outlet limits direct plug-in options
- Oil fill is fussy without the supplied funnel
- Rated running wattage is 1,700 W; don’t plan on 2,200 W continuous

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 2200 inverter for homeowners, DIYers, and campers who want a quiet, trustworthy 2k‑class generator for essentials, light tool use, and sensitive electronics. It starts easily, sips fuel at modest loads, and the power is clean and stable. The CO‑protect shutdown is a smart safety feature, and the compact form with a fold-down handle makes it easy to store and deploy. If you need more than 1,700 W continuous or want RV‑specific outlets, look to a larger unit or plan on running two in parallel. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced, low-drama portable that does exactly what the category promises—quietly and reliably.