Best Inverters for Van Conversions 2025 (UK Tested)
Choosing the right inverter is one of the most impactful decisions in your van conversion. Pick too small and you cannot run the appliances you need. Pick too large and you waste money, space, and battery power on standby drain. Pick a cheap modified sine wave unit and you risk damaging sensitive electronics.
This guide covers the best inverters available in the UK for van conversions in 2025, based on real-world testing across different build types and budgets. Every inverter here is a pure sine wave unit — we do not recommend modified sine wave inverters for any modern van build.
Not sure what size you need? Start with our inverter sizing guide or run a power audit to calculate your actual requirements.
Size your inverter automatically
Our free calculator analyses your appliance list and recommends the correct inverter size, cable gauge, and fuse rating for your build.
What Makes a Good Campervan Inverter?
Before the recommendations, here is what we evaluate:
- Pure sine wave output — essential for laptops, CPAP machines, and any device with a microprocessor
- Efficiency — how much battery power is wasted as heat during conversion (good inverters hit 90-94%)
- Standby drain — how many watts the inverter consumes when switched on but not powering anything
- Build quality — aluminium housing, proper terminal connections, and decent thermal management
- Surge handling — the ability to handle short-term peak loads above the continuous rating (motor start-up, compressor kick-in)
- UK compliance — proper 3-pin UK socket, CE marking, and correct 230V/50Hz output
Our Top Picks for 2025
Premium: Victron Phoenix 12/800 (£200-£240)
The Victron Phoenix is the gold standard for campervan inverters in the UK. It is not the cheapest option by any margin, but it earns its price through exceptional build quality, reliability, and efficiency.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous output | 800W (700W at 25°C ambient) |
| Peak output | 1,500W |
| Efficiency | 93% at full load |
| Standby consumption | 8W |
| Weight | 5.2 kg |
| Output | 230V 50Hz, pure sine wave |
Why we like it: The Phoenix is genuinely efficient, runs quietly, and has excellent thermal management with an intelligent fan that only activates under load. VE.Direct connectivity means you can monitor it through the Victron ecosystem if you are already using Victron components (SmartShunt, MPPT controller). The aluminium housing is robust and well-suited to a van environment.
Who it is for: Builders who want reliability and are willing to pay for it. Ideal for mid-range builds (800W covers most needs except heavy cooking appliances). Pairs perfectly with other Victron components.
The Phoenix also comes in 1200W and 500W variants. If you need more power, consider stepping up to the Victron MultiPlus, which adds built-in battery charging and a transfer switch.
Mid-Range: Renogy 1000W Pure Sine Wave (£130-£160)
Renogy has built a solid reputation in the campervan market, and their 1000W pure sine wave inverter offers strong value. It delivers more power than the Phoenix 800 at a lower price, though with some trade-offs.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous output | 1,000W |
| Peak output | 2,000W |
| Efficiency | ~90% at full load |
| Standby consumption | 12W |
| Weight | 3.8 kg |
| Output | 230V 50Hz, pure sine wave |
Why we like it: Excellent price-to-power ratio. The 2,000W peak rating handles motor start-up surges well. Lighter than the Victron, which matters in weight-conscious builds. Comes with a remote on/off switch (a useful feature the base Phoenix lacks).
Trade-offs vs Victron: Slightly lower efficiency (you lose about 3% more power as heat), higher standby drain (12W vs 8W), and no integration with monitoring ecosystems. The build quality is good but not quite at Victron's level — the terminals in particular feel less substantial.
Who it is for: Builders who want a reliable pure sine wave inverter without paying the Victron premium. Great for weekend vans and holiday builds where the efficiency difference is less critical.
Budget: EDECOA 1500W Pure Sine Wave (£100-£130)
EDECOA inverters have become popular in the UK van conversion community for delivering usable pure sine wave output at budget prices.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous output | 1,500W |
| Peak output | 3,000W |
| Efficiency | ~88% at full load |
| Standby consumption | 15-18W |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Output | 230V 50Hz, pure sine wave |
Why we like it: At this price, you get 1,500W of pure sine wave output, which is enough to run a microwave or a small induction hob. The build quality is acceptable for a budget unit, and the dual UK sockets are a practical touch.
Trade-offs: Lower efficiency means more battery drain per watt delivered. Higher standby consumption eats into your battery when the inverter is on but idle. Thermal management is noisier — the fan tends to run more often. Longevity is less proven than Victron or Renogy.
Who it is for: Budget builds where upfront cost matters more than long-term efficiency. Also a reasonable choice if you need higher wattage but cannot justify the price of a Victron 1200 or MultiPlus.
Standby drain adds up
An inverter with 15W standby drain that is left on 24/7 consumes 360Wh per day — that is a significant chunk of a typical campervan's daily energy budget. Either choose a low-standby inverter or get into the habit of switching it off when you are not using 230V appliances. A remote switch makes this much more convenient.
Compact/Low-Power: Victron Phoenix 12/250 (£110-£140)
Not every van needs 800W or more. If your only 230V requirement is charging a laptop and occasionally powering a small appliance, the Victron Phoenix 250 is a compact and efficient solution.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuous output | 250W |
| Peak output | 400W |
| Efficiency | 91% at full load |
| Standby consumption | 5W |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Output | 230V 50Hz, pure sine wave |
Who it is for: Minimalist builds, weekend vans, or builds where 230V is a secondary feature. You cannot run a kettle, hairdryer, or microwave — but for laptops, phone chargers, and small electronics, it is all you need.
Comparison Summary
| Inverter | Watts | Efficiency | Standby | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victron Phoenix 800 | 800W | 93% | 8W | £200-£240 | Premium mid-range builds |
| Renogy 1000W | 1,000W | 90% | 12W | £130-£160 | Value-focused builds |
| EDECOA 1500W | 1,500W | 88% | 15-18W | £100-£130 | Budget high-power builds |
| Victron Phoenix 250 | 250W | 91% | 5W | £110-£140 | Minimalist/compact builds |
Installation Considerations
Whichever inverter you choose, the installation fundamentals are the same:
Cable Sizing
Inverters draw high current from the 12V battery. An 800W inverter at full load draws roughly 75A at 12V. The cables between your battery and inverter must be sized accordingly — typically 25mm² or 35mm² depending on cable length.
Undersized cables are a fire risk
The cables between your battery and inverter carry very high currents. Undersized cables overheat, melt insulation, and can cause fires. Always calculate the required cable cross-section for your specific inverter's maximum current draw and the cable run length. Our calculator does this automatically.
Fusing
Install an appropriate fuse (typically an ANL or MEGA fuse) on the positive cable as close to the battery as possible. For an 800W inverter, a 100A fuse is typical. For 1500W, you need 150-200A.
Location
Mount the inverter as close to the battery as possible to minimise cable length (and therefore voltage drop and heat). Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit — inverters generate heat and need airflow.
Grounding
The inverter chassis should be bonded to the van's metalwork with a suitable earth cable. The 230V output should be properly earthed through your consumer unit.
Should You Consider an Inverter/Charger Instead?
If you also plan to use shore power and want battery charging from mains, an inverter/charger like the Victron MultiPlus combines the inverter, battery charger, and transfer switch into one unit. It costs more upfront but simplifies wiring and saves space.
For a full comparison, see our guide to inverter vs inverter/charger.
FAQ
Is a pure sine wave inverter worth the extra cost?
Yes, absolutely. In 2025, the price difference between pure sine wave and modified sine wave inverters has narrowed significantly. Pure sine wave is safer for all electronics, quieter, and eliminates the risk of damaging sensitive devices. See our full comparison.
Can I run a microwave from a campervan inverter?
Yes, but you need a sufficiently large inverter (typically 1,500W minimum) and a battery bank that can handle the draw. A typical microwave session uses 150-250Wh from your battery. See our microwave guide for full details.
How long will an inverter run on a 100Ah lithium battery?
It depends on the load. A 100Ah LiFePO4 battery stores approximately 1,200Wh of usable energy. At a continuous 200W load (accounting for inverter efficiency), that gives roughly 5.5 hours. At 500W, roughly 2.2 hours. Use our calculator for precise figures.
Do I need to run the inverter all the time?
No, and you should not. Switch the inverter off when you are not using 230V appliances to avoid wasting battery power on standby drain. A remote on/off switch (included with many inverters, or available as an add-on for Victron) makes this convenient.