Wave of Inverter Generators

There are three different types of inverters available. Square wave inverters, modified square wave, and sine wave. The type of inverter generator you may want to purchase depends on what you plan on powering with it.
Square wave inverter generators
Square wave inverters are not found as often as they used to be. They are good for powering universal motors, such as can be found in power tools. Square wave generator are the cheapest but hardest to find.

Modified sine wave inverter generators
A modified sine wave inverter creates power with a waveform more similar to the square wave inverter than to the sine wave inverter. Fans, refrigerators, and pump motors will operate less efficiently with this inverter than the sine wave inverter. Appliances with timers or digital clocks will keep accurate time, but usually will run faster. Appliances with temperature control also may not operate correctly, and tools such as multi-speed power drills will only work in one speed with this type generator. Other types of equipment should function normally with a modified sine wave generator.

Sine wave inverter generators
A sine wave inverter generator will deliver the same wave as what is delivered from a normal generator or the power company. They use AC machinery to which naturally creates sine wave energy. The best thing about a these generators is that nearly all equipment on the market today is designed to operate on a sine wave. A sine wave generator may cost more than other generators but the quality of electricity and range of applicable is uses are much more desirable.