The Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine rates 3.3 among 1,100 to 2,000 W 12V inverters; the Samlex EVO-1212F-HW rates 3.1 among inverter-chargers ones. The Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine costs $1,036.15 less ($168.82 vs $1,204.97).
A small, low-draw inverter for laptops, Starlink and a compact fridge in a van or truck. It is cheap and sips little power at idle, but has no hardwire option or safety listing.
Amazon $179.96 Giandel $168.82The hardwired version of the EVO-1212F, for installers wiring it into an RV subpanel.
Amazon $1,204.97Prices were last checked October 24, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
These two sit in different size classes (1,100 to 2,000 W and inverter-chargers), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine | Samlex EVO-1212F-HW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 86 $0.14 per continuous watt | 0 $1.00 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 87 0.7 A idle (about 8.4 W) with nothing plugged in | 67 1.7 A idle (about 20 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 0 no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated | 100 Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 |
| Warranty 15% | 12 1.5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 35 remote included, display; no app | 52 optional remote, lithium charge profile, hardwire terminal; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 44 89% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
| Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine | Samlex EVO-1212F-HW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter-charger |
| Continuous power | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Surge power | 2,400 W | 2,400 W for 100 ms |
| DC input range | 9.8 to 16 V | 9.1 to 17 V |
| Idle draw | 0.7 A (8.4 W) | 1.7 A (20 W) |
| Power-saving draw | - | 0.7 A |
| Peak efficiency | 90% | 89% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 0 |
| GFCI outlets | No | No |
| Hardwire terminal | No | Yes |
| USB ports | 2 | None |
| Transfer switch | No | Yes |
| Charger | - | 60 A |
| Lithium charge profile | - | Yes |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Included | Optional extra |
| App | No | No |
| Display | Yes | No |
| Safety listing | No | Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 |
| Cooling | load-controlled fan | fan |
| Dimensions | - | 324 x 415 x 148 mm |
| Weight | 5.4 lb | 38.3 lb |
| Warranty | 1.5 years | 3 years |
