Victron Phoenix 12/1200
For campers that want to run a small microwave or coffee maker from a lithium bank. Efficient and well protected.
Amazon DRSA $317.05$317.05
The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.8 to 3.3. The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 leads on safety listing, warranty and efficiency. The Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine wins on value, idle draw and features. The Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine costs $148.23 less ($168.82 vs $317.05).
Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine
#22 in 1,100 to 2,000 WFull review
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 $168.82$168.82
Prices 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Victron Phoenix 12/1200 for safety listing (LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) vs no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated), warranty (5-year warranty vs 1.5-year warranty) and efficiency (91% peak efficiency (maker rating) vs 90% peak efficiency (maker rating)).
- Choose the Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine for value ($0.14 per continuous watt vs $0.26 per continuous watt), idle draw (0.7 A idle (about 8.4 W) with nothing plugged in vs 0.9 A idle (about 11 W) with nothing plugged in) and features (remote included, display; no app vs optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 1,100 to 2,000 W 12V inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Victron Phoenix 12/1200 | Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 52 $0.26 per continuous watt | 86 $0.14 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 72 0.9 A idle (about 11 W) with nothing plugged in | 87 0.7 A idle (about 8.4 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | 0 no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 12 1.5-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 35 remote included, display; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron Phoenix 12/1200 | Giandel PS-1200JCR 1200W Pure Sine | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Surge power | 1,600 W for 15 s | 2,400 W |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 9.8 to 16 V |
| Idle draw | 0.9 A (11 W) | 0.7 A (8.4 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | - |
| Peak efficiency | 91% | 90% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | No |
| Hardwire terminal | No | No |
| USB ports | None | 2 |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | Included |
| App | Optional add-on | No |
| Display | No | Yes |
| Safety listing | LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | No |
| Cooling | fan | load-controlled fan |
| Dimensions | 117 x 231 x 374 mm (4.6 x 9.1 x 14.7 in) | - |
| Weight | 15 lb | 5.4 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1.5 years |