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 rates 3.8 among 1,100 to 2,000 W 12V inverters; the Samlex EVO-1212F-HW rates 3.1 among inverter-chargers ones. The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 costs $887.92 less ($317.05 vs $1,204.97).
Samlex EVO-1212F-HW
#38 in Inverter-chargersFull review
The hardwired version of the EVO-1212F, for installers wiring it into an RV subpanel.
Amazon $1,204.97$1,204.97
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.
Scores side by side
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 | Victron Phoenix 12/1200 | Samlex EVO-1212F-HW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 52 $0.26 per continuous watt | 0 $1.00 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 72 0.9 A idle (about 11 W) with nothing plugged in | 67 1.7 A idle (about 20 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | 100 Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 52 optional remote, lithium charge profile, hardwire terminal; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 44 89% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron Phoenix 12/1200 | 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 | 1,600 W for 15 s | 2,400 W for 100 ms |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 9.1 to 17 V |
| Idle draw | 0.9 A (11 W) | 1.7 A (20 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | 0.7 A |
| Peak efficiency | 91% | 89% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 0 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | No |
| Hardwire terminal | No | Yes |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | No | Yes |
| Charger | - | 60 A |
| Lithium charge profile | - | Yes |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| App | Optional add-on | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 117 x 231 x 374 mm (4.6 x 9.1 x 14.7 in) | 324 x 415 x 148 mm |
| Weight | 15 lb | 38.3 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |