Samlex EVO-1212F
#31 in Inverter-chargersFull review
For small RVs and boats that want one listed box to invert, charge and switch shore power.
Amazon $1,050.53$1,050.53
The Samlex EVO-1212F is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.2 to 3.1. The Samlex EVO-1212F leads on value. The Samlex EVO-1212F-HW wins on features. The Samlex EVO-1212F costs $154.44 less ($1,050.53 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Samlex EVO-1212F for value ($0.88 per continuous watt vs $1.00 per continuous watt).
- Choose the Samlex EVO-1212F-HW for features (optional remote, lithium charge profile, hardwire terminal; no app vs optional remote, lithium charge profile; no app).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every inverter-chargers 12V inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Samlex EVO-1212F | Samlex EVO-1212F-HW |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 17 $0.88 per continuous watt | 0 $1.00 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 67 1.7 A idle (about 20 W) with nothing plugged in | 67 1.7 A idle (about 20 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 | 100 Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 |
| Warranty 15% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 38 optional remote, lithium charge profile; no app | 52 optional remote, lithium charge profile, hardwire terminal; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 44 89% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 44 89% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Samlex EVO-1212F | Samlex EVO-1212F-HW | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter-charger | Pure sine wave inverter-charger |
| Continuous power | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Surge power | 2,400 W for 100 ms | 2,400 W for 100 ms |
| DC input range | 9.1 to 17 V | 9.1 to 17 V |
| Idle draw | 1.7 A (20 W) | 1.7 A (20 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.7 A | 0.7 A |
| Peak efficiency | 89% | 89% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 0 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | No |
| Hardwire terminal | No | Yes |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | Yes | Yes |
| Charger | 60 A | 60 A |
| Lithium charge profile | Yes | Yes |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| App | No | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 | Intertek-ETL listed: certified to CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1-01; conforms to UL 458 |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 324 x 415 x 148 mm | 324 x 415 x 148 mm |
| Weight | 38.8 lb | 38.3 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |