Victron Phoenix 12/1600
The largest VE.Direct model, sized for a microwave or kettle in a van or boat. It is the only Victron 120 V inverter between 1,200 VA and 3,000 VA.
The Victron Phoenix 12/1600 is the better 12V inverter overall, rated 3.7 to 2.9. The Victron Phoenix 12/1600 leads on warranty and efficiency. The Samlex PST-1500-12 wins on idle draw.
Samlex PST-1500-12
#33 in 1,100 to 2,000 WFull review
For RVs and boats that need a listed 1,500 W inverter for a microwave or coffee maker.
Amazon $616.04$616.04
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 12/1600 for warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty) and efficiency (91% peak efficiency (maker rating) vs 85% peak efficiency (maker rating)).
- Choose the Samlex PST-1500-12 for idle draw (1 A idle (about 12 W) with nothing plugged in vs 1.2 A idle (about 14 W) with nothing plugged in).
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 12/1600 | Samlex PST-1500-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 no current price (neutral score used) | 11 $0.41 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 55 1.2 A idle (about 14 W) with nothing plugged in | 67 1 A idle (about 12 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | 100 Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 28 optional remote, hardwire terminal; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 0 85% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron Phoenix 12/1600 | Samlex PST-1500-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Surge power | 2,100 W for 15 s | 3,000 W |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 10.7 to 16.5 V |
| Idle draw | 1.2 A (14 W) | 1 A (12 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | - |
| Peak efficiency | 91% | 85% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | No | Yes |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| 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; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 117 x 231 x 395 mm (4.6 x 9.1 x 15.6 in) | 263 x 468.2 x 105.6 mm (10.35 x 18.43 x 4.16 in) |
| Weight | 18 lb | 15.6 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |