Victron Phoenix 48/1600
#2 in Up to 1,500 WFull review
The largest plug-in Victron inverter for 48 V, sized for a microwave or kettle. Above this, Victron’s 48 V 120 V range is MultiPlus and Quattro inverter-chargers.
Inverters R Us $362.10$362.10
The Victron Phoenix 48/1600 is the better 48V inverter overall, rated 4.1 to 3.0. The Victron Phoenix 48/1600 leads on value, warranty and idle draw. The Victron Phoenix 48/1600 costs $411.70 less ($362.10 vs $773.80).
Samlex PST-1500-48
#10 in Up to 1,500 WFull review
A listed, mid-size 48 V inverter for cabins and vans that want GFCI outlets and a hardwire option.
Mr. Solar $773.80$773.80
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 48/1600 for value ($0.24 per continuous watt vs $0.52 per continuous watt), warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty) and idle draw (15 W idle with nothing plugged in vs 24 W idle with nothing plugged in).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 1,500 W 48V inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Victron Phoenix 48/1600 | Samlex PST-1500-48 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 76 $0.24 per continuous watt | 31 $0.52 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 62 15 W idle with nothing plugged in | 25 24 W idle 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% | 20 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 20 optional remote, hardwire terminal; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 78 92% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron Phoenix 48/1600 | Samlex PST-1500-48 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| AC output | 120 V | 120 V |
| Continuous power | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Surge power | 2,100 W for 15 s | 3,000 W |
| DC input range | 36.8 to 62 V | 42 to 60 V |
| Idle draw | 15 W (0.3 A at 48 V) | 24 W (0.5 A at 48 V) |
| Power-saving draw | 3 W | - |
| Peak efficiency | 92% | 90% |
| 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 365 mm (4.6 x 9.1 x 14.4 in) | 263 x 468.2 x 105.6 mm (10.4 x 18.4 x 4.2 in) |
| Weight | 18 lb | 15.6 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |