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 3.7. The Victron Phoenix 12/1200 leads on idle draw.
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.
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 idle draw (0.9 A idle (about 11 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 12/1200 | Victron Phoenix 12/1600 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 52 $0.26 per continuous watt | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Idle draw 15% | 72 0.9 A idle (about 11 W) with nothing plugged in | 55 1.2 A idle (about 14 W) with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | 100 LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal | 25 optional remote, app add-on; no hardwire terminal |
| Efficiency 10% | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 67 91% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Victron Phoenix 12/1200 | Victron Phoenix 12/1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Continuous power | 1,200 W | 1,500 W |
| Surge power | 1,600 W for 15 s | 2,100 W for 15 s |
| DC input range | 9.2 to 17 V | 9.2 to 17 V |
| Idle draw | 0.9 A (11 W) | 1.2 A (14 W) |
| Power-saving draw | 0.1 A | 0.1 A |
| Peak efficiency | 91% | 91% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | No | No |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| App | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) | LabTest certified to UL 458 (certificate LC20760-1) |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 117 x 231 x 374 mm (4.6 x 9.1 x 14.7 in) | 117 x 231 x 395 mm (4.6 x 9.1 x 15.6 in) |
| Weight | 15 lb | 18 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |