Most off the shelf inverters are modified sine wave inverters. If you look through an oscilloscope the wave it produces is squared off, kantuhan kung baga. The alternating current off the mains in your house meanwhile is a true sine wave (maganda yung curves). What that means is your typical inverter is not good for electric fans, refs, or any appliance that uses an AC motor. But for electronic devices that employs filters (e.g. AC to DC like chargers) ok lang. True sine wave inverters are expensive btw.