Power inverter FAQ
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qql-4LJynD8

Here is a nice FAQ list about inverters. It explains how to size them, what kind of power draws typical appliances use, do you need a pure sine wave inverter, etc.

Power Inverter FAQ

Pretty much all modern electronics run just fine on modified sine. Induction motors without run caps also work well, but some induction motors with run caps do better with pure sine. And on any motor load, VFD functionality is very useful for extending runtime and easing startup.