Best WEN Generators: Popular brand with reliable machines

You would be surprised to know that WEN has been in the power equipment business for decades. Since 1951, WEN has held its flag high and serving the North American people with exceptional products. WEN has its headquarters in Elgin, Illinois, and currently caters to over 50 million customers with its high-quality products.

WEN generators stand out from the lot due to their affordable price, durability, innovative technology, and reliability. If you want a reliable generator at an affordable price, WEN will provide you with one. However, considering the hundreds of WEN models available, buying the best unit becomes a bit challenging. To help you select the best WEN generator according to your needs, we have reviewed the 9 best WEN generators. This article also walks you through a buying guide and a FAQ section to help you make a well-informed purchase decision.

WEN Generator Reviewed

1. WEN 56200i 2000-watt Portable Inverter Generator – Inverter Generator

Sound Level: If you are looking for a least powerful generator then try this WEN 56200i. It is one of the best machines from WEN that operates quietly. Its operational sound is between 50 and 55 dB (A).

Certifications: It is a CARB compliant and EPA III approved product. 

Engine and Power Output: WEN 56200i is powered by a 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine that generates 2000 peak (starting watts) and 1600 rated (running watts).

Fuel Tank and Runtime: With a 1-gallon fuel tank, you will get 6 hours of runtime at 50% load.

Eco-Mode: Turn on the economy mode for maximum fuel efficiency. It allows the engine to automatically adjust its speed according to the load applied.

Parallel Capable: WEN 56200i is also parallel capable that allows you to link another 56200i to generate more output power. You will need a WEN 56421 parallel connection kit for a parallel connection.

THD Rating: Less than 1.2% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) rating at full load allows you to power your most sensitive electronic items. This THD rating determines the amount of current and voltage distortion available in the signal.

Power Panel: It has a versatile panel. There is an engine switch, eco-mode switch, and parallel operation outlets. If we focus on power outlets, then we have two 120V AC household outlets, one 12V 8.3A DC outlet, and a 5V USB port. Also, there are overload, low-oil, and output indicators. The overload indicator tells that your unit is overloaded; a low-oil indicator shows the generator is running out of oil, and the output indicator displays the unit is ready to use.

Weight: WEN 56200i is a lightweight unit weighing only 48 pounds.

Warranty: Its warranty period is of 2 years.

Safety: Overload protection, low-oil shutdown, and low-fuel automatic shutdown. The generator turns off automatically when the oil levels go down. Also, when the fuel level goes down, the unit shuts down automatically to prevent engine damages. 

Portability: Its lightweight design and convenient carrying handle make it easy to carry from one place to another. 

My Opinion:

2. WEN 56380i 3800-watt Portable Inverter Generator – Under $800

Sound Level: WEN 56380i is another reliable portable generator that operates quietly. It operates at 57 dB (A) at a 25% load. 

Certifications: It is also an EPA III and CARB compliant generator.

Engine and Power Output: A powerful 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine is there to produce higher starting and running watts than WEN 56310i-RV. It generates 3800 starting watts and 3400 running watts.

Safety: If we focus on its safety features, then there is fuel shutoff. This feature allows the generator to run without using the current flow of fuel. It utilizes the remaining fuel from the carburetor and shuts down automatically that increases the engine’s lifespan. Also, there is overload protection and spark arrestor along with low-oil and low-fuel shutdown. If we talk about spark arrestor, then it keeps the sparks away from getting outside.

Fuel Tank and Runtime: WEN 56380i can run continuously for 8.5 hours at a 50% load on a 2.2-gallon fuel tank.

Eco-Mode: Eco-mode is also there like the WEN 56200i for maximum fuel efficiency.

THD Rating: It produces stable and clean power with less than a 1.2% THD rating.

Parallel Capable: The parallel connection ports allow connecting another generator to produce more power output.

Weight: Its weight is 111 pounds. 

Warranty: WEN 56380i is backed by a 2-year warranty. 

Portability: The collapsible handle and built-in wheels make transportation easier and safer. 

Power Panel: Now, come to the power panel where we have a manual shutoff switch, eco-mode switch, and parallel connection ports. There is also an electric start button and a digital meter that monitors output, frequency, fuel consumption, voltage, and runtime. Moreover, two 120V AC outlets, one 120V TT-30R RV outlet, a 12V DC outlet, and one 5V USB port are all there on the control panel. 

My Opinion:

3. WEN DF475T Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Dual Fuel

Engine and Power Output: Now come to the dual-fuel WEN generator that is the WEN DF475T. It has a 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine that delivers 4750 starting and 3800 running watts on gasoline and 4350 starting and 3500 running watts on propane. There is a fuel selector knob that allows easy switching between the two fuel sources without shutting down the unit.

Fuel Tank and Runtime: Its gas fuel tank size is 4 gallons, which gives up to 11 hours of runtime at 50% load. On the other hand, a 20 pound LPG tank delivers a 7-hour runtime.

Power Panel: The control panel of WEN DF475T includes two GFCI 120V AC outlets, one 12V DC outlet, and one 120/240V AC twist-lock outlet. Also, we have a fuel switch, an engine switch with a key start, and circuit breakers. 

Weight: The weight of this unit is 105.8 pounds.

Sound Level: Its decibel rating is 66 dB (A).

Warranty: WEN DF475T comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

Safety: Automatic voltage regulator and overload protection are included in the safety features. The auto voltage regulator automatically maintains a constant voltage level.

Certifications: It is an EPA III and CARB compliant generator.

Portability: A fold-down handle along with two durable wheels make it easy to move the unit. 

My Opinion:

4. WEN 56475 4750-watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator – Under $500

Engine and Power Output: This WEN 56475 portable generator produces more starting and running watts than WEN 56380i. Its 223cc air-cooled OHV engine produces 4750 watts of peak power and 3750 watts of rated power.

Safety: Its safety features include an automatic voltage regulator, spark arrestor, overload protection, and low-oil shutoff.

Certifications: WEN 56475 is CARB and EPA III compliant.

Portability: Foldable handles and never-flat tires make it highly portable.

Fuel Tank and Runtime: This electric start portable generator has a fuel tank of 4 gallon that gives a runtime of up to 11 hours at 50% load.

Sound Level: It operates at 68 dB (A). 

Power Panel: The power panel is featured with power indicator lights and an engine hour meter. Also, there are two 120V 20A household outlets, one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and a 120V RV receptacle. 

Weight: It weighs 112.5 pounds. 

Warranty: The unit has a 2-year limited warranty. 

My Opinion:

5. WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt Portable Generator – Best Medium-Sized Generator

Fuel Type and Power Output: It is a dual fuel machine. The freedom to run your fuel on gasoline and propane relieves you from the tension of running out of gas. On gasoline, you get 11000 starting and 8300 running watts. The output on propane is 9500 peak, and 7500 rated watts.

Tank Capacity and Runtime: The generator has a 6.6-gallon tank and can run for 8.5 hours on a 50% load. A 20-pound cylinder of propane will run for 3 hours with a similar load.

Engine Specifications: The machine uses a 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine to provide you with the power output. You can start it with a key and a starting rope. Overall, it is a durable and reliable engine.

Outlets: The outlets include two 120V 20A GFCI NEMA, one 120V 30A, one 120/240V 50A NEMA, and a 12V DC outlet. You can easily run heavy machines on these outlets. The 50A outlet can handle the complete load of an RV. Please keep in mind that these outlets are not rubber protected.

Safety Features: The generator offers safety features like surge voltage protection, low oil shutdown, and overload protection.

Control Panel: The control panel has a fuel selector dial, a digital multi-meter for output, volts, frequency, and running hours.

Dimensions, Weight, and Portability: The unit measures 27.3 x 20.6 x 21.9 and weighs 214 pounds. It comes with big and heavy-duty wheels and two handles to facilitate movement.

Noise Level: WEN does not state the exact noise level for this generator. However, the user feedback suggests that it is not too noisy.

Warranty and Certifications: You get a 2-year warranty on this generator. It is EPA and CARB approved to be used in all 50 states.

My Opinion:

6. WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Under $1000

Engine and Power Output: WEN DF1100T is another dual fuel portable generator in the list that is powered by a 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine. It produces 11,000 surge watts and 8,300 rated watts on gasoline and 9,500 surge watts and 7,500 rated watts on propane. The simple fuel selection switch allows seamless switching between gas and propane.

Fuel Tank and Runtime: Its 6.6-gallon gasoline fuel tank gives 8.5 hours of runtime at 50% load, but a 20-gallon LPG tank gives 3 hours of runtime at 50% load. 

Power Panel: The power panel has a multi-meter, electric start button, engine switch, and fuel switch. Also, there are four GFCI-protected 120V AC outlets, one 12V DC plug, a 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and a 120/240V 50A outlet. 

Weight: The weight of this generator is 214 pounds. 

Warranty: It comes with a 2-year warranty. 

Safety: Overload protection and automatic voltage regulator are included in its safety features.

Certifications: WEN DF1100T is also EPA III and CARB approved.

Portability: Its fold-down handles make it easy to transport and store. Also, the never-flat tires make it highly portable. 

My Opinion:

7. WEN 5613K Gas-Powered Portable Generator – Most Powerful WEN Generator

Certifications: WEN 5613K is an EPA III certified unit. 

Engine and Power Output: It is powered by a more powerful 670cc 4-stroke OHV Twin-cylinder engine than the engine of WEN DF1100T. This engine produces 13,000 starting watts and 11,000 running watts. 

Fuel Tank and Runtime: Its fuel tank size is 8-gallon which offers a runtime of up to 7.5 hours at a 50% load.

THD Rating: Less than 5% THD rating makes it safe to use for powering sensitive electronics.

Portability: WEN 5613K comes with wheels and handles kit that makes it easy to transport.

Sound Level: It is a loud generator that operates at 82 dB (A).

Weight: The weight of this generator is 344 pounds.

Warranty: The Company offers a 2-year warranty period. 

Power Panel: If we talk about its control panel, then it features a variety of outlets. There are four 120V 20A outlets, one 12V DC outlet, a 120/240V 50A outlet, one 120V 30A RV outlet, and a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet. Also, there is an engine switch, an hour meter, and a low-oil alert indicator.

Safety: Automatic voltage regulator and low-oil shutdown 

My Opinion:

8. WEN 56352 Gas Powered Portable Generator – Most Affordable

Power Panel: WEN 56352 is featured with an engine switch, two 120V household outlets, one 120/240V outlet, and a 12V DC outlet. Also, we have power indicators, an engine hour counter, and a voltage selector switch that allows you to select between 120V and 120/240V.

Engine and Power Output: Its 212cc, 7HP OHV engine delivers 3500 starting watts and 3000 running watts.

Fuel Tank and Runtime: A 4-gallon tank offers 11 hours of runtime at 50% load.

Safety: Low-oil shutdown, overload protection, automatic voltage regulator, and spark arrestor are all included in the safety features.

Sound Level: Its noise level falls between 67 and 74 dB (A).

Weight: The weight of this unit is 103 pounds. 

Warranty: WEN 56352 comes with a 2-year warranty. 

Portability: Space-saving fold-down handles and durable tires make it easy to move the unit from one place to another.

My Opinion:

9. WEN 56180 1800-watt Portable Generator

Certifications: WEN 56180 is CARB and EPA III compliant. 

Sound Level: It operates at 63 dB (A).

Engine and Power Output: A 98cc 4-stroke OHV engine gives 1800 peak watts and 1500 running watts. 

Fuel Tank and Runtime: It has a 1.1-gallon fuel tank that offers a runtime of up to 7.5 hours at 50% load.

Power Panel: The power panel of this generator is quite simple. We have an engine switch, two 120V AC outlets, and a DC outlet.

Safety: Low-oil shutdown and spark arrestor are there for safety. 

Portability: Its lightweight and two carrying handles allow you to move the unit easily. 

Weight: The weight of this generator is only 50 pounds. 

Warranty: This model offers a 2-year warranty. 

My Opinion:

Buyer’s Guide

Output and Power Needs

The most important thing to decide before buying a generator is the power output. The best way to find out the required wattage is to calculate your power needs. To do this, make a list of all the appliances you need to run on the generator and mention the starting and running wattage. Starting wattage is the power needed to start a machine/appliance, and running wattage keeps it going. The starting wattage of motorized appliances is higher than running wattage. Consider the example below.

You need 8600 watts to start all the appliances together and 5200 watts to keep them going. If you are new to the field of generators, you will be tempted to go with an 8600-watt generator. However, you can run all these appliances on a 5200-watt generator as well. How? By doing load management, if you start the heavy appliances one by one and switch off the ones not needed, you will have more power to run your appliances. You can get more from a smaller generator. A smaller generator has its perks; it is cheap to buy and has a low operational cost. Please remember to keep a cushion of 300-400 watts while buying a generator. It will allow you to adjust additional small appliances and ensures that the unit is not overloaded.

Inverter or Conventional Generator

WEN offers state-of-the-art inverters and conventional generators. If your power needs are low and fall below 4000 watts (starting), then WEN 56380i 3800-watt Portable Inverter Generator is an ideal machine for you. Inverters are quieter, fuel-efficient, lightweight, and produce stable electricity. They are perfect for small homes, RVs, camping, and play purposes. If your power needs are low, you can also use inverters at worksites. Inverters are costly as compared to conventional generators.

For higher power needs, conventional generators are the best. You can find a WEN with a maximum of 13000 starting watts. Smaller conventional generators are also available. Conventional generators are heavier, noisier, and the output may fluctuate when overloaded. However, they are cheaper than inverters. Conventional generators are best suited for homes, big RVs, large camping groups, worksites, and offices.

Single vs. Dual Fuel

Another feature that impacts the working of your generator is the type of fuel. WEN offers single fuel and dual fuel generators. If you live in a severe climatic area prone to floods, storms, and natural disasters, go for a dual fuel generator. You can use stored propane during such times. For occasional users, gasoline is also great. If we compare gas and propane, we find that gas has a short shelf life (8-10 months) compared to propane (10-12 years). It burns better than propane, but its exhaust is not clean. A dual fuel generator also provides you with extended runtime. You can connect a large propane cylinder with your generator and let it run for 8-10 hours without any worries.

Gas Tank Size and Runtime

The runtime of your generator depends on two things; gas tank size and load applied. If you run your generator for longer spells, look for a generator with a large gas tank. For occasional users, small gas tanks are good too. Inverters are fuel-efficient and provide a better runtime but have a small gas tank. Conventional generators come with large gas tanks and are not fuel-efficient like inverters. Regardless of the generator’s type, if you keep the load at or below 50% of the generator’s power output, you get a higher runtime.

Control Panel

The control panel on WEN generators varies from one model to another. Some come with advanced control panels, while others have a basic one. The basic options on the control panel are power buttons, choke, warning lights, gauges, odometer, and outlets.

Outlets

All WEN units (conventional and inverters) have enough power outlets to support various appliances. You get 120V, 240V, 12V DC outlets along with USB and car charger adapter outlets. The number and type may vary from one model to another, but you won’t need extension cables with WEN.

Portability

Except for one, all WEN generators in our list are highly portable. The inverters are lightweight and come with carrying handles. One inverter model has wheels as well. You will find conventional units with wheels and push/pull handles.

Starting Mechanism

WEN generators offer electric and recoil starting mechanisms. It doesn’t offer the luxury of remote starting. So, if you want the luxury and comfort of remote starting your generator, you will have to spend more and look for a high-end brand.

Paralleling Capabilities (Inverters Only)

All WEN inverters are parallel capable. You can connect two same models together and double the power output. Paralleling helps in running heavy machines which can’t be powered by one single unit.

Eco Mode (Inverters Only)

Eco mode or auto-throttle feature helps save fuel. It allows the generator to adjust the engine’s speed according to the load applied to the unit. If the power demand is low, the generator will reduce the output and conserve fuel. When the demand is high, the engine will boost up.

Safety Features

WEN generators are loaded with safety features like surge voltage protection, overloading protection, low oil and fuel shutdown, and warning lights for low oil. Most of the models come with rubber-covered outlets and ensure that the plugs and sockets are kept safe from water and dust. Such features enhance the life of the unit and also keep your appliances safe.

Noise Level

WEN inverters are quietest and operate at 50-55 DB levels of noise. However, conventional generators are noisy. Some models go up to 82 DB. If you are buying a large WEN conventional generator, you may need to place it in a generator enclosure or install additional mufflers.

Warranty and Certifications

All WEN generators are covered with a 2-year warranty which includes parts and labor. The majority of the WEN models are CARB and EPA-approved. However, please check before buying. WEN offers excellent after-sale service to its customers and ensures that all the quarries and concerns are timely dealt with.

Price

Some models are affordable, and some are costly. It depends on the features in the generator. Inverters are expensive than conventional generators. However, WEN’s inverters are fairly priced in comparison to the market.

FAQ

Conclusion