This is our complete review of the WEN 56200i portable generator.
I have been reviewing portable generators for quite a while now. You can check out my review on 3500-watt portable generators for an instance.
Now I have used my experience, user reviews, and recalls to write this WEN 56200i review.
This WEN generator is from a renowned brand i.e. WEN Products. WEN products have been around since 1951.
The WEN 56200i is a good choice for a household emergency power solution. It can power most of your essential appliances and a few power tools.
This generator produces clean power so you can run sensitive electronic devices. It also has parallel compatibility.
But,
How Much Power Can You Get from the Wen 56200i?
Is It Worth Your Money?
Is it noisy and is it safe for appliances?
I have included a short overview of features, alternatives, and our conclusion in this WEN 2000 inverter generator review.
Keep reading…
Wen 56200i Generator Overview
The WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Inverter Generator’s engine gets built in China. But, it gets sold by WEN Products headquartered in Elgin, Illinois.
The WEN 56200i is a 2000-watt portable inverter generator powered by a 79.7 Cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine.
This generator uses inverter technology to produce clean energy. Clean power is essential for sensitive electronic appliances. It means no voltage spikes.
80% of the users recommend this WEN generator on Amazon. This generator is a good option overall if you need a generator with a starting power of 2000 watts.
USB outlets come in handy for the safe charging of electronic devices such as mobiles, cameras, etc.
I have tested and reviewed important features that WEN 56200i has or should have.
Power Output and Tank Size
I recommend you calculate your backup power needs before you start searching for the best portable generator. A clear idea of power output will shorten the list of generators to choose from.
With this small effort, you will not end up with a generator with a lot of extra power or one with less power than you need.
I recommend you buy a portable generator with around 20% more power than you actually need. This will not only increase your engine life but also serve you in any possible situation with extra power demand.
WEN 56200i generates 2000 peak watts of power and 1600 running wattage. This power is good to run a freezer, sump pump, computer, and charging other electronic devices.
I used to think that larger tanks are always better. But, soon I realized that a large tank means more runtime but it will also increase weight and size.
This WEN 2000-watt generator has an Ultra-Efficient One-Gallon Tank.
Efficiency and Fuel Type
Efficiency is a very broad term and includes many aspects that contribute to a generator’s efficiency.
But, in simple words, we can say that a generator with more power and runtime hours for each gallon of fuel is more efficient.
The WEN 56200i portable generator has a runtime of 9.4 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of gasoline.
This is a gas-powered portable inverter generator and does not have dual-fuel technology. With dual-fuel technology, a generator can run on two fuel options i.e. gasoline and propane.
Propane is cheaper and burns cleaner as compared to gasoline. And, alternate fuel options come in handy when either of the fuel options supply gets disrupted.
Safety Features
Proper safety measures should be in place when operating a portable generator. This will eliminate the chances of any possible accidents caused by power or harmful emissions from the generator.
All portable generators produce harmful gases and particles by the combustion of the engine. One such gas is Carbon Monoxide (CO). CO is a deadly gas and is also called the Silent Killer. 🔪
GFCI outlets, outlet covers, circuit breakers, and spark arrestors add to the user’s safety.
EPA and CARB provide regulations for emissions from any portable generator. EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency and CARB is the California Air Resource Board. All generators have to be compliant with either EPA or both.
This generator is EPA and CARB certified. It also has USDA-qualified spark arrestors which makes this generator qualified to use in a park or a forest area. This makes it ideal for a camping trip.
Convenience
Other than distinctive features, this generator offers many features that add to your convenience.
I have listed a few for you to look at.
Intuitive Control Panel
This generator has an intuitive power panel. This has an oil level indicator, outlets, circuit breaker, 3 in 1 switch (Off, On 7 Choke). It also has an eco-mode switch and a grounding nut.
Power Outlets
The WEN 56200i has two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port.
USB outlets come in handy to charge your mobile devices, etc.
Parallel Capability
This generator has the parallel capability. It means if you need more power then you can connect two WEN 56200i generators using a parallel connection kit.
You will get 4000 surge watts and 3200 rated watts when using WEN 56200i in parallel. But, a parallel connection kit is not included in the box. So you have to buy it separately.
Economy Mode
Economy mode or eco-mode throttle limits engine speed to decrease fuel consumption when the load is not large. This saves unnecessary gasoline that could have burnt.
A generator with eco-mode will have longer engine life and better fuel efficiency compared to any regular generator.
Electric Start
Electric start removes any hassle in starting your generator. But, WEN 56200i does not have an electric start option and relies on a recoil starter.
Quiet Operation
No one likes a noisy generator. Absolute quiet generators are yet to be technologically achieved. You’ve got to choose from the options available.
A loud generator can be invasive and will attract complaints from neighbors. Most people use portable generators in case of power outages or natural disasters.
Believe me, you won’t love having the loudest of them all. So, for the sake of the peace of your mind and your neighbors too, choose one with a lower noise level.
The WEN 56200i produces a noise level of 51 DB at quarter load. This noise level is like a normal conversation.
Durability and Portability
The durability of a portable generator is its ability to work under extreme conditions and its life hours.
Many features combine to increase the overall durability of a generator. Features such as overload protection, fuel shutoff, etc for example.
The WEN 56200i has a tough build and is very lightweight and compact in size. This makes it easy to move between places such as job sites, etc.
Weight: 39 lbs
Dimensions: 17.3” x 11.5” x 17.7” (L X W X H)
This WEN 2000-watt generator has a 2-year warranty and technical support.
Alternatives
The WEN 56200i is a good inverter generator but your portable power needs might be completely different.
So, if you still haven’t decided on WEN 56200i and need extra features, power, etc. You might want to check on the alternatives.
Honda EU2200i – Quietest Generator
Honda is one of the most trusted and reliable brands out there. Honda EU2200i features a GXR120 commercial series engine.
This portable inverter generator produces 2200 surge wattage and then 1800 running watts of power. Its tank has a fuel tank capacity of 0.95 gallons.
It can run for up to 8.1 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of fuel i.e. 0.95 gallons. It has a noise rating of 48 DB at quarter load.
It also comes with a CO Minder feature that detects and shuts off the engine if the CO gas level crosses the standard limit.
Honda EU2200i features an exclusive Honda My generator app and Bluetooth® capability. This lets you monitor your generator remotely.
This 2000-watt honda generator has a mechanical decompression system for an easy start with a recoil starter.
Weight: 47.4 lbs
Dimensions: 20” x 11.4” x 16.7” (L X W X H)
Honda offers a 3-year warranty for the Honda EU2200i backed by a nationwide network of service centers.
This gas-powered generator produces more power with its commercial-grade engine. It is also the quietest generator on this list and comes with other exclusive features.
But, it has a bit more weight and size. It will also cost you more when compared to others but Honda generators are worth their price.
Champion 2000-watt – Dual fuel option
Champion Power Equipment is famous for its versatility and reliability. Champion 100402 2000-watt inverter generator uses a champion 80cc 4-stroke engine.
This generator comes with dual-fuel capability. So, it can use gasoline and propane as fuel. An alternate fuel option comes in handy in case of a natural disaster when the gasoline supply can get disrupted.
This generator produces 2000-watts surge power and 1600 running wattage on gasoline fuel. It has a bit lower power output on gasoline i.e. 1800 watts peak wattage and 1440 running watts on propane.
It produces 53 DB operation noise levels and has 11 hours of runtime on a single tank of gasoline i.e. 1.1 gallons.
This Champion 2000-watt generator features an EZ start-dial that lets you easily select from fuel options. It also comes with a cold start technology that facilitates an easy start even in cold weather conditions.
This generator also features a fully packed panel with an awesome digital display. It comes with a fuel level, digital meter, power output level, and other indicators. It also has a built-in fuel gauge
Weight: 38.6 lbs
Dimensions: 17.3” x 11.2” x 17.5” (L X W X H)
If you do not need a dual-fuel generator, Champion has a gas-powered generator with the same specs i.e. Champion 100692.
Check the Current Price of Champion 100692 2000-watt portable inverter generator.
Champion Power Equipment provides a three-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support. It is also EPA and CARB-compliant.
This generator is the lightest and most compact on the list. With dual-fuel capability, this generator is for anyone looking for a generator with an alternate fuel option.
It also has a decent price as compared to the features it offers.
Westinghouse iGen2200 – Best Fuel Efficiency
Westinghouse Power Equipment has been around for over a century and has pioneered many innovations. Westinghouse iGen2200 generator uses a 79cc 4-stroke Westinghouse OHV engine.
This Westinghouse 2000-watt portable generator produces surge power of 2200 watts and 1800 running watts of output power on gasoline. This generator is powerful enough to run most of your home essentials.
It has a tank volume of 1.14 gallons of gasoline and has a quarter load run-time of 12 hours on a single tank of gas.
This Westinghouse generator produces an operation volume level of 52 decibels at a quarter load. It also features an economy mode for maximum fuel economy.
This generator also generates clean power for vulnerable electronic equipment using inverter technology.
This generator is CARB and EPA-compliant.
Weight: 46 lbs
Dimensions: 19.8” x 11.4” x 17.9” (L X W X H)
This generator has a 3-year warranty. It also features lifetime technical support from skilled service technicians.
This is the most fuel-efficient generator option on the list. It also comes at an affordable price.
Conclusion
WEN Products have experience of decades in power tool development and have a reliable and affordable product line.
WEN 56200i is a good portable inverter generator. It produces clean power and has total harmonic distortion as low as 0.3% at quarter load. Clean power is ideal for sensitive devices.
This generator also has economy mode and top-notch fuel efficiency. However, this generator does not have a digital meter, a fuel gauge, or dual-fuel capability.
This WEN 2000-watt generator produces a very low 51 DB noise level. It is also EPA and CARB-compliant.
This generator is powerful enough to power most of your emergency essentials during a power outage or a disaster. You can run a sump pump, modern refrigerator, and coffee maker, and charge many devices.
All generators on this WEN 2000-watt generator review are from trusted and renowned brands. I have selected alternatives on the basis of user reviews, features and user recalls.
So, choosing anyone that suits your power needs and price range best will be worth it.
For example, you can choose Champion 100402 if you need a portable generator with dual-fuel capability.
Check the Current Price of the Champion 100402 portable inverter generator.
Honda EU2200i might be a bit costly as compared to others in the list but with features and engine life it’s worth it.
Check the Current Price of the Honda EU2200i portable inverter generator.
Also, if you are planning to use any of the above generators on a coming date. I recommend you to check the delivery date for your area as these take longer to get shipped.
