This is our WEN 56310i generator review.
I have done extensive research on features & user reviews of the WEN 3100-watt generator. Just to help you decide whether this WEN generator is the best power solution for you.
Portable Inverter Generators are next to conventional generators in evolution. Inverter generators have lower operation noise & better efficiency. They produce clean energy compared to any regular generator.
The WEN 56310i is an affordable and reliable portable inverter generator. It produces a lower operation noise level and has impressive power output.
This inverter generator has good fuel efficiency but a smaller tank size. It does not have dual-fuel compatibility.
This generator is EPA and CARB-compliant. But, it lacks CO regulating technology such as CO Minder or CO Sense.
This wen 56310i review contains features, alternatives, and our verdict for this WEN 3100w inverter generator.
So,
Is WEN 56310i worth your money?
Is WEN 56310i RV ready?
Where can I use WEN portable generator?
Let’s find out…
Wen 56310i Generator Overview
WEN products have been around since 1951. WEN 56310i uses a 212cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine for quieter and more reliable performance.
This is WEN super quiet 3100-watt RV-ready portable inverter generator. It is perfect for camping, tailgating, RVs, and household power.
This generator produces clean power essential for sensitive electronic appliances. Sensitive appliances are computers, laptops, etc.
WEN 56310i comes packed with features, but don’t get lost in the long list. I have reviewed important features to save you time and effort.
Power Output and Oil Tank Size
Calculate the power you need for power backup. This will help you sort out the best portable generator from the long list.
I recommended buying a generator with 20%-30% extra power. It will prevent you from overloading the generator and will come in handy for any emergency.
WEN 56310i portable generator produces 3100-watt surge wattage and 2800-watt rated power. This much power is good enough to run the essential household equipment and other power tools.
You can run a microwave, window air conditioner, sump pump, refrigerator, etc with this 3100-watt inverter generator.
A larger tank size means more run-time but less portability. So, larger isn’t better always.
This WEN generator has a fuel tank capacity of 1.85 gallons of gasoline.
Power Efficiency and Fuel Type
The efficiency of a portable generator is proportional to the power output and run-time hours. It is inversely proportional to fuel consumption.
An efficient generator saves you fuel and gives better runtime and performance.
This generator can run for up to 7.5 hours on a single tank of gas at half load. This generator can run through an overnight power outage.
Most portable generators use gasoline as a primary fuel source. An alternate fuel option can become essential in cases when the gasoline supply gets disrupted.
Portable generator with alternate fuel option i.e. propane lets you connect directly to propane hose. So, you can enjoy a continuous power supply.
Additionally, propane is cheaper and burns environment-friendly when compared to gasoline.
WEN 56310i does not have dual-fuel technology. It supports only gasoline as a fuel source.
Safety Features
The portable generators produce harmful gases and particles by combustion other than electricity.
Incidents such as electric shocks, and gas poisoning can happen by careless handling. So, proper safety measures are necessary to avoid any such incidents.
One of the gasses produces is Carbon Monoxide (CO). CO gas is a silent killer 🔪 and is deadly.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB(California Air Resource Board) regulate emissions.
An EPA & CARB-compliant generator means its emission levels are below standards. WEN 56310i is EPA and CARB compliant.
Also, this inverter generator has a total harmonic distortion below 1.2% at full load. This means no voltage spikes and clean power that is ideal for sensitive electronic devices.
Quiet Operation
I love generators that make less noise. Inverter generator technology ensures lower noise levels even at large power outputs.
Noisy generators can steal your peace of mind. It will cost you more than you save when you buy a noisy one. Imagine your neighbor’s reaction 🤬 when camping with a noisy generator.
WEN 56310i is a super quiet inverter generator. It produces 57 DB noise when running at quarter load. This noise level will feel like an air conditioner running or an average conversation.
Convenience
WEN 56310i has many features that are not much distinctive but add to your convenience.
I have reviewed a few additional features that WEN 56310i has or lacks that affect the convenience.
Parallel Compatibility
The WEN 56310i has a parallel compatibility feature. This allows you to connect two WEN 56310i generators using a parallel connection kit to get double power.
But, this kit is not included in the box so you have to buy it separately.
Intuitive Control Panel
The WEN 56310i comes with a fully packed panel which adds to the operation’s ease. It has a low oil level indicator, overload, and power output indication lights. It also has an economy mode switch, and circuit breaker on the panel.
Power Outlets
This 3100-watt WEN generator has a wide selection of power outlets. It comes with (2) three-prong 120V receptacles, (1) AC 120V 30A RV plug, (1) 12V DC receptacle, and (2) 5V USB ports.
5V USB port comes in handy when you want to charge a camera, mobile device, etc.
Electric Start
This generator does not have an electric start and relies on a recoil start.
WEN Economy Mode
This feature controls the engine speed according to the applied load ensuring lower fuel consumption. Thus saving unnecessary gasoline consumption for better fuel economy. It saves you bucks in the long run
RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
This generator is RV-ready. It means you can directly connect your RV to the 30A 120V RV plug and start using this generator.
Durability and Portability
The durability of a portable generator means the ability to withstand pressure and tough condition. A durable generator has a longer engine life.
Whereas, the portability of a generator is the ease of moving the generator from one place to other.
The WEN 56310i has a rugged build to last extreme conditions. Features such as low oil shutdown, and overload protection, add to the durability of the generator.
This generator comes with never-flat built-in wheels, a collapsible built-in handle, and a compact size. It is also lightweight and hence easy to move.
Weight: 81.4 lbs
Dimensions: 26.75” x 20” x 23” (L X W X H)
WEN Products provide a two-year warranty for this generator. They boast a nationwide network of skilled service technicians and a friendly customer helpline.
Alternatives
Your use case might be the same or very different from mine. So if you think WEN 56310i is not the one for you then these alternatives are just for you.
I have reviewed a few alternatives with similar features and a few more pros. You might want to check these out.
WEN 56380i – More Power & Electric Start
This portable inverter generator is also from WEN products and has similar features, the same warranty, etc.
But, it generates more power as compared to the WEN 56310i. It produces 3800 surge watts and then 3400 watts of power while running.
It has a fuel tank size of 2.2 gallons and 8.5 hours of half-load run-time on gasoline.
It also has an electric start with a recoil start as a backup. It also has a 2-year warranty.
Weight: 99.2 lbs
Dimensions: 23.2” x 18” x 20.1” (L X W X H)
Honda EU3000IS – Super Quiet Power & Feature Packed
Honda Power Equipment is the most trusted and reliable brand out there. Honda generators might cost you a bit extra but are definitely worth it with out-of-the-box features.
Honda EU3000IS is a super quiet portable inverter generator. It produces just 49 decibels at a quarter load. This makes it ideal for RV, camping, and other recreational activities.
This generator comes with a 196cc Honda GX200 engine. It produces 3000 peak watts and 2800 running watts. It has a fuel tank with a capacity of 3.4 gallons.
This honda generator can run for up to 20 hours on a single tank of gasoline at half load. It can run for up to 7.2 hours at full load.
This generator comes with CO Minder technology. This technology detects harmful levels of CO and shuts down the engine when levels become high.
Honda EU3000IS comes with a fuel shut-off and electric start feature. It also has a recoil start as a backup. The low fuel shut-off feature detects a low level of oil and shuts down the generator.
It also has a compact size and excellent portability. This generator has a 3-year residential and commercial warranty.
Weight: 144 lbs
Dimensions: 26” x 22” x 17.6” (L X W X H)
Westinghouse WGen3600v – Reliable & Powerful Generator
Westinghouse Power Equipment is a popular generator brand. They boast of their reliable and affordable portable power solution.
Westinghouse WGen3600v has a 212cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine. This inverter generator’s engine produces impressive surge wattage of 4650 watts. It has a running wattage of 3600 watts.
This portable inverter generator has a fuel tank capacity of 4 gallons. It has a run-time of 13.5 hours at half load on a single tank of gasoline.
This generator is gasoline-powered. But if you need a portable generator with dual-fuel technology, check Westinghouse WGen3600DF out. It has the same specs but additionally dual fuel compatibility.
Check the current price of the Westinghouse WGen3600DF dual-fuel generator.
Westinghouse Power Equipment provides a 3-year warranty with this generator.
This generator has a lightweight design and is compact in size as compared to other generators in this power range.
Weight: 99 lbs
Dimensions: 23.3” x 17.5” x 18.7” (L X W X H)
Conclusion
WEN products have been around for many decades. Their portable generators are low-priced and reliable.
The WEN 56310i is good for RVs, camping, tailgating, etc. It can also serve as an emergency backup power solution for your home.
This generator has a good power output and runtime relative to the 1.85-gallon fuel tank. It can run a refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, air conditioner, and other essential home appliances. Not all household electrical devices simultaneously though.
It also has a lower operating noise level and better portability. It uses inverter technology and generates clean power. Clean Power is ideal for vulnerable electronics.
But, this generator does not have an electric start. It does not have a fuel gauge and dual fuel compatibility.
All alternatives in this WEN 56310i generator review are from trusted and renowned brands. So, choose any generator that fits best for your backup power needs and budget.
For example, if you need a generator with an electric start, more power, and in a similar price range. Westinghouse WGen3000V or Westinghouse WGen3000DF can be the best choice for you.
WEN 56380i is a later and improved portable generator from WEN Products. It is better than WEN 56310i in all aspects. Both have almost similar prices but you get more power and features with WEN 56380i.
