This is a Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator review.
I’m an Electrical and Electronics Engineer who is into generators since high school. Power outage is pretty usual at my place. 😐
And I have researched Westinghouse WGen5500 Generator in-depth. This will help you decide if this portable generator is the best for your need.
Westinghouse WGen5500 is a reliable solution as an emergency backup power source. It can be an alternative source of electricity during power outages.
This generator is like a portable power station. It can run almost all appliances essential at home, not all together though.
Westinghouse is an industry-leading brand that has been there for more than 130 years. Westinghouse WGen5500 is an OHV Westinghouse engine series generator.
But,
A few aspects like weight, Operation noise, and recoil start have the scope for improvement.
I have done a detailed review that will analyze all specifications, features & each product description. We will also discuss user reviews, feedback, etc.
We will also discuss possible alternatives for this portable power source.
Let’s get started!
Westinghouse 5500 Generator Overview
Westinghouse WGen5500 uses a powerful 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine.
This is a gasoline-powered Westinghouse 5000-watt generator.
You can use this as a backup power source for your home, RV, campsite, construction site, etc.
This generator’s L14-30R outlet is Transfer switch ready. It lets you connect your generator straight to household power.
This eliminates any hassle of annoying extension cords or power strips.
Here are the features you have to know before buying WGen5500.
Power Output
The tech guys that calculate your energy needs tend to calculate more.
You must assess your power needs with care.
Equipment having motors as part usually has peak watts 2 times the rated watts. Instead of buying a generator with extra power capacity, it is better to buy one that has extra starting power.
If you do not calculate your power needs, you will end up buying a generator with extra useless power.
This generator produces 6850 peak watts (Surge Watts) and 5500 running watts. High peak wattage is useful when running power tools.
This Westinghouse outdoor power equipment generator can power most devices at your home. Anything from Window Air conditioner, Sump Pump to the bulb.
Efficiency
In places where power outages are longer than usual, or during some natural disaster.
Better efficiency becomes a necessity.
You won’t like it if you have to do refueling at 2 am or at frequent intervals.
The Westinghouse WGen5500 portable generator has a large fuel tank. It gives excellent fuel efficiency.
It runs up to 15 hours on a single tank of gas (i.e. 6.6 gals) at 50% load.
It runs up to 9.5 hours when used at full capacity.
It can run up to 20hrs when used at 25% load.
WGen5500 portable generators have automatic Voltage regulation that controls engine speed. This reduces fuel consumption and increases efficiency.
It also has a built-in fuel gauge. This fuel gauge shows empty even if you have a quarter tank of gas. But, a basic float-style gauge works like this.
This is one of the most efficient generators in the 5000-watt range. And at a very affordable price.
Safety Features
This portable generator has a Low oil shutdown feature. This protects the generator engine from damage due to a low oil level.
The Westinghouse WGen5500 generator has GFCI household outlets.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protects us from possible electric shocks ⚡. The fault in-ground terminal can cause electric shocks.
All DC/AC outlets come with rubber covers to protect them from any environmental damage.
Extra load on your generator might damage the generator completely. WGen5500 portable generators have a circuit breaker for overload protection.
WGen5500 portable generators are CARB Compliant.
This means this generator meets the current standard emissions set by CARB. Its engine produces less harmful emissions, toxins, etc.
Quiet Operation
The noise level of a generator is very important to consider. You wouldn’t like your neighbors complaining to you about noise.
In situations of a power outage, most people use generators. And you wouldn’t like having the louder one of them all.
Westinghouse WGen5500 produces an approx noise level of 75DB. This level of sound is like a vacuum cleaner running.
This is not very quiet. But is manageable when you compare its price with the other generators in this power range.
Durability
The WGen5500 generator boasts an engine built with a long-lasting cast iron sleeve. Its rigid build with a hardened steel frame can withstand high pressure.
This generator is heavy (180 lb packed) so plan how you going to move and do the initial assembly.
Initial setup can take up to 30 minutes. Once you have wheels and their high-leverage handle on, It will be easy to move this generator.
It has never-flat wheels. This saves you from any possibility of repairing or replacing tires.
Westinghouse outdoor power equipment provides a 3-year warranty with lifetime technical support. This shows Westinghouse believes in its generator’s durability.
You can use their nationwide customer service to resolve any issue you face.
Easy Operation
This generator comes with a toolkit, oil, oil funnel, and user manual. You can get started in no time. Assembling this generator is quite easy and takes up to 30 minutes.
The generator’s control panel has a digital hour meter (VFT display).
This makes operation, monitoring, and maintenance easy. It shows real-time updates of voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours.
This generator has all important touchpoints painted yellow. This makes them identifiable, thus making operations easy.
Customer Reviews
77% of Westinghouse WGen5500 generator owners would recommend this generator to a friend.
Over 406 reviews give this generator an average star rating of 4.8/5 at the time we are writing reviews.
Most reviews share that it was easy to set up and get this generator running. Many users have appreciated the durability of the Westinghouse WGen5500 generator.
We also came across a bad review which says about faulty generator delivered.
Alternatives
If Westinghouse WGen5500 portable generator isn’t the ideal choice for your need. There are several similar alternatives you can consider.
Honda EM5000SX Portable Generator
Honda EM5000SX generates higher 7000 watts of surge power and then 5000 watts.
This generator produces a lower operation noise of 63 DB.
This generator uses IAVR (Intelligent Automatic Voltage Regulation). This ensures you get continuous power flow.
It comes with Honda’s exclusive My generator app with Bluetooth compatibility. This makes operation and monitoring safe and hassle-free.
This also gives updates on maintenance Information. This helps in scheduling maintenance, thus increasing engine life.
Honda EM5000SX comes with CO Minder technology. This monitors deadly Carbon Monoxide levels to keep you extra safe.
Additionally, it comes with an electric start and a recoil start as backup.
Champion 5,500 Watt inverter generator – Dual Fuel (Gas & Propane)
This generator is dual-fuel compatible. The fuel type you can use is Gasoline or Propane.
This produces 6900 peak watts and 5500 watts of electric power while running on gasoline.
And 6250 watts of surge power and 5000 watts when running on propane.
Champion 5,500 Watt Dual Fuel generator comes with cold start technology. This ensures the generator starts without hassle in cold weather conditions too.
Generac GP6500 COsense® Generator – If you need more Electric Power
This Generac generator has CO sense technology. This stops, alerts, and saves from harmful Carbon Monoxide gas.
This produces 8125 watts of surge power using advanced PowerRush™ technology. And then 6500 watts while running. This extra wattage can be useful when running motor-driven tools.
The Generac GP6500 comes with a steel tank with 7.9 gals fuel capacity and a fuel gauge. It has decent fuel efficiency – runs for approx 10.5 hours at 50% load.
This generator comes with HomeLink™. This manual transfer switch is easy to link and afford.
You can also go through our best 5000-watt generator review.
Conclusion
WGen5500 is ideal for anyone looking for an affordable yet efficient generator. This can be your portable power station.
I recommend this generator as an emergency home backup power supply. You can also use it for a campsite, outdoor parties, etc.
Its durability with a 3-year warranty will ensure the generator’s long life.
This portable generator review demonstrates that Westinghouse WGen5500 has several superior features. This is a dependable power source.
These features compensate for noise, weight, and lack of electric start.
Its rigid design and power-packed durable engine make this generator a good choice.
This generator is also affordable when compared to the pricing of its alternatives.
Customer support and service are good. You can get support anytime from their nationwide support network & service centers.
But if are looking for an electric start, more power, or you need to use dual fuel.
I recommend you choose from the list of alternatives I suggested.
