This is our Westinghouse Wgen9500df dual fuel portable generator review.
I have researched Westinghouse Wgen9500df so you can save time and effort deciding if this suits you best.
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment is a leading and trusted generator manufacturer. Westinghouse has been around for more than 130 years and produces reliable and durable equipment.
Westinghouse WGen portable generator is a reliable and powerful generator. It can be a one-stop portable power solution as a home backup power supply. Remote start, excellent fuel efficiency, and durability make this generator worth every buck.
It generates a bit of noise but a generator with this power has to make some noise. Also, it is a bit heavy.
But, your need for a backup power source might be completely different.
So,
Do you need this much power?
Do you need dual-fuel capability?
Is the Westinghouse WGen9500 generator any good?
Keep reading…
Westinghouse Wgen9500df Generator Overview
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df is a powerful portable generator with dual-fuel capability. This generator comes with a heavy-duty 457cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine.
This generator from Westinghouse outdoor power equipment is affordable and efficient. An optional fuel source comes in handy when either gasoline or propane becomes hard to access.
But, a few generator owners have complained of cosmetic damages & fuel leaks in transit. The operation noise level is tolerable but isn’t super quiet.
Let’s check how Westinghouse Wgen9500df performs on quality features.
Power Output and Tank Size
You should calculate how much power you need before you start looking for portable generators. I learned this the hard way though.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df has an excellent peak power output of 12500 watts and 9500 running watts on gasoline. When running on propane it generates 11200 surge watts and 8500 watts while running.
This power is good enough to run most of your home appliances and tools. You can run an air conditioner, refrigerator, sump pump, entertainment center, etc with this generator.
This generator will ensure a smooth camping and tailgating experience. It can also run power tools and can serve well for your job sites.
A bigger tank size means more fuel that ensures more runtime but it also affects the weight and portability of the generator. So, larger isn’t always better.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df has a fuel tank capacity of 6.6 gallons of gas and a 20-pound propane tank. This generator has a built-in fuel gauge.
Power Efficiency and Fuel Type
The power efficiency of a portable generator in simple terms is the power output and runtime hours for a given amount of fuel. A power-efficient generator saves you a lot in the long run. In other words, it means lower fuel consumption, better power, and durability.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df has a runtime of 12 hours on a single tank of gas at 50% load. It can run up to 7 hours at half load when running in propane.
This generator can get you through an overnight power outage in a single tank. Refueling the generator at night is a headache. You might spill gas and fuel odor will make your night hell.
Alternate fuel type becomes a necessity when either of the fuel supplies gets disrupted. Natural disasters have caused the unavailability of gasoline on occasion.
It also saves you from the hassle of the journey to the station. If you are the lazy one like me you will need a dual fuel generator.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df has an alternate fuel option i.e. propane.
Safety Features
You have to take care when operating powerful portable generators. Simple precautions can protect you from Incidents such as electric shocks.
The generator’s emission contains harmful gases and particles. One such gas is Carbon Monoxide, also known as a silent killer. Carbon Monoxide alone causes Hundreds of deaths every year.
EPA(Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB(California Air Resource Board) provide emissions guidelines. An EPA & CARB-compliant generator ensures that their emission levels are below standards.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df is an EPA and CARB-compliant generator. Do not place your generator in an area with restricted air circulation such as the basement.
It has a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) Standard Household Receptacle. This protects you from any possible electric incidents due to faulty ground. All outlets have rubber covers for added safety.
Quiet Operation
Portable generators make considerable noise when running at a good load. No noise generator is ideal. We got to choose the one that makes less noise than the other available options.
A portable generator with high operation noise is not only a problem for you but also for your neighbors. A camping trip or tailgating, a noisy generator is going to steal the peace of your mind.
During outages or any disasters, most people use portable generators. Believe me, you won’t like to have the loudest of them all. I had to deal with a few cranky neighbors with our older generator.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df generates an operation noise of 74 DB. This nose level is a bit louder than a vacuum cleaner running. It’s obvious that a generator this powerful will make some noise.
Convenience
Since you are buying a portable generator for your convenience, look for features that suit your needs at best.
The generator manufacturers install many exclusive features to decrease hassle and add convenience.
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment has a range of high-performing and yet affordable power solutions. I have listed a few features that add to your convenience.
Push Button and Remote Key start
It has Push Button electric start feature with a remote start FOB (Frequency Operated Button). This eliminates the hassle of a recoil start. It also has a recoil start as a backup in case of a faulty electric start.
Supports 30A and 50A transfer switches
An L14-30R 120/240V 30A outlet lets you connect your generator to the household transfer switch during a power outage or power failure.
Transfer and ST switch-ready outlet
This outlet allows automatic transfer of power in case of utility power loss. But, to use this feature you will need a Westinghouse ST switch which is not included with the generator.
Dual Fuel selection dial
The dual-fuel selection dial lets you switch from gas to propane and vice versa. And this makes dual-fuel operation easy.
Intuitive Control Panel With VFT data center
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df has indicators, outlets, and a VFT Display. The VFT display shows voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours. This real-time information makes tracking the maintenance and performance of generators easy.
RV Ready
This generator has an L14-30R 120/240-Volt twist-lock AC outlet so you can hook your RV to it.
Outlet Options
It has two GFCI 5-20R household duplex outlets. It also has a Transfer Switch Ready L14-30R 120/240-Volt twist-lock AC outlet and a 120/240V 14-50R with rubber outlet covers. This makes operating the generator easier.
Plug and Play
An Oil Bottle, Oil Funnel, Spark Plug Wrench, Remote, Propane Regulator/Hose, and Battery Float Charger come with the box. These help hassle-free setup.
Built-in Fuel gauge
This makes tracking and maintaining fuel levels easy. I have struggled with a generator with no fuel gauge and it has gotten me into many weird situations.
Durability and Portability
Higher durability ensures longer engine life with extreme use cases. The durability of a portable generator depends on its engine as well as the outer build.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df has a conventional open-frame design. It has capable built for tough environments and heavy-duty conditions. The generator’s engine, built with a durable cast iron sleeve adds up to durability.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df has features such as
- Low Oil Indicator
- Overload Indicator
- Overload Protection
- Covered Outlets
- Low Oil Shutdown
These ensure a longer engine life and durability.
This generator comes with a wheel kit with heavy-duty never-flat wheels & a folding handle. But, this generator weighs 211 lb without oil. So, You won’t love moving it even with the wheel kit on.
The Westinghouse Wgen9500df dimensions are 27.2” L x 26.5” W x 26” H.
This generator has a three-year limited warranty for Residential and 1-year commercial Limited warranty. Westinghouse outdoor power equipment also provides nationwide customer service.
Alternatives
Your backup power needs can be completely different. So, if you still haven’t decided on Westinghouse Wgen9500df then you might want to look at the alternatives.
I have reviewed 4 alternatives with similar features for you.
DuroMax XP13000HX
DuroMax XP13000HX has a powerful 4-stroke 500cc engine. It has a starting power of 13000 peak watts and 10500 running watts on gas and 12350 peak watts and 9975 rated watts on propane.
This generator has an 8.3 gallons gas tank and 40 lb propane. It has an average runtime of 8.5 hours on gas and 6.5 hours on propane at half load.
This generator has all copper windings that increase the durability of the generator. DuroMax XP13000HX has an electric start with a recoil start as an emergency backup.
This generator is EPA and CARB-compliant. It also has CO alert technology. This detects the harmful levels of Carbon Monoxide. If emission levels cross the least standards then the engine shuts down.
You can power all your major appliances including a central air conditioning system with this generator.
So, DuroMax XP13000HX has more power with CO alert technology. But, this is heavier i.e. 240 lb and larger (30″ L x 29″ W x 26″ H).
Pulsar G12KBN
Pulsar G12KBN has a 457cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke OHV Engine. It generates 12000 watts of peak power and 9500 watts of power on gasoline. It generates 10800 surge watts and 8550 running watts when connected to a propane hose.
This generator has an 8-gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge. It is fuel-efficient and can run for 12 hrs on a single tank at half load.
This generator also comes with a push-button start. It performs well on all important features such as performance, efficiency, etc.
Dimensions (inches): 28.5 x 26 x 25.5 (LxWxH)
Weight (lb): 209
So, this generator has almost the same specs as Westinghouse Wgen9500DF but lighter and more compact. The few inches though but it costs a few bucks less.
Champion 100520 8750-Watt DH Series
This dual-fuel generator is from Champion Power Equipment. This is a hybrid open-frame inverter generator with a 420cc engine.
This generator is on a lower scale when compared to the other generators in the list. This generator produces 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts. It has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank capacity and a 155.4 lb weight.
This generator has lower THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and thus produces clean and continuous power. Clean power is safe for sensitive electronic equipment such as computers. It operates at an operating volume level (creates noise) of 72DB.
This generator has a foldable handle, never-flat wheels, and a compact size for better portability.
Champion power equipment boasts a 3-year limited warranty with lifetime technical support.
This is a fuel-efficient, and cost-effective power solution. It comes with Quiet Technology, Economy Mode, and Clean Power.
WEN DF1100T
This dual-fuel portable generator is from the WEN brand and has a 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine. It generates a power output of 11000 surge watts and 8300 running watts on gas. It generates power of 9500 peak watts and 7500 running watts on propane.
This generator has an electric start key and recoil start as a backup. This generator has a 6.6 gallons fuel tank and 20 lb propane capacity. WEN DF1100T can run up to 8.5 hours at half load on gasoline. It has 3 hours of runtime on 20lb propane at half load.
This generator is smaller in size and approximately the same weight as Westinghouse WGen9500DF.
This unit does not have a low oil indicator though. So you have to check every time you start the generator. Its VFT shows real-time updates & displays volt output, runtime, etc for better operation.
So, this generator has similar but fewer features. But, this generator will cost you a few hundred bucks less when compared to others on the list.
Conclusion
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF dual fuel portable generator from Westinghouse outdoor Power equipment. It stands firm on the brand name and legacy of more than a century.
I recommend Westinghouse WGen9500DF, as an excellent choice for a home backup power source and also for job or construction sites. Remote start, impressive power, and high fuel efficiency are a few of the list that describes this generator.
One feature that this generator lacked was a CO sensor. But a newer model of Westinghouse WGen9500DF is available with a CO sensor. So, if you prefer a generator with a CO sensor check this out.
Check out the price of the Westinghouse Wgen9500DFc Dual fuel portable generator with CO sensor.
This generator has the same specs as above and a CO sensor added to it.
All other generators in the alternatives are from top-rated manufacturers. Buying any of them according to your need will be worth it.
So, don’t look for fancy labels or features, and buy the one that serves your need and budget.
For example, if you prefer an inverter generator and clean power you might want to give Champion 100520 8750-Watt DH Series a shot.
