No matter what you want to use your generator for, there are certain specifications that we all want from our models.
We all need different sized generators that have varying run times, but one thing we can all agree on is the noise level. Everyone wants a silent generator to avoid the incessant headaches from the constant roaring noise.
WEN 56200i Generator
The WEN 56200i Generator is a great option if you’re looking for a silent generator - well, nearly silent.
We bet that you’re thinking to yourself that there’s no way that you can get a reasonably priced silent generator.
In this article, we’re going to show you how you can have it all with the WEN 56200i.
WEN is not as popular as the leading generator brands, but the generators up for grabs are comparable to those from Yamaha, Westinghouse, and Honda.
The only difference between WEN and the market leaders is the price point! Let’s get right into our review of the WEN 56200i generator, shall we?
PRODUCT REVIEW
Specifications
The WEN 56200i generator measures in at 18 x 11 x 18 inches and weighs 48 pounds. A 79.7cc OHV engine is impressively powerful allowing you to use the maximum output of 2000 watts and a running output of 1600 watts.
Sine wave technology allows the generator to offer pure and safe power, so you don’t have to worry about charging your delicate appliances and devices.
There are light indicators to ensure that you know exactly what’s happening with your generator while in use, and WEN offers a 2-year warranty.
There are four outlets, two of which are AC ports, one DC port, and a USB. These allow you to power a variety of devices with your generator at the same time.
The WEN 56200i generator is also EPA III and CARB certified, so you can freely use it in all 50 states.
Features
Have the specifications of the WEN 56200i generator enticed you to learn more about the model?
Let’s dive deeper into the specific features of the generator.
Power
The WEN 56200i generator offers 2000W of maximum output and 1600W of running output. Okay, so this isn’t the most powerful generator that we’ve ever seen, but it’s also not the lowest on the market either.
A particularly interesting feature that rectifies the issue of a small running power is the fact that you can connect it to another generator.
Using parallel connectivity allows you to use two of these generators at once to power double the number of appliances and devices.
This ensures that you don’t have to purchase a larger generator when you’re not going to need the maximum power all that often. You can use one WEN 56200i generator for most days until you need additional power.
You will have to purchase a parallel connectivity kit and a second generator to take advantage of this feature. However, it does offer you a lot more versatility when it comes to using your generator.
Fuel Consumption and Running Time
The fuel tank can hold up to one gallon of fuel, which allows your generator to run continuously for up to four hours. This timeframe can reduce depending on what you’re using the generator to run.
If you’re using the generator to run multiple small appliances, the runtime will be considerably lower than if you were only to run it while charging a few smartphones.
This run time is impressive considering the price point of the WEN 56200i generator.
Plenty of Outlets
Everything that you need is on the WEN 56200i generator, placed conveniently on one single panel. You can use multiple outlets at once without having to get your wires crossed around your generator.
This feature ensures that you remain safe while using your portable generator.
There are four outlets on the WEN 56200i generator - two 120V standard plug outlets, a 12V receptacle outlet, and a 5V USB port.
You can run lots of different devices of different sizes off of one generator at the same time.
Fuel Efficiency
We’ve already mentioned the run time of the WEN 56200i generator, but we didn’t make a big enough fuss of the efficiency.
There is an eco mode that you can use to save fuel and therefore money when you don’t need to use as much power. The eco mode reduces fuel consumption and noise level.
WEN claims that you can get up to 6 hours of run time on a 50% load, but many people who have used the WEN 56200i generator assure us that it is more like 4 to 5 hours.
Either way, it’s still an impressive run time for a reasonably priced generator.
The WEN 56200i generator is EPA III and CARB compliant. The latter is rewarded to generators that meet the air pollution standards set by the California Air Resources Board.
This is a great benefit as it means that you can use the generator in all 50 states, so you can take it anywhere you want to on holidays.
Portability
WEN doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the portability of the WEN 56200i. The weight is 48 pounds which is a standard weight for a portable generator.
The generator measures in at 18 x 11 x 18 inches, making it very portable and ready to be transported wherever you want to go.
There is also a handy carry handle that helps you to transport the generator around. You also have the option to purchase a generator cover which ensures that your generator is protected from harsh weather conditions while being transported.
Safety Features
The WEN 56200i generator comes equipped with light indicators to ensure that you know when the oil is running low.
This will prevent you from running your generator too much that it starts damaging its interior mechanisms.
The generator will also automatically turn off when the fuel is too low. Again, this will prevent your generator from becoming damaged inside.
There is also a circuit breaker to protect both you and your generator from overloading. Instead of protecting your generator from damages, this will protect the devices that you have plugged into the model.
What We Loved
Unsurprisingly, our favorite feature about the WEN 56200i generator is the almost silent running.
A loud generator can really impact your life in a negative way, so the fact that this generator runs around 51 decibels is amazing. Bear in mind that this is at a 25% load, so using it at a higher load will increase the noise slightly.
If you’re unsure of how loud 50 decibels is, it can be compared to an interesting conversation and much quieter than a vacuum.
Can you believe that? Another thing that we loved about this generator is the price. Compare the model to another similar alternative made by one of the market leaders, the WEN 56200i generator is priced much lower.
Instead of paying for the brand, opt for the WEN 56200i generator, and save your money. Finally, we like how portable the generator is.
It has a comfortable carry handle so that you don’t have to awkwardly balance it on your arms. Pair this with the quiet noise level and you have a generator that can be taken to camping sites and other public places.
What We Didn’t Like
Throughout all of the research that we conducted when looking at the WEN 56200i generator, we can confidently say that there are no real downsides to this generator.
If we were to really nitpick for a downside of this generator, we might say that the eco-friendly mode doesn’t work properly when using over 1000 watts of power.
In a perfect world, we would like the feature to work no matter how much power we were using.
Another potential issue is that pouring oil into the generator is not very easy and WEN does not provide you with a funnel.
If you’re short on time, adding oil to the generator is going to annoy you due to the extra time it takes.
Summary
Overall, the WEN 56200i generator is an excellent choice for people looking for a small generator with an impressive price.
On the market for 2000W generators, this is one of the least expensive options and it matches up well to the most expensive. We would suggest that you save your money and opt for the WEN 56200i generator.
This model comes with an eco mode, light indicators, and four outlets to run all of your essential appliances. There are a few notable safety features to protect both you and your generator, and you can take this model around all 50 states with you.
The WEN 56200i generator is very portable and comes with a great carry handle. It weighs under 50 pounds and is small enough to be stored safely in a trunk or a hidden corner in your house.
The silent running noise allows you to use the generator without annoying yourself and everyone else around you.
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Jeremiah Pike
I'm an environment and energy blogger who teaches outdoor and energy enthusiasts how to be better informed when it comes to purchasing or maintaining a generator, solar panel system, or anything else related to your energy needs.