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One of the top factors to consider when buying a portable generator is noise level. A loud generator can be a nuisance to your neighbors and fellow campers. Also, if you are filming wild animals and want an emergency power supply, you need a generator that won’t scare your targets. Luckily, WEN has perfected its portable generator designs to be one of the top brands in the market with quiet models.
In this review, we will examine the top WEN quiet generator models and compare their salient features. This way, you will have an easy time choosing the best WEN quiet generator.
WEN Quiet Inverter Generator Buying Guide
When shopping for the best quiet generator by WEN, it is important to have some background knowledge about this brand. This way, you will understand how it compares with other brands in the market. So let’s examine a few facts about WEN generators.
What is the quietest generator on the market today?
The quietest generator on the market today that runs on gas is the Honda 662220 EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator. This generator has a 48 dB(A) – 57 dB(A) noise range and a surge wattage of 2,200 watts. It weighs 47.4 pounds and has easy-to-use features such as remote operation via a smartphone app and a quick-start design. However, it comes at a premium price of about $1,200.
Are WEN generators any good?
WEN quite generators such as the WEN 56203i, WEN 56235, and WEN 56200i models, come with features that are comparable to the Honda 662220 EU2200i. They are compact, lightweight, product clean power for sensitive electronics, and above all cost a fraction of the Honda 662220 EU2200i. WEN provides a 2 years warranty on its generators as a guarantee of their quality. So, if you are looking for an affordable, reliable, and portable inverter generator then any of these WEN generators would be an excellent pick.
Where are WEN generators made?
Although WEN is an American brand, its generators are made in China. This way the company lowers the production cost to offer clients pocket-friendly prices. However, the manufacturing process does not make these generators inferior in terms of quality and performance. WEN strives to make quality and useful generators that meet both EPA III and CARB standards.
How long can you run a WEN generator?
You can run a WEN generator continuously for over 24 hours. However, you need to wait for the engine to cool off before refueling. The run time of WEN generators depends on the load you apply, engine type, and fuel tank capacity. For instance, the WEN 56203i runs for 7 hours on a 1-gallon fuel tank at 50% load.
The Ultimate WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Portable Inverter Generator Review
The Ultimate WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator Review
The Ultimate WEN 56235i 2350-Watt Gas Portable Inverter Generator Review
The Ultimate WEN 56380i 3800-Watt Gas Portable Inverter Generator Review
The Ultimate WEN GN400i 4000-Watt Gas Portable Inverter Generator Review
How to Choose the Right One for You?
When choosing a WEN quiet generator, you need to pick a model that best suits your needs. Here are some things you need to look out for when shopping for a WEN quiet generator.
Power Output
Consider the surge and running wattages of a generator before you purchase it. The surge watts should be enough to start the appliances you want to run whether at home or outdoors. Also, the running wattage should not exceed your total load, otherwise, you will overload the generator. If this happens, you risk damaging both the generator and your electronics.
It is also important to consider the power outlets available on the generator panel. This way you will know whether a WEN generator is the best fit for your needs. For if you are looking for a generator to power your RV, a model that is RV-ready such as the WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Generator will suit you perfectly.
With this generator, you just need to plug your RV power cable into the 120V AC NEMA TT-30R outlet without the need for any modifications or adapters. Moreover, the generator has enough power to run most of your appliances in your RV.
Noise Level
If you love camping, you know how annoying it can be when a fellow camper has a noisy generator. Most campsites have noise restriction rules. To adhere to these regulations, you need a quiet generator that doesn’t disturb the peace of your neighbors. Thankfully, WEN generators are some of the quietest models in the market with a noise range of between 51 dB(A) and 57 dB(A). This noise level is quite low considering normal generators are 70-80 dB(A) loud.
Portability
Another important factor to consider is the ease of transporting a generator from one point to another. Here, consider how compact and lightweight the generator is to allow for quick deployment by one person. Lightweight models that are under 50 pounds heavy, one person can easily carry it with one hand. Heavier models are easier to move about if they have wheel kits. A compact design takes up a small space on your car trunk allowing you enough space to pack your outdoor equipment.
Ease of Use
It is wise to invest in a WEN quiet generator that is easy to use. For instance, generators with electric start mechanisms are easy to start than those with recoil start. Also, an LCD unit allows you to see the generator’s power output, and fuel/oil level at a glance. A generator that requires less maintenance saves you time and money in case you need a technician to fix it. Other factors to consider include the available power outlets and parallel connection ports to scale up your output.
Safety Features
The portable generators come with features that ensure their safe operation such as circuit breakers, low oil/fuel, and overload auto-shutoff mechanism. These features protect the generator and your electronics from potential damage. They also come with a grounding terminal to protect you from electrical shocks. Most WEN quiet generators come with a fuel shutoff feature that allows the engine to burn all the gas in the carburetor. This mechanism prevents stagnant fuel from blocking the smooth flow of gas, necessitating frequent maintenance.
Price
Your purchasing power will determine the type of WEN generator you will buy. However, the price of a generator shouldn’t the primary determinant of whether or not to buy it. Instead, let your needs be the key determinant in choosing e quiet generator that meets your needs. The prices of WEN quiet generators range between $400 and $800. These are pocket-friendly prices considering the prices of top brands in this space.
Safety Tips
Observe safety precautions when using WEN quiet generators to avoid fatal accidents such as carbon monoxide poisoning and electric shocks.
- Do not run a generator inside your house, tent, or RV. The exhaust fumes from the generator contain carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. If you breathe this gas in excess, you can lose consciousness and possibly die. Therefore, operate your generator in an open place and use a secure power cable to transfer electricity from the generator to your shelter.
- Place the generator in a dry place. If it’s during the wet seasons, use a shelter to protect the generator from precipitation. Water can cause the generator to short-circuit and cause irreparable damage. It can also expose you and your family to electrical shocks.
- Always ground your generator to create a safe path of least resistance. This way, you will avoid dangerous situations such as electrocution and electric sparks that can cause fires. For this reason, do not operate a generator close to flammable substances such as gasoline and propane. Fumes from storage tanks can light up due to sparks on loose connections and cause deadly infernos.
How To Use A WEN Quiet Generator Properly
- Before you power up your WEN quiet generator, read the user manual carefully. This way you will understand the functions of each part of the machine.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions on setting up the generator in the manufacturer’s manual, because each product is unique. Applying your prior knowledge to a model you have never used before may not work. You may damage the generator in the process and lose your warranty.
- Do not overload your WEN generator and always shut off the machine while refueling. In case you are not using your generator power it at least once every month to keep it emergency-ready.
Review of the Best WEN Quiet Portable Inverter Generators
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
To start us off, let’s look at the WEN 56203i Super Quiet inverter generator. This model features 2000 and 1700 surge and running watts output, respectively. It also comes in a compact 39-pound heavy design that is easy to pack and transport. The good thing about this design is that it doesn’t take much of your trunk space. Moreover, one person can carry it with ease.
The WEN 56203i is highly efficient. Its one-gallon fuel tank gives you up to seven hours of runtime at half-load. This power output is enough to meet your lighting needs for a night or power your essential power tools for an entire day. It is also very quiet. With a noise level of 51 dB(A), it’s an ideal pick for your camping and tailgating needs. The electrical output from this generator has a TDH of less than 1.2% which makes it an excellent choice for powering sensitive electronics.
The output panel of this inverter generator comes with two 120V AC, 3 prong 120V AC outlets, two 5V USB ports, and a 12V DC outlet. You also don’t have to worry about frequent maintenance routines. The fuel shutoff switch allows you to turn off gas flow to the engine, which burns the fuel in the carburetor. This way, you avoid fuel build-up, which causes frequent maintenance.
This generator has safety features such as the auto-shutoff mechanism that turns off the engine when on low oil or fuel. It also had an overload indicator and a circuit breaker switch. You can connect two WEN 56203i generators in parallel to increase your power output. Moreover, the ECO mode allows the generator to run at a speed that is comparable to the applied load. This way it lasts longer and gives you value for money. The good news is that the WEN 56203i also comes at an affordable price.
SUMMARY
Fuel Type Gasoline
Runtime (at 50% load) 7 hrs
Wattage 2,000 watts
Dimensions 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 Inch
Weight 39 lbs
Ignition System Type Recoil starter
Voltage 120V AC/12VvDC
Engine Type 4 stroke, OHV
Output Wattage 1,700 watts
Tank Volume 1.06 gallons
Noise Level 51dB(A)
Warranty 2 years
WEN 56203i Super Quiet
Pros
- Economical buy
- Multiple outlets
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Lightweight
- Less noise
- Clean power output
Cons
- Missing data center
- External grounding required
- Low power output
DOWNLOADS:
WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56235i comes with all the features of the WEN 56203i except that it has a higher power output of 2350 surge watts and 1900 running watts. This increased power output reduces its runtime at 50% load to 5.7 hours.
You can power more appliances with this generator compared to the WEN 56203i. If you have equipment with a power rating slightly higher than 2000 watts, you are better off buying the WEN 56235i. This option is cheaper and convenient, as opposed to connecting two WEN 56203i’s in parallel.
SUMMARY
Fuel Type Gasoline
Runtime (at 50% load) 5.7 hrs
Wattage 2350 Surge watts
Dimensions 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.5 Inch
Weight 39 lbs
Ignition System Type Recoil starter
Voltage 120V AC/12VvDC
Engine Type 4 stroke, OHV
Output Wattage 1,900 watts
Tank Volume 1.06 gallons
Noise Level 51dB(A)
Warranty 2 years
WEN 56235i Super Quiet
Pros
- Clean power output
- Highly portable
- Compact design
- Less noise
- Limited maintenance
Cons
- Missing data center
- Low power output
DOWNLOADS:
WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56200i inverter generator comes in a similar design as the same design as the WEN 56203i. However, while the two generators have the same surge output of 2000 watts, the WEN 56200i has a lower running wattage of 1600 watts. With its 1-gallon fuel tank, the WEN 56200i generator can run at 50% load for 6 hours. This runtime is less by one hour than that of the WEN 56203i.
When it comes to weight, the WEN 56200i weighs 48 pounds and therefore heavier than both the WEN 56203i and WEN 56235i. Although one person can easily lift the generator, it is not easy to carry it over a long distance. The noise level of this portable generator is 50dB(A) without any load. When you apply a 25% load, it produces 51dB(A) noise which is comparable to both WEN 56203i and WEN 56235.
The output panel of the WEN 56200i differs from those of WEN 56203i and WEN 56235 in that it features a power reset button and a single USB port. Otherwise, all the other features are similar.
SUMMARY
Fuel Type Gasoline
Runtime (at 50% load) 6 hrs
Wattage 2000 watts
Dimensions 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.5 Inch
Weight 48 lbs
Ignition System Type Recoil starter
Voltage 120V AC/12VvDC
Engine Type 4 stroke, OHV
Output Wattage 1,600 watts
Tank Volume 1.19 gallons
Noise Level 50 -55 dB(A)
Warranty 2 years
WEN 56200i 2000-Watt
Pros
- Economical buy
- Multiple outlets
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Impressive runtime
- Less noise
Cons
- Missing data center
- External grounding required
- Low power output
DOWNLOADS:
WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
If you are looking for a low-noise portable generator with medium power output, then the WEN 56380i is your ideal pick. This inverter generator has a surge wattage of 3800 watts and a running wattage of 3600 watts. Moreover, it features a 2.2-gallon fuel tank allowing the machine to run for 8.5 hours at 50% load. With a 58 dB(A) noise level at quarter load, the WEN 56380i is one of the quietest models in its class.
This WEN 3800 watt inverter generator comes in a compact design and weighs 99.2 pounds, which is almost twice the weight of the WEN 56200i. However, its inbuilt wheel kit and retractable handle allow you to transport it with ease. When it comes to ease of use, the WEN 56380i beats the WEN 56203i, WEN 56235, and WEN 56200i models in that it has an electric start mechanism. All you need to do is turn the dial to the start position and press the yellow button. And don’t worry, in case the battery has a low charge. You can always use the recoil start.
The WEN 56380i has a digital display unit that allows you to see the power output and generator vitals, such as fuel level, runtime, and frequency at a glance. This feature is not available in the other models discussed above. Another feature that makes this inverter generator different from the WEN 56203i, WEN 56235, and WEN 56200i models is that it is RV-ready, with a 120V AC TT-30R NEMA port. Its higher power output allows you to run your RV refrigerator, air conditioner, and microwave at the same time. It is also an ideal pick for your off-site work needs such as running power tools.
Other features of this inverter generator that are common to the WEN 56203i, WEN 56235, and WEN 56200i models include ECO mode, low-fuel/low-oil auto-shutoff, parallel connection ready, circuit breakers, and low clean power output.
SUMMARY
Fuel Type Gasoline
Runtime (at 50% load) 8.5 hrs
Wattage 3800 surge watts
Dimensions 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 Inch
Weight 99.2 lbs
Ignition System Type Electric and recoil start
Voltage 120V AC/12VvDC
Engine Type 212 cc 4 stroke OHV
Output Wattage 3400 running watts
Tank Volume 2.2 gallons
Noise Level 57 dB(A)
Warranty 2 years
WEN 56380i Super Quiet
Pros
- Electric start
- Multiple outlets
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Impressive runtime
- Less noise
- Digital display
- In-built wheel kit
Cons
- External grounding required
DOWNLOADS:
FAQs
You can buy WEN generators online directly from the manufacturer’s website or other platforms such as Amazon.
Yes. WEN quiet generators come with a 2-year limited warranty. It is advisable to use your generator according to the manufacturer’s manual to avoid invalidating your warranty.
WEN generators run on four-stroke OHV engines, which feature forced-air cooling mechanisms. These engines are highly efficient and can give decent runtimes with low-capacity fuel tanks.
Yes. WEN inverter generators come in a compact design and do not have a metallic frame which acts as the path of least resistance. In this case, you need an external grounding.
Grounding a generator provides the path of least resistance to your circuit. In the absence of grounding, any power surge would find an alternative path that could severely damage the generator circuitry.