If you are in the market for a new portable generator, you may have heard about the Westinghouse Wgen3600DF generator. Is this portable generator right for you, and does it have all the features you need? We have all the information you need to make an informed decision in this Westinghouse Wgen3600DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator product review.
Want to skip the details? See a summary of the Westinghouse WGen3600DF generator here.
Westinghouse WGen3600DF 3600-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review
Description and Specifications
The WGen3600DF 3600-Watt dual fuel portable generator comes with electric push-button and remote start capabilities that are backed up by an emergency recoil start. It also has a 4-gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge, three-year limited service, labor, and parts coverage, and automatic low-oil shutdown functionality.
This generator comes with a variety of conveniences, including heat-resistant plastic wheels with never-flat polyurethane tires, a propane regulator hose, handle, oil and funnel, tool kit, and the WGen3600DF manual. The steel frame of this generator wraps around the entire machine and protects the gas tank from getting dented during transport. The wrap-around style of the frame also makes lifting the generator easier.
The WGen3600DF generator comes RV, toy hauler, and travel trailer ready with 30A outlets. Caring for the generator’s battery is easy with the onboard battery charger, which includes a 12V charging cable.
All Westinghouse generators are functionally tested in the factory to ensure function and dependability. Each generator by Westinghouse is EPA and CARB compliant. This model comes completely assembled out of the box.
Engine and Power Output
The WGen3600DF dual fuel generator is equipped with a 212cc Westinghouse four-stroke OHV engine. The engine sleeve is manufactured out of long-lasting cast iron. The automatic low-oil shutoff features shut the system down to avoid extensive damage when oil levels are too low.
The power output of this generator is impressive. When using gasoline, the unit is rated for 3,600 running watts and has a peak wattage of 4,650. With propane, the generator has a rating of 3,240 running watts and a peak wattage of 4,650.
Tank Capacity, Fuel Economy, and Runtime
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF Dual Fuel portable generator has a 4-gallon tank capacity and has commendable fuel efficiency. It can run for up to 14 hours at 50% power output and 16.5 hours at 25% power output with a 20-pound propane tank. On a 4-gallon tank full of gasoline, this generator has a runtime of up to 16.5 hours at 25% power output and 10.5 hours at 50% capacity. This equates to a fuel efficiency of between 0.7 to 0.82 gallons per hour for propane and 0.24 to 0.38 gallons per hour for gasoline. While this isn’t top-of-the-line fuel efficiency, it is still quite impressive for a 212cc engine, making it a good choice for a general-use portable generator.
Breakdown of the Control Panel and Outlets
This WGen3600DF generator has a well-laid-out and organized control panel and easy-to-access outlets. On the control panel, you will find the fuel selector switch that allows you to easily change the fuel type with a simple flip. Also on the control panel is the one-touch push-button starter and the engine shut-off switch. To the right of the engine shut-off switch, you’ll find the battery charging port, 30A breaker, 120V AC 30A L5-30R outlet, 120V AC 30A TT-30R outlet, two 120V AC 20A 5-20R outlets, and a 20A circuit breaker. Outlets are equipped with a rubber cover to protect them when not in use.
Dimensions and Weight
This generator is moderately heavy but not unreasonable at 120 pounds. Most of this weight comes from the fact that its frame is solid steel and the engine housing is cast iron. Portability is made easy, though, with its sturdy handles and wheels. It is also quite compact at 23.3″ long, 22.8″ wide, and 21.3″ high.
Noise and Safety
While this generator does not have a carbon monoxide detector like some other comparable systems, it does have a floating neutral grounding system, overload protection, and an automatic low oil shutdown function.
The Westinghouse Wgen3600DF generator is also relatively quiet, producing only 68 dBA. To put this into perspective, a normal conversation is around 60 dBA, so it won’t be overly loud.
Portability of the Westinghouse WGen3600DF
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF generator has good portability. It is relatively lightweight at 120 pounds, making it easy for one or two people to lift. The durable no-flat wheels and handle make wheeling it around a breeze.
Certifications and Warranty
Every Westinghouse generator comes with a three-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support. Each generator is also certified by the EPA and is CARB compliant.
Common Problems and Parts
The engine power is reduced by approximately 3.5% for every 1000 feet above sea level. This is not adjusted by the engine and can result in increased exhaust emissions. Increases in elevation can also cause issues with fuel consumption, spark plug fouling, and hard starting. High altitude kits are available for those that need them by simply calling Westinghouse’s customer service team.
Trouble starting the generator is reported by a few reviewers. Although rare, mistakes do happen from time to time. This issue is generally a result of poor valve alignment or a pinched fuel line, which are covered under the warranty that all Westinghouse generators come with.
Additional Features
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 212cc |
| Amperage | 30A @ 120V |
| Running Watts | 3600 (Gas), 3240 (Propane) |
| Peak Watts | 4650 (Gas), 4180 (Propane) |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Tank Capacity | 4 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 16.5 hours |
| Dimensions | 23.3″ x 22.8″ x 21.3″ |
| Weight | 120 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 68 dBA |
| Certifications | CARB Compliant,EPA Approved |
| Warranty | 3-years parts |
Price
Most reviews state that the Westinghouse WGen3600DF is a great value for its price. Its price is competitive with similar generators by different brands. It comes completely assembled with wheels and a handle. Many other brands require the wheel kit to be purchased separately. This generator also comes with oil, a funnel, a tool kit, and a propane regulator hose. For most consumers, the price point of this generator is hard to beat.
How Does the Westinghouse WGen3600DF Compare With Its Competitors?
While the Westinghouse WGen3600DF is a great option, there are several other models by various brands that might also meet your needs. Here is how they stack up against each other.
What Are Consumers Saying About the Westinghouse WGen3600DF?
The majority of consumers are very satisfied with the Westinghouse WGen3600DF and commonly remark on how quiet it is and on its affordable price point. Here are some pros and cons of the WGen3600DF:
Pros
- Good price and value
- Easy to use
- Easy to transport
- Efficient
- High output
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive electronics
- No hour meter
- Heavy without wheel and handle kit attached
Additional Resources
Is the Westinghouse WGen3600DF for You?
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF is a great choice for a generator and has a very competitive price point. The remote start adds a touch of extra convenience to this generator. With quiet noise levels, decent fuel efficiency, the ability to use propane or natural gas with the flip of a switch, and its wattage thresholds, the unit is enough to satisfy most consumers. Since every Westinghouse generator comes factory tested, EPA certified, and CARB compliant, you can have confidence that this generator is friendly toward the environment.
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF does not come with a carbon monoxide sensor or GFCI outlets. However, it does come with other safety features that include overload protection and automatic low-oil shutdown to protect your investment. So, if a carbon monoxide sensor and GFCI outlets are a requirement on your checklist, then you may want to consider a different model.
If you need a portable generator for camping, emergency at-home use, or simple work tasks such as running a table saw, then the Westinghouse WGen3600DF could be a great affordable option for you.
Westinghouse WGen3600DF 3600-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Why Choose Westinghouse?
Westinghouse has been creating products since 1886. From energy solutions to smart appliances, Westinghouse’s goal is to transform the human experience through technology. The company promises dependability and innovation with all its products.
Westinghouse has been a leader in manufacturing for more than 135 years, and their experience stretches far and wide, making them a dependable company. One of their notable achievements came in 1891 when they built the world’s first industrial AC system. In 1933, they built the world’s fastest elevators for New York’s Rockefeller Center, and in 1977, they released the first airborne surveillance radar system.
Private: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
If you are looking for a brand that can guarantee dependable portable generators, Westinghouse is definitely worth looking at. They offer a variety of options with a range of features, wattage ratings, and the choice of dual- or single-fuel generators.
Dual Fuel vs Single Fuel Generators
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF is a dual-fuel generator that offers users the option of using either gasoline or propane. This makes it a great generator for home needs, camping, and events such as farmer’s markets, festivals, outdoor activities, and stock shows. With just the flip of a switch, you can use either propane or gas. Single-fuel systems are just as they sound. You can only use the fuel that the generator is designed for, which could be gasoline, propane, natural gas, or diesel.
FAQs
All Westinghouse generators are designed in the United States and made in either China or Vietnam.
A dual fuel inverter is a simple device that allows you to simply flip a switch to change between propane and gasoline as a fuel source.
At home, depending on the running and starting watts of your appliances, of course, you should be able to run a refrigerator, hairdryer, freezer, and several LED light bulbs simultaneously. While camping, this generator should have no problem running a radiant heater, RV refrigerator, RV AC, slow cooker, and radio simultaneously.
The wheels have a 6″ diameter and are 1″ thick.
Yes, the Westinghouse WGen3600DF generator comes with an emergency recoil starter.
Yes, this generator has both push-button electric start and remote-start capabilities. The generator comes with a key fob for remotely starting the unit from several yards away. It also comes with emergency recoil start.
Per Westinghouse, SAE 10W-30 is recommended for this generator.