The Ultimate Westinghouse WGen9500 Gasoline Portable Generator Review

The Westinghouse WGen9500 is a portable gasoline generator that can provide reliable home backup power in an emergency. The WGen 9500 has remote and electric start options, and its OHV 4-stroke engine has a cylinder with a cast iron sleeve for added durability. This portable generator delivers 9,500 running watts and can provide energy for up to 12 hours on one tank of gas. It is fairly easy to move around thanks to its never-flat wheels and foam grip handle. Want to skip the details? See a summary of the Westinghouse WGen9500 gasoline portable generator here.

Westinghouse WGen9500 9500-Watt Gas Portable Generator

Google’s Rating 4.8

Description and Specifications

Portable generators come in many shapes and sizes, and the Westinghouse WGen9500 is one of the largest and most powerful models available. It weighs over 200 pounds and produces enough electricity to keep all but the most demanding appliances running during a power outage. You can be sure that this Westinghouse 9500-watt generator will work when you need it because every unit is tested before leaving the factory.

Engine and Power Output

The Westinghouse WGen9500 is an open-frame portable generator with a 4-stroke OHV engine that displaces 457cc. Running for hours on end puts a great deal of stress on small engines. That is not the case with the WGen9500, though, because its cylinder is made out of a durable cast iron sleeve. The OHV design of the Westinghouse Wgen9500’s engine saves space without sacrificing performance, and it can run for 50 hours before needing an oil change.

This Westinghouse generator delivers up to 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, which is enough to keep air conditioners, refrigerators, and sump pumps running. The WGen9500 does not have an inverter, so total harmonic distortion can be as high as 23%. This is not a problem if you plug appliances into a WGen9500, but you may want to think twice before using this generator to recharge or run sensitive electronic devices.

Tank Capacity, Fuel Economy and Runtime

The Westinghouse WGen9500’s fuel tank holds up to 6.6 gallons or 25 liters of gas, which can keep this generator running for up to 12 hours at 25% capacity. If you run the WGen9500 at 50% capacity, you will need to add gas after about eight hours of use. You won’t have to check your watch or use a timer to know when to add gas because the WGen9500’s long list of standard features includes a fuel gauge. The Westinghouse WGen9500 is not a dual-fuel generator, so gas will be your only fuel option if you choose this model.

Breakdown of the Control Panel and Outlets

Westinghouse took great care when it designed the WGen9500’s control panel. Outlets and controls are laid out logically, and a digital data center provides important information. Here is a breakdown of what you will find on this Westinghouse 50-amp generator’s control panel:

• Start button: Getting the WGen9500 started is as easy as pushing a button, and Westinghouse even includes a remote control.
• Engine shutoff: The engine shutoff switch is next to the start button. An amber light below the shutoff switch comes on when the battery requires attention.
• ST switch outlet: This outlet is used to plug in an ST switch that connects the WGen9500 to a home’s electrical system.
• Battery charging port: This is the port you will use if you have to charge the WGen9500’s battery.
• USB ports: The Westinghouse WGen9500’s control panel has two USB ports protected by a rubber cover.
• Main circuit breaker: This circuit breaker monitors power output and protects the WGen9500 from overloads and short circuits.
• VFT meter: A digital data center beneath the main breaker displays the generator’s output voltage, frequency, and running hours.
• Household receptacles: The WGen9500 features two duplex household receptacles that have ground-fault circuit interrupters and supply up to 20 amps.
• L14-30R outlet: This twist-lock receptacle provides 240-volt electricity and 30 amps to power major appliances like stoves and clothes dryers.
• 14-50R outlet: This outlet delivers up to 50 amps and is used to connect the WGen9500 to an RV.

Dimensions and Weight

The Westinghouse WGen9500 has an open-frame design that improves cooling and makes accessing the engine less of a chore. It is 27.2 inches long, 26.1 inches wide, and 26.5 inches high, and it tips the scales at a hefty 208 pounds. Bear in mind that this is the generator’s dry weight, which means it will be even heavier when it is filled with 1.1 quarts of oil and up to 6.6 gallons of gas.

Noise and Safety

Westinghouse has added a safety feature to the WGen9500 that shuts its engine down automatically when there is not enough oil to provide adequate lubrication. This generator also provides peace of mind with overload protection, automatic voltage regulation, and a bonded neutral grounding system. One important safety feature you won’t find on a Westinghouse WGen9500 is a carbon monoxide monitoring system. You can check out the Westinghouse WGen9500c if this feature is important to you.

The open-frame design of the WGen9500 provides several benefits, but it does not do much to muffle noise. This generator emits 74 decibels when it is running, which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.

Portability of the Westinghouse WGen9500

Some portable generator manufacturers expect consumers to pay extra for portability kits that include wheels and handles, but Westinghouse has made these features standard equipment. The wheels have tires that will never go flat and are more than durable enough for hand transport, but you should not tow the WGen9500 behind a vehicle either on or off the road. The folding handle has a foam grip to improve comfort, and it is made out of durable hardened steel.

Certifications and Warranty

Westinghouse is one of the oldest and most respected generator manufacturers in the world, and the company’s portable models have been built to meet strict standards laid down by government agencies and independent testing organizations. The WGen9500 has earned these four prestigious certifications:

• EPA Approved: The WGen9500’s OHV 4-stroke engine meets emissions standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• CARB Compliant: The California Air Resources Board has stricter standards than the EPA, which is why not all generators are available in the Golden State. The Westinghouse WGen9500 meets these tougher standards.
• ETL Listed: Intertek Testing Services, which was once known as Edison Testing Laboratories, has tested the WGen9500 to verify that it meets or exceeds all North American safety standards.
• FCC Listed: The Westinghouse WGen9500 comes with a remote control that can be used to start the engine from a distance. The frequency this remote uses is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.

The Westinghouse WGen9500 is backed by a warranty that covers both parts and labor for three years. Product registration is encouraged but not required, and only consumers who purchase generators new are protected. The warranty does not cover damage caused by mistreatment or abuse, and WGen9500 owners are expected to change the engine’s oil after every 50 hours of use. They must also cover the costs of shipping their generators to and from an authorized Westinghouse service center when warranty repairs are required.

Common Problems and Parts

Generators are fairly simple machines, but they can fail if they are overloaded or oil levels fall too low. Westinghouse has included safety features on the WGen9500 that shut down the motor automatically in these situations, so there is not much that can go wrong. When consumers do report engine failures, the problem is usually caused by inadequate maintenance. To prevent this from happening, you should change the oil after the first 25 hours of use and each subsequent 50 hours of use. A VFT meter on the WGen9500’s control panel makes keeping track of hours easy. Other WGen9500 maintenance tasks include:

• Cleaning the air filter: The WGen9500’s air filter should be cleaned after every 50 hours of use.
• Replacing the air filter:  When the WGen9500 has run for 300 hours, its air filter will need to be replaced.
• Cleaning the spark plug: Westinghouse recommends cleaning the WGen9500’s spark plug after every 100 hours of use.
• Replacing the spark plug: The WGen9500’s spark plug must be replaced every time the VFT meter registers 300 hours of use.
• Cleaning the spark arrester: The spark arrester can be checked and cleaned when the spark plug is checked and cleaned.
• Replacing the fuel filter: Fuel filters generally last for about 100 hours, but you may have to replace one earlier if you use contaminated or stale gas.
• Adjust valve clearances: The OHV design of the WGen9500’s engine makes checking and adjusting valve clearances a lot easier.

You can purchase the parts needed to perform routine maintenance tasks on the WGen9500 at most outdoor power equipment dealers and auto parts stores. You can also visit the https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/collections/parts-and-accessories Westinghouse parts website to order:

• Wheels
• Handles
• Cables
• Adapters
• ST switches
• Covers

Additional Features

Consumers who buy portable generators powerful enough to keep an entire house running expect a lot of features, and Westinghouse does not disappoint. Features and benefits that set the WGen9500 apart include:

• Remote start: The Westinghouse WGen9500 comes with a remote control that can be used to start the engine from up to 15 feet away. Batteries are included.
• In-box accessories: Accessories included with the WGen9500 include a battery charger, a spark plug socket wrench, an assembly wrench, a funnel and a bottle of 10W-30 oil.
• Hardened steel frame: The Westinghouse WGen9500 is tough enough for just about any situation thanks to its durable hardened steel frame.
• VFT display: The WGen9500’s control panel features a data center that displays output voltage, frequency and hours of use.
• RV ready: Recreational vehicles can be connected to the Westinghouse WGen9500’s 14-50R outlet.
• Transfer-switch ready: Appliances and devices can be plugged directly into the WGen9500, and the generator can also be connected to a home’s electrical system with a transfer switch.
• Factory tested: Westinghouse tests every generator it builds at the factory to make sure that every feature is working properly.

If these features have piqued your interest and you would like to learn more about the Westinghouse WGen9500, here are its dimensions, capacities, and specifications:

Price

The Westinghouse WGen9500 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,149, but you will probably be able to save about $200 if you purchase one from Amazon instead of the manufacturer. That represents pretty good value for money considering what this generator can do. However, a budget of about $1,000 opens up a number of other generator options. There are models available in this price range that can run on propane as well as gasoline, and some portable generators costing around $1,000 have inverters that reduce total harmonic distortion to less than 5%.

What Are Consumers Saying About the Westinghouse WGen9500?

Most Westinghouse WGen9500 reviews are extremely positive, which suggests that consumers who buy this model have few regrets. Some reviewers complain about the amount of noise the WGen9500 makes, but that should be expected when a powerful engine is fitted inside an open frame. Most WGen9500 reviews mention this model’s durable construction and quality materials, but not every reviewer was happy with its molded plastic wheels.

The biggest complaint consumers have about the Westinghouse WGen9500 is its 23% total harmonic distortion. This is not something you will need to worry about if you plan to use this generator to run refrigerators or air conditioners, but it could be a concern if you want to recharge a laptop or smartphone during a power outage.

Is the Westinghouse WGen9500 Right for You?

If you are looking for a dependable portable generator that is powerful enough to keep your home running during a power outage, the Westinghouse WGen9500 would be a good choice. This generator can be connected to an RV or home electrical system, and its fuel tank holds enough gas to provide up to 12 hours of runtime. An inverter generator will probably make more sense if you want to connect sensitive devices like phones, tablets, or laptops, but taking this route will involve sacrificing some performance or paying a lot more money.

Why Choose Westinghouse

Westinghouse has a history of innovation that stretches back more than 150 years. The company patented the world’s first rotary steam engine in 1865, and it revolutionized railroad safety in 1869 when it introduced air brakes. When Nikola Tesla patented the alternating current engine in 1888, one of the first things he did was take a job at Westinghouse. That collaboration helped Westinghouse to win the contract to provide power to the 1893 World’s Fair.

In addition to portable generators, Westinghouse’s outdoor power equipment line includes inverter generators, transfer switches, portable power stations, pressure washers, and lawn and garden tools. To learn more about these products, visit the Westinghouse brand page on Amazon.

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