Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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Compare Gas Powered Portable Power Generators: WEN, DuroStar or Westinghouse?
(WEN 56200i vs. DuroStar DS4000S vs. Westinghouse iGen2200 )
 (Photo Credits: WEN)
Though power outages are not frequent in the US, they do happen under stormy conditions, and when they do, having a generator becomes critical as it will allow you to run small kitchen appliances like your coffee maker or slow cooker as well as the larger ones like your refrigerator or your TV set, and it will allow you to recharge your smartphones and computers. Generators can be either stationary or portable. Portable generators cost less than stationary ones, they don't need complicated installations, and they can also be used for various outdoor activities such as camping, boating, tailgate partying, etc. But as they run on gasoline or propane, one needs to be careful and mindful of storing carefully large quantities of fuel. An important question to ask when looking for a portable generator has to do with its size. Portable generators are rated for their peak power (also known as their surge power) and their rated power (also known as their normal running power) This because many electric appliances and devices need a certain level of power to run continuously which is their rated power, but they also need some extra power to start and meet more extreme situations. For a refrigerator/freezer, for instance, which is the appliance probably most used with portable generators, the rated or running power is around 800-900 watts and the surge or peak power could go up to 1000 watts. So, when deciding which size generator to get, you should consider one that can provide the totality of surge and running power required by all the appliances and electric devices you will be powering at the same time. The user guide that comes with electric appliances and devices usually provides the power requirement of the unit. This article will compare WEN 56200i, DuroStar DS4000S and Westinghouse iGen2200 gas powered portable power generators. These were not just the most popular among Amazon customers in the under-5000Watts category at the time this article was written, but they had also received excellent reviews from most Amazon buyers.
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Comparing The Selected Gas Powered Portable Power Generators
The following pictures show the three portable power generators selected for comparison:
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The following table compares the various features that come with these three portable power generators (please read the explanations to the table notes that follow for a better understanding of the features):
Table Notes 1-10 Explained:
Note 1:
- WEN includes two 120V / 20 Amp AC, 3-prong outlets (standard household plugs).
- DuroStar includes two 120 Volt / 20 Amp AC, 3-prong outlets (standard household plugs), and one120 Volt / 30 Amp AC twist lock outlet.
- Westinghouse includes two 120 Volt, / 20 Amp AC, 3-prong outlets (standard household plugs).
Note 2:
- WEN includes one 12V DC / 8.3 Amp outlet.
The following pictures show in more detail the outlets available on each of these three generators:
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Note 3:
WEN is also equipped with one 5V USB port.
Westinghouse is also equipped with two 5V USB ports.
Note 4:
Note 5:
The main technical difference between inverter generators and non-inverter generators is how the outgoing AC current is produced:
Non-inverter generators produce electricity by directly converting the fuel generated energy into AC electricity. On the other hand, inverter based generators produce the final outgoing AC electricity in 3 phases: first they convert the fuel generated energy into AC current, then they convert this AC current to DC current, and finally they convert that DC current back into AC. As a result, inverter generators produce cleaner, more reliable and higher-quality electricity than most other generators, with no voltage spikes, making them safer energy sources for sensitive electronics such as smartphones, tablets, etc. This means that you won't have to worry about any damage to be caused by unrefined energy when you power your delicate electrical appliances.
Note 6:
This feature is called Eco-Mode on the WEN and Westinghouse generators. With this feature, the generator automatically adjusts engine speed to match the load, saving fuel, reducing noise as well as engine wear.
Note 7:
Low-oil shutdown feature safeguards the OHV engine from damage. This feature comes with all three generators.
Note 8:
Spark arrestor permits usage while camping in national parks and forests.
Note 9:
Note 10:
CARB is an acronym for the California Air Resources Board which is the "clean air agency" in the government of California.
For exact price information on these portable generators, please refer to the Amazon section below.
Note 3:
WEN is also equipped with one 5V USB port.
Westinghouse is also equipped with two 5V USB ports.
Note 4:
- WEN has a 79.7cc OHV engine with forced air cooling system.
- DuroStar has a 7.0Hp OHV engine with forced air cooling system.
- Westinghouse has a 80cc OHV engine with forced air cooling system.
Note 5:
The main technical difference between inverter generators and non-inverter generators is how the outgoing AC current is produced:
Non-inverter generators produce electricity by directly converting the fuel generated energy into AC electricity. On the other hand, inverter based generators produce the final outgoing AC electricity in 3 phases: first they convert the fuel generated energy into AC current, then they convert this AC current to DC current, and finally they convert that DC current back into AC. As a result, inverter generators produce cleaner, more reliable and higher-quality electricity than most other generators, with no voltage spikes, making them safer energy sources for sensitive electronics such as smartphones, tablets, etc. This means that you won't have to worry about any damage to be caused by unrefined energy when you power your delicate electrical appliances.
Note 6:
This feature is called Eco-Mode on the WEN and Westinghouse generators. With this feature, the generator automatically adjusts engine speed to match the load, saving fuel, reducing noise as well as engine wear.
Note 7:
Low-oil shutdown feature safeguards the OHV engine from damage. This feature comes with all three generators.
Note 8:
Spark arrestor permits usage while camping in national parks and forests.
Note 9:
- With 69 dbA noise levels, DuroStar DS4000S generators are not exactly super quiet, but they are not so loud either that you'd need to raise your voice when talking.
- WEN generator's noise level is 51 dbA, therefore very quiet.
- Westinghouse generator's noise level is 52 dbA, therefore very quiet.
Note 10:
CARB is an acronym for the California Air Resources Board which is the "clean air agency" in the government of California.
For exact price information on these portable generators, please refer to the Amazon section below.
So which of the three power generators to choose?
The three portable power generators considered here are excellent products as shown by the average rating each had received from Amazon customers. Indeed, all three had received 4.5 stars (out of 5 stars) at the time this article was written. Therefore, there is a good chance that you would be quite happy with any of these three products.
However, as you may have noted, the WEN and Westinghouse generators come with some additional features not found in the DuroStar model compared above:
On the other hand, of the three generators considered here, DuroStar DS4000S is the one that delivers the largest amount of power. But it is slightly noisier and heavier than the other two.
However, as you may have noted, the WEN and Westinghouse generators come with some additional features not found in the DuroStar model compared above:
- They use an innovative inverter system, which produces cleaner and higher-quality electricity than most other generators, so you don't have to worry about damaging delicate equipment with unrefined energy.
- Thanks to their Eco-Mode (or intelligent throttle) feature, these generators automatically adjusts engine speed to match the load, saving fuel, reducing noise as well as engine wear.
- They use noise reduction technologies to ensure quieter operation.
- They are lighter and have bag-like carry handle which makes them easier to carry around.
On the other hand, of the three generators considered here, DuroStar DS4000S is the one that delivers the largest amount of power. But it is slightly noisier and heavier than the other two.
Compared Gas Powered Portable Power Generators on Amazon
Please click the Amazon US link image below for the power generator of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.
Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.
WEN56200i
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DuroStar DS4000S
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Westinghouse iGen2200
All Portable Generators on Amazon
If the portable generators compared above do not provide the total wattage you need for the appliances that you'll need to power all at the same time during a power outage, please click below to find a portable generator of suitable size:
ALL PORTABLE POWER GENERATORS ON AMAZON
Please Note: If you prefer a battery powered portable power station, you might want to consider the Jackery Portable Power Stations.
For a detailed comparison of all the major Jackery Portabe Power Stations click below:
*** Comparing the Jackery Portabe Power Stations ***
For a detailed comparison of all the major Jackery Portabe Power Stations click below:
*** Comparing the Jackery Portabe Power Stations ***
