The 2000-Watt Portable Inverter WEN 56200i Generator is probably the most silent generator in the market today. Let’s have a more detailed look in this WEN 56200i review.
The portable, quiet generator produces clean energy – 1600 watts rated, 2000 wats surge. The output is free of any unwanted voltage fluctuations.
The most likeable feature of the WEN 56200i generator is that it does not produce lots of noise like other generators in its class.
Let’s talk about the salient features of this machine to determine its reliability.
The alternator is equipped with a 4-stroke 79.7 cc engine. It makes just 51 dB of sound while operating at 25% load capacity, and 55 dB at 75% load capacity. This kind of sound output keeps it really quiet.
In fact, the US Department of Health and Human Services compares it to a normal human conversation.
When you want a quiet outdoor experience the WEN 56200i generator is your perfect companion. Imagine yourself camping or hunting and free of any unnecessary generator disturbance!
A salient feature of the WEN 56200i generator is that it is EPA III and CARB compliant – use it without harming the environment. A true environment-friendly power.
A significant question that arises when you decide to buy a generator is – what equipment do you want to run on it? With the advent of technology, the electronic pieces of equipment are delicate and any major voltage fluctuation can fry them.
Not with the WEN 56200i generator. It replicates a pure sine wave, limiting the harmonic distortion to less than 0.3% when there is no load and less than 1.2% at full load. You can run your delicates like computers, laptops, tablets, and phones with the peace of mind that they will be safe.
WEN 56200i Generator Features and Specs
Features:
- There is a built-in USB port and other outlets to connect directly to your devices.
- It is lightweight, no, really lightweight, only around 48 pounds.
- Totally portable. Any able-bodied person can move it themselves.
- A cool feature is the eco mode. It means that the motor in the alternator will automatically adjust its fuel consumption as you add and remove electronic equipment and appliances. The handy feature controls fuel consumption, a plus point in reducing cost(learn how much gas a generator uses here)
- The clever eco-feature helps maximize the fuel economy. Check this out; the 1-gallon tank runs 4 hours at full capacity and a whopping 6 hours at 50% load!
- Need more power? You can easily connect two WEN 56200i generators by simply using the WEN parallel connection kit. In this manner, you can share the wattage between the two (or more) units.
- The WEN 56200i comes with a standard low-oil indicator. The machine will automatically shut down when the fuel is low. Saving your day!
- Another great feature is overload protection. This dextrous addition will not only safeguard your investment but protect all the connected electronics from damage.
I will let you in on a little known secret. With just a little bit of research, I found out that any brand of inverter generator that is parallel capable can be attached in parallel with any other brand.
Warranty
The WEN 56200i generator is backed by a 2-year warranty. If you encounter any problems, contact the consumer helpline or their extended service network.
Click here to VIEW the WEN 56200i manual.
Specifications
- Size: 18” x 11” x 18”
- Weight: 48 lbs
- Engine: 4-stroke, 79.7 cc OHV engine
- Maximum output: 2000 watts
- Running output: 1600 watts
- Low Oil Level Indicator: automatic low fuel shutdown
- Outlets: 5 volts USB port, 12 volts DC port, 2 – 3-prong 120 volt receptacles
- Technology: SIne wave for pure and safe power
- Compliance: EPA III and CARB compliant
- Warranty: 2-years
Pros
- The WEN 56200i generator provides clean and safe energy free of fluctuations – making it safe for the most delicate electronic devices, your computers, laptops, mobiles, tablets, etc.
- Extra quiet operation
- Great for outdoor use – camping, tailgating, construction sites, etc.
- Portable and lightweight. Take it along with you without any hassle.
- Remarkable fuel efficiency.
- Outstanding customer service
Cons
- Some users found it inconvenient to pour oil into the generator
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 50 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dB operation
- EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
- Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
- Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers
WEN 56200i vs Honda EU2200i
WEN 56200i Generator
- Warranty: 2-years
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Noice Level: At ¼ load – 51 dB
Honda EU2200i Generator
- Warranty: 3-years
- Weight: 45.6 pounds
- Noise Level: At ¼ load – 53 dB
Let me tell you something about Honda. The company is famous for manufacturing many of the best engines in the world.
Fun Fact: Honda has been manufacturing generators for as long as they have been making cars.
It is a remarkable high-quality generator. The workhorse of alternators. It is a Honda after all!
The Honda EU2200i comes with a huge 98.5 cc engine. The output of this alternator will easily handle loads of over 1000 watts.
This generator will comfortably handle 1600 watts of continuous load and 2000 watts of surge load, giving you the peace of mind that a heavier start-up load will not harm it or your equipment.
Runtime: the Honda EU2200i can operate up to 8.1 hours at 25% load capacity. At full load, you can expect it to run up to 3.4 hours on 1 gallon (45 lbs) of fuel.
Another cool feature is the Eco-Throttle. This handy tool will regulate the engine speed depending on the load, maximizing the fuel efficiency of the inverter.
Keep in mind that you may need to use a 120v charger as the 12v DC output of this alternator is not regulated.
Pairing the Honda EU2200i is easy. All you need is the separate adapter. Pairing it with another generator will obviously increase the output, giving you more power when needed.
The Honda EU2200i is a silent worker producing around 53 dB of sound when operating in economy mode and around 59 dB at full output. Yes, it is a bit noisier than the WEN 56200i generator.
The user-friendly, lightweight Honda EU 2200i, weighing only 45 lbs has is ergonomically designed and comes with a handy-dandy handle making it easy to carry around.
The fact of the matter is that the Honda EU2200i is probably the lightest portable generator around at this time.
Everyone who has driven a car knows that Honda has a sturdy build and solid reputation of all its parts, especially the engine. This is in addition to the 3-year warranty that comes standard.
To keep your mind at peace, you will have access to an extensive network of service centers when you need them. That is, in case you need to repair the Honda EU2200i or find spare parts. Good to know especially when you are on the road in your RV, and/or camping outdoors – even in remote parts of our beautiful country.
Yes, the Honda EU2200i is an expensive piece of equipment. But it is one of the top-sellers as far as generators go. For the price of one Honda EU2200i, you can get a couple of WEN 56200i generator.
Performance
From the performance perspective, the WEN 56200i generator and the Honda EU 2200i generator are similar. 1600 watt of continuous output and 2000 watt surge output.
Both the generators can be attached in parallel to another for increased power output.
The WEN 56200i generator is more flexible than it’s counterpart the Honda EU2200i; it has a number of power output options – two 12v DC ports, 12v AC ports and a 5v USB port. Also, the power produced by the WEN 56200i is clean – no surges – keeping your delicate electronics, cell phones, computer, laptops, etc., safe.
The Honda EU 2200i has a longer runtime, compared to the 6 hours at 25% load capacity of the WEN 56200i generator. The WEN 56200i generator has a smaller engine, making it more fuel efficient.
The WEN 56200i come with a standard eco mode. Keep in mind that it will not handle any load above 1000 watts in eco, and will revert to standard mode if the load exceeds 1000 watts.
Comparing the noise output; the WEN 56200i gives out 51 dB of sound, while the Honda EU 2200i produces 55 dB at 25% load capacity. Depends on the distance of the generator from where you are and your neighbor’s tolerance, this is something to keep in mind.
Even though the WEN 56200i is ergonomically designed, it weighs a couple of pounds (48 Ibs) more than the Honda EU2200i (45.6 lbs).
Honda comes with a standard 3-year warranty as compared to the 2-year one for the WEN.
With the WEN you may have to haul it to the nearest service center when needed. As for Honda, well you know, there is a huge network of service centers all over the country.
Price
The WEN 56200i is much much cheaper than the Honda EU 2200i. Keep in mind that the WEN 56200i is an exceptionally reliable generator with all the bells and whistles. It can safely rival the more pricey models in the same class.
Let’s quickly review what customers are saying about the WEN 56200i and the ratings they are given it.
Most of the people who have invested in the WEN 56200i are happy campers. They are satisfied with the quality of the product. They even mention that starting it is easy even in cold weather.
The WEN 56200i starts up without any issues even after a full year of not being used.
Satisfied customers give it a high rating for the quality of its silent performance. It works quietly in the background without making much noise. A happy user claims that you will not hear the generator if you are 50 feet away.
Almost all consumers – according to what you can read online – are satisfied with WEN 56200i’s clean power, flexibility, and performance.
The user manual has easy to follow instructions. Along with that, many customers are happy to state that the WEN 56200i is easy to use.
The price is a factor satisfying the needs of many owners. You can get two WEN 56200i’s for the price of one Honda or Yamaha counterparts.
A couple of potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
The WEN 56200i does not come with an oil level indicator. If it had one, it would be useful.
Some reviews say that it is difficult to remove the side panels for regular maintenance, and the plastic panels appear to be delicate.
The eco-mode of the WEN 56200i works below 1000 watts only.
Here is a summary of what some bloggers and pro-reviewer are saying about the WEN 56200i
One YouTube review of the WEN 56200i states that this generator is a great buy, especially when you want to go camping in the boondocks. It will run all your appliances throughout the night – air conditioner, fridge, cell phones, laptops – all one just one tank of gas, just 1 gallon. All for around $2.50 a day.
One user states that not only is the generator super quiet, it is also fuel-efficient provided it is under 1000 watts. They mention that the WEN 56200i makes less noise than a lawnmower!
Another pleased user says that the WEN 56200i is a wonderful buy to use on a sailboat. Even after being exposed to the harsh elements of sea and sun, there is no wear or corrosion.
Overall, the reviews favor going ahead purchasing the WEN 56200i for camping, boondocking, sail boating.
Verdict: Should you get the WEN 56200i?
Overall, the WEN 56200i gets hats off as an excellent generator and value for your money. It has useful features as the handy 5v USB charger. Yes, the shorter run-time and lower power can be an issue only you want to use it for extended periods of time.
On the other hand, the Honda EU 2200i is popular because of its name and network of service centers. But, it is twice as expensive as the WEN 56200i.
If you are on a budget, then go ahead and get the WEN 56200i for yourself. You will be happy that it is a solid buy at a cheaper price. The bottom line is that it will not dent your savings.
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 50 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dB operation
- EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
- Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
- Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers