The super-quiet Wen 56200i s a portable inverter generator that produces sixteen hundred watts of clean energy. Obviously, one of the best parts about this generator is the fact that you won’t have to deal with voltage fluctuations and it doesn’t create a lot of noise like a regular generator does. In fact, it’s considered one of the quietest models on the market.
Our Verdict: While it’s definitely one of the quietest models of inverter generators on the market, it’s not the most powerful. The generator boasts a six-hour run time, but this only applies if the generator is kept at twenty-five percent load capacity. This means, if you need to use more appliances, bumping it up to fifty percent load capacity, you should only expect a run time of three to four hours. Bring it closer to the max load capacity and you’re looking at only a couple of hours of run time. This is the generator’s huge drawback, however, the generator still has plenty to offer the outdoor or RV enthusiast who’s shopping around for a dependable model. Check and to see if it’s still available…
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 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 Overview and Features
Wen is a popular manufacturer who has a reputation for producing reliable, budget-friendly generators with decent run times. Their latest model has plenty to offer in terms of power and extra features, and like their other top-selling models, it’s available at a reasonable price.
Specifications
- Inverter Generator Type: Portable
- Output: 1600 Running Watts / 2000 Peak Watts
- EPA/CARB: EPA III and CARB Compliant
- 120V Outlets: 2x 3-prong 120V Outputs
- USB Port: 1x 5v USB port
- 12V Output: 1x 12V DC (Car Lighter)
- Weight: 48 lbs.
- Dimensions: 18″ x 11″ x 18″
- Warranty: 2 Years
This model comes equipped with a four-stroke 79.7CC engine that’s incredibly quiet and produces fifty-one decibels of sound during operation, when at twenty-five percent load capacity. It comes in at fifty-five decibels when it’s at seventy-five percent load capacity.
Generally speaking, this model offers a decent performance, but doesn’t offer the type of power some buyers are looking for, especially if they have major appliances or large electronic devices to power such as a TV or stereo.
Noise Level
This generator is so quiet that the noise it creates can easily be compared to the volume level of a regular conversation. This type of silent operation makes the generator a great choice for outdoor use when hunting, boating, or camping. Like most models of generators, the noise the generator makes will get louder the more devices and appliances you hook up to it. However, many users have reported that even at fifty percent the generator remains much quieter than other competing models. The WEN 56200i remains incredibly quiet during operation when it’s kept at twenty-five percent load capacity.
Clean Energy
This model is also CARB and EPAIII compliant, so it produces environmentally friendly clean energy. The generator also limits the harmonic distortion to less than 0.3 % and replicates a pure sine wave. This makes the generator ideal for running delicate electronics including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more. Additionally, it also features an eco-mode. This mode allows the motor to automatically adjust fuel consumption as you unplug and plug in electronic devices and appliances. This helps to regulate fuel consumption while maximizing the unit’s fuel economy.
Run Time
Equipped with a one-gallon tank, the WEN 56200i offers a total of two hours of run time at full capacity. At fifty percent load, the generator provides two to three hours of run time.
This type of limited usage is the generator’s downfall. Campers and RV users who are in need of a generator that can be used throughout the night will be disappointed by this model’s performance, especially if they need a generator to run an air conditioner, refrigerator or television. If you find yourself in that camp, consider the Generac 7127 iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Quieter Than Honda, Orange/Black or a larger unit like our top RV-ready camp generator of choice.
If you simply need a generator to charge your sensitive electronics or to run a small appliance, then this generator is a great choice. But if you have high power needs, you should consider shopping around for a more powerful model or purchase an additional Wen generator and use the parallel operation option.
WEN 56200i Extras
This model comes with additional outlets including a USB port, allowing you to connect a variety of devices. It also comes equipped with a low-oil indicator light. For safety purposes, the generator has an automatic shutdown feature that switches the generator off when the sensor indicates a low fuel level. Overload protection is another great extra feature, which works to protect the generator from damage caused by surges.
Both of these safety features are designed to prevent serious damage from occurring, which can happen if you fail to closely monitor the generator when in use. If you plan on using your generator during the night, while you’re sleeping, then this is definitely a must-have feature and one that can prevent the generator from burning out.
Weight
Impressively lightweight, the generator weighs in at just forty-eight pounds, which makes it extremely portable. Of course, while considered much lighter than a standard gas-powered generator, carrying this model a long distance can be difficult, especially for smaller users.
Parallel Operation
This model is approved for parallel operation, via a connection kit. This means the generator can share the wattage with another WEN 56200i unit, so you can enjoy twice the power and twice the run time. Considering this generator only offers a six-hour run time when kept at twenty-five percent load capacity, the ability to hook up an additional generator can be the best option if you have plenty of devices to use and charge.
Warranty
The generator comes with a two-year product warranty against defects and issues with performance. Should you run into any problems, contact the consumer helpline for troubleshooting assistance.
Performance
In terms of performance, this model runs like a champ. It features sixteen hundred watts of continuous power, in addition to a two-thousand-watt surge output. What does the term surge output mean? Basically, the generator is capable of operating devices and appliances up to two thousand watts. However, the manufacturer only recommends operation up to sixteen hundred watts. This leaves four hundred watts of power to be used in the event of a power surge.
Power options on the WEN 56200i include one five-volt USB port, one twelve-volt DC port, and a pair of twelve-volt AC ports, making it much more flexible than its top competing model, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator.
In terms of power output, this generator produces clean power, without power surges. This protects all sensitive appliances and devices including computers, laptops, and smartphones.
However, compared to other models in this price range this generator has a six-hour runtime at just twenty-five percent load capacity. Additionally, it has a very small engine, which means when it comes to fuel usage, it’s not the most efficient on the market.
If not having a pull-start is an important feature, there are other small electric start generators worth considering.
The generator also comes equipped with the popular eco mode, however, this mode isn’t able to handle loads over one thousand watts and will switch back to standard mode should the generator reach that wattage limit.
As we mentioned earlier, in terms of noise, this model excels, producing only fifty-one decibels when it’s operating at twenty-five percent load capacity and fifty-five decibels when it’s at seventy-five percent load capacity.
It also features an ergonomic design, which makes it very portable and easy to haul around. Yet, at forty-eight pounds it’s slightly heavier than other models in this price range.
The two-year warranty is decent for the price. However, if you do run into any issues you’ll be required to send in the generator for repairs or the manufacturer will send the parts to you. Unfortunately, Wen doesn’t have many local service centers.
There were some issues with the side panels of the generator. For routine maintenance, the side panels must be removed. Many campers reported that these panels are made out of a flimsy plastic.
Pros
- Super-quiet during operation
- Provides safe, clean energy without fluctuations that can damage delicate electronics.
- Fuel efficient
- Portable and lightweight
- Two-year warranty
- Perfect for camping and RV use.
Cons
- Adding oil to the generator can be difficult
- Six-hour runtime at twenty-five percent load capacity
WEN 56200i Conclusion and Rating
Product Rating: 4.5/5
This model may not be the most powerful and it does have a shorter run time than other models you’ll find in this price range, but it also comes equipped with essential safety features, performs well when used correctly, and offers an overall solid performance.
The WEN 56200i offers some great basic features including a five-volt USB charger, however, the lower power output and mediocre performance can be an issue for users who are searching for a model that’s tough enough to handle charging and powering a variety of electronic devices simultaneously.
You can click here to check out our generator buyer’s guide, which includes top models that offer longer runtimes.
While this generator remains a popular choice among campers and RV enthusiasts, if you’re in need of a powerful generator that you can use all night long, you’ll need to keep searching.
All in all, if you’re on a tight budget, then this model is a fantastic buy. Solidly built and equipped with some great features, we gave this model a rating of four and a half out of five stars.