--- Best Choice ---
Westinghouse iGen4500 - Best-Rated

Comparsion Table
Model | Start/Run Wattage | Noise Level | Inverter | Start Type | Editor’s Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Westinghouse iGen4500 Check Price |
4500/3700 | 52 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start, Remote Start | 8.7 | |
Westinghouse iGen2200 Check Price |
2200/1800 | 52 dBA | Recoil Start | 8.8 | |
WEN 56380i Check Price |
3800/3400 | 57 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start | 9.0 | |
Champion 200988 Check Price |
4500/3500 | 61 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start | 8.9 | |
Honda EU3000IS Check Price |
3000/2800 | 50 dBA | Electric Start, Recoil Start | 8.6 | |
WEN 56235i Check Price |
2350/1900 | 51 dBA | Recoil Start | 8.7 |
#1. Westinghouse iGen4500 3,700 Rated Watts with Remote Start
Are you looking for a super quiet generator? Look no more Westinghouse iGen4500 is a noise-free solution to your power needs in emergencies as well as outdoor activities. You can take it along anywhere you may require additional power. It can generate 4500 peak watts and 3700 running watts, which is a considerable amount to fulfill all kinds of power requirements, making it the perfect solution for backup power in case of power outages.
What Appliances Can Be Connected?
This generator can power the following common applications (not all applications can be powered simultaneously):
- Incandescent Lights
- Refrigerator/Freezer (900 watts)
- Electric kettle (2,000 watts)
- Coffee Maker (1,200 watts)
- Toaster (1,000 watts)
- Induction Hob (2,000 watts)
- Microwave Oven (1,200 watts)
- Air Conditioner (2,500 watts)
- Space Heater (2,000 watts)
- Sump Pump or Water Pump (1,000 watts)
- TV, Laptop, Game Console, Desktop Computer, Home Sound System, Projector
- Tablets and Mobile Devices
- and more…
This generator has two 20-amp regular house receptacles (NEMA 5-20R). It has a 30-amp RV plug (NEMA TT-30R) already installed, as well as a handy USB socket for charging portable electronics such as cell phones and laptops.
The Westinghouse Inverter Generator comes with an enclosed motor, which produces only 52-55 decibels (according to the manufacturer) of sound. It enables it to power your home without creating a lot of noise.
Noise test
Load | Distance | ECO MODE | Noise level |
---|---|---|---|
Idle speed | 23 ft. | off | 58 dBA |
1 ft. | on | 79.5 dBA | |
23 ft. | on | 56 dBA | |
1/5 load (750 watts) | 23 ft. | on | 60 dBA |
1/2 load (1750 watts) | 23 ft. | on | 61 dBA |
Full load | 23 ft. | off | 72 dBA |
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is portable. It has two lifting handles, and it also has this one that comes out the front and two wheels, so this generator is easily carried and moved around once I take it off of the rack.
What is in the Package?
Included: engine oil, oil funnel, spark plug wrench, battery float charger, remote control, wheel kit, manual and warranty card. The generator is shipped without gasoline.
Best features of the Westinghouse iGen4500
Remote Start: this unit can be operated by a key fob, adding to the convenience of starting this generator from some distance away. It's very nice to be able to lay in bed in a campground where you have to shut your generators off at night to be able in the morning when quiet hours are over to start this generator without even getting up.
Clean power: our home electronic safety is paramount; this generator produces clean power with less than 3% distortion.
The item weighs 98 pounds fresh from the box, making it one of the most lightweight generators going for its output capacity.
Durable engine: it designed to shut down when the level of oil is too low and when there is overload this prevents the generator from damage which eventually increases longevity.
It's easy to combine a generator like this with another generator to get even more power and more output.
Another feature of this inverter generator is the «EFFICIENCY-MODE» mechanism that enables it to have a super-efficient operation (18 hours of run time on 3.4 gallons worth of fuel at 1/4-load and 15 hours at 1/2 load).
One of the nicest features of this generator is that it has a meter that tells me how much power I'm using, how much fuel is on board, what my output voltage is and how many hours I have remaining based on the current load of this generator. So how long it will run on the fuel that's in it.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 4500
- Running Wattage: 3700
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 52 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start, Remote Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- High level of output
- Has the facility to control with remote control and button
- It is quieter when compared to many generators of this class
- Good fuel efficiency
- RV Ready
- Feature two USB outlets
- Parallel Compatibility
- Comes with a digital display
- Lightweight for its kind (98 pounds)
- Circuit breaker protection & Low Oil Shutdown
- Having Wheels to Move
Cons
- The material used to build this generator is not of high quality, therefore breaks easily
- The included spark plug is not very good
- Westinghouse customer service leaves a lot to be desired
- Some generators have choke problems
#2. Westinghouse iGen2200 Gasoline Generator with CARB
Westinghouse generators are a reliable brand renowned for their contribution towards the improvement of people’s lives with efficient power supply and Westinghouse iGen 2200 is not an exception. This thing has 1800 running watts, 2200 peak. It runs very quietly. They advertise 52 decibels. 60 decibels is a conversation at three feet. You should be able to talk to somebody else, standing a few feet from this thing, and not have to raise your voice.
My Noise Test
- Idle speed, 0 ft., eco mode on: 80 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 56 dBA
- Full load, 0 ft., eco mode off, 92 dBA
- Full load, 23 ft., eco mode off, 69 dBA
- Full load, 50 ft., eco mode off, 61 dBA
It's lightweight. It only weighs about 46 pounds, so I can throw it on a shelf or even drag it up into the attic if I want to get it out of the way.
Now, this generator doesn't have any of the fancy features. You'll find generators in this segment that have app control, that has remote start, that has fuel gauges, that kind of thing. It is somewhat of a bare-bones model. But at that price, it's hard to beat. Most generators in this segment are in like the $450 to $500 range, sometimes stretching up to $600, $700. Finding this guy for $380 is kind of a steal.
What is in the Package?
Included: engine oil, oil funnel, spark plug wrench, manual and warranty card. The generator is shipped without gasoline.
The generator is a bold blue color with a removable panel on the right side for maintenance access. There's a small exhaust hole on the back and a pull starter on the left side. On the top, you'll find the fuel fill nozzle and cap that is surrounded by a rubberized drip catcher. Further back, there's an access panel for maintaining the spark plug. The control panel has three status LEDs in the top left for oil level, overload, and ready light.
The large knob sets the generator to running or choke settings for a startup. There are two USB ports for charging devices as well as two 120-volt standard AC plugs (NEMA 5-20R). In the middle, there's a parallel connection port. Inverter generators can synchronize their output waveform, so you can combine two similar generators and provide double the wattage.
Near the bottom, you have a switch for efficiency mode, which will use less fuel and create less noise when power requirements are low. There's a breaker switch to protect against faults in the line, as well as a reset button to re-enable power output after an overload. Finally, there's the ground lug to provide a path to ground for three-prong plugs.
This powerful generator is pocket-friendly, highly fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain due to its ability to run for up to 12 hours with a 1.2 gas gallon tank at 25% overload. It is easy to start with just a single cord pull, making it stress-free to operate.
This portable device delivers outstanding performances in emergencies like harsh weather, power outage, etc., and you can reliably operate it overnight without any fear of a power surge.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 2200
- Running Wattage: 1800
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 52 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Small and light in weight, making it easy to move around
- Easy to install and operate
- It is quieter when compared to many generators of this class
- Parallel Compatibility
- Extremely fuel-efficient and neighborhood friendly, thanks to its ultra-quietness
- Overload prevention and low oil shut-off feature that helps protect the circuit
- Feature two USB outlets that allow you to plug in electronic appliances like smartphones, tablets, etc.
- Come with a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support
Cons
- No electric start
- Lack a fuel gauge
- Increase in noise level when running at a full load
- Westinghouse customer service leaves a lot to be desired
- Poor quality control
#3. WEN 56380i Gasoline Inverter Generator with Electric Start
The WEN 56380i is made with an extremely reliable four-stroke 212cc engine. This engine is an OHV with a single cylinder that is air-cooled. You can expect 3,800 watts of surge power and 3,400 watts of continuous rated power. This kind of power allows you to run your power tools, microwave oven, air conditioner, heater, and full-size refrigerator (not at the same time). This is perfect for RV enthusiasts and sailors of the deep blue.
This generator is great for RV, construction sites, power outages, home backup, camping, food truck, boat, fishing, and hunting. I used the WEN 56380i to power the air conditioner 15,000 BTU (2000 watts), lighting (150 watts), refrigerator (600 watts), TV (150 watts), and phone charger, all at the same time.
It weighs 99-pounds wet making it on the heavy side. It has two handles on either side for two people to carry it. And it also comes with a nice handle so you could wheel it around with a couple of small plastic wheels, better than some that I've seen on the market.
What is in the Package?
Included: small tool kit (screwdriver, spark plug wrench, and 2 combination wrenches) funnel cup, funnel tube, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil and gasoline.
The easy-to-understand control panel has a low-oil lamp and an overload alarm. This is an electric start model, so you don't have to worry about cranking it.
The 56380i, like most inverter generators, comes with the standard 12V DC output with an independent circuit protector. It also provides two 20-amp 120V AC outlets and a 3-prong RV Ready TT-30R outlet. There is a circuit breaker that will shut the power off in the event of an overload. This is good for saving your appliances and electronics.
The ECO-MODE technology helps it conserve energy while keeping the noise level to about 57 dBA. That is pretty good for such a powerful machine. It is EPA and CARB compliant as well.
My Noise Test
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode off: 71 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 59 dBA
One cool feature of this generator is that you can connect two of them together to double your wattage. This is a 3,800-watt generator. So, by connecting two of them, you should be able to get 7,600 Watts.
Other features:
- Its 2.2-gallon gas tank is capable of running the generator for about 8.5 hours at half load.
- The generator is equipped with two USB ports (1-amp and 2.1-amp).
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 3800
- Running Wattage: 3400
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 57 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Electric start
- RV ready
- Feature two USB outlets
- Digital Display (comsumption, output, voltage, frequency, runtime)
- Very quiet
- Fuel-efficient engine
- Easy to maintain
- Wheel kit
- Good design
- Parallel Compatibility
- ECO mode - maximizes fuel ecomomy
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- Small plastic wheels
- Customer service complaints
- Flimsy build spark plug to
#4. Champion 200988 - Quiet 4,500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Introducing the New Champion Dual Fuel Generator, model 200988. This one's an enclosed inverter generator with an electric start. It's 4,500 watts starting (up to 37.5 Amps) and then 3,500 running watts (up to 26.3 Amps). It's got the Champion branded engine (model R210N-VP, four-stroke, 212cc). Run-on regular unleaded gasoline (I always run 91 non-oxy) or propane.
Note that when operating on propane, the running power is 3,150 watts.
What is in the Package?
Included: engine oil, USB adapter, spark plug wrench, propane (LPG) hose (8 ft.), oil funnel, screwdriver, combination wrench, wheel kit, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without gasoline and propane.
This inverter generator can run up to 14 hours on a full tank of gas (2.3 gal.) and up to 21 hours on a 20-pound propane tank at 1/4 load. The noise level is 61 decibels, which is quite a bit quieter than open frame models. My primary use for this one is for camping. So even the difference of about five or six decibels can be pretty significant, especially when you're out in the woods or you're somewhere where you might have some neighbors camping not too far from you.
My Noise Test
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 59 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode off: 62.5 dBA
- Full load, 23 ft., eco mode off: 72 dBA
Of course, for camping, portability is a big issue. And I'm already a little bit concerned at the 103-pound weight of this thing. But I don't think you can get a 4,500 watt or 3,500-watt generator that weighs much less than 100 pounds. So I'm going to have to just deal with it, and I'm sure that that won't be a problem.
This unit is great for RV, events, camping, tailgate, construction site, power outage, food truck, and home backup. I used the Champion 200988 to power the Refrigerator (700 watts), Space Heater (1,500 watts), Pressure Cooker (800 watts), Home Security System (15 watts), TV (150 watts), Set Top Box (20 watts), laptop charger (70 watts) and Wi-Fi router (15 watts), all at the same time.
Also, at the front of the generator, you have this flip-up carry handle. It's got an aluminum handle, not just plastic. This thing wheels around very easily, and it's super easy to do one-handed. There are all also two handles on the top here. These are powder coated. They just feel super robust.
It comes with:
- Two NEMA 5-20R Duplex Outlets
- One NEMA TT-30R RV Outlet
- One 12-volt DC Outlet
- One Parallel Port
Verified Customer Review
I bought this portable generator specifically to use with the camper. And I went with the dual fuel because I liked the idea of not hauling around raw gas. If we take a long trip, I don't want to have a container with gasoline sloshing around in the back of the truck. So I think that if I throw a couple of bottles of propane in the back, it'll transport easily. I like the idea of running it on propane because it doesn't spoil. So that's why I bought this model.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 4500
- Running Wattage: 3500
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 61 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline, Propane
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Dual fuel (gasoline & propane)
- Fuel efficient engine
- Electric start
- Small size for a 4500 Watt generator
- Parallel Ready
- Very simple and easy to prep for use
- Wheel kit
- RV ready outlet
- AC and DC outlets
- Included: oil, USB adapter, funnel, spark plug wrench, propane hose, screwdriver
- Very quiet for its size
Cons
- Decent weight (103 lbs)
- Small plastic wheels
- Poor quality control
#5. Honda EU3000IS 3,000 Watt Inverter Generator - Customer Choice
This inverter generator has the longest run time so far at an amazing 20-hours on a full tank of gasoline. And just like the others on this list, it delivers clean energy continually thanks to its inverter technology. This means running your computer and other sensitive electronics on it is okay.
What is in the Package?
Included: generator, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil, gasoline, wrenches, and screwdrivers.
The easy-to-understand control panel has a low-oil lamp and an overload alarm. This is an electric start model, so you don't have to worry about cranking it. It has a parallel outlet so you can run it parallel to another unit.
Features:
- With 2800 Running Watts/3000 Starting Watts, it powers fridges, freezers, microwaves, fans, lights, TVs, and other home appliances.
- The Honda Inverter Generator comes with an enclosed motor, which produces only 49-57 decibels of sound. It enables it to power your home without creating a lot of noise.
- It runs 19.6 hours using a single tank, which ensures you save on your fuel costs.
- The model comes with two 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) household outlets, and 120V 30A (NEMA L5-30R) RV-ready outlet.
- It has an overhead valve engine which produces reliable and consistent power.
- Another feature of this inverter generator is the Eco-Throttle mechanism that enables it to have a super-efficient operation.
- A generous warranty: this model comes with a 3-year limited warranty that will protect your investment.
- It’s compact and portable, which means it is ideal for outdoor events such as camping.
Noise Test
- Idle speed, 10 ft., eco mode on: 66 dBA
- Idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on: 59 dBA
- Idle speed, 30 ft., eco mode on: 55 dBA
- Idle speed, 40 ft., eco mode on: 54 dBA
- Full load, 40 ft., eco mode on: 56 dBA
It weighs 130.7-pounds wet making it on the heavy side. It has two handles on either side for two people to carry it. It doesn't come with wheels as standard. Instead, you have to buy them as a separate kit.
The generator will automatically shut off if it's not in a well-ventilated area, and the CO2 concentration may be dangerous. An advanced carbon monoxide detection system, CO-MINDER, is responsible for this.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 3000
- Running Wattage: 2800
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 50 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Electric Start, Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Electric start
- High run time
- Clean power
- Provides 2,800 watts continuously and can surge up to 3,000 watts
- Quiet for its power
- Parallel compatibility
- CO-MINDER (continuously monitors carbon monoxide levels)
- It keeps run robust and last long time
- EPA and CARB compliant
Cons
- Heavy (130lbs)
- Lacks wheels this reduces the comfort of mobility
- One of the most expensive models on the market
- The narrow curved oil spout makes adding oil difficult
- No remote start
#6. WEN 56235i 1900 Rated Watts Lightweight & Portable Generator
So, this is the WEN 56235i. The “i” stands for the inverter. It produces 2,350 starting watts and 1,900 running watts. This gasoline generator is easy to carry and very compact. If weight or space is an issue, then a generator like this one is for you.
What is in the Package?
Included: spark plug wrench, screwdriver, combination wrench (8mm & 10mm), oil funnel, manual, warranty card. The generator is shipped without oil and gasoline.
The best features of this generator are its 39-pound weight and operating noise. The noise level is rated at 51 dB at 23 feet away. My noise test: idle speed, 23 ft., eco mode on - 52.5 dBA.
This inverter generator can run up to 10.5 hours at 1/4 load (500 watts) and up to 5.7 hours at 1/2 load (1000 watts). And speaking of throttle, you've got some throttle control with ECO switch. When you put the eco switch on, what that does is the generator drops down to only create as much energy as you need.
The WEN 56235i has two 120V/20-amp (NEMA 5-20R) outlets that are capable of powering single-phase 60 Hz loads. It also includes one 12V/8.3-amp DC outlet for charging batteries. Its USB ports allow you to charge many of the popular devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Great for camping, tailgate, hunting, power outage, construction site, boat, party, fishing, and recreation. I used the WEN 56235i to power lights (100 watts), furnace fan (75 watts), water pump (80 watts), electric blanket (200 watts), microwave (900 watts), TV (150 watts), game console (200 watts), and a mini-fridge (100 watts), all at the same time.
The only thing I can't run with this generator is my air conditioner, which starts at about 3,000 Watts and runs at about 2000 Watts. For most of the time, this generator is going to cover my camping needs.
Now let's say I went camping someplace hotter. We have deserts in the Southern part of our state, and I very much might want to run my air conditioner in those where it can get up to 115 degrees. If you get a generator like this, it's relatively inexpensive to scale up. So what you do is you pick up the second one of these, and at the cost of being $400 per generator for this jet, it's very affordable. You get a second one, now you're up to $800 and what they call a parallel connection kit.
Expert Advice
As far as the advice I can give anybody with a generator, definitely follow the manual. Don't just buy and say, "Yeah, this will be ready whenever wintertime comes or when the storm comes, I'll know it's going to work". It may not. So make sure you run your generator the way it's supposed to, according to the manual. On this one, I must run this thing once a month for 30 minutes.
Also, when you first buy it, you will run it for 16-20 hours to make sure it will be reliable and there for you.
Specifications
- Starting Wattage: 2350
- Running Wattage: 1900
- RV Ready Outlet: Yes
- Noise Level from 23 ft.: 51 dBA
- Inverter: yes
- Start Type:  Recoil Start
- Fuel Type:  Gasoline
- CARB Compliant: yes
Our grades
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Parallel Compatibility
- Very lightweight and compact
- Relatively quiet operation
- Fuel efficient
- Economy Mode
- Great for powering tools and necessities
- Feature two USB outlets
- Able to charge batteries
Cons
- No electric start
- Poor customer service
- No ground wire included
- Eco mode does not work well at high loads
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