Portable recreational generators continue to grow in popularity. With the advancement in technology, these small-sized generators now have features like inverters, parallel connections, and improved engines that provide cleaner power with little or no noise.
Like most portable generators, the Wen and Generator generator models are great power options at construction sites, campgrounds, tailgates, and RVs. They also come in handy as an emergency power source in the event of power failure. This article compares the WEN vs Generac generator, highlighting their unique qualities, similarities, and distinguishing features.
Since Nick Anton founded the company in 1951, WEN has consistently played in the engineering design and distribution market. WEN products are affordable, with the latest technology. WEN has a wide range of products, from electric jigsaws to wheel sharpeners to electric soldering guns and, more recently, inverter generators.
WEN is headquartered in West Dundee, Illinois. They are the producers of several generator models, including the WEN GN400i, WEN 56380i, WEN 56225i, WEN 56203i, etc.
The WEN generator catalog is classified into dual-fuel, carbon monoxide sensor, and inverter generators, although most of their products come with a combination of these features.
Generac was founded by Robert D. Kern, who, in 1959, began the design and manufacturing of generators. Today, Generac boasts a wide range of power products. The company has a broad catalog of generators divided into commercial, industrial, residential, and portable with matching specifications.
An example of Generac’s portable generators is the Generac IQ3500 model, which comes with advanced inverter technology and is a great option for various energy needs. You can read a Generac IQ3500 Review if you want a portable generator with advanced features.
These two generator brands boast a wide catalog of power products. WEN’s line of portable generators includes the WEN 56235i, WEN 56380i, the super-quiet 562031, etc.
The Generac portable generator series includes the IQ3500, the Generac XD series, Generac RS, and the Generac GP series. After analyzing a broad range of products, we compiled this list of the best WEN generators for you. In one of our reviews, we analyzed the WEN 56380i; you can read our WEN 56380i Review if you are looking for a higher output wattage portable generator.
These two generator brands, Firman vs. Predator generators, are recreational inverter-powered generators. For this reason, the two generators are built with portability in mind and are best suited to provide power on campsites or while RVing on the plains.
The portable generator market is a wide field. If you are interested in knowing more about other generators to use as alternative energy sources, check out this review of Predator vs. Honda generators.
| Wen 56380i | Generac IQ3500 | ||
| Type | inverter | inverter | |
| Peak watts | 3800W | 3500W | |
| Rated watts | 3400W | 3000W | |
| Fuel consumption | 8.5 hours runtime at 50% load | 9 hours runtime at 50% load; 14 hours at 25% load | |
| Engine | 4-Stroke OHV | 4-Stroke OHV | |
| Displacement | 212cc | 212cc | |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 in. | 23.7 x 18 x 21.7 inches | |
| Weight | 99.2 lbs. | 109.1 lbs. | |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | |
| VIEW ON AMAZON | VIEW ON AMAZON |
The two generators: Wen 56380i and Generac IQ3500, both run on a 212cc OHV 4-stroke OHV Engine. While the Wen has a running wattage of 3400W, its Generac counterpart has a running watt of 3000W.
At 50 percent load, the Wen 56380i runs for 8.5 hours. On the other hand, the Generac has a runtime of 9 hours at 25 percent load.
While the Wen 56380i has a slight edge over the Generac in terms of power output, both generators are reliable options for powering most RV and home electronics.
The Wen 56380i has a THD of less than 1.2%, which guarantees the safety of your electronics from accelerated wear.
Like most recreational generator models, the manufacturers of the Wen 56380i and the Generac IQ3500 prioritized noise consideration.
The Wen 56380i and the Generac IQ3500 run on a 212cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine, operating at an extremely quiet 57 decibels at 25% load.
The two generators are also well insulated, which helps to reduce engine noise. This makes both models the ideal power source for your RV, tailgating, or camping needs.
You will not have to worry about minimum noise levels since the noise emanating from the generators falls below standard in most areas.
The Wen and Generac generator manufacturers paid great attention to product aesthetics. They are both designed in the brand’s trademark colors of orange and black.
As recreational generators, the two generators were designed portable to make transportation convenient.
The Wen 56380i and the Generac IQ3500 models have all their major touch points comprising DC outlets, digital displays, switches, and inlets on one side of the machine for ease of use.
The Wen 56380i weighs less at 99.2 lbs, having the same weight as the Predator 3500. The heavier of the pair, the Generac IQ3500, weighs 109.1 lbs, which makes the Wen 56380i the winner in the weight comparison.
Regarding size, the Wen 56380i and the Generac IQ3500 are almost identical, with dimensions of 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches and 23.7 x 18 x 21.7 inches, respectively.
The two generators come with an electric and pull start.
The Wen 56380i and the Generac IQ3500 come with USB ports for charging. The Wen 56380i has two (2) 5V USB ports, while the Generac has one. They both have 3 DC outlets of varying specifications and designs.
The Wen’s digital meter is ideal for monitoring fuel consumption, voltage level, power output, and runtime. The Generac IQ3500’s easy-to-read digital LCD display indicates generator status, remaining runtime, wattage, and fuel level.
They also both have a fuel shut-off feature when the gasoline goes down.
The Wen and Generac generators have parallel operation features for voltage sharing between two generators. This feature is important on days when you need more power output.
Also, the two generators are well insulated to prevent electrical shock, making them great options in harsh weather. The Generac is insulated with plastic and a durable steel enclosure.
Wen 56380i – is cheaper, costing as low as $800 on the manufacturer’s site Trusted Source WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator — WEN Products Extremely quiet operation minimizes noise; EPA III and CARB Compliant 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down Produces clean wenproducts.com .
Generac IQ3500 – is more expensive, costing about $1,200 on Amazon.
| WEN 56200i | Generac 7117 GP2200I | ||
| Type | inverter | inverter | |
| Peak watts | 2000W | 2200W | |
| Rated watts | 1600W | 1700W | |
| Fuel consumption | 9.4 hours runtime at 25% load | 10.75 hours runtime at 25% load | |
| Engine | 4 Stroke OHV | 4 Stroke OHV | |
| Displacement | 79.7cc | 80cc | |
| Dimensions | 18 x 11 x 18 in. | 19.7 x 11.4 x 17.9 in. | |
| Weight | 48 lbs. | 46.6 lbs. | |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2-year limited residential; 1-year limited commercial | |
| VIEW ON AMAZON | VIEW ON AMAZON |
The Wen 562001 and Generac GP2200I generators are powered by the 4-Stroke OHV Engine. The only difference in this regard is the size of each engine. The Wen 562001 has an engine size of 79.7cc while the engine of its Generac pair is 80cc.
On power output, the Generac GP2200I has a running wattage of 1700W, while the Wen 562001 follows closely with a power output of 1600W.
With a tank volume of 1.2 gallons, the Generac GP2200I has a runtime of 10.75 hours at 25 percent load, while the Wen 562001 runs for 9.4 hours at 25 percent load.
The Wen product has a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) rate of under 1.2% at full load, while the Generac GP2200I has a THD of less than 3% at full load.
Like most recreational generator models, the manufacturers of the Wen 56380i and the Generac IQ3500 prioritized noise consideration.
The Wen 56380i and the Generac IQ3500 run on a 212cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine, operating at an extremely quiet 57 decibels at 25% load.
The two generators are also well insulated, which helps to reduce engine noise. This makes both models the ideal power source for your RV, tailgating, or camping needs.
You will not have to worry about minimum noise levels since the noise emanating from the generators falls below standard in most areas.
The Wen 56380i has a dimension of 18 x 11 x 18 inches, while the Generac IQ3500 has a dimension of 19.7 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches. On weight. The Generac weighs less at 46.6 pounds, while the Wen weighs 48 lbs.
The two generators are portable, with easy-to-carry handles.
The Wen generator has an eco-mode option. When turned on, the engine automatically adjusts fuel consumption to minimize carbon emissions.
The WEN 562001 comes with the WEN Parallel Kit, while the Generac GP2200I generator comes with the GP2200I Parallel Kit. These features come in handy when you want to.
When properly done, a parallel connection can help augment your power output.
The Wen 562001 comes with one 5-volt USB port and three DC outlets. The Generac also has one USB port for charging.
Both generator models have low-fuel and low-oil indicator, which signals when the gas or oil is low to prevent engine wear. They are also both CARB-compliant Trusted Source CARB Regulations Allow for the Use of Back-Up Generators during a Public Safety Power Shutoff | California Air Resources Board Your electric utility may shut your power off to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire during high fire risk weather conditions. During these Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), you may want to meet your electricity needs by using a back-up generator. However, back-up generator exhaust contributes to air pollution. ww2.arb.ca.gov .
With regards to warranty, while they both promise a 2-year warranty, the Generac GP2200I’s warranty is more limited.
Wen 562001 – is the cheaper option costing as low as $431.71 on the manufacturer’s website.
Generac 7117 GP2200I – is more expensive, costing about $550 on the manufacturer’s website..
When it comes to making a generator decision, a couple of factors have to be considered. Portability, cost, unique features, runtime, and power output, are important considerations. This article compared the WEN vs Generac generator brands to provide you with an objective review of the portable generator manufacturers’ products
While both brands paid great attention, the WEN models are more portable weighing lesser than their Generac counterparts. The Generac generators however offer more in terms of power output and engine runtime. In the end, your decision will depend on your budget and specific need.
