A generator providing around 2,000W may not be a complete solution for your home during an outage. They are, however, extremely popular. A compact generator, that can be carried like a suitcase is as versatile as it gets for portable power. This review takes a look at the best 2000W generators, offering great value for money.

For tailgating, camping, and basic power at home in an emergency, a 2,000 watt generator has numerous advantages. They are not particularly expensive and use very little gas. Weighing in the region of 50-pounds, with handles that make them easy to carry, it’s never a hassle to transport or use a generator of this size.

You obviously can’t provide all the power you need at home during an outage using a 2,000W generator. Nonetheless, you have enough electricity to supply your basic needs, even run a mid-sized refrigerator. For camping, the best 2000W generators are one of the most popular choices due to their fantastic portability.

Since inverter technology has become the norm for small portable generators, all of the best 2000W generators featured in this review make use of true sine wave digital inverters. This means that the power supplied to the AC outlets is constantly monitored by a computerized system that ensures you have a stable electrical supply.

When a generator is required to supply a high power demand, above 60% of its rated capacity, the alternator has a tough job adapting to changes in the electricity supply. As a result, the voltage and frequency fluctuate by as much as 25%. The deviation from normal voltage and frequency (120V, 60 Hz) is defined as Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

When you’re using a 2000W generator, you don’t have too many watts at your disposal. This means that the generator is usually running close to its maximum rated power output. Without an inverter to keep the THD within reasonable limits (± <3% THD), electronic equipment can be damaged over time. Even regular resistance appliances, like heating equipment, lights, and electric motors don’t function optimally when the THD is higher than it should be. This makes them less efficient and increases wear on these appliances, shortening their life.

If you’re serious about buying the best 2000W generator, an inverter is really important. Fortunately, this technology is not as expensive as it once was. There are now very reasonably priced 2000W inverter generators available. We are aware of the need for an affordable compact generator, so we’ve included a bunch of budget 2000W inverter generators in this review.

Good value for money requires a pragmatic analysis of what you’re getting. Cheap generators can be fraught with defects, poor materials, and lousy quality control, making them unreliable and not the best in terms of durability. We’ve taken the effort to do our research to find the best 2000W generators that offer genuine value for money. It’s a fine balance between affordability, practicality, and quality.

Best 2000W Portable Generators ǀ The Shortlist

After some careful deliberation, here is the list of 2000W generators chosen for this review.

  • Honda EB2200i – Proven Honda reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability.
  • Champion 2000W Dual Fuel Generator (100402) – Best dual Fuel 2000W generator.
  • Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart 2200W Inverter Generator – Good value, mid-priced 2000W generator.
  • Pulsar PG2300iS – Best Cheap 2000W generator.
  • WEN 56200i – Good value high-tech 2000W generator.

Honda EB2200i

Honda 2,200W inverter generators are the stuff of legend. Since Honda basically invented the concept of a compact portable generator back in 1953, it sort of makes sense that they are the go-to brand for reliable portable electricity. I guess the Honda EU2200i, which has now been rebranded as the Honda EU2200iTAG, is better known than the EB2200i that is being reviewed here. We should probably start by answering a question that many are asking right now: What is the difference between the Honda EU2200i  and the EB2200i.

Honda EU2200i vs EB2200i

There is very little difference between the Honda EU2200i (or EU2200iTAG) and the EB2200i. These are both quiet inverter generators with a peak output of 2,200W. The user panels are the only visual clue that these generators are not identical. You’ll notice that the Honda EB2200I is distinguished by the word “industrial”. This is the real difference.

In order to meet the requirements of contractors, the industrial Honda EB2200i is equipped with GFCI protection for the 120V AC outlets. This is a safety feature that will also be of benefit to the domestic user. It protects you from electrocution.

I should also mention that the 2021 upgrade to the Honda EU2200i, now named the EU2200iTAG, includes CO MINDER (carbon monoxide monitoring) and a Bluetooth app. While the Honda EB2200i shares the same CO MINDER technology, it does not have the advantage of Bluetooth connectivity. If you’re not sure what CO MINDER means it will be discussed in the Honda EB2200i review.

Honda EB2200i ǀ The Full Review

Honda 2000W generator review

Features:

  • Starting Watts: 2,200W; Running Watts: 1,800W
  • Honda GXR120 121cc engine
  • 95 gallons gas tank: 8.1 hour runtime (25% load); 3.2 hour runtime (100% load)
  • Digital inverter <3% THD
  • 48dBA at 25% load; 57dBA at 100% load
  • CO MINDER: Generator will shut off when carbon monoxide is dangerously high
  • OSHA compliant: GFCI protection for AC outlets
  • Weight: 47.4 LBS

Link to Amazon

Right, it’s time to get onto the comprehensive Honda EB2200i review in earnest. If you’ve already read the Honda EU2200iTAG review, you won’t find anything new in this review, apart from the differences mentioned above. For those who are not familiar with the original Honda 2000W inverter generator, you’re going to get the full lowdown right here.

As with any Honda generator, it’s the engine that really defines this machine as the best in its class. The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is probably the only 2000W generator that can compare in terms of diehard durability and fuel efficiency. The Yamaha generator is not quite as powerful, and is a little more expensive, but has some redeeming features that can make it more appealing than the Honda EB2200i. This will depend on what’s important to you.

For those who know power equipment engines, the Honda GXR120 needs no introduction. This is, in my opinion, the best compact lightweight engine ever. Most 2000W generators use an engine with a capacity of 80cc – 90cc, making this 121cc engine quite exceptional for a generator of this size. The extra power provided by a larger bore engine reduces engine wear. Basically, the Honda GXR120 does not have to work as hard to provide the requisite horsepower needed to supply the 1,800 watts of continuous power or 2,200W peak power that this generator delivers with ease.

Engine durability and reliability are not just because of the increased capacity. For over 40-years, Honda engineers have been tweaking and refining this workhorse to be as tough as nails, as reliable as a faithful Labrador, and as fuel-efficient as an engine can be. It is also one of the best engines when observing emission standards, being CARB and EPA III compliant.

One of the greatest testaments to the frugal nature of this lean engine has to come from comparing the 121cc engine to the smaller (±80cc) engines used for similar 2000W generators. One would think the larger capacity engine would be a thirsty beast. Yet the reality is quite opposite. Despite the relatively small gas tank, at just under a gallon (0.95 gal), the Honda EB2200i provides astonishing runtimes for such a small volume of fuel. At 25% load (450W), the Honda EB2200i will run for over 8-hours. At full capacity (1,800W), the runtime is also quite amazing – 3.2 hours.

Honda valve decompression technology is great, making it a breeze to start the EB2200i. Since you don’t have the luxury of an electric starter, the ease with which you can pull on the recoil handle will be greatly appreciated. A small choke lever is easily accessible and a dial below the recoil starter makes it just as simple to switch the engine and fuel supply on or off. Gaining access to the air filter, oil filler, and spark plug is just as convenient. A single screw allows you to remove a large panel at the side of the generator, providing plenty of space to perform maintenance tasks without any hassles.  

Another great accomplishment is the lowest noise for any portable generator. The beautifully designed engine, along with great sound insulation, make the Honda EB2200i whisper quiet. This can be as low as 48dBA (at 25% rated load). Even when the engine reaches maximum RPM to deliver full power, noise is restricted to 57dBA. Standing a few feet from the sublimely quiet Honda generator, you won’t have to raise your voice to hold a normal conversation. This is one of the reasons why Honda generators are amongst the best camping generators and just as great in a neighborhood where noise ordinances forbid the use of a portable gas generator.

The digital inverter is, in true Honda tradition, a formidable piece of technology. This is as reliable as the engine and ensures clean power for all your electronic equipment. Even when the generator is being pushed to the limit, THD will remain below 3%. Most of the time, it should remain below 1% THD. When peak power is required (up to 2,200W) this is almost instant with absolutely no noticeable power loss. When the economy mode is engaged, all inverter generators struggle to increase the watts when demand exceeds 25%. It is not recommended to use eco-mode unless your power demand remains below 25%. However, even in this demanding situation, the Honda inverter hardly misses a beat.

Since portability is one of the reasons why we buy a 2,000W generator, this is quite important. Again, the Honda EB2200i is about the best for lightweight design and easy transporting. It weighs only 47.4 LBS and is equipped with great handle, making it really easy to carry. The nifty little Honda generator can be loaded into the trunk of the smallest car and taken anywhere it may be needed. It’s great for tailgating.

The control panel is not crammed with a bunch of outlets or complicated display systems. It is, in fact, quite spartan. This can be said for most 2000W generators. The Honda EB2200i features a duplex 15A 125V outlet, with tough plastic covers protecting both AC receptacles. This model has the added benefit of OSHA compliant GFCI protection and, of course, a circuit breaker to prevent damage from overload or a short circuit. There are no other power outlets. Surprisingly, this is one of the few inverter generators that does have ports for parallel connection. This means you can’t connect a second generator to increase your power output.

Honda, like many generator manufacturers, has heeded the call from the Portable Generator Manufacturers Association (PGMA) to make their generators safer. While not mandatory, the PGMA has provided recommendations to mitigate the hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from the use of portable generators. In early 2021, most Honda inverter generators were upgraded to include CO MINDER technology, including the Honda EB2200i. This system alerts you when CO levels are approaching the danger point by sounding an alarm which you reset by pressing a button on the user panel. If this warning is not heeded, and the CO levels continue to increase, the generator will shut off automatically.

The industrial Honda EB2200i is part of the Honda 2000W inverter generator family and, despite the inclusion of GFCI protection, is the cheapest in the range. This is probably because this model does not have any of the fancy stuff that you’ll find on the range-topping EU22200iTAG model, like Bluetooth and parallel connection ports. It is, nonetheless, a thoroughbred Honda generator. This means the very best technology and robust build quality. It also means that you have the reassurance of their great service network and one of the best warranties in the business – 3-years for both residential and commercial use. From food trucks to recreational users, requiring a reliable generator for camping, tailgating, and emergency electricity, the Honda EB2200i has gained great recognition as one of the very best 2000W generators.

Champion 2000W Dual Fuel Generator (100402)

Champion dual fuel inverter generator

Features:

  • 2,000W starting power; 1,600W running power (gas). 1,800W starting power; 1,440W running power (propane).
  • 80cc Champion engine.
  • Digital inverter (<3% THD).
  • Digital Display: fuel level, output power, total runtime, fuel runtime.
  • Parallel connection kit (sold separately) with 30A RV outlet.
  • 53dBA noise level.
  • 11 hours runtime at 25% load (1.1 gallon gas tank).

Link to Amazon

Review:

It’s not easy finding a 2,000W dual fuel generator, the Champion 100402 is rare in this regard. While there are dual fuel conversion kits available for many popular generator models, Champion Power Equipment is probably the leader when it comes to off-the-shelf dual fuel generators. They have a vast selection of generators that afford you the ability to use either gasoline or propane as fuel.

The Champion 2,000W dual fuel inverter generator scraped its way into this review of the best 2,000W generators. With a fairly meager 2,000W starting capacity and 1,600W rated power, it is not as powerful as those that have closer to 2,000W running power. Of course, these are the power specifications when running on gas.

Propane never delivers the same power output as gas, typically around 10% less. This means that when you hook the Champion generator up to a propane tank, you’ll only get 1,440W continuous power, with a surge capacity of 1,800W. Fortunately, you can double the power output using the optional parallel kit and a second Champion 100402 generator. The parallel kit also has additional outlets, including a convenient 30A receptacle for quick RV connection, or a transfer switch supplying power directly to the electric panel in your home.

The 80cc Champion engine has proven to be a pretty reliable machine and is CARB, as well as EPA III compliant. While I find this to be a perfectly satisfactory engine, it’s not the robust, kill me if you can, type of machine produced by Honda, Yamaha, or CAT. This is a domestic grade generator and is priced accordingly. I think it’s fair to say that Champion Power Equipment has earned the right to call themselves truly good value generator manufacturers. Affordable, without being cheap and nasty. Though this also means they can’t fully compete with the big guns when it comes to many decades of dependability.

The guys at Champion have done a fantastic job improving fuel economy. I found previous generation Champion generators to be disappointingly thirsty. This little baby will run on the smell of a proverbial oil rag, providing a mighty impressive 11 hours runtime at 25% load from the 1.1 gallon gas tank. I’m guessing this fuel consumption spec requires the economy mode to be switched on, which reduces the engine RPM relative to load demand to reduce fuel consumption and noise levels.

Champion has recently upgraded the design of their inverter generators, with a refreshingly modern look and a really cool digital display. The new, slightly larger enclosure, has marginally improved the noise levels too. At 25% (using economy mode), the Champion 2,000W generator purrs at around 53dBA. No noise specs are provided for 100% load, though I doubt it would be much loader than about 56dBA – 58dBA. Definitely quieter than a speaking voice at 23-feet.

Technophiles will probably fall in love with the Champion 100402 user interface. It’s designed for absolute convenience, with a sophisticated digital display. Flanking the LCD screen on either side, are two bar displays for a percentage of wattage output and fuel level. This gives a pretty accurate idea of how much power you’re using (0 – 100%) and the level of the gas tank. Using 6 LEDs each, these electronic gauges provide a good incremental display. The numeric screen in the center displays the total runtime, allowing you to plan for service intervals, and time remaining which calculates how much runtime you have based on the output watts and fuel in the tank. This is always a pretty rough estimate though, it changes constantly as the power being used increases and decreases.

Outlets for AC power are the same as most other 2,000W generators – 2 X 15A 120V receptacles with a single electronic circuit breaker. I like the fact that they decided to include a 12VDC (cigarette lighter type) outlet with a dedicated 8A circuit breaker. They also provide a dual-port USB adapter that plugs into the DC outlet. Pretty cool for charging your phone at the generator. The EZ-start dial, positioned alongside the recoil starter handle, is also really great. It’s an all-in-one simplified dial that includes on/off, start and choke positions for both gas and propane. A small inlet at the side allows you to connect a propane tank easily. A really cool (and uncommon) feature is the LED light in the handle that illuminates the fuel filler cap. This makes it super easy and safe to top the gas tank up in the dark.

I believe, that in order to qualify as one of the best 2000 watt generators, it must be lightweight and portable. The Champion 100402 is certainly no disappointment in this department. At 47.6 pounds, with a comfortable carrying handle, this is the perfect portable power supply for camping and tailgating. You’ll have no hassles transporting this compact machine.

In the mid to low price range, Champion Power Equipment has always delivered the goods. This is a good quality machine (for the domestic market) and is crammed with really super technology. Low THD inverter technology places this 2000W generator in the upper echelons. It has great digital monitoring and a bunch of useful extras that you may not find on many others in this class. Not to mention, that this is one of very few dual fuel 2000W generators on the market.

Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart P2200

Briggs & Stratton 2000W generator review

Features:

  • 2,200W starting power; 1,700W running power.
  • 111cc Briggs & Stratton engine.
  • Digital inverter.
  • Parallel connection kit (sold separately) with 30A RV outlet.
  • 59dBA noise level.
  • 8 hours runtime at 25% load (1 gallon gas tank).

Link to Amazon

Review:

As one of the oldest and best recognized US manufacturers of affordable portable power equipment, Briggs and Stratton is admired by many, deplored by some.  I think most can agree that Briggs & Stratton generators are really good for the price.

The Biggs & Stratton name has been something I’ve recognized since I was a kid. I can remember my dad heading out with a can of quick start spray, filled with trepidation, wondering if the blasted thing is going to start. This is what formed my initial impression of these machines. Not that reliable. Over time, as I started to learn more about engines and technology, I developed a greater respect for the brand.

Even though I have a natural tendency to gravitate toward top-quality brands, like Honda, Briggs & Stratton’s tenacity has earned my admiration. For one of the cheaper generator brands, they last incredibly long. I’d say much longer than any other in the same price range. Yes, Briggs and Stratton generators usually become a little troublesome over the years. At least, the models of years gone by seem to develop some idiosyncrasies with age. One fact remains, despite temperamental behavior with age, B & S generators keep going long after many others have given up the ghost.

When Briggs and Stratton introduced their PowerSmart series, about 6-years ago, they promised great things. One thing that filled me with some hope was upgrades to the B & S engines. The new generation powerplants were designed to be more dependable and the dreaded starting problems were said to be resolved. Now that enough time has elapsed, I think they have been quite successful. I’ve read some customer reviews complaining about non-starters, even with new PowerSmart generators. To be fair, I’ve read similar reviews saying the same about just about every generator on the market. Even the best manufacturers will have some QC issues. I’m not going to write off an entire series based on a few dud machines leaving the factory. The majority of PowerSmart customers have been delighted at how reliable these machines are.

Many of the other bold claims made by Briggs and Stratton, when launching the PowerSmart series, should be taken with several pinches of salt. They boasted that PowerSmart generators would be the quietest and most fuel-efficient. Okay, compared to the previous generation, open frame Briggs and Stratton generators, this is true. However, if you make a realistic comparison between the Briggs & Stratton P2200 and just about any other quiet 2000W generator, the B & S model rates quite poorly. While this generator has a lot going for it, especially the price, it is far from being the quietest or most economical. It is, in fact, one of the loudest 2000W generators – excluding open frame models. With a noise level of 59dBA (from 7-feet at 25% load), the B & S P2200 is the loudest generator in this review of the best 2000W generators.

I genuinely like the engine used for this generator. With a 111cc displacement, it is second only to the Honda EU2200iTAG (and EB2200i) when it comes to the largest capacity engine used for a 2000W generator. Using a larger engine, to do the same job, is always an advantage. It increases long-term durability. Basically, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to produce the same power.

As for fuel economy, this engine is not the best. It is okay, but not great. The Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart P2200 delivers an acceptable 8-hour runtime at 25% load (using the economy mode to improve fuel consumption). Since this generator has a similar-sized 1-gallon gas tank compared to similar models, it is above average in terms of fuel economy. Though a far cry from the 11 hours provided by the extremely efficient Champion 2000W generator. In its defense, I should point out that P2200 delivers a little more power than the Champion model reviewed above. Considering the peak output of 2200W and 1700W running capacity, the actual fuel consumption per watt of electricity, is a little better than it looks when simply looking at runtime per gallon. You are getting a bit more power from every gallon of gas.

There can be no faulting the design of this generator, both for its elegance and practical features. The control panel has been cleverly recessed, protecting the outlets and breakers from accidental knocks. Plastic covers provide even more peace of mind, keeping dust and moisture out. Thereby improving safety and durability of the electrical outlets. Two standard 15A receptacles supply pure sinewave AC and a cigarette lighter type port allows you to charge 12V batteries directly from the generator. It also has parallel ports, offering the option to connect a second P2200 inverter generator to increase power output. It has all the expected warning lights, circuit breakers, and switch to engage QPT (Quiet Power Technology). This is the same system that you’ll find on most inverter generators, usually called Economy (or Eco) mode. This controls the engine speed in relation to power demand. If you’re running low-watt equipment (up to 425W), engine RPM is reduced, conserving fuel, and making the generator a little quieter.

To access the engine, you need to loosen two screws, providing a large opening to check the oil and the air filter with perfect ease. This generator doesn’t have the cool starting dial that has become quite trendy in modern generator design. Not that this is a real inconvenience. The choke is activated by a conventional lever and the fuel shutoff is located at the recoil starter. It’s easy enough to start and stop the generator.

The Briggs and Stratton P2200 weighs a very manageable 51.9 pounds. Although slightly heavier than some others, the brilliant handle design makes this a delightfully portable generator. By using an “H” format for the molded handle, you can easily carry the P2200 single-handedly. If you need a little extra help, the handle makes it just as comfortable for two people to carry the machine.

There can be no disputing that Briggs & Stratton is incredibly good value for money. At the lower end of the price ladder, it is a well-made product that should keep providing reliable electricity for many years to come. The engine appears to be more dependable than previous models. Though, I doubt B & S have reached the same level of excellence that we’ve come to admire from brands, like Honda or Yamaha. If you feel that these prestigious brands are simply too expensive, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 will be a very sensible alternative. Though, I think most would prefer something a little quieter, especially in a campsite.

Pulsar PG2300iS

Pulsar 2000W generator review

Features:

  • 2,300W starting power; 1,800W running power.
  • 80cc engine.
  • Digital inverter.
  • Parallel connection kit (sold separately) with 30A RV outlet.
  • 59dBA noise level.
  • 8 hours runtime at 50% load (1 gallon gas tank).

Link to Amazon

Review:

Because the Pulsar PG2300i is so cheap, I was doubtful that it actually belongs in a review of the best 2000W generators. I’m always apprehensive about cheap products, hailing from emerging Asian countries. To the best of my knowledge, this generator is made in Vietnam. I should concede that this is probably snobbery on my part.

To be fair though, most of the more affordable generators on the market are made in China or make use of components originating from China and other countries known for cheap manufacturing. The decision to include this generator was based mostly on sales and customer reviews. This is one of the top-selling 2000W generators and received (mostly) glowing reviews on sites like Amazon.

I guess the fact that Pulsar generators are also sold with Ford branding, has given me some peace of mind, when it comes to quality reassurance. This view is admittedly a little crazy. These generators are not made by Ford, it’s just a psychological affinity for a brand that has represented common sense good value for well over a century. The Pulsar PG2300i also appears to be exactly the same as the Generac GP2200i. The only visible difference is the color and branding. With two of the top US brands willing to place their name on this generator, it can’t be all bad.

A more practical evaluation would be the general consensus amongst buyers that the Pulsar PG2300i is, in fact, genuine good value. When it comes down to it, if I were to choose between this generator and some of the other bargain basement options (like the A-iPower SUA2000iV), my money would be on the Pulsar 2,300W generator.

Going through the Pulsar PG2300i spec sheet, all looks good. It is equipped with an inverter that delivers clean, low THD electricity up to 2300W peak capacity, with a good running capacity of 1800W.

The 80cc engine is a bit of a screamer, producing a noise level of 59dBA, with no load, and the economy mode switched on to reduce engine RPM. Nonetheless, it delivers the HP needed to supply peak power without appearing to work up much of a sweat. For this class of engine, it looks to be quite robust. It starts easily and runs quite smoothly.

The user panel is nicely designed, practical with a great array of outlets. As one would expect, it has 2 X 15A 120V outlets. It also has both a USB port and a 12V DC outlet. The easy-start dial is in keeping with modern generator design trends. Simply turn the dial from off, to run, to choke. You really can’t go wrong. A tug (or two) on the recoil starter, and the Pulsar springs to life, and OK light lets you know that it’s safe to connect your extension cord, with overload and low oil warning lights. It also has parallel connection ports, allowing for a dual generator setup using the optional parallel connection kit.

Portability is in line with the other 2000W generators in this review. The Pulsar PG2300i weighs 46.5 pounds and has a well-designed handle, making it easy to carry. In general, this generator matches up quite well with any of the best 2000W generators available, with a very reasonable price tag.

Although the Pulsar PG2300i inverter generator is a bit on the noisy side, with similar sound specs to the Briggs & Stratton P2200, it is a pretty accomplished little machine. Arguably, the best cheap 2000W generator. Having said this, my first choice (if I’m going to buy one of the more affordable generators in this class) would be the Wen 56200i. This will be the next, and final 2000W generator in this review.

WEN 56200i

WEN 2000W generator review

Features:

  • 2,000W starting power; 1,600W running power.
  • 7cc engine.
  • Digital inverter 0.3% THD no load, <1.2% THD MAX.
  • Parallel connection kit (sold separately) with 30A RV outlet.
  • 53dBA noise level.
  • 4 hours runtime at 25% load (1 gallon gas tank).

Link to Amazon

Review:

The WEN brand has, over the years, instilled a really warm and fuzzy feeling within me. Their approach to cost-effective design and manufacture, without going cheap and nasty, is quite remarkable. Of the cheaper power equipment manufacturers, WEN has discovered the knack of making every dollar count. That deserves a lot of respect.

An initial glance at the WEN 56200i spec sheet doesn’t reveal anything remarkable. Power output, in particular, is probably a little underwhelming. Compared to the majority of 2000W generators reviewed here, an output of 2,000 peak watts and 1,600 rated capacity isn’t too great.

The thing that really floats my boat is the incredible inverter fitted to this generator. To the untrained eye <0.3% THD (no load) and a maximum of <1.2% THD may not mean much. Trust me, as someone who spent several decades in the inverter business, this is actually a phenomenal achievement. Comparing the WEN inverter to any of the very best, it’s in a league of its own. Even the Honda and Yamaha inverter generators cannot match this model for absolutely clean safe power. Typically, the best you can expect from most inverter generators is <3% THD. It is this dedication to top-tier engineering that has earned my respect for this generator. A fact that becomes even more impressive when you start comparing prices. One of the cheapest 2000W generators, with the best inverter technology, totally unexpected.

In general, the WEN 56200i holds up well to scrutiny. The 79.7cc engine is certainly up to the task, and pretty fuel-efficient too. The 1-gallon gas tank provides a really good runtime of 9.4 hours at 25% load. Because the inverter is so efficient, there is virtually no power loss, meaning that every watt generated per gallon of gas counts. The economy mode also works well, reducing fuel consumption and noise at low load. The inverter also does a remarkable job of keeping the voltage stable when load demand changes. Reemphasizing the brilliance of this inverter.

Noise levels are up there with the best of them, as low as 51Dba, rated at 53dBA. The sound-insulated housing does an excellent job of containing the noise and seems to be quite robust. It’s also quite practical, with a small access flap which makes it easy to check the oil – you only need to loosen a single screw.

The control panel has all the outlets one wants to make the most of the available power. There are 2 X 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) outlets, a 12VDC outlet, and a USB port. Parallel connection ports make it possible to connect two generators together and the parallel kit (sold separately) includes a convenient 30A outlet – ideal for RV and home transfer switch setups. It also has a convenient easy start dial.

At 48 pounds, the WEN 2000W generator is as portable as any of the best. The handle is designed for comfort and a great center of gravity. It’s an easy machine to lug about.

My sentiments regarding the WEN 56200i seems to be echoed in the customer reviews that I’ve read. Out of almost 2,000 Amazon reviews, this generator received an amazing 4.6 stars. Need I say more. With its superb inverter and a good reputation for reliability, the WEN 2000W inverter generator is worth every penny of its very reasonable price – and then some. I really like this brand and they offer a 2-year warranty.

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