Updated December 2021

Westinghouse started manufacturing portable generators for the retail market in 2011. Initially, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power brand remained somewhat of an enigma. As Westinghouse portable generators have grown in popularity, people became curious. “Are Westinghouse generators any good?” was the question at the time.

Westinghouse portable generators are quite cheap. Mostly in the mid-price range, competing with brands like Champion Power Equipment, Westinghouse was set to take on a very competitive market. In my opinion, Westinghouse has conquered where others fear to tread. Westinghouse portable generators have the goods to compete with big brands, costing a lot more.

This article is going to provide the full Westinghouse story, from when the company began in the late 1800’s up to today. We’ll also be reviewing some of their top portable generators and discussing why these are such great value for money.

The Westinghouse Story

Few people realize how far back the Westinghouse history goes and what a profound influence the company has had on the technology that is now so common.

In 1865, at the age of only 19, George Westinghouse displayed amazing ingenuity, when he patented the rotary steam engine. Three years later, in 1869, he patented the air brake. This was a major advancement in improving railroad safety. In the same year, he founded the Westinghouse Air Brake Company. In the years that followed, Westinghouse became the foremost authority on Railroad safety and switching systems.

The Westinghouse Electric Company was established in 1886 when it became apparent that this new technology was about to revolutionize the world. In 1888, world-renowned electrical engineer and inventor, Nikola Tesla joined the company after patenting the world’s first Alternating Current (AC) electric motor. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would become one of the most innovative electric companies in the USA and later internationally.

In 1891, the Westinghouse Electric Company built the Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant. This was to be the first industrial AC power generation system in the world. This was rapidly followed by another Hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls. In 1901, they built their first commercial steam turbine generator, and in 1905, their first AC electric train locomotive.

Westinghouse builds the world’s first industrial AC power generation plant in 1891 (Ames, Colorado)

In 1914, Westinghouse enters the domestic appliance market, with the acquisition of the Copeman Electric Stove Company. Westinghouse was also the first US company to begin a commercial radio station (KDKA) in 1920.

Through the course of the 20^th century, Westinghouse continued to break new ground with first time innovations, like the fastest elevator in the world (for its time) at the Rockefeller building (NY) in 1933. More remarkable innovations followed, their first gas turbine (1948) and the first nuclear submarine, in 1954, was powered using a reactor built by Westinghouse.

By the time Westinghouse started manufacturing portable generators, in 2011, they had been changing the face of electrical engineering for over a century. So, despite being new to the consumer generator market, the company had a wealth of experience to draw upon.

Why are Westinghouse generators so cheap?

Soon after Westinghouse portable generators hit the market, I began researching the brand. At first, I assumed these had to be light-duty cheaply built generators. This was merely based on the opinion that because they were priced amongst the cheaper options, these generators could not compare to the more expensive offerings from established high-end brands like Honda, Cat, or Yamaha.

I soon discovered, that Westinghouse generators, although not the cheapest, were amongst the most affordable high-quality generators available. Perhaps not quite in the same league as a legendary power equipment manufacturer, Honda, Westinghouse generators are, nonetheless, durable and reliable with the best that modern technology has to offer.

I believe that Westinghouse generators are cheaper than any equivalent of the same quality standard for one simple reason. These generators have not been on the market very long. Brands that have a reputation for outstanding quality can charge a premium for this. Many informed consumers are prepared to pay extra for a brand that has a trustworthy history and is known for manufacturing products that outlast others. Although Westinghouse generators seem to be up there with the best of them, it will take time before the buying public becomes aware of this. Initially, I predicted that Westinghouse generator prices would increase within a few years. I still believe this to be true, as people begin to realize that is a brand to be reckoned with, Westinghouse will most likely charge more for their portable generators.

As things stand at the moment, Westinghouse prices in 2019 are about the same as when they began selling portable generators to the public. This is fantastic news for portable generator buyers. I feel that these generators are undervalued and may not remain as cheap as they are for much longer.

Westinghouse Generator Review

Westinghouse manufactures a wide range of portable generators, which include dual fuel (hybrid) and inverter generator models. Their small open frame generators cost around $300 or less. While the more expensive quiet inverter generators will obviously cost quite a lot more, they are still cheaper than most of the high-quality alternatives.

Their top-of-the-line WPro12000 is comparable to any of the best portable generators for whole-house backup or a demanding jobsite. It appears to be every bit as capable as industrial grade equivalents from brands like Honda, Cat, or DeWalt, but without the jaw-dropping price tag. Of all the Westinghouse generators, the WPro12000 is the one that has most impressed me as being top quality at a more affordable price.

We’ll also be reviewing the immensely popular WGen5500 and WGen7500 generators. These two Westinghouse generators offer outstanding value for money, perfect for homeowners, RV owners, and contractors looking for an affordable, decent quality portable generator.

I’ll end the Westinghouse generator review with some of their inverter generators, a popular choice for home and RV use, because of the clean low HD power that these generators provide.

Westinghouse WPro12000

Features:

• 12000 rated watts & 15000 peak watts
• 713cc V-Twin Westinghouse 22HP engine with cast iron sleeve
• 10.5-gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge
  • 16-hours runtime @ 25% rated load
  • 11-hours runtime at 50% rated load
• EPA, CARB, and OSHA compliant – full panel GFCI protection for all AC outlets
• Water and dust resistant outlets with rubber covers
  • 4 X 120V 20A 50-20R outlets
  • 1 X 120V 30A L5-30R outlet
  • 1 X 120V/240V 30A L14-30R outlet
  • 1 X 120V/240V 50A L14-50R outlet
  • 2 X 5V USB ports
• Transfer switch ready
• Smart idle – automatic efficiency idling
• Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR); automatic low-oil shutdown; circuit breaker protection
• VFT display – real-time information updates for output voltage; frequency and lifetime running hours
• Low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <5%
• Electric start with remote control
• Box includes: Battery; battery charger; key fob; oil; funnel; manual and quick start guide
• 3-year residential warranty; 1-year commercial warranty.

WPro12000 Review

This is the second most powerful portable generator on the market in the US, with 15,000 peak (starting) watts and 12,000W rated (continuous) power. There is only one portable generator to beat this output, the Generac 17500E, with 17,500W rated power. Apart from generating enough power to supply an entire household or large jobsite, it’s also built seriously tough. This is most certainly an ultra-heavy-duty generator and can confidently rival Cat or DeWalt jobsite generators, just at a considerably lower price. That’s a real winner in my book.

The Westinghouse V-Twin engine is the perfect powerplant for this mighty beast of a generator. The 713cc (22HP) gas engine has a cast iron sleeve. It’s incredibly robust and reliable. It has convenient electric starting, with a recoil starter for emergencies, like when the battery fails. It has the added benefit of a wireless remote. This is great for starting or stopping the generator in bad weather, no need to trudge out into the cold, rain, or snow when the power fails.

One thing that has me in absolute awe is the incredible fuel consumption – 6.3 Kilowatt-Hours per Gallon (KWH/G). I find that using KWH/G figures to be the most accurate way of comparing generator gas economy specs. The higher your KWH/G, the more economical the generator is. On average, portable gas-powered generators provide around 4,5KWH/G, anything above 5KWH/G is good. So 6.3 kilowatts for every gallon of gas used is exceptional. The huge metal gas tank has a fuel gauge and a 10.5-gallon capacity. This means you’ll get around 16-hours runtime at 25% of the rated load (3KW average load), or 11-hours at 50% of the rated load (6KW average load). Since the average load for a standard 3-bedroom house is around 4KWH, you should be able to run the WPro12000 continuously for 12-hours or more if you’re using it to supply your home during an outage.

Along with one of the best engines, the alternator is far superior to almost any other. This is one of the few conventional generators that won’t harm your sensitive electronic equipment. With Total Harmonic Distortion rated at less than 5%, it’s the cleanest power you can get short of buying an inverter generator. Most conventional generators, without an inverter, produce in excess of 20% THD, often as high as 25%. Even the main grid electricity supply will often exceed 5% THD, so the Westinghouse WPro12000 may supply a current that is safer than the regular power that you use on a daily basis.

It’s not just the engine and alternator that are built to last, the entire generator is contained within a heavy-duty steel frame with a heavy-duty lifting hook. It is also OSHA compliant, with full panel GFCI protection. This rugged build quality and OSHA compliance make the Westinghouse WPro12000 a formidable jobsite generator. If you’re using the generator at home and want to connect it to your main wiring, GFCI protection may not be what you want – it will interfere with GFCI protection in your home. If this is the case, you should consider the Westinghouse WGen12000. This is exactly the same generator as the WPro12000, just without the GFCI protection, and costs a little less because of this.

A tough heavy-duty generator always has one unavoidable drawback, they are heavy and the Westinghouse WPro12000 is certainly no exception. It weighs a seriously hefty 352-pounds. I take much reassurance in this, as it means a lot of durable metal and very little lightweight plastic. Give me a heavy generator any day, this is good old-fashioned durability. Despite all this weight, you can move the generator quite easily on just about any terrain, this is thanks to large 12” X 3” wheels and excellent handles with rubber grips. The dual handles are extra-long, providing enough leverage so as to make the weight less noticeable. They also fold down and lock onto the frame when not in use.

The metal control panel is designed for ultimate durability. It is recessed into the strong metal frame to protect the outlets and controls, with rubber covers to prevent moisture or dust from harming the outlets. It also has a full plethora of outlets: 4 X 120V 20A household outlets, a 120V 30A outlet, 120V/240V 30A outlet, and 120V/240V 50A outlet. The latter is great for a 50A transfer switch, allowing you to power most of your household directly from the electric panel. In addition to the AC outlets, it has a 12VDC battery charging port and 2 X 5V USB ports. Two 20A push to reset circuit breakers protect the two duplex 20A circuits, the 120V 30A circuit has a similar 30A breaker, while the 120V/240V circuit has a toggle 30A breaker. The 50A 120V/240V circuit is protected by a 2-pole 50A GFCI breaker which also serves as a main overload circuit breaker and provides GFCI protection to all the AC outlets. A digital display provides information on voltage, frequency, and total runtime. You start the generator simply, using a single switch with on/off/start positions. A remote control, with factory paired fob, is also provided.

I can’t get over the fact that the Westinghouse WPro12000 costs around $2,500, astonishingly cheap for a heavy-duty generator with an output of 12KW/15KW. It also has a full array of functions and features, not to mention the best clean (low HD) power that a non-inverter generator is able to supply. I think the marketing guys at Cat and Honda must feel a little intimidated by all this. The WPro12000 is covered by a 3-year residential, and 1-year commercial warranty.

Westinghouse WGen12000DF

All Westinghouse generators with model numbers ending in “DF” (meaning Dual Fuel) are hybrid generators that can run on propane or gas. While the WPro12000 does not offer a dual fuel model, the WGen12000 does. The only difference is that the WGen12000DF doesn’t have the same OSHA compliant full panel GFCI protection as the Wpro12000. In all other respects, it has the same specs and features, it even costs the same as the WPro12000.

The only specification that differs is the power output when using propane: 13,500 peak watts and 10,800 rated power.

 

Westinghouse WGen5500

Features:

• 6,850 peak watts; 5,500 running watts
• 420cc Westinghouse OHV engine with cast iron sleeve
• 6.6 Gal gas tank; up to 20-hours runtime
• 2 X 120V GFCI receptacles
• Transfer switch ready – L14-30 receptacle
• VFT Data Center: Volts; Frequency; lifetime hours
• 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support
• EPA; CSA; CARB compliant

WGen5500 Review

There aren’t too many bells and whistles on this generator. It’s a solid workhorse for home, camping, or a jobsite, with enough power, at a truly remarkable price. All this adds up to real common sense value for money.

Supplying 6,850 peak watts and 5,500 running watts from a robust 420cc engine, this is a fantastic, multi-purpose generator. As with all Westinghouse generators, this engine is built to last, with a cast iron sleeve, and offers good fuel economy, 5.4 Kilowatt-Hours per Gallon (KWH/G). Since this generator has an enormous metal gas tank (6.6-gallons), it will run for about 20-hours on a full tank at 25% of the rated load (1,375W average load), up to 13-hours at 50% rated load (2,750W average load). A fuel gauge on the tank, lets you know how far along you are before the tank needs to be refilled.

The WGen5500 has a very practical design, a steel frame extends all the way around the gas tank, providing extra protection when transporting. The pressed steel control panel is also protected, thanks to a recess that prevents damage to the outlets and switches if the generator is accidentally knocked. Rubber covers for the electrical outlets add to the durability and safety of this generator. Additional safety comes in the form of GFCI protection for the 2 X duplex 20A outlets. It also has a 120V 30A (RV-ready) twist lock outlet. There are no DC outlets, nor does this model have an electric starter. Though using the recoil starter seldom takes more than a tug or to before the generator roars to life. The term roar is quite appropriate, as noise levels are upwards of 72dBA, quite common for an open frame generator of this size. A VFT digital display helps you monitor output voltage and frequency (Hz), it also keeps track of lifetime running hours.

The absence of an electric starter and battery does have it’s advantages. The Westinghouse WGen5500 is pretty light for a tough 6KW+ generator, at 174-pounds. Portability is a synch, with a fold down loop handle and a sizable wheel kit (diameter: 10”; width: 2.5”).

What appeals most to me about the Westinghouse WGen5500 is the no-nonsense approach. You’re paying for a robust generator that’s built to last and very little more. No expensive gadgets to push up the price. For well under 700 bucks, you’ll have a reliable generator that can supply enough power to keep you comfortable during an outage and can handle a reasonable amount of power tools. As with any Westinghouse generator, you can expect years of faithful, reliable service and a 3-year residential warranty (1-year for commercial use).

 

Westinghouse WGen7500

Features:

• 9,500 peak watts; 7,500 running watts
• Push-button start and remote control (fob included)
• 6.6 gallon gas tank; up to 16-hour runtime
• 2 X 120V duplex outlets
• Transfer switch ready L14-30R receptacle
•  VFT data display (volts; frequency; lifetime running hours)
• 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
• EPA, CSA, and CARB compliant

Watch the WGen7500 video on You-Tube

WGen7500 Review

The Westinghouse WGen7500 offers all the top features, like electric starting and wireless remote control. With an impressive output of 9,500W surge power and 7,500W continuous power, it has the goods to supply emergency power for your home or business and can hold its own on a busy jobsite. The extra power and features do make this generator a fair deal more expensive than the budget friendly WGen5500 (reviewed above). Yet it’s still one of the cheaper options as a high-end 9,500 watt generator. Value for money is one of the best attributes of any Westinghouse generator.

As with all WGen models, this one has a genuinely strong metal frame that protects the entire generator, extending to wrap around the steel gas tank. Robust engineering is also evident in the superb 420cc OHV 4-stroke Westinghouse engine, pushing out 13HP. While the alternator is built to exacting Westinghouse standards and includes a reliable Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), the WGen7500 doesn’t have the impressive low THD that makes the WPro12000 so exceptional. Though, with THD at less than 23%, it isn’t bad for a conventional generator. You’ll probably need to exceed 5,000W output before THD might become problematic.

I’ve come to expect great fuel consumption from Westinghouse generators. It’s one of the reasons why I consider them to be such great value for money, along with a very reasonable price tag of course. The WGen7500 is one of the very best, matching the ultra-efficient WPro1200 at 6.3 KWH/G. The 6.6-gallon gas tank is perfectly sized to offer incredibly long runtimes – 11-hours at 50% rated load (3,750W) and 16-hours at 25% load (1,875W).

In keeping with the robust nature of this beast, the metal control panel is designed for minimal impact damage and the outlets have rubber covers. There are no DC outlets, and the AC receptacles are as to be expected: 2 X duplex 120V 20A household outlets, and a 120V/240V 30A (transfer switch ready) outlet. This generator is obviously not aimed at RV owners and has no RV (TT-30R) outlet. I suppose it’s a bit on the big side for the average RV.

At 192 LBS, this is a fairly heavy generator. Though the single loop handle and large wheel kit does make it as portable as any generator of this size. The WGen7500 is certified for use across North America, including California and Canada (EPA, CSA, CARB). True to Westinghouse form, there’s the promise of lifetime technical support, backed by a 3-year residential warranty and 1-year commercial warranty.

Westinghouse Inverter Generators

Inverter generators have become a necessity for many. This has to do with the fact that just about every modern appliance has some form of electronic controls and a microprocessor. Because electronic components can fail when regularly exposed to high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), conventional generators don’t cut it as a safe source of power for today’s generator buyer.

A true sine wave inverter ensures almost perfect current that cannot harm electronic equipment and allows electric motors to run more efficiently. Generally, inverter generators produce less than 3% THD, some can be as low as <1% THD. Though, anything below 5% THD is considered safe for any type of electric equipment, including TVs, stereos, computers, and other devices that are particularly sensitive to high THD.

Other advantages can include parallel kits, allowing for more than one inverter generator to be used, increasing your power output. They usually have an electronic throttle management system that reduces the RPM at lower loads (usually less than 25% of the rated load). This helps reduce fuel consumption and noise levels.

The problem with inverter generators is that they are expensive. Though Westinghouse has developed a very affordable inverter generator with a high power output, the iGen4200 costs less than $500 and delivers 4200W peak power, which is higher than most inverter generators. We’ll also be reviewing the baby in the Westinghouse inverter generator lineup, the iGen1200 – an affordable unit for basic emergency power, camping, and tailgating. I’ll conclude the review with top of the range Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel inverter generator.

Read more about inverter generators and how they work in this article:

Inverter Generators – Are they worth paying extra for?

Westinghouse iGen4200

Features

• 4,200 peak watts; 3,500 running watts
• RV and camper ready – 120V 30A Outlet TT-30R
• Fuel efficient – up to 18-hour runtime (2.6 Gal)
• Safe for sensitive electronics – Inverter Technology (<3% THD)
• Portable – only 82 LBS
• 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support

Westinghouse iGen4200 Review

The iGen4200 doesn’t look like most other inverter generators. Instead of the fashionable enclosed housing, this generator looks like a conventional open frame generator. This means it’s not as quiet as the enclosed inverter generators. Though it isn’t a noisy machine, thanks to a smooth-running engine and excellent Pulse-Flo muffler. The biggest advantage to this more modest approach is a fantastically low price, making this one of the cheapest 4,200W inverter generators on the market.

The Westinghouse 212cc OHV 4-stroke (5.9HP) engine is modern, quiet, and ultimately fuel-efficient. In fact, this is the most fuel-efficient generator I know of, giving a breathtaking 10.1 KWH/G, twice as efficient as the average gas generator. As this is an inverter generator, it has an economy mode for loads below 25% of the rated output. With the economy switch activated, the iGen4200 will run for around 18-hours at 25% load. This is almost unbelievable, when you take into account this generator has a tiny 2.6-gallon gas tank. Even at a 50% rated load (1,750W), you’ll get 15-hours.

The highly competent alternator is supplemented by an inverter, producing 4,200W peak power and 3,500 running watts. The pure sine wave inverter, with less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), is the perfect power supply for sensitive electronic equipment. It has the power to run a large refrigerator or AC, along with most of your smaller appliances, TVs, computers, etc. without any danger of harming this equipment, even when reaching peak load.

This generator only has a recoil starter and I can actually commend this. It’s obvious that Westinghouse intended to produce a highly affordable inverter generator, without compromising on quality, when designing the iGen4200. By excluding an electric starter motor, wiring, and battery, the iGen4200 is not only delightfully cheap (under $800), but is also blissfully lightweight at only 82 LBS. A battery and starter motor would have pushed the weight up to around 100-pounds, possibly more. The iGen4200 doesn’t have wheels and you lift it by gripping onto the frame. Though I would think most people wouldn’t have a problem with this, even if you need two people to lift the machine. I guess no wheels or fold down handles helped shave a few bucks off the price tag and a few ounces of weight.

On the control panel, you have a dial to open and close the fuel; and switch the ignition on. It has a VFT Meter, digitally displaying Voltage, Frequency, and lifetime running hours. The duplex (5-20R) 120V 20A outlets and TT-30R 120V 30A RV outlets have plastic covers, keeping dust and moisture out. It also has 2 X 5V USB ports.

Although fairly basic, and not as quiet as enclosed inverter generators, we have to give the Westinghouse iGen4200 a load of credit. It’s unbelievably cheap for a high-quality inverter generator. Your cash savings will go on for years, given the astronomical fuel efficiency and this generator provides more power than the average inverter generator. It really is win-win-win with the marvelous little machine.

Westinghouse iGen4200 Downloads

Westinghouse iGen4200 Spec Sheet PDF

Westinghouse iGen4200 Quick Start Guide PDF
Westinghouse iGen4200 Manual PDF

 

Westinghouse iGen1200

Features:

• 1,200 peak watts; 1,000 running watts
• Fuel efficient – up to 9-hours (0.8 gal)
• Safe for electronics – inverter technology
• Lightweight – only 33 LBS
• EPA, CSA, CARB compliant
• Parallel capable

Westinghouse iGen1200 Review

The Westinghouse iGen1200 inverter generator is designed as a take anywhere, super lightweight portable generator. The compact suitcase design, and a weight of only 33-pounds, means that you can pick the little iGen1200 up, pop it in the trunk and take it with you for any occasion – fishing trips, tailgating, camping, you name it.

Of course, a generator this small has its limitations. The convenience of having such an easily portable generator, means you don’t have too much power at your disposal. With 1,000W running power, this generator is best suited to smaller appliances, forget about a refrigerator or AC. It will provide a surge capacity of 1,200W for a short period, providing startup current for those appliances that need it. The benefit of using a sophisticated, low HD (<3% THD) inverter is that you can fully utilize every watt without the risk of harming sensitive electronic equipment. This generator can be handy during an outage, you can safely power your lights, TVs, computers, charge devices and use a few other small appliances. You always have the option of doubling your output, using the Westinghouse parallel kit. Though its most remarkable trait is ultimate portability, you can take it anywhere without a hassle.

Fuel consumption is really great. One would think the 0.8 gallon gas tank would mean constantly topping up the tank. But, thanks to a super-efficient 54cc modern engine and an economy mode, you can get up to 9-hours runtime at 25% load. The cool modern looking design is not just a fashion statement, the enclosed plastic housing has fantastic sound insulation that keeps the noise level down to 52dBA at low RPM. Westinghouse doesn’t provide full power noise levels, though I doubt this would come anywhere close to 60dBA, making this a whisper quiet generator at all times.

Lightweight design means no electric starter, though it’s a delightfully easy engine to start, no matter how cold the weather. A low wattage also means no high-amperage outlets for an RV or transfer switch. It wouldn’t make much sense, since this generator, even at peak power, only provides 10A, with a constant maximum output of 8.3A. You, therefore, only have 2 X 20A 120V (5-20R) outlets and 2 X 5V USB ports. Everything else on the user interface is really simple – basic warning lights for low oil and overload, along with an economy mode switch. There is no digital display, not even a gas gauge.

The Westinghouse iGen1200 is one of the more affordable quiet inverter generators, albeit with a low output. The greatest advantage is ultimate portability with the option to increase your power output using more than one iGen inverter generator. The standard Westinghouse 3-year residential and 1-year commercial warranty also applies to this model.

iPro1200 Downloads:

Westinghouse iPro1200 Spec sheet PDF

Westinghouse iPro1200 Quick Start Guide PDF

Westinghouse iPro1200 Manual PDF

Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel

Features:

• Dual fuel – gasoline or propane
• 4,500 peak watts; 3,700 running watts (gasoline)
• 4,050 peak watts; 3,330 running watts (propane)
• Advanced LED display – runtime; output; fuel level; volts; lifetime hours
• Fuel efficient – up to 18-hours (3.4 gal)
• Mounted wheels and telescopic handle
• Quieter than a normal conversation
• Safe for electronics – inverter technology
• EPA; CARB; CSA compliant
• 3-year residential warranty; 1-year commercial warranty

Westinghouse iGen4500DF Review

The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is the top of the range inverter generator with dual fuel (hybrid) capabilities. Costing about a hundred bucks more than the standard iGen4500, the “DF” model is identical apart from the connections for a propane tank and regulator. So, this review is equally relevant to the iGen4500, except for the propane specs.

This generator is superbly designed. The more boxy shape is a departure from the curved molded enclosure of the smaller Westinghouse quiet inverter generators, but every bit as modern and appealing. They had to make space for the larger engine, alternator, and inverter which provide a great output of 4,500W surge power and 3,700W continuous power when using gas. Propane output is lower, but still quite potent at 4,050 peak watts and 3,030 running watts. This makes the iGen4500DF the perfect inverter generator for full RV power and quite competent for home backup power. Using the parallel kit (sold separately), you can always double this output with a second iGen4500.

Despite its size and extra sound insulation, reducing noise levels considerably to as low as 52dBA, this generator is surprisingly lightweight at only 98-pounds. They’ve done a great job as far as portability is concerned. A sturdy aluminum handle is molded into the front of the generator and it has a really comfortable telescopic handle, making is easy enough to move on the built-in wheels. These wheels are not all that large, only 5.5” X 1.5”. This is perfectly fine for a paved surface, but I can see some hassles on gravel and uneven terrain. This seems to be common on the new slick design used for quiet inverter generators.

Power is derived from a smooth purring 224cc, Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke engine, producing 7.3 HP. This is an ultra-modern, quiet and fuel efficient, engine with both electric and recoil starters. You also have the great convenience of remote control for starting and stopping the generator. Being a state of the art of the art inverter generator, you also have the fuel saving (and noise reduction) benefit of an economy mode, using a switch on the user interface. This function controls the RPM, lowering it when power demand is low and automatically speeding up the engine as the load increases. This gives you an incredible runtime of 18-hours from the 3.4 gallon gas tank at 25% rated load.

The user panel is super modern, with the best digital display I’ve seen on a generator. You can check on fuel level and output percentage at a glance with two LED displays on either side of the digital alpha-numeric display. The intelligent data screen lets you toggle through a range of convenient displays: remaining runtime; power output in kilowatts; fuel level (in liters); voltage and lifetime hours. The digital display is incredibly accurate to within 2 decimal points for remaining runtime and voltage, one decimal point fuel liters. Clustered around the digital display are the push button electric starter, LED waring lights for low oil and overload, along with the main 30A circuit breaker and reset button. It also has a handy 12VDC battery charging port and 2 X 5V USB ports. The AC outlets are standard for an inverter generator of this size: 2 X 120V 20A household outlets and an RV (TT-30R) 120V 30A outlet, all with their own circuit breakers and plastic protection covers. The input for the propane pipe and switchover control for gas or propane are also easily accessible on the same panel as all the controls and outlets.

The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is the ultimate inverter generator, rivaled only by the likes of Honda and Yamaha. Though, a quick price comparison between these brands, should leave many opting for the Westinghouse, and I’m saying this as a lifelong fan of Honda generators. In the end, you will decide which is the best generator for the buck. The beautiful iGen4500DF is as functional as it is elegant, with some of the best technology I’ve seen in a generator.

Westinghouse iGen4500DF Downloads: 

Westinghouse iGen4500DF Spec Sheet PDF

Westinghouse iGen4500DF Quick  Start Guide PDF

Westinghouse iGen4500DF Manual PDF

Westinghouse ST Switch

Always innovating new ideas for the portable generator user, Westinghouse recently introduced the Westinghouse ST switch. This new product allows you to use your portable Westinghouse generator as a fully automated standby generator.

The Westinghouse ST Switch is an automatic transfer switch, sold as an accessory for certain Westinghouse portable generator models. It’s super easy to install, with a detailed instruction sheet. You can’t go wrong. Plug the 30A socket into the L14-30P outlet on your generator and connect the control wire. Once this is done, your generator will switch on automatically when the mains power fails. Your generator circuit will be isolated and perfectly safe. When the utility power is restored, the generator will switch off and your appliances will run off the main power supply like normal.

Th kit includes the transfre box with 2 X 20A 120V outlets, cord to connect to the generator power outlet and a control cable, that plugs into designated slot on ST Switch compatible Westinghouse generators. This is an affordable, practical way to make the best use of your portable generator for home backup power.

Currently there are only a few selected Westinghouse geenrators that can accommodate the ST switch. I’m pretty sure that, in time, more generators will include the port for this switch. Below is a list of Compatible Westinghouse generators:

• WGEN5300
• WGEN5300DF
• WEGEN7500
• WGEN7500DF
• WGEN9500
• WGEN9500DF
• WGEN12000
• WGEN12000DF