Wen 56200i (2000 Watt Inverter Generator): Definitive Review 2024
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Looking for the full lowdown on the Wen56200i 2024?
Cool – we have everything you need to know here – and it’ll take you just a few minutes to read.
Our objective?
In this review, we present the Wen 56200i (2000 Watt Inverter Generator) 2024, which is our TopNotch choice for Best Value in this category.
What’s the best value generator?
Let’s cut to the chase… we tested the top 10 camping generators on the market and the best value is the Wen.
It’s a product that offers the perfect balance of quality and affordability.
In this review we’re going to cover…
- An overall view of the generator
- All the pros and cons
- A side by side comparison with its competitors
- Lots more…
If you’re looking for the best generator at an affordable price, you’re going to love this review.
Keep reading to find out more.
- Manufacturer: Wen
- Dimensions: 18.00 x 18.00 x 11.00 in
- Weight: 48.00 lbs
- Load Runtime: 9.4 Hours
- Wattage: 1,600 Watts
Bottom Line : This super-silent device is a portable powerhouse with top-class fuel efficiency
Pros
- A Lightweight Design
- Very quiet operation
- Optimized fuel consumption
- Ideal for laptops, tablets, and mobiles
- Comes with a USB port
- Two years of warranty
Cons
- Refilling engine oil takes time
- A carburetor filter would have been better
Our Verdict: Wen 56200i Generator
No matter where you head for your next camping trip, a reliable power source is one item you shouldn’t leave at home.
So how about choosing a generator that’ll support you not only in the Great Outdoors but also during power outages at home?
Now that sounds like a great deal.
That’s why the Wen 56200i 2000 watt inverter generator ended up being one of the shining stars in our review of the top generators.
Whether you just need to handle emergencies or you want to have some fun with the family on a campsite, the Wen 2000 generator is a top performer.
Moreover, you get a superbly designed product that not only looks good but also has the right features to perform like a charm.
Check this out…
The fuel-efficient performance and the special eco-mode ensure you don’t have to carry extra fuel in your vehicle.
Then there’s the reliable inverter technology that offers less than 1.2 percent of harmonic distortions at full load.
So powering up laptops, iPads, or tablets is easy.
On top of that, is the excellent portability.
For us, that was a big plus point.
Do you hate noisy generators on a campsite?
The Wen 56200i is a great choice to help preserve the peace.
Yes, I know in a comparison between the Wen 56200i vs Honda Generators, you might find some of the Honda models as a quieter choice.
But here’s the catch…
The affordable price factor!
The Wen 2000w inverter generator is priced sweetly enough to make it a great choice for budget buyers.
Note that, even at this price point, you get the best safety features often seen only on the higher-end generators.
Beyond that, you also get multiple outlets giving greater versatility for recreational use.
To put it in a nutshell…
The Wen is a complete package with safe and reliable performance.
Enough of warming up.
Now, let me guide you through the rest of this review so you can discover even more about the Wen 56200i.
Related: 10 Best Camping Generators
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
For this Wen 56200i review, the TopNotch team chose an RV to travel to three different campsites for a week with the entire selection of generators.
Handling all these products and testing their various features proved more of a challenge than you might think.
In line with our TopNotch procedure, we rated the product against five standard metrics.
This also allowed us to compare the Wen with our other top generators.
The fact is, we loved the way it performed in most of the metrics; we found just a smattering of issues – none were dealbreakers.
Just in case you’re looking for more power though, you can check out our TopNotch Wen 3800 inverter generator review.
So, let’s get this show on the road to find out the rest…
Value for Money
You know what?
This doesn’t happen often.
But this time, the TopNotch team was bowled over.
Why?
… we were surprised and delighted that a generator of this quality and reliability can come at such a great price.
Value for Money Rating
This Wen can outpunch some of the heavyweight competitors in terms of both features and performance
Time to find the reasons for that…
Let’s start with the 79.7cc single-cylinder 4-stroke OHV engine.
In our tests, it performed flawlessly.
Note – it has an excellent cooling system that prevents any overheating.
Up next is the TopNotch fuel efficiency.
The one-gallon gasoline tank will run for 6-hours under half-load conditions.
In our tests, we found it performing for six hours while running between varying loads of 30-70%. We expect it to last for around 3.5 – 4 hours under full load conditions.
And the best thing is…
…the superb performance of the eco-mode throttle.
As you plug and unplug devices to the generator, it automatically adjusts and optimizes the fuel consumption.
Now that puts a stop to any gasoline wastage.
We also liked that the Wen 2000 generator is EPA III and CARB compliant.
Not only that, but it also comes with a 2-year warranty along with a strong customer service reputation…
In terms of portability, the product is super compact and easy to carry around.
We did note the handle is not the most ergonomically designed.
Lastly, we come to the aesthetics.
If looks are important to you, the Wen is also pretty kind on the eyes.
Output Power
Let’s get this straight.
The amount of power you need from a generator varies from one user to the other.
So before you buy, it’s best to fix your wattage requirement.
Honestly, with a capability of 2000 Watts of surge power and 1600 Watts of rated power, the Wen 56200i is no slouch when it comes to power delivery.
Output Power Rating
On our trip, we used it to run the TV and the small refrigerator in the RV with no issues.
Here’s an important point…
The best working range for the Wen is between 1200 to 1500 watts.
The truth is, within this range, the Wen 56200i functioned like an absolute champ.
We have to admit it’s not as powerful as its elder brothers like the Wen inverter generator 3100.
Power demands of more than 1600 Watts for longer periods may mean the engine shuts off.
It’ll never power up large refrigerators and washing machines of course.
Having said that, it delivers just the right amount of power that is needed for a camping trip.
Here’s one more advantage…
It’s easy to pair up two Wens using a Parallel Connection Kit to get more power – meaning even more versatility for you.
Durability/ Workmanship
We found the Wen 56200i perfectly durable enough for outdoor trips.
The outer frame is high-quality plastic and the overall construction feels pretty robust.
With a weight of 48 pounds, we wouldn’t suggest using it for long hikes!
Durability/ Workmanship Rating
However, it’s ideal for car camping trips and short hikes.
Do keep in mind it’s not waterproof.
We wouldn’t recommend taking it on a boat or using it in wet weather.
Most of all, the generator is super easy to use and you’ll find the instruction manual clear and detailed.
Oddly enough, the user’s manual doesn’t mention anything about breaking in the engine after buying.
We’d always advise you to break in a generator just to be on the safe side.
When you break in a generator the pistons etc. in the engine wear grooves in the walls of the chamber. This allows oil to do its job every time the generator runs. It also stops any byproducts of combustion escaping from the chamber.
In terms of connectivity, the Wen 56200i offers two 120V AC receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port.
I just wish Wen would have added another USB port for connecting multiple electronic items at the same time.
On top of that, there are low-oil and low-fuel shutdown features for enhanced safety.
But that’s not all.
There’s also a circuit breaker for added security.
The fuel gauge on the tank is a nice touch.
Point to be noted:
There’s a small door for changing the engine oil.
Once you have that figured out, oil changing is easy.
Remember the generator needs the right maintenance and care to get the best performance.
Make sure you don’t store fuel in it for more than 3 months.
In addition, clean the fuel tank before storing the generator for long periods.
Dependability and Reliability
One of the best features of the Wen 56200i is dependability.
The inverter technology keeps harmonic distortions under 1.2 percent even at full load conditions.
So rest assured the power delivered to any sensitive equipment will be clean and free from voltage spikes.
Dependability and Reliability Rating
In addition, there are three LED indicators which show oil levels, output voltage, and overloading.
Take note: There’s also an overload feature to protect your electronics in case it exceeds the maximum wattage levels.
I have to tell you…
I found the Wen super easy to start.
The start coil works smoothly – you can do the job with one or two pulls in most cases.
However, if the temperature dips below freezing, starting can take a bit more effort.
We compared the features of the Wen 56200i vs 56202i – the latter offers slightly better power output and longer running time.
Also, it lacks a carburetor filter.
So just remember not to start it up with old residual oil.
But look at it this way…
Considering the price to performance ratio, it’s our choice for one of the best models on the current market.
Noise
First off, the Wen 56200i should generate 51 decibels of sound at quarter load – as per the spec.
This is the level of a normal conversation.
We tested the noise levels ourselves at varying loads and found them to be as per Wen’s guidelines.
Noise Rating
Full marks to Wen for designing such a quiet generator at such a reasonable price.
We noted noise levels dip considerably once we turned on the eco-mode.
And you know what?
In one of our campsites in Joshua Tree National Park, we sat within 15 feet of this generator at night – the noise output was totally fine.
That’s how quiet it is.
On campsites with noise regulations, running this generator at a 50% load won’t be a problem at all.
But it’s still a country mile better than many of the other models we tested.
If you use it at home, it will be audible at full load.
The best part is if you compare the Wen 56200i vs Honda eu2000i, both generators score equally well for noise.
Considering the big price difference, that’s really remarkable.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, our Wen scored top marks under this metric.
Our Final Verdict: Wen 56200i Generator
Conclusion: Wen 56200i Generator
So what’s the magic formula for choosing the best generator?
Sadly, there is none.
But, if it’s value you want, the Wen 56200i 2000 watt inverter generator is the best choice.
Here at TopNotch we examined the details of the Wen from every possible angle.
The fact is, we found the generator to be an excellent performer packed with great features.
And another thing…
We loved how this generator held its own against larger brands like Honda and Yamaha and still costs much less.
And don’t forget, it’s super versatile.
While the Wen is a great choice for campers or hunters, it’s equally great while handling emergencies at home.
It may not meet your requirement of high power, but at 1600 Watts, the power delivery is perfect for running devices like phones, laptops, televisions, and fans.
In addition, you also get those essential safety features.
To sum up, our team wholeheartedly agreed on one point…
If you’re on a tight budget, the Wen 56200i 2000-watt 79.7cc inverter generator really is a fantastic buy.
In the end, it stands as the TopNotch Best Value pick in our list of the best small generators.
To choose the best, sometimes all you need to do is this: trust the experts.
We’ve done our homework so all you have to do now is decide which generator is perfect for you.
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