WEN 56200i - 1600/2000W Inverter Generator
The WEN 56200i is a quiet, compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,600 W and a starting wattage of 2,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the WEN 56200i
To sum up, the WEN 56200i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator tailored for:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The WEN 56200i is powered by a 79.7 cc WEN OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 1,600W as well as a peak wattage of 2,000W. In addition, the device is parallel capable (WEN 56421 Parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
Featuring a noise rating of 50 dBA (just as noisy as rainfall), the inverter generator utilizes a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism for ignition.
Featuring a 1 gallon fuel tank, the 56200i provides continuous power for up to 9.4 hours on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.11 GPH).
With a <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 56200i delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy and a 5V USB port providing convenient charging capabilities for mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the WEN 56200i showcases a closed design (L18 x W11 x H18 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. The featured design follows the latest trends and is ideal for easy and recreational use.
The 56200i's weight, at just 50 lbs, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a lightweight and portable generator. Moving it around should pose no challenge for a single person, allowing for power availability wherever you go. Further convenience is provided by its handle (molded in the case), as it allows you to carry it with great ease.
Features
The device’s light indicators will display if the generator is overloaded, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the inverter generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the WEN 56200i's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start it right off the bat.
Product Video
The WEN 56200i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN 56200i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- With a dry weight of 50 pounds, the WEN 56200i finds itself in the expected weight range for inverter generators able to produce between 1500 and 2500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM2000i with only 34.2 pounds.
- With a lowest noise rating of 50 dBA, the inverter generator is one of the more quiet of the generators of similar type and power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU2200i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 48 dBA.
- The 56200i, falls within the average autonomy range compared to inverter generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 9.4 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. If run time is one of your main concerns, the DuroMax XP2300iH could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 13 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This inverter generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.11 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the DuroMax XP2300iH, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.08 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1500-2500W inverter generators, the WEN 56200i is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (50 dBA)
- Decent weight (50 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 79.7 cc WEN OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,600 W |
| Starting watts | 2,000 W |
| Running amps | 13.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 16.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 6 h |
| Run time @25% load | 9.4 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A 1x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 50 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 18 x 11 x 18 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 50 dBA |
| THD | < 1.2% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| UPC | 044459562009 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About WEN
WEN Products, founded by Nick Anton in 1951, is an American power tool manufacturer and distributor, which claims to have a part in the development of modern chainsaw, soldering devices and wet sharpeners, through its research in random orbital technology. The Illinois based company expanded its distribution network to include various power tools, such as presses, drills and of course, power generators. As a distributor, WEN’s portfolio largely consists of branded products of different manufacturers, imported from Asia.
Warranty Information
The WEN 56200i is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of WEN generators, please consult WEN's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-847-429-9263.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 992 W | 1992 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1270 W | 1860 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Total | 1260 W | 1260 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




User Reviews
I have the older version of this model. It has served me well and I plug a 30amp adapter into the regular socket. In my Class C RV I can run my portable 14,000btu A/C unit, my gaming desktop computer, refrigerator, run a fan and keep other items such as phone and laptop charged and all this on the ECO mode setting (I have not tried it with the electric hot water heater which I think it wouldn’t be able to handle). I get better than the above specs. I get about 3.5 hours per 1/4 gallon of gas (the unit takes one gallon). If not using the upfront A/C I get about 5+ hours per 1/4 gallon of gas so about 20 hours of use per gallon. You need to be sure that when you are done using it for the season; you maybe have 1/4 gallon of gas and a few ounces of Stabile and run it till it stops and next season it will start fine. If you leave gas in it even with Stablile it will still gum up and is a pain in the ass to get it working again if you are a novice like me working on motors. Otherwise it is a great back up for my Class C RV in emergencies and right now have about 150-200 hours on it and use 10w-30 synthetic in it. Be sure to break it in 2-3 times the recommended amount using SAE30.