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
In a nutshell, the WEN 56200i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The WEN 56200i
Running on gasoline, the WEN 56200i operates with a 79.7 cc WEN OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 1,600W and a peak wattage of 2,000W. Moreover, the parallel capability (WEN 56421 Parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) enables power output to double when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
With a noise rating of 50 dBA (just as noisy as a conversation at home), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a manual recoil starter system.
The 56200i's fuel tank holds 1 gallon, ensuring uninterrupted operation for up to 9.4 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 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 includes the following 2 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease and a 5V USB port designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L18 x W11 x H18 in), the WEN 56200i not only offers superior aesthetics but also operates with reduced noise levels compared to a typical, open frame generator. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
With its weight totaling only 50 lbs, the 56200i stands out as a lightweight generator. With its manageable weight, one person can easily move it around, ensuring power wherever needed. This convenience is further enhanced by its handle (molded in the case), which allows for easy carrying.
Features
The 56200i's control panel
The light indicators show you if the generator is ready, the oil level is too low and the generator is on overload.
With its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Besides the features previously mentioned, accessory-wise, the WEN 56200i comes with the usual documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) needed to get you promptly started.
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 lbs, the WEN 56200i falls within the expected weight range for inverter generators in the 1500 to 2500 rated wattage. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of only 34.2 lbs.
- With a noise rating as low as 50 dBA, this inverter generator is among the quieter options available in its type and power range. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU2200i. With just 48 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The 56200i provides up to 9.4 hours of runtime at a 25% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar inverter generators. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the DuroMax XP2300iH, boasting with up to 13 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. At a 25% load, the inverter generator consumes an estimated 0.11 gallons of gasoline per hour, falling within the average consumption range of units with similar output. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen2800, with a fuel consumption of 0.08 GPH could be in your good books.
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 average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- 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 | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| UPC | 044459562009 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
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 AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| 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.