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)
This unit might be hard to find. For your convenience, we gathered the following alternatives with similar specs:
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the WEN 56200i
In a nutshell, the WEN 56200i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The WEN 56200i's design includes a gasoline-fueled 79.7 cc WEN OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 1,600W and also a peak wattage of 2,000W. Additionally, the parallel capability (WEN 56421 Parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) facilitates doubling of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, offering enhanced energy capacity and reliability for diverse requirements.
With a noise rating of 50 dBA (just as noisy as a refrigerator), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The 56200i's fuel tank, with a capacity of 1 gallon, supports uninterrupted operation for up to 9.4 hours when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.11 gallons per hour).
The 56200i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease and a 5V USB port perfect for conveniently charging mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Portability
As the WEN 56200i is an inverter generator, its encased design (L18 x W11 x H18 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The 56200i is a lightweight, portable generator, as it only weighs 50 lbs. With its manageable weight, one person can easily move it around, ensuring power wherever needed. With its handle (molded in the case), carrying it becomes a breeze, adding to its convenience.
Features
When the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during operation.
Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the WEN 56200i is packaged with the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helping you start the device right away.
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.
- This inverter generator offers a rated noise level of 50 dBA, placing it among the quieter alternatives in its type and power category. If you value reduced noise levels, the Honda EU2200i could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 48 dBA.
- Given that the 56200i reaches an autonomy of up to 9.4 hours with a full tank and at 25% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the DuroMax XP2300iH, reaching up to 13 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. Standing at an estimated 0.11 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.08 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen2800c is a device you could look out for.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
The bottom line
- 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 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.