WEN 56203i (Discontinued)
The WEN 56203i is a quiet, compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,700 W and a starting wattage of 2,000 W. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
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Description
Remember when you had clean and quiet portable power? The WEN 2,000-Watt Inverter Generator provides clean energy, free of voltage spikes and drops, without all the noise of a regular generator. Produce up to 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts of power. Our 78cc 4-stroke OHV engine operates at an extremely quiet 51 decibels at quarter load, quieter than a window air conditioner or the average conversation. This limits its invasiveness while camping, hunting, tailgating, and restoring backup power.
Zoom on the WEN 56203i
To sum up, the WEN 56203i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator tailored for:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The WEN 56203i
Running on gasoline, the WEN 56203i operates with a 79 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 1,700W and a peak wattage of 2,000W. In addition, the device is parallel capable (WEN Parallel Connection Kit (opens in a new tab) not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
Operating at a noise rating of 51 dBA (just slightly more noisy than rainfall), this inverter generator starts up with a conventional pull-start mechanism.
The 56203i's fuel tank, boasting 1 gallon, allows it to operate for up to 10.8 hours with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.09 GPH).
The 56203i ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 3 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease and two 5V USB ports designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
Portability
Since the WEN 56203i is an inverter generator, its closed design (L17.3 x W11.5 x H17.7 in) not only provides an aesthetic advantage but also contributes to reduced noise levels compared to conventional, open frame devices. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The 56203i is a lightweight, portable generator, as it only weighs 39 lbs. Thanks to its lightweight design, one person can easily move it around, ensuring power availability wherever you travel. This convenience is further enhanced by its handle (molded in the case), which allows for easy carrying.
Features
The 56203i's control panel
The device’s light indicators will display if the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.
The inverter generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
The fuel shutoff feature turns off the flow of fuel, allowing for the 56203i to use up the remaining fuel from the carburetor before automatically shutting down. This helps fight the build-up and blockages caused by stagnant fuel inside the carburetor, minimizing maintenance while prolonging the unit’s lifespan.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker), a low fuel automatic shutdown and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the WEN 56203i ships with supplementary accessories: funnel and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The WEN 56203i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN 56203i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- In terms of its weight, the WEN 56203i weighs merely 39 pounds, earning it a spot among the lighter inverter generators within the 1500 to 2500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of just 34.2 pounds.
- With a lowest possible noise of 51 dBA, this inverter generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering similar power. 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 56203i, offering a run time of up to 10.8 hours with a full tank at a 25% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Yamaha EF2800i could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching up to 14.7 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.09 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.08 GPH, the DuroMax XP2300iH is a device you could look out for.
The bottom line
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (39 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (51 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No data center
Do you own the WEN 56203i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 79 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,700 W |
| Starting watts | 2,000 W |
| Running amps | 14.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 16.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 7 h |
| Run time @25% load | 10.8 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 39 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 51 dBA |
| THD | < 1.2% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil, overload and low fuel protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel and tool kit |
| UPC | 044459562047 |
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 56203i 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 | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 1355 W | 1355 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1340 W | 1340 W |
What oil is recommended? (Asked September 02, 2022)
Between 0°F and 40 °F, SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Over 40°F, SAE 30W should be used. Alternatively, for general, all-temperature use, you can use synthetic SAE 5W-30.
