The WEN 56235i is a quiet, compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,900 W and a starting wattage of 2,350 W. (Read full specs)
Amazon 
Walmart 
Northern Tool | Price history for the WEN 56235i |
|---|
| Highest Price $699.00 Lowest Price $215.00 Current Price $429.00 |
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the WEN 56235i
In short, the WEN 56235i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The WEN 56235i
The WEN 56235i's engine, 79 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 1,900W and reaches a peak wattage of 2,350W. Furthermore, the parallel capability (WEN Parallel Connection Kit (opens in a new tab) not included) offers the advantage of doubling power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, delivering expanded energy capacity and flexibility for various applications.
Enjoying a really low noise rating of 51 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a quiet suburb) which secured it a place in our list of the 10 quietest portable generators, the inverter generator is started via a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
With a fuel capacity of 1.1 gallon, the 56235i can run for up to 10.5 hours when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.1 gallons per hour).
Featuring a <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 56235i delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 3 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries and two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L17.3 x W11.5 x H17.7 in), the WEN 56235i not only offers superior aesthetics but also operates with reduced noise levels compared to a typical, open frame generator. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Since the 56235i weighs only 39 lbs, it can be labeled as a portable lightweight generator. The generator can be moved with ease by only one person and so it can be enjoyed on-the-go. Further convenience is provided by its handle (molded in the case), as it allows you to carry it with great ease.
Features
The 56235i's control panel
The device’s light indicators will display if the generator is ready, the oil level is too low and the generator is overloaded.
The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
The fuel shutoff feature turns off the flow of fuel, allowing for the 56235i 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.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off, a low fuel automatic shutdown and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use.
Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the WEN 56235i features extra accessories: tool kit and funnel. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The WEN 56235i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN 56235i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- Regarding its weight, the WEN 56235i only weighs in at 39 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter inverter generators in the 1500-2500 rated wattage range. 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.
- Rated at a lowest possible noise level of 51 dBA, this inverter generator positions itself amongst the more quiet of the products of similar type and power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU2200i, whose lowest noise levels reach just 48 dBA.
- As the 56235i offers up to 10.5 hours run time on a full tank at a 25% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. If runtime is a priority for you, the DuroMax XP2300iH stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 13 hours of continuous use.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. This inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. 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:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1500-2500W inverter generators, the WEN 56235i 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
- Several accessories included
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (39 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (51 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No data center
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 | 1,900 W |
| Starting watts | 2,350 W |
| Running amps | 15.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 19.6 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 7 h |
| Run time @25% load | 10.5 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 | 1.1 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 | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil, overload and low fuel protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Funnel and tool kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 044459562351 |
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 56235i 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 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1342 W | 2342 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1500 W | 1920 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 1510 W | 1510 W |
What type of air filter does it need (Asked August 06, 2021)
The air filter part number is 56202i-163.
Can I run a 2 inch electric water pump with this unit continuously? (Asked August 24, 2021)
It is unfortunately not feasible to answer this question without more specifics. "2 inch" is not indicative of the power that is needed. We recommend reading our guide on how to calculate the running and starting watts of your appliances.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Bought this wind generator from amazon followed breaking instructio Started the generator plug it in to my camper camper has residential fridge running has the inverter. Running then turn the fan on and then turn AC and the generator continued to run powering my complete trailer. Haven’t used it much but very happy when it’s so far.
This is a value machine, light and nimble not a Honda. Don’t expect a Honda, that one is $ 600.00 more……
Break it in, take care of it and it will work just fine…
They ship fast, customer service answered all my questions prior to purchase. Will buy again…
My advise would be to buy another Honda if your 15 year old one is still running great……Good Luck CJ
Fantastic generator. Started on second pull. Break in on generator performed over 6 hours last weekend. No problem running the 1500 watt heater. Turning heater off, I ran full size kitchen refrigerator/freezer, plus separate standalone freezer, plus computer equipment — 2 screens and laptop with docking station all at same time. Crabjoe’s review is questionable. Look at all the favorable Amazon reviews in comparison.
I bought one thinking it could easily handle a 1500w load (small heater). It won’t. Every time I turn it on, the overload light comes on. Sometimes it clears and other times it trips the genny and I have to reset it. The generator, at least the one the shipped me, might be rated for 1900 watts continuous, but in reality, it can barely handle 1500 watts.
BTW, I checked the same load on my 15yo Honda EU2000 generator. The old Honda handles the load like nothing, since it’s rated at 1600 watts continuous.
My advise is to not buy the WEN 56235i. It will out output what it’s rated at. Look at the engine size, it’s a 79cc Yamaha clone by the Chinese.. Even Yamaha doesn’t use such a small engine for this kind of output.