WEN DF480iX - 4000/4800W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The WEN DF480iX is a compact dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 4,800 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the WEN DF480iX
To sum up, the WEN DF480iX is a compact portable inverter generator tailored for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
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
Featuring dual-fuel technology, the WEN DF480iX provides 120V, and offers both power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 4,000W and a starting wattage of 4,800W. When propane-powered, it offers 3,600 running watts and 4,320 starting watts. Additionally, the parallel capability (parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) facilitates increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, offering enhanced energy capacity and reliability for diverse requirements.
WEN’s Auto Fuel Selection technology automatically selects the fuel source (LPG or gasoline) depending on availability and prioritizes LPG. Thus, if a propane tank with enough LPG is connected, the generator will automatically use LPG. If no propane tank is connected, or if there is not enough LPG remaining in the tank, the generator will use gasoline.
Featuring a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator is equipped with both a manual recoil starter system and a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included) for starting.
In terms of running time, the DF480iX, equipped with a 1.9 gallon fuel tank, is capable of running continuously for around 7 hours at 50% load on a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.27 gallons per hour). When utilizing propane, it provides around 12 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.39 GPH) of operation.
With a <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the DF480iX delivers a clean sine wave, essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage and a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this WEN generator is RV Ready.
Portability
With its enclosed inverter generator design (L23.8 x W12.6 x H22.1 in), the WEN DF480iX offers superior aesthetics and operates with minimized noise levels, distinguishing itself from standard, open frame generators. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
With a dry weight of 78.5 lbs, the DF480iX is convenient, ensuring it can be taken wherever power is needed. Moreover, its set of 2 wheels and its telescopic handle will allow you to easily shift it once it's on the ground.
Features
The DF480iX's control panel
A digital data center, one of the features of the DF480iX's control panel, gives you information on the frequency, lifetime run hours, power output, fuel level and voltage, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, when its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is overloaded, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
The fuel shutoff feature turns off the flow of fuel, allowing for the DF480iX 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.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off, an overload protection (circuit breaker) and a low fuel automatic shutdown, offering peace of mind throughout operation.
The unit also benefits from WEN's CO Watchdog carbon monoxide detection. This system measures the accumulation of poisonous CO gas while the generator is running. If the level of CO gas gets too high, the CO Watchdog system will automatically shut down the generator.
Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the WEN DF480iX features extra accessories: oil, tool kit, propane hose and funnel. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The WEN DF480iX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN DF480iX compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Considering its weight, the WEN DF480iX registers at a modest 78.5 pounds, placing it among the lighter inverter generators in the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage selection. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN 56432iX, weighing just 52.9 pounds.
- With noise emissions rated as low as 62 dBA, this inverter generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar type and power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the DF480iX, reaching around 7 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other inverters of a roughly equal output. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Firman W03663OF, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 18 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This inverter generator provides better fuel efficiency than most others in its wattage range, consuming approximately 0.27 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel inverter generators, the WEN DF480iX 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
- Dual fuel
- CO Watchdog
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Auto Fuel Selection technology
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (78.5 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (62 dBA)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
Do you own the WEN DF480iX 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 | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 4,800 W | 4,320 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 40 amps | 36 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 7 h | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 78.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.8 x 12.6 x 22.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 62 dBA |
| THD | < 1.2% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil, overload and low fuel protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 044459094807 |
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 DF480iX is covered under a warranty for up to 3 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4192 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2050 W | 4750 W |
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