The WEN DF500iX is a quiet and compact dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 4,220 W and a starting wattage of 5,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the WEN DF500iX
To sum up, the WEN DF500iX is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator tailored for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the WEN DF500iX provides a 120/240V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 4,220W and a starting wattage of 5,000W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 3,800 running watts and 5,000 starting watts. In addition, the parallel capability (parallel kit not included) empowers increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
Enjoying a noise rating of 58 dBA (less noisy than a quiet suburb), this inverter generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included).
The DF500iX, with a fuel capacity of 2.9 gallons, reaches a run time of around 9 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.32 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 7.1 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.66 GPH) with propane.
The DF500iX 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 includes the following 4 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 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 (USB-A) ideal for charging various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this WEN generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles. In addition, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the DF500iX is designed to be transfer switch ready, allowing easy connection to your breaker box for powering your home during a blackout.
Portability
The WEN DF500iX's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L22.8 x W16.6 x H19.7 in) provides an aesthetic advantage and contributes to quieter operation compared to any ordinary, open frame product. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The 93.7 lbs of the DF500iX's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Furthermore, with its set of 2 wheels and its telecospic handle, you can easily relocate the generator once it's set up.
Features
The DF500iX's control panel is equipped with a digital data center, furnishing detailed information on the frequency, fuel level, voltage, lifetime run hours and power output for you to easily track its activity and status.
In addition to this info, the light indicators show you if the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and the oil level is too low.
The fuel shutoff feature turns off the flow of fuel, allowing for the DF500iX 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 far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off, a low fuel automatic shutdown and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during use.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the WEN DF500iX is bundled with additional accessories: funnel, tool kit, oil and propane hose.
Product Video
The WEN DF500iX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN DF500iX compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a dry weight of 93.7 lbs, the WEN DF500iX sits comfortably within the expected weight range for inverters generating 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If you are mindful of weight, the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 58.4 pounds.
- With a lowest noise rating of 58 dBA, the inverter generator is one of the more quiet of the generators 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 Westinghouse iGen5000DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- The DF500iX's runtime of around 9 hours at a 50% load on a full tank positions it within the average autonomy range compared to other inverter generators with similar power. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, reaching around 15 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. The inverter generator utilizes approximately 0.32 GPH of gasoline at a 50% load, placing it within the typical range of fuel consumption seen in products of comparable wattage. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.
The bottom line
- Dual fuel
- CO Watchdog
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (58 dBA)
- Decent weight (93.7 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
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: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 4,220 W | 3,800 W |
Starting watts | 5,000 W | 5,000 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 35.2/17.6 amps | 31.7/15.8 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps | 41.7/20.8 amps |
Run time @50% load | 9 h | 7.1 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
Fuel tank | 2.9 gal |
Fuel gauge | Digital |
Weight | 93.7 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 22.8 x 16.6 x 19.7 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 58 dBA |
THD | < 1.2% |
Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
Security | Low oil, overload and low fuel protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery |
Country of origin | China |
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 DF500iX 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
Security system | 180 | 180 | |
Total | 3372 W | 4847 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 3360 W | 3780 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
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