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WEN DF500iX - 4220/5000W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator With Electric Start

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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WEN DF500iXWEN DF500iXWEN DF500iX

Description

Produce up to 5000 surge watts and 4220 rated watts of power on gasoline, or connect a propane tank using the tool-free quick-connector for up to 5000 surge watts and 3800 rated watts of power on LPG. The keyless electric start lets you turn on your generator at the press of a button, and includes a recoil starter as backup. The bonded-neutral 240V configuration provides low-power Level 2 battery EV charging for peace of mind when your electric vehicle is off the grid. (source: WEN (opens in a new tab))

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

The WEN DF500iX in use

The WEN DF500iX

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:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

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

Panel of the WEN DF500iX

The DF500iX's control panel

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

STRENGTHS:
  • Dual fuel
  • CO Watchdog
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Electric start
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Quiet for its power (58 dBA)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (93.7 lbs)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No remote start

Do you own the WEN DF500iX and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyYes
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts4,220 W3,800 W
Starting watts5,000 W5,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)35.2/17.6 amps31.7/15.8 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)41.7/20.8 amps41.7/20.8 amps
Run time @50% load9 h7.1 h
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
2x 5V USB port (USB-A)
Data centerPower output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank2.9 gal
Fuel gaugeDigital
Misc
Weight93.7 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%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil, overload and low fuel protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery
Country of originChina

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.

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Security system180180
Total3372 W4847 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Bug zapper8080
Total3360 W3780 W
For workTable saw18004500
Drain cleaner250250
Bug zapper8080
Total2130 W4830 W

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