Father’s Day
WEN DF500iX (Discontinued)
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)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
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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.
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
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The WEN DF500iX
Featuring dual-fuel technology, the WEN DF500iX provides 120/240V, and offers both power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 4,220W and a starting wattage of 5,000W. When propane-powered, it offers 3,800 running watts and 5,000 starting watts. Additionally, the parallel capability (parallel kit not included) facilitates increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, offering enhanced energy capacity and reliability for diverse requirements.
Enjoying a noise rating of 58 dBA (less noisy than rainfall), this inverter generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
In terms of running time, the DF500iX, equipped with a 2.9 gallons fuel tank, is capable of running continuously for around 9 hours at 50% load on a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.32 gallons per hour). When utilizing propane, it provides around 7.1 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.66 GPH) of operation.
As the DF500iX produces a clean sine wave, with a <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:
It also sports 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) designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
This WEN generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, as the DF500iX holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
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. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
With a dry weight of 93.7 lbs, the DF500iX is manageable, ensuring it can accompany you wherever you need power. Furthermore, thanks to its set of 2 wheels and its telescopic handle, shifting the generator once it's placed is a breeze.
Features
The DF500iX's control panel
Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the DF500iX offers you convenient access to essential information about the power output, lifetime run hours, voltage, frequency and fuel level, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, the light indicators show you if the generator is overloaded, 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.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker), a low fuel automatic shutdown and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its 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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the WEN DF500iX also includes several accessories: oil, funnel, tool kit and propane hose.
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).
- At 93.7 lbs dry, the WEN DF500iX is consistent with the standard weight profile for inverters ranging from 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN 56432iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 58 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- As for its runtime, the DF500iX runs for around 9 hours at a 50% load, placing it towards the low end among comparable inverters. 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.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. As this inverter generator uses an estimated 0.32 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
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 fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
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
| 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 |
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 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 3372 W | 4872 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 3360 W | 3950 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
When adding the remote start kit- will it remote start? I can’t find out anything about this kit (Asked December 08, 2024)
We are not aware of any remote start kit available for this unit.
The remote kit part number is DF500iX-080- is this an actual remote starter kit with a key fob or is the name just misleading? (Asked December 08, 2024)
This is a replacement part for a module already installed in the unit. We recommend contacting WEN to inquire why the 'remote' functionality was not activated.
