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
In short, the WEN DF500iX is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
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, as it is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), this power can be increased when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
Operating with a noise rating of 58 dBA (less noisy than a conversation at home), this inverter generator offers two starting options: a manual recoil starter system and a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included).
As for its running time, the DF500iX, along with its 2.9 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.32 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for around 7.1 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.66 GPH).
The <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the DF500iX ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 3 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option and two 5V USB ports (USB-A) designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this WEN generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles. In addition, because the DF500iX is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
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.
With a dry weight of 93.7 lbs, the DF500iX 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 DF500iX's control panel
For easy status and activity monitoring of the DF500iX, its control panel integrates a digital data center, offering insights into the frequency, fuel level, lifetime run hours, power output and voltage.
In addition to this info, the generator's light indicators provide visual feedback when the generator is ready, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is overloaded.
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 can be used with a peace of mind, as it features a low fuel automatic shutdown, an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the WEN DF500iX ships with supplementary accessories: propane hose, funnel, tool kit and oil.
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 falls within the expected weight range for inverter generators in the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the WEN 56432iX is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 58 dBA, this inverter generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar type and power. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- Offering around 9 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the DF500iX is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 15 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This inverter generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.32 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. 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 run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- 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
| 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 | 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 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 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.
