WEN GN400iX - 3500/4000W Open Frame Inverter Generator
The WEN GN400iX is a compact and lightweight open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the WEN GN400iX
The WEN GN400iX is the newer version of the GN400i. It's a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Featuring a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the WEN GN400iX operates using gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,000W. Moreover, the parallel capability (WEN Parallel Connection Kit (opens in a new tab) not included) enables increasing of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
Featuring a noise rating of 67 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator utilizes a manual recoil starter system for ignition.
The GN400iX boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 1.85 gallon, allowing it to run continuously for around 7 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.26 gallons per hour).
The GN400iX 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 features 3 AC outlets as follows:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
This WEN generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
At L19.8 x W13.8 x H18.9 in, the standard open frame design of the WEN GN400iX delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Weighing 70 lbs, the GN400iX is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.
Features
The GN400iX's control panel
When its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker), an automatic low oil shut-off and a low fuel automatic shutdown, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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 GN400iX ships with supplementary accessories: funnel, tool kit and 2 altitude kits. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
The WEN GN400iX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN GN400iX compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the WEN GN400iX weighs just 70 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 3000 to 4000 rated wattage inverter generators. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
- This inverter generator, with its lowest noise level at 67 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4000DFc with only 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the GN400iX, reaching around 7 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other inverters of a roughly equal output. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Firman W03663OF could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 18 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. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.26 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the WEN GN400iX 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
- CO Watchdog
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (70 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (67 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
Do you own the WEN GN400iX 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 | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,000 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 33.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 7 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 1.85 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 70 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 19.8 x 13.8 x 18.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 67 dBA |
| THD | < 1.2% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil, overload and low fuel protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and 2 altitude kits |
| UPC | 044459014003 |
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 GN400iX is covered under a warranty for up to 2 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 3370 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
