ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 16
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the WEN GN4500
In summary, the WEN GN4500 is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- 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 following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The WEN GN4500's core is the 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 3,600W and a peak wattage of 4,500W.
With a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the GN4500 can operate for around 13 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.31 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 4 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
This WEN generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The dimensions of the WEN GN4500, which are L23.3 x W18 x H18.8 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
The GN4500 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 97.9 lbs. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grab the frame in order to change its location.
Features
The GN4500's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the WEN GN4500 also is packed along with the following accessories: oil and tool kit.
Emissions
The WEN GN4500 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
The WEN GN4500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN GN4500 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weight-wise, the WEN GN4500 has only 97.9 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN400i, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 65 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 13 hours at 50% load, the GN4500 benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Predator 4375, reaching around 16 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 an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.31 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the WEN GN4500 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (97.9 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (65 dBA)
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Warranty | 2 years |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
---|---|
Running watts | 3,600 W |
Starting watts | 4,500 W |
Running amps | 30 amps |
Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
Run time @50% load | 13 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | No |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 4 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 97.9 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.3 x 18 x 18.8 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 65 dBA |
THD | Unknown |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Floating |
Accessories included | Oil and tool kit |
UPC | 044459045007 |
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 GN4500 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 | |
Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 2857 W | 3857 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 2860 W | 3450 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.
User Reviews
I essentially agree with you on strengths and weaknesses, at least for the plus/minus 4 hours it ran. It starts and runs and it appears there is at least power for charging the RV batteries, but nothing AC works at all. Hopefully, it’s not a serious problem.