By
Rodney Nestor
Rodney Nestor
Research Writer
Rodney holds a Master’s degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary read more
Last updated: September 04, 2023

WEN 56200i Review

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By
Rodney Nestor
Rodney Nestor
Research Writer
Rodney holds a Master’s degree in Arts and apart from working as a freelance writer, is a rather successful author of science fiction stories published in several literary read more
Last updated: September 04, 2023
Propaneva is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Editor's Rating
9,2
out of 10
  • Portability
    9.5
  • Power
    9.3
  • Noise
    8.7
  • Efficiency
    9.4
Users’ Rating
4.2
out of 5
61 Users’ Rating
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rating
rating rating rating rating rating
4.2
out of
5
61 Users’ Rating
  • 5 stars
    36%
  • 4 stars
    52%
  • 3 stars
    7%
  • 2 stars
    5%
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This article is designed to provide you with a comprehensive WEN 56200i review and help you decide if this machine is what you need. The first thing to say here is that it’s a very capable and portable unit. The great news is that in terms of cost, it’s also extremely affordable.

This generator has a reliable engine which puts out enough power to make it a very useful acquisition, comparing well to similarly sized units on the market.

You can rarely have everything, though, and under normal operating conditions, the WEN 56200i isn’t the best option on the market in terms of noise levels. You’ll definitely be able to hear this when it’s operating anywhere near to where you are situated.

Although the WEN 56200i isn’t ridiculously noisy – and is rated well below some of the noisiest units out there – it is quite audible. That’s well worth taking into account when you decide which generator to purchase, especially if noise is a particular concern or consideration for you.

In terms of outlets and ports, the WEN portable generator has plenty. If you’re a user who needs multiple options in terms of power sockets, the WEN 56200i has you covered there. The whole WEN 56200i package doesn’t weigh too much either, which is a great tick in the box for this unit.

What that means is you won’t experience too many problems if you need to move this thing around repeatedly from place to place. The WEN offering is a relatively easy generator to have around because it will operate for long periods without much attention from its user. It also has a decent sized fuel tank enabling a suitably long runtime.

We’re going to look properly at the technical details and specifications of the WEN 56200i later in this WEN56200i review. Although this generator isn’t the finest example on the market, it’s nowhere near being the most expensive either and is considered to be the best Wen generator.

It’s a great little unit for a great little price. The WEN generator isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s a great option if your finances are relatively tight and will do most of the stuff that you want a tailgating or traveling generator to do.

This machine is also extremely suitable for use around the home. It takes care of a need without providing – or charging for – too many frills and thrills.

This product's also been included into these rankings:

Our #4 pick for the best generator for boat
Our #1 pick for the best quiet generator
Our #4 pick for the best generator for tailgating
Our #1 pick for the best wen generator
Our #1 pick for the best portable generator
Our #1 pick for the best carb compliant generators
Our #2 pick for the best generator under 500
Our #1 pick for the best 1000 watt generators
Our #4 pick for the best inverter generator

Specifications

Fuel type
Gasoline
Surge watts
2,000
Running watts
1,600
AC voltage
120/240
AC frequency
60 Hz
Engine
79.7cc OHV
Engine RPM
3,600
Starting method
Recoil
Fuel tank capacity
7.2 gal.
Run time at 50%
6 hours
Dimensions
18 x 11 x 18 inches
Weight
48 pounds
Warranty
2-year (residential), 1-year (commercial)

WEN 56200i Review

The WEN 56200i comes with a high number of features for a generator which sits at a relatively low price point. You get a comprehensive overall range of options and that offers a broad range of practicality and makes this an attractive generator option.

There are plenty of power outlets, lots of power, and in terms of weight, the unit is very light too. Many buyers will favor the WEN for what it offers in terms of portability and ease of use. We’re about to look at all of those aspects in more detail, so please stick around.

Overall performance

The WEN 56200i has been designed with an economical yet powerful enough 80cc 4-stroke engine. That means this generator is capable of producing a very practical 1600 Watts of power under normal operating conditions.

The WEN 56200i can actually give out 2000 Watts during peak power demand, which is a very effective level of performance for a unit of this size. In fact, the WEN 56200i compares extremely well in performance terms performance to other generators in its class. Additionally, for when you need to conserve resources and tone things down, the generator has a highly useful eco-mode.

Fuel tank capacity and run time

The WEN 56200i comes fitted with a 1-gallon fuel tank which enables the generator to muster up a continuous running time of only six hours when the unit is operating at just 50% of its maximum capacity.

This is slightly short in terms of time periods associated with other generators on the market and a specification which doesn’t compare too well with models from other manufacturers in this class. In fact, the meagre fuel capacity is slightly disappointing. You’ll have trouble getting this generator to run on through the night in winter camping conditions.

When operating under quarter load conditions, the WEN 56200i puts out a relatively high 51DB(A) of noise. It’s not the quietest generator out there by any means. This WEN model is parallel capable, though – whichis a great feature and opens this unit up to extra users and uses. You will need to buy a kit from WEN to accomplish parallel connection, however.

WEN 56200i Review

The WEN 56200i is also capable of running in eco-mode, which is a great fuel saver and not too bad for the planet and environment either! If you’re an environmentally conscious camper and you need portable power on the move, the WEN 56200i might just be your obvious choice.

It’s worth remembering that although the maker states that the standard 1-gallon tank on this model of generator will give a continuous running time of only six hours when the unit is loaded at 50% of its maximum rating, this is a very small and portable model.

Outlets

When it comes to the matter of power outlets and charging ports, you won’t be left looking for a socket when you’re on the go. The WEN 56200i has two convenient three-pronged 120V sockets, and there is one 12V DC outlet available too. You’ll also find a single extremely versatile 5V USB port on this unit, which makes this a capable version when it comes to charging phones, electronic equipment, and other portable devices.

In short, the WEN comes fully loaded in terms of power options and outlets. You’ll find enough of them to serve most of your needs on the go. The outlets are one of the most outstanding attributes of this model, and the manufacturer really hasn’t skimped here at all.

Portability

WEN 56200i Review

The WEN 56200i weighs in at just 48 pounds, which is a massive advantage. Many buyers have a need for a powerful and lightweight generator. If that’s you, the WEN will really tick that box for you.

The WEN 56200i is designed for convenience. From the extremely handy fold-down, locking handle on the top all the way down to the rugged and heavy-duty, never-flat wheels on the underside. This generator doesn’t fail to please when it comes to maneuverability and ease of use.

Overall, the WEN 56200i is a well-sized generator for transport or tailgating and camping out in general. While being a sturdy and rugged unit, the WEN matches durability with practical portability. This combination makes the WEN an excellent option for those of you out there who want their generator to perform different tasks in different settings – both in and around the home, and on the go.

Ease of use

Not every generator can call itself truly portable, but one thing that the WEN 56200i does is makes that term its own. This thing is light enough in weight for even the least physically capable of users, and it will go anywhere without demanding you tone up at the gym first.

The first thing a lot of potential buyers will notice about the WEN 56200i is that it weighs in at just 48 pounds – and that’s quite a feat for a generator that packs a decent punch. You won’t be breaking your back when you break this beauty out at the campsite and that is why it is considered to be one of the best generators for tailgating.

If you decide to haul it into the back yard to power lighting or entertainment equipment when you’re putting on a function for family or friends – this machine won’t take center stage. It’s small enough work in the background and to do its thing efficiently.

The WEN generator also comes with a great low oil level shutdown feature, which will save the day in a low oil situation and ensure that the motor in this unit won’t get damaged if you forget to top up. It’s advised to keep an eye on the oil levels at all times, though, as part of a regular maintenance schedule.

Key features

  • 80cc 4-stroke motor
  • Parallel capable (kit sold separately)
  • Six-hour runtime (at 50% capacity)
  • Only weighs 48 Pounds
  • Low price tag
  • 1600 Watts of continuous power
  • 2000 Watts starting power

WEN 56200i ReviewWarranty

The warranty is nearly always a reasonably reliable indication of the quality of a product, and the WEN 56200i is no different. Examining the warranty provided with the WEN, you’ll notice that the manufacturer offers a decent term of two full years after the original date of purchase.

The maker covers defects in materials and workmanship. You’ll need to remember to retain your purchase receipt and accurately fill out and return your product registration card, which should come supplied with the generator.

WEN promise to replace or repair any defects within that two-year period, without charge for either the labor or any new parts required. If you do encounter a mechanical breakdown or other problem with your WEN 56200i, it’s imperative that you do not return the unit to the retailer where you purchased it.

Instead, the procedure is to call the manufacturer’s toll-free customer service number. You’ll then be advised as to the correct warranty service center to take the generator along to. Remember also to bring along that proof of purchase.

As the product owner, you’ll be responsible for shipping charges incurred when returning the product for service under warranty, which is kind of disappointing. You’ll also be required to make sure the consignment is insured and properly packaged.

Price tag

The WEN 56200i isn’t the costliest generator in a class of machines where the price range is extensive, and the levels of quality also vary greatly. The WEN sits around about the budget level in the portable generator market, and that does show in terms of some of its shortcomings. However, for the price, this is a great generator that will do a reasonable job, so it can’t be overlooked entirely.

PROS CONS
  • Significant output power
  • Very light in weight
  • Budget-friendly
  • Parallel set-up capability
  • Not the quietest generator on the market

 

 

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