Head to head
WEN 56380i vs WEN DF480iX
WEN · Inverter Generator
WEN 56380i
~$700
3,400 W / 3,800 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
WEN · Inverter Generator
WEN DF480iX
~$750
4,000 W / 4,800 W surge · up to furnace blower, sump pump or a window AC
Quick takeThe WEN 56380i lists about $50 lower; the WEN DF480iX puts out more sustained power (4,000 W); the WEN 56380i is quieter at 57 dB.
| Spec | WEN 56380i | WEN DF480iX |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$700 | ~$750 |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Dual Fuel (Gas/Propane) |
| Running / output watts | 3,400 W | 4,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 3,800 W | 4,800 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 57 dB | 62 dB |
| Runtime | Up to 8.5 hrs at half load (2.2 gal tank); 57 dB measured at 1/4 load | Up to 7 hrs on gasoline, 12 hrs on a 20 lb propane tank at half load (1.9 gal tank); 62 dB measured at 1/4 load |
| Outlets | 2x 120V 20A 3-prong, 1x 120V 30A TT-30R, 1x 12V DC, 2x 5V USB, parallel via GNA50i kit | 4x 120V 20A (5-20R), 1x 120V 30A TT-30R, 1x 12V DC, 2x 5V USB |
| Fuel tank | 2.2 gal | 1.9 gal |
| Weight | 99.2 lbs | 78.5 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | No | No |
| Warranty | 2-year | 3-year |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
WEN 56380i
- +About a third of the price of a Honda EU3200i
- +Electric start with recoil backup
- +TT-30R RV outlet plus two standard outlets and 12V DC
- −No built-in CO shutoff sensor on this model
- −99 lbs, heavy to lift without help
- −57 dB is a quarter-load figure
- −TT-30R is 120V; no transfer-switch outlet
WEN DF480iX
- +Runs on propane with a tool-free connector
- +Four 20A outlets plus TT-30R
- +Electric start with recoil backup
- −CO sensor can trip if the unit sits against a wall or in a low spot
- −62 dB is a quarter-load figure, louder at load
- −1.9 gal tank gives only 7 hrs at half load
- −TT-30R is 120V; no transfer-switch outlet