WEN 56180 1800 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator Review

If you are on the hunt for a compact generator which provides you with reliable performance and impressive longevity, you will want to take a look at the WEN 56180 1800 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator.

This generator measures just 19.9 x 15.9 x 17.1 inches and weighs a mere 50 pounds, but it is equipped with a powerful engine and a robust build. Features are relatively basic, but you can expect solid runtime on a full tank of gas, and you should be able to get plenty of use out of this generator before you need to get a new one.

Below, you can view the specifications for the WEN 56180. We’ll talk about some of the key features in more depth next, followed by the pros and cons. hopefully, this will help you to figure out whether the WEN 56180 may be a match for your needs.

SPECIFICATIONS:

1800 starting watts
1500 running watts
63 decibels
1.1-gallon fuel tank capacity
Up to 7.5 hours of runtime at half load
Outlets: Two AC120V three-prong wall outlets plus one 12V DC outlet
CARB-compliant
EPA III-compliant

Manual recoil start
Runs on gasoline
98-cc engine displacement
4-stroke OHV single cylinder engine
Spark arrestor
Low-oil shutdown
Measures 19.9 x 15.9 x 17.1 inches
Weighs 50 pounds

Standout Features of the WEN 56180 1800 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator

Let’s discuss some of the best features of this generator in a little more detail.

Great Runtime and Fuel Efficiency

At a 50% load, this generator can run for up to 7.5 hours on a full tank (1.1 gallons) of gasoline. If you are running with a lower load, you can get an even longer duration before you need to add more gas.

That means that if you are using it as a backup generator and the power goes out for a day, you might very well not even need to pour in any more gas before the power is restored. It all depends on the specifics of your situation and what you need to run, but one thing’s for sure, and that is that this generator is no gas-guzzler.

Durable and Built to Last

With its steel frame enclosure and its high-quality parts, this generator was designed to stand the test of time. The engine is equipped with a cooling system in order to protect it, which further adds to the longevity of the generator. You can use the WEN 56180 on a regular basis for a long time before it is likely to need maintenance or replacement.

If you do need customer support, WEN is a company which is known for providing top-shelf service. Your purchase is backed by a two-year warranty, which adds value to your purchase.

Ideal for Indoor or Outdoor Use

While the WEN 56180 works great as a backup generator for home, it is also ideal for camping and other outdoor uses. One of its features is a spark arrestor. There are quite a few regions where you can only legally use a generator outdoors if it has one of these arrestors. By preventing sparking, this feature helps to prevent forest fires.

PROS

The compact, lightweight design of this generator makes it easy to bring with you if you are camping or need a power source for any other outdoor activity or event.
Fuel efficiency is excellent for this generator, which means that you can look forward to long runtimes, particularly if you are operating at a 50% load or less.
There is a little oil shutoff feature which kicks in automatically when necessary.
The controls are conveniently located and easy to reach.
The generator even runs well in cold temperatures, although you may need to give the engine a few extra pulls to get it started.
At 63 dB, this is neither the loudest nor the quietest generator on the market. It does include a muffler to keep noise levels as contained as possible. Engine vibration is also minimized thanks to sturdy mounting. The noise levels do you mean it may not be appropriate for all camping sites, but it should be fine for environments where you have a decent amount of space around you (especially if you will not be running it continuously).
With its spark arrestor and CARB-compliant and EPA III-compliant status, you can use this generator in most outdoor locations.
If you properly maintain this generator, it should offer you great longevity even with frequent use.

CONS

Even with excellent runtime and fuel efficiency, this generator does not produce the necessary power output required for running all devices. If you need to power central heat or air-conditioning in your RV or home, the WEN 56180 is not the most suitable choice.
This is a manual start generator. Usually, you can get it going in just a few pulls, but some people prefer electric start for convenience.
There may be some issues involving quality control since some units seem to have problems running right out of the box. The majority are not affected.

Overall Assessment: The WEN 56180 Portable Generator is Ideal for Camping and Backup Power

Like any other portable generator on the market, the WEN 56180 has its benefits and drawbacks and is not suitable for every use.

If you're looking to power heavy machinery, central HVAC, or other appliances which have high power demands, the WEN 56180 is not your best option. It also is not ideal if you want something super quiet.

If however, you are looking for a reliable, well-constructed, portable, lightweight generator to use for backup power in your home or to take with you on camping trips, the WEN 56180 1800 Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator should offer you the dependable performance you need at a great price.