Review of the WEN GN6000 Open Frame Portable Generator

Should You Buy It?

This is a good 4 to 5-star generator with decent levels of power. It won't run a whole house, but it's a more affordable and versatile solution than a stationary standby generator, especially when you only need to power some basic essentials for relatively short periods.

An electric starter would have been nice. But for its price and power, there is no reason why you shouldn't see the GN6000 as a good option for your money.

Key Points about the WEN GN6000

Overview of the Generator

The GN6000 is an open frame generator which is both compact and reasonably powerful. It's a decent option for emergency power backup of basic essentials in your home for limited periods. It can also be used for your RV/camper and provide a fair amount of output to power tools on jobsites.

Controls and Features

The control panel is clear and functional. Among the controls are an engine switch and a digital data meter, a voltage selector (120v/240v), outlets and AC breakers. The outlets are composed of two standard household outlets (5-20R), one 30A TT-30R RV outlet, one 120v/240v L14-30R outlet, plus one 12v DC outlet.

Those who would like or need an electric starter will be disappointed here. but it does have a fuel gauge which is located next to the fuel filler cap on top of the generator. There is also a low oil pressure sensor designed to stop the engine automatically when the level is dangerously low for safe operation, as well as preventing you from starting until you've topped it up.

When stopping the generator WEN recommend first turning the fuel valve off. This uses up all the fuel before shutting down without any further action on your part. But they also recommend draining the carburetor as well. If you are going to store the generator for a lengthy period, WEN say you should also drain the fuel tank. This is important because fuel goes bad over time and causes blockages that can prevent the generator from starting. But it can also have downsides. Many portable generator owners recommend the use of ethanol-free gasoline and the addition of a fuel stabilizer to help protect the engine and carburetor from bad fuel.

As it's EPA Certified and CARB Compliant, the GEN6000 can be used in all 50 states. It can also be used safely in National Parks and camping sites as it has a spark arrestor installed in the muffler.

The GN6000 can run for up to 7 hours at 50% load on its 3.4-gallon fuel tank.

WEN offer a 2-year warranty on all their inverter generators.

Detailed information for this model is contained in the WEN GN6000 manual.

Power Output

Powered by a 272cc OHV engine the G6000 produces 6000 starting watts and 5000 running watts. With traditional technology, the engine runs at a constant speed of 3600 RPM.

The manual says that at altitudes of 2000 feet above sea level you should use an altitude kit. Without the kit you will experience increased engine emissions and a decrease in both fuel economy and performance. At elevations above 7000 feet the engine may decrease in performance even with the proper altitude kit. We have more information on operating a portable generator at altitude.

WEN reminds potential buyers that for power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to all your home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded with constant operation, causing overheating or stressing the components, leading to generator failure.

Where sensitive electronics are to be connected, a line conditioner/UPS should be used to protect from surges and spikes. 

Weight

Weighing 119lbs, this is a relatively heavy generator. A wheel kit is supplied for you to fit and make moving it easier.

Noise Level

WEN do not mention the noise level in the manual for this model. But others rate it at 68dB.

As there are no established standards for taking noise measurements, most manufacturers have their own methods. While published noise levels will give you some idea, you really need to stand close to a generator to judge for yourself even though that may be impractical.

What Most Buyers Like

The GN6000 gets mostly 4 and 5-stars. It's easy to assemble, powerful and represents excellent value for your dollar. Most, but not all, buyers found it easy to start despite not having an electric starter. The instruction manual is clear and well-written. However, the specifications are a bit sparse with, for instance, no mention of noise levels. Consistency across the range of models would help.

The 30A RV plug is great for camping. And as an open frame it's easier to work on compared to the difficulty of opening closed frame models.

What Some Buyers Like Less

It's a little louder than expected and the fuel tank could be larger. And the digital data display can be hard to read in bright daylight. Some units turn up in badly beaten boxes, and there is an occasional failure of the generator on delivery. There is some surprise at WEN's recommendation for owners to change the oil every 25 hours.