Review of the WEN Super Quiet 56225i Portable Inverter Generator

Should You Buy It?

As an affordable inverter, this model provides a solution especially for recreational users.

Owners have also found it a good option for powering basic essentials when faced with blackouts. They note that buyers need to be careful in following a break-in process, which will help to extend the model's useful life (oddly, this process is not covered in the manual).

So yes, this looks to be a good buy for those who don't want to spend more on some of the other more expensive brands. And with a parallel kit and another identical generator you can double the power outputs.

Key Points about the WEN Super Quiet 56225i

Overview of the Generator

This is a compact, light-weight, and super quiet inverter. It has a variety of light recreational applications for campers, boat, and RV owners, and for some very limited backup of really essential appliances for short periods during an emergency or power outage.

Controls and Features

The control panel is simple. Besides the receptacles, it houses LED indicators for low oil, output and overload, an Eco-Mode switch, and an Off/Run/Choke dial. There is also a manual shut-off switch in case you need to shut the generator down immediately.

In terms of your connections, you have 2x120v NEMA 5-20R receptacles and two covered 5v USB ports. In case of overload there is a Reset button. Parallel connection points are included to allow you to connect to another SQ56225i to increase the available power outputs. 

Whenever the oil falls below a minimum level the engine shuts down automatically. At the beginning of its life, owners are recommended to change the oil more often. Though WEN do not say so, a lot of manufacturers say change the oil after the first five hours of use. This is because as the engine breaks-in metal particles will appear. WEN produce a magnetic oil dipstick that will collect these metal particles, which if left in the engine can cause damage. While many owners think WEN should supply this as standard (they don't), you may want to get one at the same time as ordering the generator.

As this model is EPAIII and CARB Compliant you can use it in all 50 states.

The generator is able to run for up to 6 hours at 50% load and 9.4 hours at 25% load on its 1-gallon fuel tank. It does have a fuel shutoff mechanism to burn the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting the engine down. But you are generally advised to add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent the fuel going stale over time. And if you don't expect to have to use it again for some months the recommendation is to drain any residual fuel from the carburetor before storing the generator.

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

Detailed information for this model is contained in its manual.

Power Output

The unit is powered by a 79.7cc engine producing a maximum of 2250 starting watts and 1800 running watts. The ECO-Mode switch permits the engine to alter its speed according to the load, which maximizes fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and minimizes noise.

As an inverter, it delivers clean power with a THD of <1.2% at full load, so you can safely connect your laptops and other sensitive electronic equipment without worrying about damage from a spike in the output.

As noted above, for more power, you can connect another SQ56225i with a separately sold WEN 56421 Parallel kit.

Experts advise only to use a maximum of 90% of the running watts specification, which means that you shouldn't exceed a little over 1600 watts continuous. Also, ambient temperature and altitude can significantly reduce power outputs, so you need to take where you live into account when choosing a generator. 

Weight

It's a fairly light generator at 48.5lbs, making it a good option for people who have difficulty in moving heavier generators.

Noise Level

Tested from 22 feet the generator's noise levels are: 52dB (no load), 53dB (25% load), 54dB (50% load), and 57dB (75% load). 

While WEN say the sound levels compare with an ordinary conversation, it's worth pointing out that everyone hears noise differently. Published levels cannot be easily compared because there are no established standards for taking such measurements. This is why some manufacturers don't bother to publish dB levels.

What Most Buyers Like

Compared to the more expensive Honda, Yamaha, and Generac, it's a great little generator, though one owner says you should be careful not to overwork it. Stick to no more than 6-8 hours a day.

The initial set up and running/maintenance instructions are simple and easy to follow, and the inclusion of a tool kit is great. It's pretty quiet especially in Eco Mode, but noticeably louder than the Honda when working under load. While it can power a coffee machine, micro, mini-fridge, tv, laptops, battery charger, lights, etc with no problems, it's not ideal for regular AC cycling.

There are many recommendations for new owners to buy the magnetic oil dipstick for the break-in procedure (it's also a WEN recommendation at the foot of page 12 in the manual.

With a few exceptions, buyers find the after sales service good for this model.

What Some Buyers Like Less

Some disappointment that WEN doesn't recommend a break-in period or procedure in the manual, and even though a tool kit is included it would be good to have the oil too. And given the amount of metal shavings in the oil during initial use, WEN should include a magnetic dipstick as standard.

The plastic used on the control panel is of an inferior quality and replacement parts are not easy to come by. 

One owner notes you need an optional altitude kit to use this generator above 3000 feet and says this isn't covered in the manual (in fact, we found full information on page 14 of the manual).