• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy / Disclaimer
  • Contact Us
  • Contributing Writers
  • Site Directory

Chainsaw Journal

Expert Advice on the Modern Home, DIY, Power Tools & Outdoor Power Equipment to help you make intelligent buying decisions.

  • Generators
    • Portable Generators
    • Portable Power Stations
    • Inverter Generators / Quiet
    • Educational
  • Chainsaws
    • Cordless / Battery-Powered
    • Corded-Electric
    • Gas-Powered
    • Chainsaw Reviews
    • Education / How-to
  • Outdoor Power Equipment
    • Log Splitters
    • Snow Blowers
    • Wood Chippers / Shredders
    • Portable Table Saw
    • Leaf Blowers
    • Lawn Mower
    • Miter Saws
    • Outdoor Cooking
  • Workshop Tools
    • Shop Heaters
    • Woodworking tools
    • Table Saws
    • Automotive
    • Air Compressors
  • Pools
    • Robotic Pool Cleaners
    • Pool Pumps
    • Pool Heaters
  • Indoor Home
    • Air Conditioners
    • Vacuum Cleaners
  • Informative
  • Kids
  • Blog
Home » Blog » Energizer EZG1300 vs WEN 56180 | Reviews | Portable Gas Generator

Energizer EZG1300 vs WEN 56180 | Reviews | Portable Gas Generator

Last Updated: October 29, 2022 / at: 10:29 pm

Energizer EZG1300 : best compact lightweight generator
Well-designed classic gas generator. (Buy from Amazon)

When most people think of Engergizer they think of batteries, not portable generators. The fact is that they make well-regarded compact generators, which is what we look at today. Is the Energizer EZG1300 right for you? Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. We also compare it to another great small gas generator, the WEN 56180, to see which one is a better value.

Let’s be honest, generators can be confusing unless you’re technically minded. There are a lot of factors to consider before making a purchase. Choosing the right generator size can be tricky. You really have to understand your needs in order to make a wise decision. Hopefully this article will clarify some things for you and help you decide on which generator is best for you.

What Size Generator is Right for You?

With hurricanes becoming more frequent and more intense, the demand for portable generators is at an all-time high. So while a portable generator may have seemed like a luxury item in the past, it has become more of a necessity for many. You may have always considered a portable generator as something that you’d use for a vacation, perhaps to power your RV or yacht. In times of natural disaster, a portable generator could be the only thing that stands between destitution and having essential power for your electrical appliances. This is even more vital for people who have medical equipment that requires electric power.

VIDEO OVERVIEW |  Energizer EZG1300 plus others in the EZG Series

YouTube video

Ideally, you want 3500 watts or more to keep your home functioning close to normal when it comes to your electricity needs. With prices in the region of $1000 for a top-grade high-output generator, they may be too expensive for many. For really high-powered portable generators, you could end up paying as much as $4000. What if you have only have a few hundred dollars to spend, can you get a reliable portable generator?

You can, but you can’t expect a lot of watts for your money. A generator that is way too cheap, is simply not worth it. If you look at your price per watt, you shouldn’t expect to get something of reasonable quality for under 30 bucks per 100W. Paying less will probably mean that you’re buying a generator that’s going to let you down when need it most. There’s no sense in that.

The Energizer EZG1300 is well-priced and will provide you with enough power to keep the lights burning and power up a few essential items. You can forget about having enough watts to run a medium to large refrigerator or an air conditioner. For a generator that’s going to give you that kind of power, you’ll need to pay quite a lot more. The size and weight of the Energizer EZG1300 make it ideal for people who rate portability highly. So it’s a fantastic little machine for camping trips or light-duty site work if you’re a contractor.


Energizer EZG1300 — Review

Great little compact gas generator for light-duty power needs.

Energizer EZG1300 : best compact lightweight generator
Produces up to 1000 watts of clean 120V AC or 12V DC electricity.

"Buy from Amazon" button

Features:

  • Engine : 87CC
  • Ideal for camping trips, hunting, traveling, tailgating, and light jobs around the house.
  • A large tank size allows longer run times between refills, and Auto-Voltage Regulation keep your appliances safe at all times.
  • Intuitive interface allows you to switch from a 120V Output to a 120V DC Output power to suit your varying applications.
  • Integrated 12V Battery Charging port and charging cable included.
  • The Light weight at only 28kg combined with multiple handling points along the frame make the eZG1300 easy to carry and easy to tie down where necessary.
  • Interface panel is angled upward to provide increased visibility and ergonomics.
    Quiet running volume at only 71dbA (at 7m).
  • Easy and reliable manual recoil start.
  • Approximate run time is 9 hours with 75% load

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Energizer EZG1300.

Overview | Energizer EZG1300

This is a fantastic little generator in its price range and has a very durable engine, as well good basic features. A running load of 1000W and a peak load of 1300W means that you need to carefully consider what you’re going to run off this generator. For keeping the basics running in your home or RV, the Energizer EZG1300 is a good option at a very reasonable price.

The Energizer EZG1300 uses a Hyundai HX80 87cc, 2.4HP, 4-stroke engine. Hyundai is one of those Korean motor manufacturers that have taken the world by surprise, producing incredibly reliable engines much cheaper than most of their established Japanese, German and American competitors. This engine is an excellent choice for economy and durability. It’s also quite a large engine for a generator this small, this should mean that it won’t take much strain – reducing wear and tear and, ultimately, increasing the lifespan of the engine.

Control panel of the Energizer EZG1300

Energizer EZG1300 : best compact lightweight generator
Battery charging port is a nice touch from Energizer. (Amazon)

The generator is housed in a durable frame with well-designed rubber feet, this will reduce the vibration levels. When it comes to noise, Energizer boasts proudly of a noise level that’s 71dBA from 7M (23 FT) away. I don’t see this as anything to brag about – 71dBA is loud and for a machine this small, it’s very loud. So I wouldn’t call this a quiet generator by any standard.

Fuel consumption, on the other hand, is something that they can be quite proud of. The Energizer EZG1300 has a 1.27-gallon gas tank and this will give you about 9-hours runtime from a tank at 50% load. On the Amazon site, they say that it gets 9-hours at 75% load, the official site says 50%. I’m going to go with the official site, besides 9-hours at 750W, seems unrealistic. This works out to 0.14 gallons per hour, not bad at all. It also has a fuel gauge on the gas tank, which is nice.

You start the engine manually, using a recoil starter. I don’t think that you get a generator this small that has an electric starter. The control panel is well laid out and is tilted slightly upward, making it very convenient. The panel provides you with two 120V household power outlets and a 12V battery charging outlet, all with circuit breaker protection.

VIDEO | Getting Started with the Energizer EZG1300

YouTube video

It has a low oil shutoff to protect the engine and your electrical equipment is protected from voltage surges by an automatic voltage regulator (AVR). Voltage protection is very important on a small generator because you’re going to be running it at close to its maximum output most of the time, this is when the voltage is at its least stable and can jump around quite a bit with load changes, an AVR reduces the risk of voltage spikes that can harm your electric equipment.

The Energizer EZG1300 is really light, you should have no problem carrying it and the design of the steel frame gives you plenty of positions to comfortably grip the generator. It weighs only 61.7 LBS. Energizer generators a reputed to be well made, durable machines, but I did find one complaint. I’m not sure if this something to be concerned about because I’ve only heard of this from a single customer, so this could be an isolated incident – probably with some kind of external factor. However, I think that it should be mentioned in order to be fair to you. One guy complained about the gas tank rusting. Though like I said, I’ve only heard of this happening once and I wonder if he wasn’t getting water in his fuel somehow.

Straightforward design makes it easy to use.

Other than this one complaint, I couldn’t find any reason why you shouldn’t buy this generator. Most opinions reflect that it’s a great little generator and very reliable. The Energizer EZG1300 comes with a 2-year warranty, so it seems to me that they are quite confident of this generator’s quality. I don’t see any emission stats, but I did see somewhere that it only ships to 48 states, this tells me that it doesn’t meet the requirements for the more strict states like California.

Tech Specs:

  • Engine : 1.80 HP, Single Cylinder, forced air cooling, 4-stroke, OHV
  • Displacement  : 87 (cm3or cc)
  • Ignition mode : Transistor Controlled Ignition
  • Starting mode : Recoil Start
  • Maximum RPM : 3600
  • Fuel tank capacity : 1.7/ 6.5 (Gal/Litres)
  • Oil capacity : 450mL (10W30)
  • Fuel Type : Unleaded gasoline
  • Running Volume : 71 (dB (at 7m))
  • Running Time Per Tank : 9.5hrs with 75% load
  • BOX size : L x W x H (mm) 470 x 377 x 450
  • Dry Weight : 28 (kg)

Visit the Energizer site to learn more about the Energizer EZG1300 and their other fantastic products.


WEN 56180 | Small Gas Generator

500 Running Watts / 1800 Starting watts

best lightweight gas generator
WEN always provides great value with their products, including this.

"Buy from Amazon" button

Features:

  • EPAIII and CARB compliant generator allows for operation in all 50 states. Please refer the User Manual for Use & Care instruction
  • 1800 surge watts and 1500 running watts provides power for both times of emergency and recreation
  • Lightweight and compact generator runs at half load for 7.5 hours off of 1.45 gallons of gasoline
  • Includes two AC120V 12.5A three-prong wall outlets and one cigarette-lighter-style 12V DC outlet
  • Low-oil shutdown safeguards the 4-stroke OHV engine from damage while the spark arrestor permits usage while camping in national parks and forests. Refer to Page No 22 in the User manual provided below for Trouble Shooting Steps.

Overview

If you have a little extra money to spend, I’d recommend the WEN 56180. I like the brand and they have a solid reputation. In my opinion, this is a very under-rated name when it comes to generator products. As a manufacturer of off-road vehicle accessories, they have a solid reputation and I can’t see why their generator products should be seen any differently. The WEN 56180 is quite a bit more powerful that Energizer and at this end of the scale a few hundred watts can make a big difference.

The Wen 56180 gives you 1500W running power and 1800W of peak power. The running watts on this generator is 50% more than the Energizer EZ1300, this would be my first reason for choosing the WEN over the Energizer. Power is delivered from a 98cc 4-stroke OHV engine and is a decent sized engine for this power output. The WEN engine is also CARB and EPAIII certified, making it acceptable in all 50 states. Fuel consumption is higher than the Energizer EZ1300 at 50% load. Though this should be obvious, it’s pushing out more watts from a bigger engine. The WEN 56180 has a 1.45-gallon gas tank and at a 50% load, this gives you about seven and a half hours of runtime (1.93 gallons per hour).

best lightweight gas generator
Similar to the Energizer control panel. (Buy from Amazon)

I don’t see any mention of an AVR on this generator. I find this strange because I know that the other WEN generators do have an AVR. Perhaps the fact that it’s not mentioned for this model is an oversight. I would think that it does have an AVR, but can’t confirm this. It does have a spark arrestor, which is great news for people who want to use it national parks with strict fire regulations. It also has low oil shutoff. The power outlets are the same as you get on the Energizer EZ1300 – two 120V outlets and a 12V battery charging outlet. It also uses a recoil starter.

I’m much more impressed with the noise levels of the WEN 56180. Despite having a 50% higher wattage output and a bigger engine than the Energizer, the WEN only produces 63dBA from 22 FT away, this is lower than a speaking voice, which makes the  WEN much more acceptable in terms of noise. At 50 LBS, the WEN is incredibly impressive in the weight department. It has a similar design to the Energizer, with a sturdy steel frame, yet it’s lighter even though it has a larger engine and alternator.

WEN 56180. best lightweight gas generator
Basic control panel. Nothing fancy here. (Buy from Amazon)

The WEN 56180 also has a 2-year warranty. In conclusion, I’d say that the Energizer EZ1300 is a fantastic generator if you’re on a limited budget. Personally, I’d prefer to spend a bit more and go for the WEN, it beats the little Energizer on every point, except, of course, when it comes to the price.

If you need more power, then consider these generators:


Energizer EZG7250

Excellent heavy-duty generator. A great companion during an emergency.

Best powerful emergency generator.
Perfect generator for a power outage, emergencies or disasters.

"Buy from Amazon" button

Features:

  • 13.0 Hp — 420Cc Hyundai heavy duty motor
  • Four 120v 20a ac & one 120/240v ac
  • Run time: 10.0 Hrs. At 75% load
  • Auto voltage regulator (AVR) for clean power, Rugged never-flat wheel kit and tow handle,
  • Electric start
  • Carb approved

WEN 5613K

Heavy-duty gas generator.

best 13,000 watt generator.
13Kw of power. Provides 7.5 hour run time at half load.

"Buy from Amazon" button

Features:

  • EPA III and CARB Compliant 4-stroke OHV twin-cylinder engine produces 13000 surge watts and 11000 rated watts, more than enough for a reliable source of standby power
  • Provides safe and stable power with less than 5% total harmonic distortion
  • Includes four 120V 20A outlets, one 120V 30A RV outlet, one 120/240V 30A twist lock, one 120/240V 50 A outlet, and one cigarette-lighter-style 12V DC outlet
  • 8-gallon fuel tank provides 7.5 hour run time at half load
  • Added wheel kit and handle kit allows for easy transportation and storage


Last Updated: October 29, 2022 at 10:29 PM / by Chainsaw Journal

Primary Sidebar

🐭 Quiet Backup Power

2023 Reviews – Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator / Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews – Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator / Top Rated Models

Last Update ► January 27, 2023

Choosing the best dual-fuel inverter generator is a little more difficult today than it was only a year ago as many new, high-quality models have entered the market, & they're fantastic...

❄️ Editors’ Picks 🌟 Save Big! ❄️

🌍 Clean Energy Chainsaws

Guide to the Best Electric Chainsaws for 2023 — Expert Reviews

Guide to the Best Electric Chainsaws for 2023 — Expert Reviews

Last Updated January 29, 2023

You'll find a lot of differing opinions on what the best electric chainsaw is. The reason is because there is no right answer. I know, this might...

☄️ Home Emergency Backup

2023 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

2023 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

Last Update ► January 17, 2023

Look no further, above you will see the Westinghouse WGen9500c generator --- one of the best 9500 watt generators you can buy. Period!

🪑 The Craft of Wood Turning

Reviews – Best Wood Lathes from WEN, JET, Powermatic & More

Reviews – Best Wood Lathes from WEN, JET, Powermatic & More

Last Update ► February 2, 2023

There are some tools that separate the best from the rest. I consider a wood lathe to be one of these. A machine that shows you’re a true craftsman. If you’re interested in buying the best wood lathe, you have my greatest respect. Using these machines, you’re able to turn perfectly molded ornate pieces, cut precision holes for screwless joins, and a lot more.

❄️ Snow is Here…

2023 Reviews – Best Two Stage Snow Blowers / Top Rated

2023 Reviews – Best Two Stage Snow Blowers / Top Rated

Last Update ► December 21, 2022

Ariens is just one of the brands we look at in this buying guide. The Ariens Deluxe series is excellent and should be on your list for the best two-stage snow blowers to buy in 2023. It's a genuine workhorse...

🐱 The Future is Cordless

Best Cordless Chainsaw 2023 Buying Guide – Chainsaw Journal

Best Cordless Chainsaw 2023 Buying Guide – Chainsaw Journal

Last Update ► February 2, 2023

What's the best cordless chainsaw for 2023? If you're smart you'll take our advice and choose from our list of fantastic battery-powered chainsaws.

🌲 Firewood Facts…

2023 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

2023 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

Last Updated October 29, 2022

This article focuses on the always popular topic of firewood. It’s an essential thing for many people. Wood, we need it.

☄️Never Let the Power Die

Reviews— Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator / Gas & Inverters

Reviews— Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator / Gas & Inverters

Last Update ► January 14, 2023

What's the best dual-fuel portable generator in 2023? Well, like the answer to most questions in life, my answer is, "It depends."

❄️ Safe Ice Melt

Winter 2023 – Best Ice Melt Safe for Pets & Concrete / Buying Guide

Winter 2023 – Best Ice Melt Safe for Pets & Concrete / Buying Guide

Last Updated January 2, 2023

Ice and snow melt is essential for every homeowner to ensure their walkways are safe to walk on. We help you choose the safest, least toxic formulas.

🔥 Affordable Log Splitters

Reviews of the Best Log Splitters under $1000 for Winter 2023/23

Reviews of the Best Log Splitters under $1000 for Winter 2023/23

Last Updated October 29, 2022

A log splitter is the evolution of the axe in the same way that cars are the evolution of horse drawn carriages. If you use a lot of firewood in the winter then investing in a high quality log splitter is probably a wise choice.

❄️ Clear Heavy Snow

2023 Reviews – Best Snow Blower for Wet Snow / Buying Guide

2023 Reviews – Best Snow Blower for Wet Snow / Buying Guide

Last Update ► December 2, 2022

Dealing with wet, heavy snow is no joke. If you live in an area where you have to clear huge piles of wet snow...

🌒 Whisper-Quiet Clean Power

2023 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

2023 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

Last Update ► December 2, 2022

Well, the Westinghouse Electric Company built their first commercial electric power station in 1886 to supply Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Since then...

💨 Prepare for the Worst

2023 REVIEWS : Best Portable Power Station for CPAP / Top Picks

2023 REVIEWS : Best Portable Power Station for CPAP / Top Picks

Last Update ► October 29, 2022

What's the Best Portable Power Station for a CPAP? If you're using a CPAP machine at night the last thing you want to worry about is having the power go in the middle of the night ---

💎 The Most for your Money

2023 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money  / Top Value Models

2023 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money / Top Value Models

Last Update ► January 16, 2023

We have a chainsaw for a wide range of applications and budgets. I know the needs of consumers vary and there's no such thing as the "best" chainsaw for everybody. Whether you have a budget of under $100 or over $300 to buy a PRO-grade chainsaw, I have options for you to consider.

❄️ For Heavy Snow…

2023 REVIEWS – Husqvarna ST224 2-Stage vs TORO 60V Cordless

2023 REVIEWS – Husqvarna ST224 2-Stage vs TORO 60V Cordless

Last Update ► October 29, 2022

In this Husqvarna ST224 review you'll see why this has been a top selling two-stage snow blower for years ---

🔋 Compare New Explorer PRO

REVIEW — Jackery Explorer 1000 + PRO E1000 / Best Solar Power Station

REVIEW — Jackery Explorer 1000 + PRO E1000 / Best Solar Power Station

Last Update ► October 29, 2022

Welcome to my review of the the Jackery Explorer 1000. Jackery stands out as one of the best manufacturers of portable battery power stations and solar generators.

🍀 Shred Yard Debris

Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder in 2023 — Gas & Electric

Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder in 2023 — Gas & Electric

Last Updated October 29, 2022

What's the best chipper/shredder for 2023? Keeping your lawn neat, tidy and clean requires a lot of work and tools. A chipper/shredder is one of better ways to spend your money for your home, alongside of a generator, lawn mower and chainsaw.

🔥 Time to Split Firewood

Reviews – Best 22 to 30-Ton Log Splitters / New Top Rated Models

Reviews – Best 22 to 30-Ton Log Splitters / New Top Rated Models

Last Update ► October 29, 2022

Welcome! 2023 is a great year to buy a log splitter. New machines are here for us to discuss. The Swisher LS22E is one of the best 22-ton electric log splitters available today. You can see it above. It's a standout among the crowd of "me too" models. It's a 120V electric 22-ton splitter and works with any standard home outlet.

👩🏻‍🦰 Watch Out Trees!

2023 Review — Husqvarna 460 Rancher / Top Rated Gas Chainsaws

2023 Review — Husqvarna 460 Rancher / Top Rated Gas Chainsaws

Last Update ► October 29, 2022

The 460 Rancher is designed for homeowners, farmers and ranchers who have a need to fell large trees in a single cut (or two), to cut firewood or to harvest large timber.

🍂 Ergonomic Leaf Blower

2023 Reviews : Best Backpack Leaf Blower / Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews : Best Backpack Leaf Blower / Top Rated Models

Last Update ► January 24, 2023

I think you'll be surprised to learn that in 2023, reputable brands are making cordless backpack leaf blowers that are equal to, or more powerful than many gas backpack leaf blowers --- and they're cheaper.

🍰 Generator Sweet Spot

Reviews — Best 7500 Watt Generators for the Money / New Models

Reviews — Best 7500 Watt Generators for the Money / New Models

Last Update ► January 15, 2023

As far as value, you won't find a better overall generator than this WGen7500 series from Westinghouse. For starters, Westinghouse has been in business since 1886 so they know how to make generators, among other things. For 2023, this is the best 7500 watt generator for homeowners looking for emergency backup power.

💡 The Power of 3 Fuels

Reviews : Champion 100416 vs DuroMax HXT — Best Tri-Fuel Generator

Reviews : Champion 100416 vs DuroMax HXT — Best Tri-Fuel Generator

Last Update ► January 18, 2023

A tri-fuel generator is quite a novel concept. I’m sure not too many folks are aware they even exist. Hybrid generators have become common. Most of us know a bit about dual-fuel generators. These can run on propane or gasoline, making them very convenient. An obvious question, I’m sure many of you are asking has to be: What is a tri-fuel generator?

🌟 Clean, Portable Power

2023 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

2023 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

Last Updated October 29, 2022

Generators come in a variety to types, which you may or may not be aware of. Everyone has different needs when it comes to choosing the best camping generator their needs. The question is how much power do you need? What's your budget? Are you looking for an inverter generator or a portable power station?

👷🏼 For DIY & Construction

Reviews : What’s the Best Jackhammer in 2023? Electric & Pneumatic

Reviews : What’s the Best Jackhammer in 2023? Electric & Pneumatic

Last Updated October 29, 2022

What's the Best Jackhammer for you? How much breaking force do you need? For work or for home? We cover a wide range of jackhammer's so you can choose the one that matches your needs (and budget)

🥾 Heavy-Duty Generators

Reviews : Best Jobsite Generators  — Buying Guide : OSHA / GFCI

Reviews : Best Jobsite Generators — Buying Guide : OSHA / GFCI

Last Updated November 18, 2022

2023 has been an incredible year for the portable generator market. The biggest brands have been releasing innovative new models at very competitive prices. The Champion PRO 100430 is a new commercial generator, packed with practical features you'll need if you're a contractor.

⚡️ Powerful Generators…

2023 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

Last Updated October 29, 2022

What do you need it for and what's your budget? We take a deep dive and review many great 12000W generators.

👂🏼 Quiet RV Power

2023 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

2023 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

Last Updated October 29, 2022

What's the best RV generator for you in 2023? Lucky for you, big brands offer some exceptional inverter generators in a wide range of power output and price points. So, don't worry, there's something here for everyone. I'm focusing on inverter generators because it's essential to have a quiet generator for your RV

✨ Versatile Generator

2023 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

2023 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

Last Updated October 29, 2022

If you’re looking for a 240V inverter generator, it can be challenging. There simply aren’t too many on the market. This buying guide and review is the best place to begin your search for a 240V inverter generator.

Footer

DMCA.com Protection Status
  • Return to HOME
Do Not Sell My Personal Information

1199 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, Canada
T: 604/437/8033

© 2014–2023 • Chainsaw Journal • Affiliate Disclaimer • —Stay Strong

  • This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase with our product links we may receive a small commission at NO COST TO YOU.(Learn More)