Do you know how to make the biggest mistake in the world? Float around in your happy bubble thinking everything is going to be okay, and don’t prepare for anything that might crop up. The reason it’s such a big mistake is because something always goes wrong, and I know because I’ve been on the end of it before. Portable generators will never go out of style because electric power is what enables humans to improve their lives and enjoy the luxuries all around us. We review the WEN 56475, an ever-evolving generator that has won over consumers for it’s affordable price, useful 30A outlets, and dependability.
We also look at some alternatives. When we first wrote this article the generator market was somewhat limited for consumers but in 2023 there’s been a massive shift in diversity and features. Manufacturers have faced increased competition, forcing each brand to make the best generator possible at a fair value. In the end, we all win. I think you’ll be impressed for what you can buy for a only a few hundred dollars.
WEN DF475X / New 4750W
Excellent inexpensive modern generator with CO monitoring
Features:
- Digital readout helps manage oil changes and maintenance schedule.
- Features electric start, low-oil shutdown, an automatic voltage regulator and overload protection to maximize safety.
- CARB & EPA III meet requirements for sale in all 50 states.
- Includes wheel kit and foldable handles for easy transport.
- 223cc engine provides 4750 surge watts and 3750 rated watts.
- Weight: 112.5 lbs.
- Noise Rating at 22 Feet 67 dB
View or download the MANUAL for the WEN 56475 Generator.
Comparison: WEN 56475 / Then & Now
Other than the vibrant orange color and minor cosmetic tweaks, almost nothing has changed since its release.
As you can see, the WEN 56475 hasn’t changed much over the years, The addition of a carbon monoxide monitor is the biggest new addition since it was released many years ago. For the price, it’s hard to beat and it puts this model in the small category of best cheap portable generators. And by “cheap” I mean inexpensive, and there is a difference.
If 3750W of steady power is sufficient for your power needs, then you’ll be pleased with your purchase as it’s a no frills gas generator. It will certainly be loud, which means it won’t be a good choice if you plan on camping near other humans. I know this is marketed as an RV/Camping generator with two 30A outlets that you can use for plugging into your RV or use the TT30 Twist-Lock common on campgrounds. I personally don’t recommend this for camping. Ultimately the choice is yours.
I think it’s more suited to be used as cheap home backup power which you can connect to your transfer switch with an adapter. Don’t worry I have some alternative options which are also reasonable in price.
A Better Choice for Camping or RV LIfe —
Hudson Motors HD4500iE / 4500W Inverter Generator
The price is right! Typically I recommend the Westinghouse iGen4500 series for people looking for good quality inverter generator but in this case because I’ve determined that anyone interested in buying the WEN 58475 is likely on a budget or price conscious and therefore I’ve tried not to recommend anything expensive.
This Hudson Motors model is a better option for you, especially if you need backup power for your RV or camping.
Why you should consider the Hudson Motors HD4500iE:
What you need to know before you buy
As I’ve already said, my first recommendation if you need a quiet portable generator would be the Westinghouse iGen4500 series. It comes as a gas-only model or a dual-fuel. It’s around $1000, unless you buy it on sale. This Hudson Motors is several hundred dollars cheaper, and the design is identical. It’s up to you, but here’ s another quieter open-frame WEN gas generator. It’s a good cheap option, and quieter than the 56475 from WEN.
Typical Wattage Requirements for Common Electrical Devices
The rated wattage corresponds to the maximum wattage the generator can output on a continuous (running) basis.
The surge wattage is defined as the maximum amount of power the generator can output for a short period of time. Most electrical devices, such as refrigerators, require short bursts of extra power, in addition to the rated wattage listed by the device, to stop and start their motors. The surge wattage ability of the generator is important and it compensates for the extra draw of power when starting and turning off your power equipment, appliances, gadgets and other electrical devices.
Common Electrical Devices:
To learn more about wattage requirements read our in-depth buying guide for portable generators.
Review / WEN 56475 Generator
I can’t remember the exact year, not that it makes any difference. It wasn’t a particularly bad winter, at least not compared to lethal ones, but when everything is turning to ice and you don’t have any power it’s not funny. I’ll always remember the few days my father spent all day trying to keep us warm and fed as the time I realized you should never gamble with your life.
If we had logs ready to throw on the fire it would have helped tremendously, but none of those old school tricks matter any more. Not when it’s easy enough to keep a portable generator lying around to save the day in the event of an emergency. I haven’t used my one to save my family’s life yet, but who is to say what will happen this winter?
Video / Assembly and Testing
Okay, we’ve covered all the scary stuff and I’m sure you understand when everything turns to pitch blackness in the blink of an eye because of a power fault, your generator will see you right by providing you with light. It will help with major things too, like when a storm or earthquake cuts off the power to your home when you least expect it.
If you go camping you won’t even feel like you’ve left civilization, which is helpful if you love your creature comforts. Anyone with their own business might need power if the home they’re meant to be working on is showing no signs of human life. Living in the middle of nowhere with a lot of land surrounding you is great when you can wheel electricity around with you like a man who can control storms.
I could go on forever about the benefits of portable generators, but I’m sure you know by now they’re important and they have many uses. What I do want to talk about is my favorite one, and if you remember my childhood story you’ll know I’ve tested out a lot. I can’t live without the WEN 56475 4740-watt generator, and with your permission I’d like to share why it’s at the top of my list.
A Keyless Electric Start
Yanking on a pull cord doesn’t sound like such a big deal, until your fingers are freezing cold and they feel like they’re about to drop off. Nobody should have to exert too much energy starting a generator with the technology we have available today, and you won’t have to when you own the WEN 56475. It’s almost too easy to power it up, and with a quick tap of the electric start button it will kick into life.
It Includes A Spark Arrestor
In case you’re not aware of the role a spark arrestor plays inside your portable generator, it essentially stops you from burning a forest down and engulfing your camp site in flames. When you’re dealing with combustible toys like the WEN 56475, it prevents flammable debris from being emitted. It’s great for anyone who loves going camping, and essential for taking a generator into a national park.
Running Your Essentials
I think you already could have guessed the generator would be able to keep things up and running, but it’s worthwhile mentioning it in case you think the machine is only useful for a select few things. Your lights, TV, and other essentials are all in good hands. That includes your refrigerator, because we all know a beer can help ease your pain when you lose power to your home.
Easy-To-Read Digital Readout
How often do you forget to fill your car with oil before you start noticing problems? Unless something is in plain sight we’re very forgetful creatures, but you don’t want to make the same mistake with your WEN 56475. Maintenance schedules become pretty important if you want to make sure your generator is still working when you need it most, and the digital readout will help you manage to remember everything.
The WEN 56475 Protects Itself
If you attempted to fall flat on your face right now, your instincts would snap into action and you would protect yourself. Your nose would be okay, but I can’t promise you won’t snap your wrists. Generators are machines, so how on earth could they possibly protect themselves? The 56475 can’t jump to the side if you try to push it over, but it can use its low-oil shutdown, automatic voltage regulator and overload protection to avoid dangerous safety issues.
It Packs A Powerful Punch
The WEN 56475 isn’t just an expensive replacement for candles to help you see and keep you warm when the lights go out. I know I said workmen could carry it around in their van, but in actual fact it wouldn’t find it difficult to keep everything running on a small construction site. The 223cc OHV engine packs 4750 watts of peak power under the hood, and even its rates power sits at 3750 watts, so you’re buying a portable generator that should be respected.
Transport It Around Easily
A generator you couldn’t transport around easily would sit gathering dust 99% of the time. Yes, you do need one for emergencies, but you still want to use it for other things too. Who wants a toy they can only play with once or twice per year? The WEN 56475 ‘portable’ generator has special foldable handles and a wheel kit, so even though you’ll still need strength to move it you’ll be able to get it from A to B no problem
The WEN 56475 Is a bargain
I wish they had these back in the past when I was in so much pain, but maybe I would never have grown to appreciate how important a portable generator can be. The WEN 56475 lets me sleep easy at night, whether I’m lying in my comfortable bed or in the middle of the woods in a tent. You’ve got to admit, for a portable generator at such an affordable price it has a huge amount of features squeezed inside.
You should be aware that one of the drawbacks of this generator is that it’s a little louder than a more expensive model. The Noise Rating for this model is 67 dB at 22 feet. Unfortunately, WEN doesn’t provide an absolute noise level. It’s not the quietest portable generator available, but overall, you actually get a lot for your money and the reliability is very high with this WEN generator.
Portable Generator Safety
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This is a poison gas you cannot see or smell. If you can smell the generator exhaust, you are breathing CO. But even if you cannot smell the exhaust, you could be breathing CO.
- NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, or other partly enclosed areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up in these areas. Using a fan or opening windows and doors does NOT supply enough fresh air.
- ONLY use a generator outside and far away from windows, doors, and vents. These openings can pull in generator exhaust.
Nest | Carbon Monoxide (CO) & Smoke Monitor
Even if you use a generator correctly, CO may leak into the home. ALWAYS use a battery-powered or battery-backup CO alarm in the home.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak after the generator has been running, move to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
The remainder of this article are reviews of discontinued WEN generators. It’s easy to tell difference between a last generation WEN and the current version, which I’m certain you already know by know. If you’re unsure, just look for the color yellow which is their old branding. We are keeping this here for reference purposes only. All links have been removed.
Last Generation, WEN Generators in the Series
WEN has been around for over 60 years. The brand may not be as recognizable as Black and Decker but they’ve toiling away behind the scenes refining their products and technology.
From the WEN site:
Founded by Nick Anton back in 1951, WEN originally made its mark by helping bring tools and electricity together (putting the power into power tools). Our research and development team played a vital role in helping to develop a variety of common everyday tools such as the chainsaw, the electric soldering gun, the electric jigsaw, the electric engraver, and the knife and wet wheel sharpeners. WEN even pioneered random orbital technology; the technology seen in most polishers, waxers, and buffers today that gives cars everywhere the streak free shine they deserve.
WEN 56180 1800-Watt | DISCONTINUED
View or download the MANUAL for the WEN 56180 Generator.
Features:
- EPAIII and CARB compliant generator allows for operation in all 50 states
- 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
WEN 56352 3500-Watt | DISCONTINUED
Although the overall rated wattage of the machine is 3000 Watts, it is not recommended that you attempt to draw more than 2400 Watts (20 A) from any ONE of the 120 Volt receptacles.
Documents / How To — for the WEN 56352 Generator:
- View or download the MANUAL.
- View or download the Generator Air Cleaner and Carburetor Removal.
- View or download the Air Cleaner Removal.
- View or download the CARBURETOR ASSEMBLY.
- View or download the PARTS LIST.
- View or download the WIRING DIAGRAM.
- View or download the GENERATOR PARTS.
Features:
- Digital readout helps manage oil changes and maintenance schedule.
- Low-oil shutdown and overload protection.
- 11-hour run-time at half load.
- Includes wheel kit and foldable handles for easy transport.
- 212cc engine provides 3500 surge watts and 3000 rated watts.
How change the carburetor, if you like to fix things yourself:
✓TIP: The generator can run at its surge wattage capacity for only a short time. Connect electrical devices requiring a rated (running) wattage equal to or less than the rated wattage of the generator. Never connect devices requiring a rated wattage equal to the surge wattage of the generator. This can trip the circuit protectors (circuit breakers).
WEN 56400 4050-Watt | DISCONTINUED
For this model, you have to buy the Generator Wheel and Handle Kit (WEN 56410) separately. I’m not sure why they include the kit on the other models. It weighs 95 lbs, so I consider this kit essential. Try moving this around without wheels, good luck.
View or download the MANUAL for the WEN 56400.
Features:
- Features low-oil shutdown, an automatic voltage regulator and overload protection.
- Voltage selector allows easy switching from 120V to 240V as needed.
- Spark arrestor for usage in U.S. national parks and forests.
- 212cc engine provides 4050 surge watts and 3500 rated watts.
- 4-gallon gas tank runs for 11 hours at half load.
WEN 56551 5500-Watt | Portable Generator
Documents for the WEN 56551:
- View or download the MANUAL.
- View or download the WIRING DIAGRAM.
- View or download the CARB ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Features:
- 389cc — 13 HP OHV engine provides 5,500 surge Watts and 5,000 running Watts.
- 6.5 Gal. fuel tank runs for 11 hours at half load.
- Automatic voltage regulator helps produce cleaner power to protect your electronics.
- Features four 120-Volt 20 Amp 3-prong outlets, a twist-lock 120/240-Volt 30 Amp outlet (L14-30), and a car-charger-style 12-Volt DC outlet.
- Includes wheel and handle kit, NEMA L14-30 plug, and a 2-year warranty.
- Spark arrestor.
- Wheel kit, spark plug wrench, and NEMA L14-30 plug included.
- Meets EPA emission standards.
WEN 56682 7000-Watt | DISCONTINUED
View or download the MANUAL for the WEN 56682 generator.
Features:
- 390cc 13 HP OHV engine provides 7,000 surge Watts and 5,500 running Watts
- 6.5 Gal. fuel tank provides up to 10 hours of operation at half load
- Easy ignition with the keyless electric start or by pulling the back-up recoil starter
- Includes wheel kit, NEMA L14-30 plug, adjustment wrenches and a 2-year warranty
- Features four 120-Volt 20 Amp 3-prong outlets, a twist-lock 120/240-Volt 30 Amp outlet (L14-30), and a car-charger-style 12-Volt DC outlet.
WEN 56877 9000-Watt | DISCONTINUED
Documents:
- View or download the MANUAL WEN 56877 generator.
- View or download the WIRING DIAGRAM for the WEN 56877 generator.
Features:
- 420cc 15 HP OHV engine provides 9000 surge watts and 7000 running watts.
- 6.5-gallon fuel tank provides up to 9 hours of operation at half load.
- Easy ignition with the keyless electric start or by pulling the back-up recoil starter.
- Features four 120V 20A three-prong outlets, one 120/240V 30A twist-lock (L14-30), one 120V 30A twist lock, and one car-charger-style 12V DC outlet.
- Includes wheel kit, NEMA L14-30 plug, adjustment wrenches and a two-year warranty.
WEN 5613K 13000-Watt | Portable Generator
View or download the MANUAL WEN 5613K 13000-Watt.
This generator comes equipped with comprehensive safety features including a forced air cooling system and a low-oil shutoff to safeguard the unit from damage. The automatic voltage regulator helps create clean power to protect your electronics. Whether you need a generator for work or for natural disasters, this machine can handle pretty much anything.
Features:
- EPA III 4-stroke OHV twin-cylinder engine produces 13000 surge watts and 11000 rated watts, more than enough for a reliable source of standby power.
- Includes four 120V 20A outlets, one 120V 30A RV outlet, one 120/240V 30A twist lock, one 240V outlet, and one 12V DC car-charger-style outlet.
- 670cc Engine.
- Perfect for construction sites, natural disasters, and power outages.
- 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.
