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Welcome to our Westinghouse WGEN7500 Review — a portable generator that consumers truly love due to its combination of value, features, price and reliability. This quickly became a top selling generator when it was first introduced in 2019 and continues to be held in high regards from paying customers. For 2023, Westinghouse has updated this 7500W generator with an important safety feature — it now has integrated carbon monoxide monitoring, which automatically shuts down the generator when CO levels get dangerously high. Westinghouse has incorporated this feature with almost all of their generators, like the iGen4500 inverter series.
Table of Contents...
Updated with Carbon Monoxide Alert System
Other than CO monitoring, the generator is exactly the same as the WGEN7500, but now it has a “c” at the end. All new models follow this format. You can still purchase the original model at the time of this update but I expect that stock is limited and you won’t be able to buy it the original model at some point in the near future. In addition, you can buy this same generator as a dual-Fuel generator (WGEN7500DFc), giving you more flexibility as it can be powered by gas or propane and now has CO monitoring as well. This is an excellent 7500W series worth buying in 2023.
Thankfully, Westinghouse gives you a lot of value for the price you pay, so you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that this is one of the most popular (and affordable) gas generators with consumers. It’s hard not to sound too overzealous, but this truly is one of the best (if not ‘the best’) 7500W portable generators you can buy.
Easy to Control : RV Ready (30A) / Displays : Voltage, frequency, lifetime hours
Intro | Westinghouse WGEN7500 / WGEN7500c
I’m thrilled to be reviewing the indelible Westinghouse WGEN7500 generator range. I say this for two reasons. The first is that I’ve come to hold the Westinghouse brand with the highest regard. Since they began manufacturing portable generators, I’ve had the privilege of reviewing just about all the models in the Westinghouse portable generator lineup. I’ve been more than impressed with their high-quality products and the brilliant engineering behind these great generators.
My first impression has been that Westinghouse generators offer great value for money. The more heavy-duty Westinghouse generators, like the Westinghouse WGEN7500, have the goods to take on brands like Honda and Generac, undoubtedly some of the top names in the portable generator business. Yet, when you compare the price of the WGEN7500 to the similar in power Generac GP8000E, the Westinghouse generator is still cheaper, and has many more features. The Westinghouse 7500 watt generator may not be quite in the same league as the Honda equivalent, but it’s at the top of the class for residential generators. It’s not specifically designed as a jobsite generator, if you need something more industrial consider the new HX series from DuroMax.
VIDEO | A Closer Look at the Westinghouse WGEN7500c
The second reason for admiring the Westinghouse WGEN7500 portable generator, is the amount of power that it produces. A peak power output of 9500 watts is on the higher end of the spectrum for a portable generator. With 7500W constant running power, the Westinghouse WGEN7500 is capable of supplying backup power for an average home without much compromise. On a jobsite, the high peak and running power, along with both 120V and 240V, is great for larger tools. This is especially important when you have a number of tools starting at the same time. For those who don’t fully understand the principles of running and starting watts, I’ll give a more comprehensive explanation further down the page.
For the purpose of this review, I’ll be concentrating on both variants of this impressive 7500W generator: The Westinghouse WGEN7500 and the WGEN7500DF. If you were wondering what the difference is between the WGEN7500 and the WGEN7500DF (see below). The initials at the end (DF) stand for Dual Fuel. So the Westinghouse WGEN7500DF is a hybrid, or dual fuel, generator that can run on gas or propane, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). But more about that later.
WGEN7500DFc : DUAL-FUEL MODEL | WGEN7500DF (Review)
Westinghouse haven’t been manufacturing portable generators for very long. At first, I wasn’t too sure about this new kid on the block in the portable generator sector. After some research into the company’s background, I was astounded at the wealth of experience that lay behind this prestigious brand. Before reviewing the Westinghouse WGEN7500 generators, I’d like to go back in history, by taking a look at the Westinghouse Corporation. From its inception, to the present day, this company has been a leader in the manufacture and development of electric technology. Not only does this make for a fascinating story, it gives us an idea of what lies behind the portable generators that we are now able to buy today.
The Westinghouse Story | History
The history of Westinghouse goes back well over a century when Pennsylvania native, George Westinghouse, founded the Westinghouse Electric Company in 1886. Though his interest in electric product development started earlier. In 1884, electricity was the new technological wonder of the world. At that time, few realized the potential of electric energy and how it would go on to change the world. George Westinghouse did, and this was when he started work on his DC lighting system.
A year later, in 1885, European scientists started exploring the possibility of an Alternating Current (AC) transformer. Realizing that that AC power was the future, Westinghouse, together with William Stanley Jr, developed an AC transformer that was practical and could be put into commercial use. It was the first of its kind and led to the formation of the Westinghouse Electric Company a year later, in 1886.
In its first year of operation, the Westinghouse Electric Company demonstrated the first multi-voltage, transformer based, AC electric transmission system. Great Barrington, Massachusetts was to boast the world’s first AC lighting system as a result. This was but one of many firsts for Westinghouse.
In 1888, the Westinghouse Company licensed the first induction motor and began development on the induction ampere-hour meter. In 1891, Westinghouse built Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant, the world’s first industrial AC power supply system. If I were to list all the innovations and patents to come from Westinghouse over the years that followed, it would go on for pages. What’s important here, is that the Westinghouse brand has been responsible for many electrical innovations that have revolutionized the world.
VIDEO | Complete Westinghouse Documentary
By 1899, British Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company was established. Over the course of the 20th century, the company went through many changes and experienced rapid expansion into many fields, including transport, finance, and broadcasting. Westinghouse began acquiring other companies and brands as early as 1901, and went on to take over many major brands in the electronics and broadcasting industries. By the time George Westinghouse died, in 1914, he was responsible for over 360 patents and had founded 60 companies.
In 1945, the company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The new corporation continued to expand in every direction, always searching for new and innovative technologies. This came to include Jet engines and numerous electric and electronic inventions. Though it wasn’t until 2011 that Westinghouse started producing portable generators for the consumer market. In 2017, they introduced the first Westinghouse inverter generators. It only seems natural that the company that was the first to introduce AC power as a viable mass electricity supply solution, would go on to make some of the best portable generators, albeit more than century later.
VIDEO | Easily Connect Using the Westinghouse ST Switch
This ST Switch is a game changer because it enables you to quickly and easily connect your generator to home devices. It’s quite ingenious when you think of it. Read our indepth review and see if it makes sense for your needs. I’d be surprised if you didn’t fall in love with it.
Features (ST Switch) :
- Do-it-yourself process is simple to install with no electrician required
- Smart Switch technology regulates power supply by turning on generator without manual operation to automatically switch power sources
- Compact, easy to store, and maneuver at less than 9 lb.
- Traditional duplex 120V 20A household outlets to connect your home necessities
- Around-the-clock monitoring tracks household power loss during emergencies or blackouts to keep power on for 20A appliances or electronics up to 2400 watts
- Power indicator lights communicate whether the utility power is on/off and when generator power is on
- Keeps the battery charged when connected to utility power
- Comes with 25’ generator Smart Switch Ready control cable and integrated 25’ generator L14-30P power cord
- Only compatible with Westinghouse Portable Generators with Smart Switch Ready outlet including the WGen5300, WGen5300DF, WGen7500, WGen7500DF, WGen9500, WGen9500DF, WGen12000, WGen12000DF
Westinghouse WGEN7500 Review
Features :
- 9,500 Peak Watts, 7,500 Running Watts
- Push-Button Start and Remote Start (Key Fob Included)
- 420cc Westinghouse OHV Engine with Cast Iron Sleeve
- Two GFCI 120V Duplex Receptacles
- Transfer Switch Ready — L14-30R Receptacle
- VFT Data Center (Volts, Frequency, and Lifetime Hours)
- EPA, CSA, CARB Compliant
- Remote Start : The WGen7500 features remote start which is operated by key fob, adding to the convenience of having power wherever you need it.
- Push Button Start : Starting the WGen7500 couldn’t be easier with our Westinghouse Push-Button Start.
- Long Run Time – runs up to 16 hrs on a single tank (6.6 gal)
- Outlets : Two GFCI 5-20R 120V household duplex receptacles, as well as a transfer switch ready L14-30R receptacle.
- Circuit protected, Low-Oil Shutoff, and more
- Safety – including overload prevention, and low-oil shutoff.
- Includes : Oil, Funnel, Tool Kit, Manual, and Quick Start Guide.
- 3-Year Warranty. All Westinghouse Portable Generators come with a 3-Year Residential Warranty and Lifetime Technical Support.
✓ View or download the MANUAL, the QUICK START GUIDE or the SPEC SHEET for the WGEN7500.
Overview
As I mentioned in the introduction, the Westinghouse WGEN7500 is more powerful than most portable generators. With 9500 peak watts and 7500W running power, it’s the perfect home backup or jobsite generator. As one would expect from a generator of this size, it is going to be a heavy machine. At 192-pounds, the word portable generator may not seem all that appropriate. It would take at least two strong adults to lift this generator. Though it has a very capable 10” wheel kit and a sturdy fold down, loop handle with generous foam padding. So, while it may take some effort loading and off-loading the WGEN7500 from your pickup, moving it around, once on the ground, is pretty effortless.
I really like the tough heavy-duty nature of the Westinghouse WGEN7500. If you plan on using this as a jobsite or camping generator, you’ll certainly appreciate this. The thick steel tubing frame dose more than just protect the generator, it extends over the gas tank so it won’t be damaged. The control panel is also recessed into a metal plate, so the switches and breakers won’t easily be damaged when transporting the generator or on a busy jobsite.
Beyond the rugged build and design, the Westinghouse WGEN7500 has a lot of great features. Not least of which is the mighty impressive 420cc OHV engine, with a very durable cast iron sleeve. It’s a powerful machine, producing 13 HP. This engine has an electric push button starter and a recoil starter as backup if the onboard battery fails. It also has an automatic choke and remote control. You can use a fob to start the generator from quite a distance (109-yards). This is not a wireless remote, it uses a cable, so you can be sure of the distance. The remote control is great if there’s power outage during a storm, you don’t have go outside to start the generator. Contractors will also find this to be a great advantage. All too often, we leave the generator running when no one is actually using any power on site. Walking back and forth to start and stop the generator is just a waste of time. Though, leaving a generator running for no reason, is an outright waste of fuel. So the remote control can be a big money saver, you can switch the generator on or off, no matter where you are on the jobsite. You’ll be reducing your gas consumption and running hours, so you won’t need to service the generator as often.
The engine utilizes the best of modern technology, so it meets all emission control standards (EPA, CSA, and CARB). It can be used in all 50 states and Canada. Fuel consumption is also impressive. The Westinghouse WGEN7500 has a huge, 6.6 gallon, metal gas tank. This provides around 11-hours runtime at 50% load. At 25% load, this is an incredible 16-hours runtime. Calculating the fuel consumption at an average 50% load, works out at 6.25 kilowatt hours per gallon of gas. This is well above average for a portable generator. In fact, this is one of the best fuel consumption figures for any generator. The gas tank also has fuel gauge, so you can monitor your gas usage and plan ahead for a fuel refill.
As this is an open frame generator with a large engine, no one can expect it to be all that quiet. Though, in this context, the WGEN7500 is far from being the noisiest. The spec sheet claims a noise level “as low as 73dBA”. So it’s going to be louder than this when running a heavy load. Though, considering many generators of this size have noise levels in excess of 85dBA, the WGEN7500 is one of the better generators in terms lower noise levels.
This is not an inverter generator, so the power is not entirely clean. Even though the WGEN7500 has an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) to prevent voltage spikes, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) can reach 23% at peak loads. Most inverter generators never exceed 3% THD. Even some non-inverter generators of this size (like DeWalt or CAT) have THD levels lower than 5%, which is still acceptable for sensitive electronic equipment.
Though the generators I’ve mentioned here are considerably more expensive than the Westinghouse WGEN7500. I’d suggest using a small UPS to supply your TVs, computers, stereos and other sensitive electronic appliances. You can plug the UPS into an outlet that is supplied by the generator, so it need not run on battery power. A UPS is basically an inverter charger, so it will convert the generator power and supply pure sine wave, low THD power to the equipment that can be harmed by the higher THD levels produced by the generator.
Using the Westinghouse WGEN7500 is an absolute pleasure. In addition the ease of an electric starter, with automatic choke and a remote control, it has one of the most comprehensive control panels that you can get. It has a great digital display, they call it a VFT data center. This provides all your vial information: voltage, runtime, and frequency. A main, 2-pole circuit breaker protects the generator from an overload and it also has automatic shutdown when the oil level is low. It has 4X 120V, 20A outlets. Two of these are GFCI protected, meeting OSHA requirements for a jobsite generator. It also has a 30A L14-30R 120V/240V outlet. All the circuits are protected by overload breakers and the outlets have plastic covers that prevent damage from dust and moisture.
I find it a little disappointing that the WGEN7500 doesn’t have a 50A 120V/240V outlet considering the power that this generator delivers (Learn about 50A Generators). At 240V, the running amperage is 31.25A. At 120V, the running amps is double this – 62.5A. At peak output, you’re looking at 79A (120V) and 39A (240V). On a jobsite, this setup is fine. You’ll be using the 30A 120V/240V outlet for heavy machinery, like an air compressor or large jobsite table saw. You also have 4 X 120V, 20A which, with the use of extension cords, will be suitable for all your smaller power tools. However, if you want to connect this generator to your home using a transfer switch, you’re severely restricted.
If you run a 30A cable from your generator to your house wiring, you have less than half the actual power available to you at 120V. Ideally, you’d want to be able to make full use of the available 62A running power at 120V. Not to mention the much higher peak load capacity. I’d suggest contacting a generator repair shop and ask them if they could fit a 50A 120V/240V outlet to this generator if you intend using a transfer switch for your home backup power. It is possible, but will require someone who knows what they’re doing.
When we weigh the pros against the cons, the Westinghouse WGEN7500 emerges as great buy. If you’re looking for tough and rugged jobsite generator, you won’t find anything nearly as competent as this generator for the same price. As a generator to use at home during an outage, it certainly has enough watts to keep most of your appliances running during an outage. If you don’t mind using extension cords instead of, or to supplement a 30A transfer switch, it’s great for the home. I’ll discuss this in more detail when we talk about using the WGEN7500 to power your home. In terms of general quality, I think the fantastic warranty says it all: 3-years for residential use and 1-year for commercial use.
Review : Westinghouse WGEN7500DF / WGEN7500DFc
Features:
- Dual Fuel – Gasoline or Propane
- 9,500 Peak Watts, 7,500 Running Watts (Gasoline)
- 8,550 Peak Watts, 6,750 Running Watts (Propane)
- Push Button Start and Remote Start
- Up to 16 Hour Run Time (6.6 gal)
- 420cc Westinghouse OHV Engine with Cast Iron Sleeve
- Two GFCI 120V Duplex Receptacles
- Transfer Switch Ready L14-30R Receptacle
- VFT Data Center (Volts, Frequency, and Lifetime Hours)
- 3-Year Warranty and Lifetime Technical Support
- EPA, CSA, CARB Compliant
- Now with carbon monoxide alert system. New for 2022.
✓ View or download the MANUAL or the SPEC SHEET for the WGEN7500DF.
Overview
The only difference between the WGEN7500 and the WGEN7500DF is that the latter can run on either gas or propane. It looks and functions in exactly the same way, with the exception that the WGEN7500DF has an inlet for a propane tank.
The user panel also differs slightly between the two models. Because of the dual fuel capabilities, the Westinghouse WGEN7500DF has a large fuel selector switch. This allows you to change between propane and gasoline, and you don’t need to shut the generator down in order to transition from one fuel type to another. Another minor difference is that the WGEN7500DF has a 5V DC USB outlet, which WGEN7500 does not.
Both generators use the same engine and alternator. So the wattage output, when running on gas is the same for the WGEN7500DF. However, any generator that uses propane will have a lower output when using this fuel. So, when using propane, the WGEN7500DF will only generate a peak of 8550 watts and running power of 6750 watts.
VIDEO | Dual-Fuel Generator : Westinghouse WGEN7500DFc
Despite the lower power output, there are several advantages to using propane. It is a much cleaner burning fuel which is great for the environment. This also reduces the maintenance on your generator. The carburetor burns cleaner and there is no carbon residue on the sparkplug. I’ve read several studies that suggest propane engines have less wear on the cylinder sleeve because of the lower carbon levels and other harmful abrasive substances. So a generator that runs on propane should last longer and cost less to maintain.
Having more than one option for fuel can be significant in times of natural disaster, when gas can be in short supply. You also have the versatility of using propane for cooking, heating, and as a fuel for your generator.
✓ Read our indepth review of the Westinghouse WGEN7500DF.
Can you power a house with a 7500W generator?
Before we get into the capabilities of a 7500W, we need distinguish between running watts and starting watts. Most generator manufacturers rate their models by the peak power output and not the running power. This makes the generator appear more powerful. Westinghouse has done the opposite. The Westinghouse WGEN7500 is rated as a 7500W generator and this is its running or constant power output. The peak, or surge output is actually 9500W. So when comparing the WGEN7500 to other generator brands, you’ll be comparing it to their 9500W models and not 7500W.
Now let me explain what exactly is meant by running and peak watts. Some appliances, especially those that use an induction motor, require a greater startup (or inrush) current. A refrigerator, for example, will require up to three times the power to start, as it does when the motor is running. A microwave oven and fluorescent lights require about twice as much power to start. So a microwave that is rated at 700W will use approximately 1400W to start and then run at 700W.
Startup current is only required for a short period, usually less than a second. To allow for this surge of power, most generators have a peak wattage capacity. If we’re using the Westinghouse WGEN7500 as an example, it will be able to produce 9500W for a very short time to allow for appliances that require this extra boost to start. It can generate 7500W on a constant basis.
So when calculating your power requirements, you should list your running watts alongside your starting watts. You should consider the possibility that more than one appliance may start at the same time. Refrigerators and air conditioners cycle automatically, so it’s likely that you could have a refrigerator and an air conditioner starting at the same time, this will require a very high startup current.
So, for an average house you can expect to run a large refrigerator along with one or two room air conditioners simultaneously if you have 7500 running watts and a peak of 9500 watts. Along with this, you will have enough power for lights, TVs, computers and most regular appliances. If you’re using two air conditioners, along with a refrigerator, you may find that a microwave will tip the scale and cause the generator to trip. This all depend on how the starting cycles coincide. If you have all of these appliances requiring a startup current at exactly the same time, it might be too much. This would also depend on what other appliances you are using. Coffee machines and hair dryers can also draw quite a lot of watts.
Going by the equipment I’ve mentioned so far, it’s clear that you can use a lot of household appliances when supplied by a 7500W generator. You always have the option to switch something off whilst using something else. So it’s possible to run a washing machine or dryer, but may need to switch the AC off when doing so.
The good news is that you can never harm the generator by using too many appliances at once. All the circuits are protected by circuit breakers and the generator has a main circuit breaker to protect the alternator. So the worst thing that can happen is that the power trips. You’ll have to reset the breaker, but that’s the extent of the inconvenience.
✓ Learn more by reading : What can you run with a 7500W portable generator?
Using a transfer switch to connect your generator to your house wiring
When reviewing the Westinghouse WGEN7500, I mentioned that it is not ideal when used with a transfer switch. I also suggested that you may want to have the generator modified to allow for a higher amp outlet socket.
The WGEN7500 is limited by the fact that the largest power outlet is rated at 30A. Whereas the actual peak power output for the generator at 120V is 79A. So if you were to use all the power that the generator can supply, the 30A circuit will trip long before you’ve reached the maximum power output.
Transfer Switch — Generators up to 7500W | EmerGen EGS107501G2KIT
If modifying your generator sounds too complicated or expensive, there is another solution. This is not ideal, but it is a fair compromise. You can use a 30A transfer switch, connected to the 30A outlet on the WGEN7500, to supply power for your lights and a few plug circuits. You can supply additional power to your home by using the four 20A outlets on the generator. Basically, you’ll be connecting extension cords to these outlets to supply the additional power.
If do this logically, it won’t be much of an inconvenience. You may decide to use the upstairs plugs through main power panel that is supplied by the transfer switch. Downstairs, where the distance to the generator isn’t that much, it won’t be a big deal to run a few extension cords to the generator.
Learn more by reading : How to connect a portable generator to a house with a transfer switch?
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