This article will provide a sincere of the WEN GN400i review, which is known for its durability and affordability. Despite being much cheaper than other competing brands, it offers comparable quality.
The WEN GN400i is an open-frame inverter generator with a capacity of 4000 watts at a reasonable price point. It’s suitable for those who require more power than what the typical 2000 or 3000-watt inverters can provide.
But can such an inexpensive generator be trusted to perform effectively? In this review of the WEN GN400i, we will uncover the truth behind its performance and reliability in this review article. So, continue reading to know all about WEN GN400i;
WEN GN400i Review Generator: An Overview
The WEN 4,000-Watt Inverter Generator is a reliable source of clean energy without voltage fluctuations, ensuring the safety of your laptops, phones, and other delicate electronic devices. Its powerful 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine can produce up to 4000 surge watts and 3500 rated watts. With its pure sine wave design, this generator maintains low harmonic distortion levels below 0.3 percent at no load and less than 1.2 percent at full load.
It makes it safe for use with sensitive electronics. Additionally, its highly efficient 1.85-gallon tank provides over seven hours of half-load run time, giving you an uninterrupted power supply when needed. Effortlessly connect two generators with the help of a WEN parallel connection kit to distribute wattage among multiple units.
The built-in overload protection, along with low-oil and low-fuel automatic shutdown features, ensure the safety of both your generator and electronic devices from potential damage. As a trusted WEN product, your open frame inverter generator is backed by a comprehensive two-year warranty, supported by skilled service technicians nationwide and a helpful customer helpline.
Rest assured that you can rely on WEN to provide quality products and exceptional customer support for all your power needs. Small inverter generators are often the preferred option for a quiet and lightweight generator to power sensitive electronics.
However, one major drawback is that they are typically too small to handle larger appliances, such as a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner, unless used in parallel. Moreover, they tend to be more costly than traditional open-frame generators.
It offers the best of both worlds. It provides the convenience and portability of an inverter generator while also being able to handle larger appliances and equipment at a more affordable price point.
Key Specifications
- 4000 running watts
- 7 hours runtime
- 65db-68db noise level
- 212cc engine displacement
- 1.85-gallon fuel tank
- Item weight: 66.1lb
- Item dimension: 19.8*13.8*18.9 inches
- 2 years warranty
Key Features
1) Power Output
The WEN GN400i boasts a maximum wattage of 4,000 watts and a running wattage of 3,500 watts. This power level is suitable for operating essential household appliances like refrigerators, sump pumps, TVs, lights, dishwashers, and ovens. It is crucial to ensure that the total load connected to the generator does not exceed its rated wattage to prevent overloading and potential damage.
Additionally, if you plan on using high-voltage tools for DIY projects, make sure their surge wattage is at most that of the WEN GN400i, as it will result in the machine being unable to operate properly.
Considering these precautions, the WEN GN400i can effectively provide enough power for home use and light-duty work projects. One of the most notable features of the WEN GN400i 4000-watt gas portable inverter generator is its ability to produce clean electricity.
This means that even under heavy load, it maintains a low total harmonic distortion of only 1.2%, and at no load, it has an impressively low THD of just 0.3%. Additionally, this unit generates a pure sine wave electrical signal in all operating conditions.
The advantage of this is that you can safely connect delicate electronic devices like computers, medical equipment, and laboratory appliances without worrying about potential damage due to power fluctuations or surges. With the WEN GN400i, you can trust that your sensitive devices will receive a reliable and stable source of energy regardless of the workload on the generator.
2) Parallel Ready Generator
The WEN GN400i has a parallel ready feature, enabling you to connect it with another identical model and double your power output. This means that using a second GN400i generator can easily increase your total power output to 7,000W.
This added flexibility allows you to adapt to changing situations and scale down your electricity usage when needed, preventing any unnecessary waste of resources. With the ability to seamlessly connect two generators in parallel, the WEN GN400i offers convenience and practicality for various power needs.
You can be prepared for unforeseen circumstances or simply have more energy for larger tasks without investing in a bigger generator.
3) Design
While the machine may not have a futuristic design, it is still compact and lightweight. The frame also offers ample space for lifting. However, we were surprised to find that the wheel kit was missing from the box, which is unusual.
We also found it difficult to lift the 66lb weight for an extended period. On a positive note, the unit does have a durable corrosion-resistant metal frame that can withstand years of use. Despite its lackluster appearance, this machine has sturdy construction and practical features that make it worth considering for long-term use.
The WEN GN400i stands out among other generators due to its remarkably lightweight design. Compared with similar generators on the market, it weighs approximately 30% less, making it a great choice for those prioritizing portability and ease of transport. Weighing in at only 70.5 pounds, this generator is significantly lighter than many other models of similar power output.
This impressive weight reduction makes the WEN GN400i a top contender when looking for a portable yet powerful generator. Whether you need to take your generator on camping trips or use it for backup power during emergencies, its lightweight construction allows for easy transportation and storage without compromising performance.
4) Noise Level
One major problem with most portable generators in this size range is their excessive noise output. This can make them quite inconvenient for activities like camping or using an RV, where a quieter generator is needed.
Many RV parks have strict regulations that do not permit generators to produce more than 65 decibels of sound on their premises. Fortunately, the WEN GN400i stands out from other 4000-watt generators due to its advanced inverter technology, significantly reducing noise levels.
Even when running at higher capacities, its engine remains relatively quiet compared to others in its class.
5) 4-Stroke Engine
This particular WEN inverter generator is equipped with a four-stroke OHV engine that has a displacement of 212 cc. It boasts impressive fuel efficiency, consuming only 0.26 gallons of gas per hour at 50% load, which sets it apart from other generators in its class. Its sizeable 1.8-gallon fuel tank allows for a lengthy runtime of up to 7 hours, making it capable of sustaining most power outages.
For even longer runtimes, activating the eco-mode feature is recommended as it adjusts the engine RPM according to the applied load resulting in reduced fuel consumption and increased runtime. Additionally, this helps minimize engine wear and tear, ultimately extending the unit’s overall lifespan.
6) Power Outlets
The control panel of the GN400i generator boasts a variety of power outlets, including two 120V NEMA 5-20R ports, one RV-ready 120V TT-30R receptacle, and two 5V USB outlets. These convenient ports allow for easy connection of multiple appliances to the WEN GN400i generator. A transfer switch can connect the generator to your home safely.
The unit also features LED indicators that inform you about its status, such as when it is output-ready or overloaded, and alerts for low engine oil. The control panel on the WEN GN400i portable generator offers many useful features in addition to its versatile power outlets.
7) Safety Features
WEN has implemented safety measures in the operation of their inverter generator, including automatic shut-off features for low oil and low fuel levels. The unit has sensors that detect when the oil level is insufficient and automatically shut off the engine to prevent damage. This ensures that the engine can only run when there is a sufficient amount of oil present.
The generator also has a low-fuel auto-shut-off feature that activates when the fuel tank runs dry, further enhancing safety precautions. Another built-in safety mechanism is an overload protection circuit breaker which cuts off the power supply to any connected load in case of accidental overloading. These features prioritize user safety and safeguard against potential hazards during WEN’s inverter generator usage.
8) Clean Electricity
Compared to traditional generators, inverter generators offer a superior modern alternative. Besides being less noisy and more lightweight, they also provide cleaner electricity. These generators are highly versatile and can effortlessly charge portable devices.
The WEN GN400i is a notable example of an inverter generator that can run in parallel with another identical unit. This ingenious feature doubles the overall power output, providing up to 8000 starting watts at your disposal. With this amount of power available, you can easily meet the energy needs of most essential household appliances during unexpected power outages.
In summary, inverters like the WEN GN400i are reliable solutions for fulfilling your urgent electricity requirements while ensuring convenience and efficiency.
9) Pricing
WEN has established a reputation for producing reliable generators at affordable prices. A prime example is their GN400i model, which is significantly less expensive than its competitors. For instance, choosing this generator over a high-quality brand could result in significant savings of hundreds of dollars.
However, the lower cost does not equate to inferior quality. According to various online reviews, users are highly satisfied with this unit and have not encountered any major issues with it. Ultimately, the engine is the most crucial component of a generator, and WEN ensures top-notch quality in all their engines – including the one in the GN400i model.
With WEN’s track record for providing high-quality generators at budget-friendly prices, investing in their products is a wise choice.
Is WEN GN400i Worth Buying?
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly inverter generator that packs a punch and can run for extended periods, the WEN GN400i is definitely worth considering. Despite its impressive capacity, this machine is surprisingly quiet and lightweight, making it suitable for use at any national RV park.
Most inverter generators on the market, especially if you opt for a reputable brand. However, with the WEN GN400i, you’ll get similar capabilities at less than half the price, under $500! And to top it off, this model comes with a generous 2-year warranty period which adds even more value to your investment.
Don’t overlook this gem when shopping for an affordable yet reliable inverter generator. The generator is a convenient solution for digital nomads, allowing them to access clean electricity at any location and time. This enables them to utilize their electronic devices and appliances while working remotely.
With the GN400i inverter generator, they will have sufficient power even for heavy-duty tasks such as operating power tools for DIY projects or on remote work sites. However, it is important to take precautionary measures not to exceed the generator’s capacity by overloading it.
Conclusion
Experts highly recommend this generator if you need a reliable and affordable 4000-watt portable option. It stands out among other similar generators, as it is one of the few in its wattage range that typically retails for under $1000.
What sets the WEN GN400i generator apart is its ability to offer both high power output and a lower price tag than traditional open-frame generators while also providing the advantages of an inverter. In conclusion, with its combination of quality performance and cost-effectiveness, purchasing this generator would be worthwhile.
