ConsFirst / Portable generators

WEN

WEN DF360iX: the downsides first

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#8 of 8
$Dual-fuel inverterScore 3.1/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Sample under 1,500 ratings (531).

Popular Mechanics' budget pick: a 49-pound dual-fuel inverter with a 30-amp RV outlet, USB ports and a CO shutdown sensor for well under $700. The 1.5-gallon tank runs only about five hours at half load on gas, and Amazon owners are split on how easily it starts.

Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for WEN generators (SaferProducts.gov recall search for 'generator', checked 2026-10-11).

Power (gasoline): 2,900 running / 3,600 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: WEN's Watchdog CO shutdown sensor turns the generator off if dangerous CO levels are detected (Amazon listing, Popular Mechanics)

Top complaints

  • Small gas tank

    Popular Mechanics' only listed con: the 1.5-gallon tank gives about five hours at half load before refilling, though a 20-lb propane tank can run it up to 14 hours.

    Source: Popular Mechanics (best portable generators)
  • Hard starting for some owners

    Amazon's summary says starting difficulty gets mixed feedback (69 mentions): some find it easy, others say it takes several pulls.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Run time varies

    Amazon's summary says run time is mixed (56 mentions), with some owners getting about 4 hours and others saying it lasted only half an hour.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

Good for
  • Camping and small to midsize RVs
  • A budget backup for a fridge and lights
  • Running on a 20-lb propane tank

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked portable generators whose biggest complaint is something else.

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A premium, very quiet 5,500-watt inverter with Honda build quality, a Bluetooth app, 240-volt output and a CO shutoff. Popular Mechanics measured about 70 dB at 15 feet under a 60% load. It costs about $4,899, weighs 263 pounds and runs on gasoline only.

Its catch: very expensive#2 in portable generatorsWestinghouse iGen5000DFc

Wirecutter's top pick: a closed-frame dual-fuel inverter with 3,900 running watts, a remote-start key fob, CO shutoff and up to 18 hours at 25% load, for about $1,000. It's over 100 pounds, can't be sold in California, and Wirecutter chose it from research rather than hands-on testing.

Its catch: not sold in california#3 in portable generatorsDuroMax XP11000iH

Popular Mechanics' best home generator overall: a 9,000-watt dual-fuel inverter that's as loud as a dishwasher (61 dB at 20% load), with remote start, a battery tender and CO shutoff. It weighs 216 pounds and costs about $2,499, and its Amazon listing shows a high share of 1-star ratings.

Its catch: heavy

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