(checked 2026-10-10)Sample under 1,500 ratings (1,165).
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.
Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for the iGen5000DFc (checked 2026-10-11). An earlier Westinghouse recall on 2020-09-16 (CPSC 20-185, about 7,500 units) covered iGen4500DF and WGen5300DFv generators made October-December 2019 for fuel leaks.
Power (gasoline): 3,900 running / 5,000 starting watts
CO shutoff: Yes: CO shutoff (Wirecutter); the listing says the engine has a CO sensor
Top complaints
- Not sold in California
Wirecutter's one major drawback: it isn't CARB-compliant, and there's no California version.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Hits its limit with several big loads
Wirecutter says it reaches its limit running larger items like a fridge, freezer and space heater all at once, and probably can't handle central AC or a clothes dryer.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Heavy
A little over 100 lb without gas, about average for its size, though it has two top handles and a telescoping handle (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
What owners love
- Remote start and long runtime
A key-fob remote start, rare at this price, plus a 3.4-gallon tank for up to 18 hours at 25% load per Westinghouse (Wirecutter). Amazon owners say the remote start works flawlessly.
- Quiet for its power
Rated 52 dB(A), among the lowest Wirecutter saw. Amazon owners mention quiet operation 409 times, all positive.
- Owners love it
Wirecutter notes consistently stellar reviews across retailers. Amazon owners praise performance (445 mentions) and value, with one running a freezer, two fridges and a window AC.
- You live in California
- You want to run a fridge, freezer and space heater at once
- You need to lift it into a car often
- Home backup for a fridge, freezer and lights
- Starting from indoors on bad-weather days
- Long runs on one tank
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2025-07-30, based on research and past testing, not yet hands-on): versatile, quiet and well-equipped for the price, but not sold in California.