Portable generators that are functional and reliable can be hard to find. Fortunately, we got our hands on the WEN 56380i that offers a superb combination of power and functionality. This portable generator is designed with travel enthusiasts kept in mind. The WEN 56380i is not only compact but also brimming with power.
Currently, this generator is one of the best portable generators available in the market, given its price. It has features that make it a must-have for travel enthusiasts and a great buy for anyone who requires a compact, reliable, and budget-friendly power solution. Let’s dive into the full review of WEN 56380i and take a look at what makes this generator so amazing.
WEN 56380i 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator Review
The WEN 56380i’s value offering can be described quite well simply by saying that good things come in small packages. This portable generator has a power output of 3,800 watts and only weighs in at 99 Lbs. Apart from being lightweight, the WEN 56380i is also really compact. Its body has impressively compact dimensions: 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches. Its dimensions seem even more impressive when you consider the fact that the generator is powered by a 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 212 cubic centimeters (cc).
Design:
The WEN 56380i’s compact body has a sleek and clean design giving it a modern look. Its compact body has built-in transportation wheels as well as a comfort handle that makes moving the generator around really easy. On the generator’s front, you will find a panel with an assortment of connection points and controls through which you can interact with this travel generator.
Performance:
WEN 56380i stands head and shoulders above other generators in the same weight class. In fact, some people even confuse it with a 3000-watt generator based on its size. However, this small portable generator packs a punch with a whopping production of 3800 surge watts.
Most importantly, its power production is incredibly clean, making it suitable for sensitive electronic equipment. For us, one of the best features of the WEN 56380i is its AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV outlet. This portable generator provides you with an all-in-one plug-and-play solution.
Ratings and Feedback
The customer reviews and an average rating of 4.7-star from 1,118 verified customers on Amazon prove that WEN 56380i delivers what it promises. It checks all the boxes that you want in a reliable portable generator: it’s functional, reliable, powerful, versatile, and easy to use. What more can you ask from a generator that costs less than $800?
Features
Now that we’ve familiarized you with this awesome generator, let’s take a look at all of its features.
Impressive Fuel Capacity:
Despite being compact, the WEN 56380i has an internal fuel tank with a capacity of 2.2 gallons. When being operated at half load, it can efficiently run for up to 8.5 hours. It’s incredibly fuel-efficient and can provide you with more than enough power for camping, road trips, and even outdoor events.
Silent:
The WEN 56380i is a silent portable generator. It produces noise below 57dbs when being used lightly. Even if you use it at more than 50% capacity, the generator operates without making too much noise.
Reliable Engine with Parallel Connectivity:
The WEN 56380i has a 4-stroke, 212 cc gasoline engine acting as its heart. This heavy-duty engine can produce up to 3800 watts of power. Apart from being powerful, the WEN 56380i’s engine supports parallel connectivity. This means you can connect multiple WEN 56380is to one another to increase their power output.
Direct Connectivity:
This inverter generator has a really clean power output (less than 1.2% distortion). In fact, its power output is so stable that you can directly connect electronic devices with it via 2.5V USB ports that can be found on its front. The generator has an array of ports with varying power outputs. You can use it to charge phones, laptops, and even portable batteries.
Eco-friendly:
This gasoline engine has an eco-mode as well. We really like this feature as it can minimize the generator’s carbon footprint. Even when running on eco-mode, the generator is capable of producing the same amount of voltage.
Intuitive Controls:
The WEN 56380i features an interactive control panel hosting all the controls in a single place. There’s also a digital data center that lets you monitor your generator as it functions. You can keep track of its fuel level, power output, and fuel consumption.
Safety Features:
The WEN 56380i’s safety features are like icing on a cake. It has an automatic shutdown feature when low on fuel. This inverter generator is safe for you and for your devices.
WEN 56380i Technical Specifications:
- Running Wattage: 3400 Watts
- Peak Wattage: 3800 Watts
- Noise Level: 57dbs (at 25% load)
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Fuel Capacity: 2.2 Gallons
- Runtime: 8.5 hours (at 50% load)
- Outlets: 1 x 30-amp RV outlet, 1 x USB port, 2 x 120V AC, 1 x 12V DC
- Weight: 99 Lbs.
- Engine: 4-stroke OHV (212 cc)
- Dimensions: 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches
- Starting Function: Electric/Manual
Pros
- Compact and portable: it comes with transport wheels and a comfort handle making it easy to carry.
- It’s relatively quiet
- The generator is quite fuel-efficient
- Its power output is stable and more than enough to power a variety of appliances.
- The generator supports parallel connectivity.
- Its control panel makes interacting with the generator easy
- It has all the necessary safety features
- The generator comes with a 2-year warranty
- It offers a lot of value at a fair price point
Cons
- When ready for use, the generator can weigh up to 111 Lbs.
- Excessive usage can cause the generator to leak oil
What do we like about WEN 56830i?
The WEN 56380i has a number of features that make it one of our favorite portable generators. From its sleek body to its intuitive control panel, this generator is brimming with great features. For us, the most likable feature of the WEN 56380i is its dedicated RV outlet. This, combined with its low-noise operation, makes the WEN 56380i an ideal power solution for travelers and campers. You can openly use the WEN 56380i in parks, campsites, and even in your RV without annoying yourself or anyone around you.
The WEN 56380i is also light on your pocket in terms of initial and maintenance costs. It’s priced competitively (without making compromises on quality), and it’s incredibly fuel-efficient. Most importantly, it offers clean and stable power output allowing you to directly connect sensitive electronic devices with it via 2.5V USB ports. When compared to other portable generators in the same category, the WEN 56380i holds its ground really well on multiple fronts.
Is there anything that we don’t like about WEN 56830i?
The WEN 56380i is an amazing portable generator with a lot to offer. However, just like anything else, it is not perfect. If we had to pick something that we didn’t like about it, we’d pick its lack of remote control functionality which is a handy feature in modern generators.
Another negative thing about the WEN 56380i is that its body isn’t incredibly robust. So, it isn’t suitable for use in rough environments. While these shortcomings are not deal breakers, they should be kept in mind.
Should You Buy WEN 56830i?
The WEN 56380i is a superb portable inverter generator that offers a great mix of features. It is powered by a strong 4-stroke engine that can easily produce 3400 watts of stable and clean power. The generator is small, compact, and it has a really clean look as well. Its built-in transport wheels and comfort handle make it even more portable. The WEN 56380i is also easy to use, silent, and fuel-efficient.
All in all, the WEN 56380i is a camper’s dream come true. It’s the ideal portable generator for people who want a bit of power when they are off the grid or on the road. Its fuel efficiency, clean power output, multiple ports, and silent operation make it ideal for use in your backyard or in campsites.
The WEN 56380i may not appeal to people who are looking for a more powerful portable generator that can power larger appliances. So, if you need a little bit sturdier design or a slightly more powerful portable generator, you can stretch your budget a little further and opt for Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator. It can give you more power with the same look and functionality as the WEN 56380i for additional few hundred dollars.
All in all, nothing beats WEN 56380i in this price range. So, if your needs resonate with the functionalities of WEN 56830i, you should definitely get one. We have personally tested it, and we totally recommend it.
