WEN 56203i Review: Affordable & Powerful
The purpose of this article is to give you an in-depth review of the WEN 56203i Portable Generator with some real-time tests, including noise, run time, and load.
We are going to share our camping and RVing experience of 2 months with the unit. Also, we have used it for tailgating and boating as well.
Without further wasting time, let’s scroll down.
WEN 56203i Review
Unboxing Experience WEN 56203i:
Like all other premium generators, this machine comes with pretty protective packaging. I found my WEN 56203i in perfect condition. The generator includes a user manual, a small tool kit, and an oil funnel. There is no engine oil you have to purchase it separately.
Design and Built Quality:
In many ways, this generator is similar to the Champion 2000 watts and Westinghouse WGEN2200. You will find a fully functional control panel on the front, some vents, and a spark arrestor on the back. The right side contains a manual pull starter, and the left side has a small compartment that can be removed to do some maintenance.
Also, the top of this unit has a decent carrying handle to lift it up like a briefcase and an excess to fill up the gasoline.
Design and Build Quality Ratings: 8/10
Outlets and Essentials:
Fuel Tank Size, Fuel Options, And Runtime of WEN 56203i:
This machine is not dual fuel and comes with 1 gallon of a fuel tank that can last for about 10 hours on a 25% load and 6.5–7 hours on a 50% load. As per my experience, I can’t spend a long, cold night with this machine without having a separate container of fuel.
In winter, we need to operate a space heater; however, a normal space heater will consume at least 1100–1200 running and 1500–1600 starting watts, which means we have consumed more than half of the generator’s capacity. Now we will only get 5–6 hours of runtime.
Though the unit is super-efficient, at least it should have a dual fuel option or a bigger fuel tank so that we can spend our longer nights smoothly.
Fuel tank, Runtime, and Fuel option ratings: 6/10
Portability:
The machine has dimensions of 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches, so I can transport it in a normal car; however, it weighs only 39 lb. with a decent handle. I am carrying it like my tool briefcase.
Portability rating: 10/10
EOC Mode Benefits:
Eco mode significantly lowers the noise level by supplying the amount of fuel as per the need. Though this machine is super silent, we don’t have to care about the noise, but the fuel-savings of Eco Mode are a lifesaver.
What Can I Run With WEN 56203i? (Load Test):
With a 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine, this machine can produce 2000 starting/surge and 1700 running/rated watts with less than 0.3 THD on no-load; however, on full-load, it will produce less than 1.2% THD, which is amazing.
For testing, we have run the following appliances at home and RV:.
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
| Lawnmower | 1000 | 1400 |
| Space heater | 1200 | 1600 |
| Vacuum | 450 | 900 |
| Treadmill | 280 | 900 |
| Microwave | 800 | 1700 |
| Televisions and other kinds of stuff | 1000 | 1500 |
If you want a bigger unit give a read to WEN 56380i
How Load Is WEN 56203i? (Noise Test):
Since this machine has a 79-cc small-efficient engine, it produces 53–54 dB from 25 feet away at quarter load; however, on full 25% load and Eco mode, you will get even lower noise levels.
NOTE: These noise tests are conducted with sound meters; however, the manufacturer has claimed that it can produce 51 dBs from 25 feet at 25% load, but I got the above results, maybe due to some winds.
Noise level Ratings: 9/10
Parallel Compatibility:
Thankfully, this unit is parallel-ready; you can combine the same or another compatible Wen unit to get double or triple capacity. I mostly combine my WEN 56380i with my WEN 56203i to get top-notch results.
You can also connect two similar units.
Safety Features:
Since this unit produces less than 1.2% THD, your voltage-sensitive appliances will be safe from hazards. On the other hand, it has a low oil shutoff sensor that makes sure to have some oil in the carburetor and fuel lines to prevent corrosion.
Moreover, WEN56203i is CARB compliant; it will surely leave lower carbon footprints.
Safety rating: 8/10
Warranty And Maintenance:
Like all generators, you just need to change the oil and air filter and do regular maintenance if you want to prolong the life of your unit. Unlike other units, you don’t have to struggle with changing the engine oil, spark plugs, etc. Its parts and compartments are pretty easy to locate. You can follow our maintenance guide for the generators.
Like all Wen generators, this machine comes with a 2-year warranty and exceptional customer support. These guys have pretty decent stuff. I have replaced my faulty unit smoothly.
Warranty and Maintenance rating: 9/10
What I Like
What I don’t
Who Should Buy WEN 56203i?
If you want a highly portable generator that can be transported easily with extremely quiet operation and can be paralleled with another bigger unit, this is for you.
Though this unit can’t provide enough power to operate some of the power-hungry tools and appliances, it is still a good choice for camping and tailgating. It can charge your voltage-sensitive devices perfectly and provide some power on the top to operate projector lights and other kinds of stuff.
Josh is a highly skilled electrician with specialized expertise in the field of generators. With years of experience under his belt, he has established himself as an expert in all aspects of generators, ranging from installation and maintenance to troubleshooting and repairs. Josh’s in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and his commitment to staying updated with the latest industry advancements make him a reliable and sought-after professional.