WEN 56380i Review – Affordable Machine For Camping Geeks
I got my WEN 5638i within the desired time and in perfect condition; I didn’t find any cracks, scratches, or bents on the frame or the components of the unit. Overall, the packaging was pretty decent, with lots of padding.
The unit comes with a small tool kit, user manuals, and an oil funnel. Sadly, they didn’t include the engine oil.
After spending 100 hours, we have made a detailed review of the WEN 56380i, We will show you the unboxing experience with load, runtime, and noise tests so that you can figure out whether it is best suited for your needs or not.
Without further wasting time, let’s dive in:
WEN 56380i Review
Unboxing Experience WEN 56380i:
Design and Build Quality:
This is one of the prettiest generators I have ever seen in my life; it is a perfect blend of orange and matt black with a touch of chrome. Moreover, it is compact and lightweight with a carrying handle and a pair of rounded wheels to transport it within a few seconds.
The front contains lots of outlets and a small compartment of battery below the control panel, however, the back contains some vents and a spark arrester.
The right side of the machine contains a pull starter and a small compartment to fill up the engine oil or drain the overflowed gasoline, however, the left side contains a huge panel that can be removed to do regular maintenance.
Outlets and Essentials:
Fuel Tank Size, Fuel Options, and Runtime of WEN 56380i:
Though this machine doesn’t have the dual-fuel option, with a single tank of 2.2 gallons, you will get 8.5 hours of run time on 50% load; however, on 25% load, you may get 14–15 hours of uninterrupted running.
Overall, the WEN 56380i is pretty efficient in terms of runtime, but the dual fuel option could be a great edition to get uninterrupted running.
EOC Mode Benefits:
The Eco mode of the WEN 5638i is intelligent enough to supply fuel as per demands, which means your runtime will increase drastically since the Eco mode supplies fuel as per needs and will also reduce the noise levels.
A humble request: Don’t operate a high-load appliance on eco mode; eco mode is only beneficial for small to normal loads.
Load Test WEN 56380i:
WEN 56380i comes with a powerful 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine that can produce 3800 starting and 3400 running watts, You can run lots of power-hungry appliances without overloading the unit. I have run the following appliances and tools of the worksite: home and RVs.
| Appliance | Peak watts | Running watts |
|---|---|---|
| fridge | 1200 | 450 |
| Microwave oven | 1500 | 1500 |
| Coffee maker | 800 | 850 |
| AC (10,000) BTU | 1500 | 2000 |
| Printer | 600 | 600 |
| Portable air compressor 1/2 HP | 1000 | 1600 |
| Circular saw | 1400 | 2300 |
| Lights, TVs, and other stuff | 1800 | 1800 |
Noise Test:
I have done two tests one on ECO Mode and the second on normal mode below are the results.
ECO Mode: From the 22 ft. away exhaust position towards the Sound meter I got 61 – 62dB; however as per the manufacturer’s statements it produces 57dB on eco mode which is not true at all.
Normal Mode: From the same generator and exhaust position I got 71 – 72dB on normal mode which is a bit high but you can manage it by placing it about 50 – 70 ft. away from your camp, house, or RV.
Parallel Compatibility:
Though this unit has sufficient capacity to run a lot of power-hungry tools and appliances, it still offers a parallel connection, which means you can merge two of the same power generators to get more capacity without spending on a bigger model.
NOTE: Make sure to read the user manual before making a parallel connection
Safety Features:
Wen 56380i is proven to be super safe for your voltage-sensitive appliance since it produces minimal harmonic distortions of less than 1.2 you will never feel flickering or voltage fluctuations.
Also, its low oil shutoff will prolong the life of your carburetor by preserving a desired amount of fuel in the fuel lines and carburetor.
Other than that this machine is certified by EPA and CARB with weather and bugs proof caps on the top of outlets.
Warranty and Maintenance:
The maintenance of this unit is pretty easy, you just need to remove a few panels and check the engine oil, battery condition, air filter, etc. Also like the champion 4500 portable generators, it has a fuel-draining pipe which makes maintenance a lot easier.
Wen 56380i comes with 2 years of limited warranty with decent customer support and a nationwide service center. You will replace or repair your unit easily.
What I Like
What I don’t
If you want an affordable one go for WEN GN400i
Who Should Buy WEN 56380i?
If you are looking for a portable high-power generator with lots of outlets and safety features this machine should be on your wish list. Wen56380i is not only compact but also provides clean, safe, and quiet power even during long nights.
This unit is ideal for RVs, small homes, camping, and, tailgating, opt for it.
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.