Westinghouse iGen4500 Review – Perfect Midsized Generator
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is the cornerstone of the Westinghouse generator series. It is loaded with features, is portable, produces twice the power of most inverter models, is surprisingly quiet, and is very easy to use and maintain.
A 244-cc engine produces 3700 running watts and 4500 peak watts, which is enough to run any appliance in the RV, including a fridge, microwave, and AC.
This Westinghouse iGen4500 review is based on noise tests, load tests, runtime, efficiency, portability, and uses. Who should buy this generator, and what are the cons?
Westinghouse iGen4500 Review
Inverter generators are famous for many reasons. They pack a lot of power in a smaller body, are usually lightweight, make significantly less noise, and produce clean and safe energy with low harmonic distortion.
This electricity is useful for power-sensitive devices like cell phones, cameras, laptops, and computers.
Westinghouse iGen4500 is one of the few inverter models available with high energy output despite being portable.
This generator comes with a 30amp travel trailer plug which means it is RV-ready. There are two 120V 20amp household plugs, 2 USB outlets, and an outlet for parallel connection with another identical generator.
Features
This thing is loaded with features as I said earlier. It has a manual recoil, a push button, and an electric remote to start the generator.
The manufacturer claims we can start it from a distance of 250 feet with the remote. I regularly start it from 50 to 70 feet distance, I have only once tried to start it from 220 feet, and it starts with one click.
I haven’t tried to start it from 250 feet yet but I am sure it will not disappoint.
It also includes a plug to trickle charge your battery which in my opinion is an awesome feature.
Despite being a bit heavy, Westinghouse iGen4500 is a highly portable generator. It has a suitcase-like design with wheels and handles. It has two carrying handles to share the weight.
If you want something bigger, we got a review on Westinghouse 9500Df which is one of the best heavy-duty generators.
There are some issues with this generator as well that we will discuss later, first, let’s talk about the noise test that I conducted.
Noise Test
With high power output, noise tends to increase as well, but with Westinghouse iGen4500, they have engineered the overall design in such a way that it produces as much noise as a 2000-watt generator.
I conducted the noise test from 15 and 30 feet away with pin-drop silence in the backyard.
- From a distance of 15 feet away under efficiency mode with 50% load, I was getting 60 to 61dB.
- From a distance of 30 feet away under efficiency mode with 50% load, I was getting 52 to 54 dB.
So despite running on 50% load, this gasoline-powered machine is quieter than most inverter generators.
Load Test
Right off the bat, I turned on my AC, microwave, heater, and some small devices and gave it a whopping 3600W, 119V, 30.43amps load of my RV to test its capacity.
Westinghouse iGen4500 ran everything at the same time; there was a small change in the noise pattern, but it was significant.
When the generator reached 4002W of output power, the overload light went ON and I stopped the test.
So you can push it to 3650 watts without a problem. You can even go higher when you need some extra watts, but I would suggest keeping it moderate and don’t push it to the limits.
What are the cons?
There are no particular cons, but there are some things that the future models of the Westinghouse iGen4500 should improve.
Firstly, the oil door is a bit smaller, it creates a mess when you try to change the oil. A small rubber ramp beneath the oil plug would drain all the spilling oil safely away from the generator.
Secondly, there is the choke issue. Almost 50% of the shipping Westinghouse iGen4500 generators have this issue. If the generator doesn’t start as it is supposed, then there are chances that the choke is not open.
Behind the side panel, you would notice that the choke is halfway closed. The next thing is, to look for the cable that comes right from the carburetor and goes to the lower right side of the generator.
Open the front panel, don’t push it too hard. You will see a disconnected cable. It goes to the lower right side beneath the vent into a little black module.
What Can Westinghouse iGen4500 Generator Run?
Westinghouse iGen4500 can run anything below the 3700 running watts, and 4500 starting watts. To avoid an overload light alarm, don’t push it to 3700 running watts, use it close to 3600 running watts.
A 4000-watt generator provides enough power to run the following appliances so Westinghouse iGen4500 should be enough to run these things.
| Appliance | Quantity | Peak watts | Running watts |
|---|---|---|---|
| A standard fridge | 1 | 1200 | 200 |
| Microwave oven | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Coffee maker | 1 | 600 | 600 |
| AC (10,000) BTU | 1 | 4400 | 3000 |
| Electric blanket | 1 | 200 | 200 |
| Computer | 1 | 250 | 250 |
| Incandescent lights | 5 | 300 | 300 |
| Sump Pump | 1 | 800 | 150 to 300 |
| Well pump | 1 | 1000 | 2000 |
Customer Reviews
Westinghouse iGen4500 inverter generator is maintaining 4.6/5 stars based on 39 ratings with 80% 5 stars.
Should You Buy Westinghouse iGen4500? (My Verdict)
There was a gap in the market for a higher capacity generator that still operates silently with a portable body. So if you are looking for a smothering powerful but portable for your RV, or as a backup generator, you should definitely purchase a Westinghouse iGen4500 generator.
The fuel efficiency is excellent, it can run for a full 18 hours on 3.4 gal fuel. The wheel and handles make it portable and the overall design is compact. Bring it along for a camping trip.
From a distance of 30 feet away under efficiency mode with 50% load, I was getting 52 to 54dB which is just about perfect for camping. Although I have never tried there is a parallel connection option as well.
A Honda generator with the same power output can cost you double the price, so it is a budget-friendly option with all those features if you ask me.
We also have reviewed Westinghouse WGen9500DF and Westinghouse WGen7500
What I Like
What I don’t
Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.