There were days when the conventional generator was the only choice available during a power blackout. Gone are such days. These days, you have a much wider choice during similar situations, readily available in the market. You will easily find such smaller and lighter machines like the Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator.
Key Advantages
The Westinghouse inverter generator has a large 1.2-gallon fuel tank. This can effortlessly run the machine for 10 continuous hours working at 25% load. It has a maximum capacity of 2,200 watts with a rate of 1,800 continuous watts. It is a relatively quiet machine especially while working under 50% load. This is possible because of the cooling fans and mufflers that limit the noise while your generator runs.
Drawbacks
Although the model is rated highly, there are a few disadvantages and drawbacks. The generator produces significantly louder noise while running at full load. The user should run it at half load if he wants it to be silent. Its customer service also needs to be more tailored to customer needs. For instance, they should come home to do the necessary repairs rather than require you to carry it all the way to their nearest centers.
A darling
What is your priority during a power blackout? At such times, all that you need is the ability to power your appliances. A portable generator is usually the only option. Unfortunately, many of these machines also tend to be noisy. Moreover, they can be a nuisance to neighbors. Happily, the Westinghouse iGen2200 has a viable solution for both of these challenges; it offers the relatively quiet generator. While running at ¼ load, it produces just 52db noise levels, making it one of the quietest generators of its class. Besides its relative quiet and power, it is also enriched with many industry-leading features, making it a darling of many.
Superior Functions, Easy to Use
You don’t need much trouble using the Westinghouse iGen2200i portable inverter generator. Just like most portable generators, this machine is easy to start. All you need to do is to pull a cord with a single turn of the engine knob. You can also easily navigate between its features because the control panel is simple to operate and straightforward.
On the panel, the functions of each outlet, button and knob are prominently displayed. Even if you are a greenhorn who has never used generators before, you will find this easy to operate. Anyone can quickly learn the right settings because the power control gadget has only three key settings: Run, off and choke.
A series of LED indicator lights are located to the left of the control knob. There are three such LED lights. Whenever there is any danger in output readiness, overload or low oil, the LED lights will alert you. Each of these lights are very important in helping you to determine the present state of your generator. An efficiency mode switch is found just below the LED lights. This efficiency mode controls functions, allowing the generator to operate at maximum fuel capacity and efficiency.
Household favorite
A plastic cover is also provided. It helps cover the plugs when it is not used. The generator has a USB port-a 2 5V DC. With these you can power your cell phones and other devices. The iGen2200 sports two model even allows you to connect to multiple devices in case you need to use a 120v AC outlet.
Whenever the breaker is tipped, the red overload button is used to reset and restore the generator, making it work properly. Is it any wonder that the Westinghouse iGen2200i has now become a household favourite? The popular features found in this machine is the hidden trick behind success.
Is the Machine Really Quiet?
If you want to measure the loudness of a generator, you need to stand 23 feet away from the machine. That is the standard measure in the industry. Many portable generators usually operate at about 7—78 Db. Compare this with the sound produced by a vacuum cleaner, which is some 70Db.
If you measure its noise levels from 20 feet, the Westinghouse generator produces 52 Db levels. This is fairly comparable to normal human conversation at home. In case you want to operate with low noise levels in a neighborhood sensitive to noise, then this is the right generator. By and large, the Westinghouse generator can be classified as a relatively quiet machine.
Attractive Warranty, Exemplary Service, Easy Manual
The customer care department of Westinghouse is reasonable. It generally ensures customers are well catered for and confident. They offer a simple warranty claim form in the website. Each generator has a three-year warranty. A manual comes in handy to ensure you do everything properly. You can even download a digital copy of the same online. Westinghouse gives you a wide selection of machines in order to perfectly suit your needs.
The iGen2200 Put Head-to-Head with Honda EU2200i
The Honda EU2200i is widely considered as a worthy competitor to the Westinghouse generator. But how do these two really compare, shoulder-to-shoulder? For one, the Honda EU2200i costs twice the price of its nemesis. Interestingly, the two machines produce similar amount of power. The Honda model runs with a slightly louder noise compared to Westinghouse.
The features in both models are about the same. In case you wish to run your generator for a long time, both models are a good match. They come with an economical mode of fuel efficiency. They are both fairly lightweight, coming at an average of 46-47Ibs. Indeed, the Honda EU2200i has a famous history, being associated with the legendary Honda brand, which is an industry guru. The choice is yours, but you need to consider whether you want to pay twice as much for a machine with remarkably similar features as the Westinghouse generator.
Potential Issues
Most issues associated with the Westinghouse generator can be traced to user error. It is, therefore, advisable to be thoroughly familiar with the user manual prior to using the generator. For maximum benefit, It’s also important be familiar with the generator maintenance schedule. Of course, no one wants his generator to breakdown due to routine maintenance issues.
Notably, many users complain about the lack of fuel and oil gauges in the generator. This complaint is apparently genuine since the warning lights available in the units don’t seem to be adequate to quell the matter. An oil and fuel gauge would likely make the generator more user-friendly while at the same time alerting you of the important needs of the machine.
Also, the cooling vents for the generator are not located ideally. They exist on the bottom side of the machine. You cannot, therefore, set it on the grass or dirt. For this reason, it is advisable to mount the generator on a flat level ground. This potentially keeps it from overheating.
Westinghouse iGen2200 Video
Westinghouse iGen2200 Technical Specifications
| Starting Watts | 2200 |
| Rated Watts | 1800 |
| Peak Amps at 120V | 18.3 amps |
| Running Amps at 120V | 15 amps |
| AC Voltage | 120 Volts |
| DC Voltage | 5 Volts |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Parallel Capable with HPC cord (sold separate) | Yes |
| Engine Horse Power (HP) | 3 HP |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | Less than 3% |
| Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) | Yes |
| Starting System | Recoil |
| Battery | N/A |
| Engine Displacement | 79cc |
| Engine Brand | Westinghouse |
| Engine Type | OHV 4 Stroke |
| Engine Speed | Variable |
| Engine RPM | Max 5300 |
| Available in TrueTimber Camo | Yes |
| Operational Volume | as low as 52 dBA |
| Spark Plug | Torch E6RTC |
| Carburetor Kit Required to Operate at Altitude | Yes |
| Altitude Carburetor Kit Number (sold separate) | 140540 |
| Economy Mode Switch | Yes |
| Built-in Inverter | Yes |
| Engine Lubrication | Splash |
| Recommended Oil | SAE 10W30 |
| Oil Bottle Size (included) | 0.37 qt. (11.8 oz.) |
| Oil Capacity | 0.37 qt. (11.8 oz.) |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Gasoline |
| 10% Ethanol or less | |
| Fuel Shut Off | Manual |
| Fuel Tank Material | Plastic |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.2 gal. (4.5 L) |
| Run Time at 25% Load (hrs.) | 12 hrs. |
| Gasoline Fuel Gauge | No |
| Choke Type | Manual |
| Choke Location | Control Panel |
| AC Outlets | (1) Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC Outlets | (2) 5V USB ports |
| Ground | Floating Neutral |
| Covered Outlets | Yes |
| Transfer Switch Ready | No |
| Westinghouse Portable Transfer Switch Ready (ST Switch) | No |
| Volt Meter | No |
| GFCI Outlets | No |
| LED Data Center | No |
| RV Ready Outlet | No |
| Overload Protection (circuit breaker) | Yes |
| Handle Style | Single, molded in case |
| Wheel Kit | No |
| Emissions | EPA, CARB |
| Canada CSA Compliant | Yes |
| Muffler | Pulse-Flo (TM) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes |
| Residential Warranty | Limited 3 Years or 1000 hrs. |
| Commercial Warranty | Limited 1 Year or 1000 hrs. |
Conclusion
Is the Westinghouse generator a good buy? What is the verdict? It all depends on what you want to do with your generator. However, if you want a generator that can support larger appliances like the fridge or window unit and still work well with other household appliances, then this is a good deal. Its noiseless operating volume and lightweight features make it great for all kinds of environments.
Notwithstanding, you might have to go for a higher wattage generator if you need an absolute power machine capable of restoring power to the entire home in times of outage. All said, the Westinghouse generator is generally a great buy if you simply need a noiseless, mid-sized generator capable of rescuing you during normal power outage.
Did we, perhaps, miss something in our discussion about the nature and functions of the Westinghouse iGen2200i portable inverter generator Vis a Vis the Honda EU2200i generator and others? Why not make us all wiser by offering a comment on the section below? Our readers will surely appreciate.
