Are you looking for a cheap, lightweight, gas-powered generator? The WEN 56180 is a portable generator that produces up to 1800 surge watts and 1500 running watts. It offers two 120-volt AC outlets and one 12-volt DC port.
WEN 56180: Wattage
The WEN 56180 generator provides up to 1800 surge wattage. This might not be enough to start a refrigerator, chest freezer or small air conditioner. You will have to check the surge watts requirements of the individual appliance before attempting this. The normal continuous running wattage is 1500 watts.
It can power a few essential items such as incandescent light bulbs, a microwave oven, coffee maker, toaster or blender. Of course, you cannot run them all at the same time. It might start and run a small refrigerator or air conditioner if the starting wattage is below 1800 watts.
We do not recommend using the WEN 56180 for televisions or computers because it does not have an inverter system. You might consider getting a cheap portable inverter generator if you want to power sensitive electronic equipment.
Engine
The WEN 56180 generator has a 98cc, 4-stroke, OHV, gasoline engine with a 1.1-gallon gas tank. The exhaust system has a spark arrestor which prevents flammable particles from leaving the engine. Therefore, this generator is safe to use in national parks and forested areas. The engine is both CARB-compliant and EPA III-compliant, which is great.
The engine has low-oil shutdown protection. Therefore, fill up the oil pan before you start it. The engine oil capacity is 13.5 fluid ounces. Engine oil is not included in the box, so buy some 30W 4-stroke small engine oil. Adding oil to the engine can be difficult, so make sure you have an oil funnel available to make the process easier.
It seems like an oil funnel might sometimes be included with the generator, but it is often pushed out of sight near the engine. Please check the generator housing to see if an oil funnel is not hidden there before you start it. You do not want to scrape a half-melted oil funnel from a hot engine or exhaust muffler after a few hours of operation.
Recoil Starter
The WEN 56180 generator does not have an electric starter. It only has a recoil starter which you pull and release. Do not confuse the engine switch with push button start. The engine switch does not start the engine, it only acts as a run/stop switch. This generator does not have an internal battery.
Run Time
The specifications state a run time of 7.5 hours under 50% power load (750 watts) on a full tank of gas (1.1 gallons). Therefore, it might run for about 3.5 to 4 hours under a 100%, 1500-watt load. The generator does not have a fuel efficiency mode.
Weight
The WEN 56180 generator weighs about 50 pounds, but it does not have a wheel kit. You have to carry it around or find some other way to move it. However, the WEN 56352 3500-watt portable generator seems to have a wheel kit and foldable handles. The larger WEN generators also have wheel kits due to their greater weight.
DC Receptacle
The 12-volt DC port cannot charge an automotive battery. However, you can plug a battery charger into the 120V outlet. You can then use the battery charger to charge your batteries.
Grounding the Generator
It seems like you need two things that are not included in the box with the generator: a grounding wire and a rod. You will have to buy these yourself. The grounding wire is connected to both the grounding nut on the control panel and the grounding rod. The rod is then driven into the earth. The owner’s manual has an explanation of the grounding process.
Powergeneratorexpert.com’s verdict: The WEN 56180 generator is small, portable and inexpensive, but that does not mean it is quiet. This little generator makes enough noise, so you will know it is running. Nevertheless, it does not cost much, and it weighs even less (buy it on Amazon).