Are you looking for a large dual fuel portable generator for home backup power? Do you need between 10000 and 12000 continuous running watts? You might want to read this review of the Westinghouse WGen12000DF dual fuel portable generator.
Introduction
I chose the WGen12000DF dual fuel model for this review because it offers the choice of using propane to power the engine. This portable generator has a large engine, so to keep it running for a few days on gasoline will require many gallons of gas and daily refueling.
If you want to use it as a home backup power generator, then it makes more sense to connect it to a large liquid propane tank so that it can run uninterrupted during a prolonged power failure. However, you might need some professional advice and the right size hose if you want to connect it to a propane tank that is larger than the usual 20 lb barbecue bottle.
Nevertheless, a lot of the features that is going to be discussed applies to both the dual fuel WGen12000DF and the gasoline powered WGen12000 model as well.
Westinghouse WGen12000DF: Overview
It is tough not to have electrical power when you need it. This is true whether you are working at a remote job site or the weather has turned foul and damaged the utility power lines. What does the Westinghouse WGen12000DF offer you?
Let us start with the heart of the generator: the 713cc V-Twin OHV Westinghouse engine. Such a large generator engine needs a large fuel tank. In fact, the WGen12000DF has a 10.5 gallon (40 L) gasoline tank (a fuel gauge is built into it). It might run up to 11 hours on a full tank of gasoline. This large portable generator produces up to 12000 continuous running watts and 15000 peak surge watts when powered by gasoline.
So, how many watts does it provide when sucking on a propane tank? It provides 10800 running watts and 13500 starting watts when powered by propane. It can keep running for up to 6 hours on a 20 lb propane tank. Keep this in mind when you make your home backup power calculations. It is possible to switch from gasoline fuel to propane without shutting off the engine by pressing the fuel selection switch.
Starting the WGen12000DF is easy if the battery has sufficient charge. You may use either the push-button electric starter or the remote key fob, although there is no recoil pull starter. If its battery is flat, then you won’t be able to start this portable generator.
The WGen12000DF does not have an inverter system, still it produces less than 5% THD. It is probably safe to use with most appliances, tools and electronic devices.
A large generator such as the Westinghouse WGen12000DF will be heavy to handle: it weighs an uncomfortable 352 pounds. In light of this, the strong steel frame has both a lift bracket and a wheel kit (some assembly required). The heavy-duty handles and never-flat wheels are essential for rolling this 12000 watt portable dual fuel generator around a job site or the backyard.
Key Features
- 120/240V 14-50R outlet
- 120/240V L14-30R transfer switch ready twist-lock outlet
- 120V 5-20R household duplex outlets
- 120V L5-30R outlet
- Outlet for a Westinghouse ST Switch
- Peak starting watts are 15000 on gasoline and 13500 on propane
- Produces up to 12000 running watts on gasoline and 10800 rated watts on propane
- Push-button electric starter
- Start the generator from a distance with the remote key fob
- Switch from gasoline to propane fuel without shutting off the generator
- The 713cc OHV V-Twin Westinghouse engine has a durable cast iron sleeve
- The engine has a 10.5-gallon fuel tank and runs up to 11 hours on gasoline
- The two USB ports are protected by rubber covers
Summary
The WGen12000DF is a monster of a dual fuel portable generator that works great for either work or home backup power. If you hire an electrician to install the right transfer switch, then you can run a modest size home with this large portable generator. It will keep the lights on, the microwave cooking, the ceiling fans spinning, the refrigerator cold and the water pumping.
However, the main drawbacks are its heavy weight and its loudness because of its large size. Nevertheless, the WGen12000DF is recommended as a portable power source for either serious work or unexpected power failures (buy it on Amazon – paid link).
How much assembly is needed before starting the generator?
The generator does not need much assembly, just follow the instructions in the quick start guide. You need to install the wheels and the lift bracket before removing the portable generator from its shipping pallet. Then, add engine oil and unleaded gasoline (or connect it to a propane tank).
To begin with, slide the bolt for the axle through both the washer and the wheel and secure it with the hairpin cotter.
Subsequently, take the axle bolt with the wheel and slide it through another washer and then into the axle bracket on the generator’s frame. Secure it with another hairpin cotter to keep the axle in place.
Then, add the lift bracket on top of the generator’s frame and tighten it with the included bolts and nuts.
Now that the wheels and lift bracket are installed and secure, you and your friend can lift the generator from its pallet.
Add the engine oil that was included with the generator, and fill the fuel tank with unleaded gasoline. Follow the instructions in the manual to install the battery correctly.
How do you start the Westinghouse WGen12000DF?
- Place the generator outside the home in a dry spot away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check the oil and fuel levels and add more if the levels are low.
- Check the battery: are the cables connected to the right polarities?
- Unplug any extension cables or power cables from the generator’s outlets
- Check if the main breaker and receptacle circuit breakers are in the operational position.
- If you want to start the generator on gasoline fuel, then turn the fuel valve on.
- Press the fuel selection switch to the gasoline position.
- If using propane, then connect the propane tank to the generator, select propane as the fuel source and open the valve.
- Now that the fuel source is chosen, press the engine switch to the running position.
- Start the portable generator by holding the start button on either the control panel or remote key fob for one second before releasing it.
- You may plug in devices, tools or a generator power cord after the portable generator is running smoothly.
How much noise does the WGen12000DF make?
This portable generator has a 713cc engine, so it is going to be noisy. Westinghouse says that its noise level is 74 dBA. This is probably about as loud as a household vacuum cleaner or garbage disposal unit. It is not as loud as a lawn mower, but you do not want to stand right next to it for hours at a time.
How many watts and amps does it produce?
The power that it produces depends on the fuel that it uses for its engine. The WGen12000DF provides 12000 running watts and 15000 peak watts when burning gasoline in its engine.
These numbers are slightly reduced when the generator’s engine runs on propane. Then it only provides 10800 running watts and 13500 peak watts.
Similarly, the amps also differ depending on the fuel being used. For example, the WGen12000DF has 50 running amps at 240V on gasoline. Comparatively, it only has 45 running amps at 240V when fueled by propane.
How long can the WGen12000DF run before refueling?
The Westinghouse WGen12000DF has a 10.5-gallon (40 L) gasoline fuel tank capacity. It is supposed to be able to run for up to 11 hours at 50% load, or 16 hours at 25% load, on a full tank of gasoline.
The estimated run time on a 20 lb propane tank at 50% power load is up to 6 hours. If you hook up this portable generator to a large propane tank, then you can run it for much longer without having to refuel it.
How much does this portable generator weigh?
This large dual fuel portable generator has a dry unit weight of 352 lb (160 kg). Fortunately, it is shipped with a wheel kit and a lift bracket. These items have to be installed before you move the generator. This is a job for two people, so ask someone strong to help you with this task.
Westinghouse WGen12000DF vs. DuroMax XP12000EH
| Item | WGen12000DF | XP12000EH |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions LxWxH | 34x31x35 in. | 30x29x26 in. |
| Dual Fuel | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Capacity | 713cc | 457cc |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.5 gal | 8.3 gal |
| Peak Watts (Gasoline) | 15000 | 12000 |
| Peak Watts (Propane) | 13500 | ? |
| Rated Watts (Gasoline) | 12000 | 9500 |
| Rated Watts (Propane) | 10800 | ? |
| Recoil Start | No | Yes |
| Remote Start | Yes | No |
| Weight | 352 lb | 224 lb |
As you can see, the DuroMax XP12000EH has a smaller engine, it weighs less and produces fewer watts when compared to the WGen12000DF. In light of that, I should probably have used the larger DuroMax XP15000EH dual fuel portable generator in my comparison. I saw that the model numbers were similar, so I thought that the wattage would be similar.
WGen12000DF vs. DuroMax XP15000EH
The DuroMax XP15000EH dual fuel portable generator provides 12000 running watts and 15000 starting watts when powered by gasoline. This is the same wattage as the WGen12000DF. It probably provides similar wattage when running on propane. As a matter of fact, the XP15000EH also has a 713cc V-Twin engine.
These large dual fuel portable generators even have a similar overall design except for a few smaller differences which I am not going to bother pointing out here. However, there might be a difference in retail price between the WGen12000DF and the DuroMax XP15000EH (check its price on Amazon – paid link).
Conclusion
The Westinghouse WGen12000DF is easy to assemble, but you might need an extra pair of hands to help lift it while installing the wheel kit. Once the wheels are installed, then a single person can take hold of the handles and push it around.
The main advantages of the WGen12000DF are its dual fuel ability, fuel selection switch, push-button electric start, remote start key fob, transfer switch ready outlets, VFT meter and 12000 running watts at less than 5% THD.
Conversely, the WGen12000DF does have its own disadvantages. For example, it does not have a recoil starter rope like the other smaller WGen models such as the WGen9500DF and the WGen7500. This means that you should keep the battery charged at all times because you cannot pull start this generator.
Another cost to consider is that the specifications state its runtime on a 20 lb propane tank. The hose that is included with the generator is probably for this size propane tank. Therefore, you will need to do some more research or ask for help if you want to connect this generator to a larger propane tank with a different size hose.
To conclude, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF is a portable alternative to the problem of power outages and work sites that are not connected to the power grid. It might cost you less to buy this large portable generator and install a manual transfer switch for your house when compared to getting a stationary home standby generator (buy the WGen12000DF on Amazon – paid link).