WEN Vs Champion Inverter Generator [New Results]

Buying a generator is all about flexibility and being ready.

You want to buy one because you want to have the power of electricity even when there are no electrical services available, right?

You want to push the boundaries of electricity, productivity, and flexibility, and you want a generator that also pushes these boundaries.

That is why this comparison between the WEN 56352 and Champion 100302 is very intriguing.

On one hand, we have a generator that’s very traditional and does what’s required of it. On the other hand, we have a generator that can also do what’s required of it and more.

If it’s your first time buying a generator, this comparison will help you determine if that model you’re looking for is the right purchase for you.

What to Consider

Power capacity

When it comes to power capacity, go for as much rated and peak wattage as possible. But, you need to understand these two figures first.

Rated wattage is the amount of power that your generator can comfortably supply while the peak wattage is the most power that it can supply while risking engine wear and damage.

When looking at a generator, don’t put all your focus on the peak wattage. Instead, focus on the rated wattage. 

Don’t go for a model with just the right rated wattage that you need because that gives you no flexibility. It’s always much better to pick one with a slightly higher-rated wattage so you can give yourself more options.

Fuel efficiency

Fuel efficiency is necessary for a real cost-effective generator.

Generators use gasoline, which isn’t very cheap. If you’re going to use an inefficient generator, then be ready to lose a lot of money. If you don’t want that, then look at the generator’s fuel efficiency specs and features.

It’s basic math. You consume less fuel with better fuel efficiency, and that means you also save money which you can use for your long-awaited camping trip.

Flexibility

If you’re buying a generator, that means you want to be ready for times when there’s no electricity, right? That means you want to be flexible, and your generator should be too.

For added flexibility, go for something that can power more kinds of devices without the risk of frying them. Look for features such as <6% THD, AVR, inverter technology, and economy mode, among others.

Let’s compare

WEN 56352

The WEN 56352 is a portable traditional generator produced by WEN, a big US-based power tools company with a track record of making long-lasting and reliable products.

This model is powered by a 212cc engine that can produce up to 3500 watts with its 4-gallon fuel tank. It has two 120V receptacles (standard household 5-20R), one 120/240 V NEMA receptacle (L14-30), and one 12V 100W 8.3A DC car-charger-style-connector.

Traditional generator

The WEN 56352 is a portable traditional generator running on a 212cc engine.

Traditional generators tend to be dangerous when powering sensitive electronics(mobile phones, computers, e.g.), as they are prone to electricity drops and spikes that can fry sensitive electronic circuits.

Recognizing this, the manufacturer equipped the WEN 56352 with an automatic voltage regulator that will protect your sensitive electronics from such electrical problems.

It may not have the fuel efficiency brought by inverter technology, but it has more than enough power to run all of your necessities and more.

Can power all your basic needs and more

This model can produce up to 3000 running watts and 3500 peak watts, which should be more than enough to power your necessities such as your fridge and air conditioner, and more.

The 3000 running watts should be more than enough for more casual applications such as the occasional power outage and camping trip with plenty of watts left for more devices. It should also be enough for some heavier purposes such as basic construction projects and businesses.

The WEN 56352 is a very good option if you’re looking for a reliable backup power source that can be used for a variety of purposes and with extra power in reserve. Whether you’re just waiting to use it for a power outage or you’ll use it regularly for your projects, this generator can do the job.

Efficient and long-lasting

According to WEN, this model comes with a 4-gallon gas tank that can last up to 11 hours at half load. With the half load being 1750 watts, there’s a good chance that you won’t even reach it especially if you’re just using it as a backup power source for your home.

Due to this, you can expect this fuel-efficient generator to last long enough to supply your electricity needs. It’s not as fuel-efficient as an inverter generator, but it’s still efficient enough to be cost-efficient.

A variety of receptacles

The WEN 56352 comes with 4 receptacles, namely, two 120V receptacles (standard household 5-20R), one 120/240 V NEMA receptacle (L14-30), and one 12V 100W 8.3A DC car-charger-style-connector.

These receptacles should be enough for your electricity needs. However, an RV-ready outlet would have been a good addition.

Other features

This model has three extra features in the digital panel, overload protection, and low-oil shutdown feature that can make your life easier as a generator owner.

First, the digital panel will let you know about your generator’s engine oil levels and a “P” indicator that means your model needs maintenance.

In other generators, you would only know that you need to perform maintenance procedures if the generator is already broken. With the WEN 56352, you’ll know when to perform maintenance ahead of it getting damaged, saving you time, effort, and money.

It can also automatically shut your generator down if engine oil reaches dangerously low levels to prevent excessive wear to the engine.

As if the previous features aren’t enough, WEN also added a wheel kit and foldable handles to help you move its big 23″ x 17″ x 17″, 112 lbs. body.

As most of the necessary things are already being done for you by the generator itself with all its extra features, all you have to do is start the generator, plug your devices, and enjoy the power.

Champion 100302 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series

Champion 100302 portable generators are made by Champion Power Equipment, a globally recognized US-based power tools company founded in 2003.

The Champion 100302 portable inverter generator is powered by a 224cc Champion engine and comes with a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R), and a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with a dual USB adapter and battery-charging cables

High-powered

With 3500 rated watts and 4000 peak watts, the Champion 100302 is so powerful that it’s kind of an overkill for most basic applications like using it in campgrounds and as a backup home power source.

This generator is more suited to intense applications such as construction projects, moving businesses, and food stands, among others, that require higher power demands.

It can provide electricity for various applications and it can also be used as a backup power source for your home. However, as we said earlier, it may be too powerful for most households, but it’s also good to have extra power in reserve.

It’s a generator that offers so much flexibility because it can offer so much power. It can power almost anything that you plug into it, and more. If you want a generator that gives you many choices on how you can use it, you should look at the Champion 100302.

Excellent fuel efficiency with inverter technology

Fuel efficiency is everyone’s thing. If it isn’t, it should be, because it can save you a lot of gas money over time, just like the Champion 100302 can.

According to Champion, this model runs on a 224cc engine with inverter technology. If you’re not familiar with inverter technology, it slows your engine down when the electricity demand is low, which reduces engine wear and improves fuel efficiency.

Coupled with a small 2.9-gallon gas tank, the 100302 can power your devices up to a whopping 17 hours on 25% loads. To put that into perspective, that’s 17 hours of using 1000 watts, which can save you during situations where you have no more fuel supply.

It also has an economy mode that can further improve fuel efficiency and prolong engine life.

The Champion 100302 is a very good product in terms of fuel-efficiency. It’s not that expensive, and the purchase will pay off in the long run as you save money with its fuel efficiency.

Clean electricity

While inverter technology already helps a lot in producing clean and stable energy, this model also has a very low total harmonic distortion(THD) rating of just <3%.

Due to this, it can power all kinds of devices with sensitive electronics without the risk of short-circuiting.

It’s such a good thing because it saves your generator and electronics from damage, and it also saves you from danger because short-circuiting can cause fires and electrocution.

If you want a generator that’s powerful, environment-friendly, and safe to use, the Champion 100302 has all of those qualities.

Parallel-ready

In case its already impressive wattage isn’t enough for you, Champion also made this model parallel-ready which allows you to connect it with another generator.

If you want to use the parallel feature, you will have to buy the separately sold parallel kit. This kit will let you hook up your Champion generator with up to two 2800-watt or higher inverter or digital hybrid.

This model already has a lot of power, but it’s impressive that it gives you an option for more. This is very helpful in changing conditions but especially in dangerous circumstances such as typhoons, floods, and other natural phenomena.

RV-ready plus Quiet Technology

If you like traveling and going on camping trips, this RV-ready generator with a 120V 30A RV outlet will be good for you.

We never know what the road has up ahead, but the Champion 100302 can help you handle whatever it is because it’s RV-ready and has high power capacity.

You also don’t have to worry about the generator troubling you, the other people in the campgrounds, or your traveling mates with noise because Champion equipped this model with their Quiet Technology.

According to Champion, it’s only as loud as 64 dBA from 23 feet. It isn’t that quiet but it’s quiet enough not to be a disturbance.

It’s a generator that should work well as you travel. It will give you enough power, and it should have enough power in reserve.

FAQs

How much does owning a portable generator cost?

First, you’d have to pay for the generator itself which can cost from a couple of hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the brand and specs.

It does not end there, though. You’d still have to pay for the gas needed to run the generator. This is why you want a generator that’s fuel-efficient because fuel costs can add up over time.

Furthermore, as you use it, you’ll also have to perform regular maintenance such as oil changing and parts replacement to prolong your generator’s life.

Considering these things, owning a generator is not cheap. But, you know what? It’s worth it.

Can I use my portable generator indoors?

You shouldn’t even consider doing so. Generators consume gasoline and release carbon monoxide through the exhaust which is very dangerous when inhaled.

To avoid this, place your portable generator outside and use an extension cord to power your appliances indoors so you can power your devices without endangering yourself.

Where can I get replacement parts?

When it comes to replacement parts, there are many stores out there that sell aftermarket parts. They generally work great, but it’s always better to contact your generator’s manufacturer and order authentic replacement parts.

Conclusion

The WEN 56352 and Champion 100302, in contrast, are very good portable generators that you can rely on whenever and wherever. The thing is while they are both good, one is better all-around.

Let’s look at wattage. The WEN 56352 is no slouch in this category with 3000 running watts and 3500 peak watts. However, the Champion 100302 is a bit better with 3500 rated watts and 4000 peak watts.

The difference might not look that big on paper, but it’s always better to have more power because it gives you flexibility. With more power, you can use your generator for more demanding applications.

Now, let’s move to efficiency. The WEN 56352 has good fuel consumption, as it can last up to about 17 hours at quarter load. However, the Champion portable generator is just better by leaps and bounds with the help of inverter technology and economy mode.

Compared to the WEN’s 17 hours, Champion can also last up to 17 hours at quarter load. Yes, we know you think it’s the same, but that’s without factoring the fact that the Champion generator only has a 2.9-gallon fuel tank compared to the WEN’s 4-gallon tank.

Yes, they both last up to 17 hours at quarter load, but the Champion 100302 can do it with 1.1 liters of fuel less.

When it comes to flexibility, it’s still the Champion 100302 with the edge. While the WEN 56352 has an AVR that saves your appliances from voltage fluctuations, it can’t compete with the stable and cleaner energy that’s produced by Champion’s inverter engine with <3% THD.

The WEN 56352 is still safe for your sensitive electronics and you shouldn’t be worried about that, but it’s just that the 100302 is more flexible in this regard.

Furthermore, both models have 4 outlets, however, the Champion is still ahead because it’s RV-ready with a 120V 30A RV outlet.

With all these areas favoring the Champion 100302, it’s safe to say that it’s the wiser purchase. It’s a lot more powerful and fuel-efficient, making it a cost-efficient generator with a good return on investment.

This is not to say that the WEN 56352 is not a wise purchase. It is. It’s a good generator that does its job, but the Champion 100302 can do even more.