Westinghouse iGen4500 vs Champion 76533 Inverter Generator [All FAQs]

Power outages are one of the last things we want to happen. It can happen abruptly, turning a perfectly good day into a nightmare.

Your generator will be your lifeline if ever power goes out.

But what kind of generator do you need? Generators are not exactly one size fits all. Like all other products, there are generators that cater to different needs.

What to Look For?

Before selecting a generator, you have to know your needs first. You can’t just barge into a hardware store and buy the first model you see. You need to come in prepared, and here are a few things that you need to consider when looking for a generator.

Power Output

Generators differ in how much power they produce. With more power, the more devices it can run and the more convenient for you if there’s an outage.

However, you need to consider how much power you need too. You want to power your important appliances, but should you stop there?

Normally, 5000W would power enough of your major appliances to keep you running, and with more power to spare. However, even units with as low as 3000W can be more than enough for a small household.

To be sure, check how many watts your appliances need, and you can get an idea of how strong of a generator you are going to need.

Generator Type

With the power output covered,  it is also important to note that there are several types of generators. Each generator has its unique functions and features. Here are the main types to help you get an idea of which generator is best for you.

• Standby Generator

A standby generator is the standard generator you would want if you’re not going anywhere. This device provides the best kind of protection as it is automatic. You never have to switch it on manually because it does everything automatically. Power outages won’t be an issue because you immediately regain power.

It can also run on almost any sort of fuel, depending on the model. Let it be propane or gasoline, you won’t have difficulty refueling it.

A useful feature is that it also tests itself automatically every week to see if it works fine just in case of power outages. Standby generators are great for emergencies and places that need power running continuously.

• Portable Generator

The selling point of portable generators is that they are portable. This makes it great to take in and out of places and can be easily packed onto the back of a truck or a van. It also runs on gasoline or fuel so it is  cheap to fund.

The big difference that portable generators have is that they have sockets where home appliances can be plugged. In terms of appliances that can be powered, it can run almost just as well as a standby generator, the difference? Portability.

• Inverter Generator

An inverter generator is one of the most efficient generators because it uses a rectifier to convert DC power to AC, which is generally more efficient in energy transfer, which an inverter generator does with ease. Inverter generators are also more efficient in the sense that they warm up.

Instead of starting at full capacity, they gradually increase depending on the need. This makes it more fuel-efficient and better!  These are also portable so think of these as more high-tech and efficient portable generators.

Startup Mechanism

If you’re investing money into a generator, make sure to add the extra dollars for convenience. Generators come with different startup methods such as electric, recoil, and remote startup. If you have the budget to spare, make sure to get one with up to an electric start for convenience.

Especially if you’re new to generators, having a convenient startup mechanism makes it easier to operate your generator and can save you time when you finally get the chance to use it.

Monitoring and Control Panels

If there is another must for your generator, it is a control panel. Control panels are useful because, ideally, it will have all the necessary information you need to know about the generator while it’s running.

This information can range from power output to fuel capacity so that you’ll never be guessing what’s going on with your generator. If any problems arise, some models have control panels that alert you of these issues.

Which is Better?

Now that we have laid down the basics of what to keep in mind when choosing generators, let’s take a look at these two models to see how they stack up against each other.

Features:	Westinghouse iGen4500	Champion 3800-Watt
Running Watts	3700W	3800W
Starting Watts	4500W	4750W
Weight	98lbs	119lbs
Noise	52dBA	68dBA
Duration	15 hours (@50% load)	9 hours (@50%load)
Fuel Capacity	3.4gal	3.4gal
Fuel Tank	Single	Dual
Dimensions	L24.5”xW17.5”xH20.5”	L26.3”xW24.8”xH22.9”
Portability	Wheel kit and telescopic handle	Wheel kit and folding handle
Startup Mechanism	Electric start, remote start and pull start	Electric start and pull start
AC Outlets	3 AC Outlets	4 AC Outlets
GCFI Outlets	X	X
Data Center	Yes	Yes
Fuel Gauge	Yes	No

Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator

The Westinghouse brand has a history of 130 years in the industry, so it is no stranger to the craft. The company is known for the quality of its portable generators.  However, it has also started to make inverter generators as well.

A trademark of the company is that they have reliable generators that are easy-to-use and can last for a long time.  The iGen4500 inverter generator is one of Westinghouse’s best inverters.

Power and Efficiency

The iGen4500 has 3700 running watts and can peak up to 4500 watts. This can serve most of your essential household appliances in case of an outage. It has a 3.4-gallon gas tank, which helps power your appliances for up to 15 hours at 50% load. The device also consumes 0.19GPH (gallons per hour).  It can give you power for quite a long time.

Furthermore, the generator emits a sound of 52dBA that’s as silent as it gets!

It also meets both EPA and CARB standards.

Remote Electric Start

The iGen4500 is very easy to use with manual, electric, and remote startup. Gone are the days that you would need have to work on recoil start before enjoying backup electricity. But, if the electric or remote start is not working, the iGen4500 still has the regular recoil start to help you get going again in no time.

Portable and RV Ready

A generator that has roller board wheels, telescopic handles, and carry handles? That is the definition of portability! Especially when you consider You can almost bring its measurements of L24.5″ x W17.5″ x H20.5″ with a weight of 98lbs, that’s pretty neat. What makes it more impressive is that it has an RV outlet that can let you take it out on a trip.

LED Display

The iGen4500 doubles up on convenience with an LED display that is easy to understand and tells you all the important details. It can give you information about fuel, power output, and even the time you have left with the generator’s current fuel consumption!

It even has enough space to tell you the total power output, fuel output, and even voltage. With the LED display, it is much more convenient.

Champion 76533

The Champion 76533 is a good option if you want a strong inverter portable generator for your RV.

Power and Efficiency

The Champion 76533 has 3800 running watts and 4750 starting watts. It also has a 3.4-gallon fuel tank. This generator can run for up to 9 hours at 50% load, which is around 0.38GPH consumption. It is also dual-fuel, which means you can power your devices using either propane or gasoline.

The 76533 is a high-powered generator, so you will expect that it will be noisy. However, it can only get as loud as 68dBA, which is right about the noise a normal human conversation makes.

This generator also passed EPA and CARB certification to ensure its efficiency and safety.

Electric Start

The Champion 76533 has the electric start feature. However, it does not have remote start. Either way, it is better than your regular recoil start.

LED Display

The Champion 76533 has a built-in LED screen for monitoring your output, hertz, voltage, and run times with its Intelligauge. But, it would have been better if had a dedicated fuel gauge.

Portable and RV Ready

The Champion 76533 has built-in wheels, a folding handle, and an RV socket ready for trailer use too. Its size is L26.3″ x W24.8″ x H22.9″, and it weighs 119lbs.

Summary

Now, let’s put the Champion 76533 and Westinghouse iGen4500 against each other.

Power and Efficiency

The Champion 76533 comes out on top over the iGen4500 when it comes to power. The Champion 76533 has higher running and peak watts of 3800 and 4750, respectively, in contrast to the iGen4500’s 3700 and 4500. This advantage means that Champion 76533 can supply more power.

In terms of running time and fuel capacity, the iGen4500 can run up to 18 hours at 25% load with its 3.4-gallon tank, while the Champion 76533 can work up to 9 hours at 50% with its 3.4-gallon tank. In comparison, they are very much equal in fuel consumption.

Furthermore, it is also important to note that the Champion 76533 is dual fuel, meaning it can run on propane or gasoline in contrast to the iGen4500, which can only be run on gasoline. While they both have good efficiency, the Champion 76533 has the edge with the dual-fuel feature.

When it comes to noise levels, the iGen4500 has the edge with just 52dBA operating noise compared to the 68dBA from the Champion 76533.

Both devices are EPA and CARB-certified, so there is no issue with efficiency and safety.

In terms of output, the Champion 76533 provides you with a difference of 100 rated watts and 250 peak watts, which aren’t much but can still make a difference.

Size and Weight

The two generators are neck-to-neck in size and weight. Both models come with wheels and multiple handles that make them easier to transport. However, the iGen4500 is slightly lighter than the Champion 76533 with 98lbs in contrast to 119lbs from the Champion.

The iGen4500 is also more compact with  L24.5″ x W17.5″ x H20.5″ dimensions compared to the Champion 76533’s L26.3″ x W24.8″ x H22.9”.

Startup and Displays

Both the iGen4500 and Champion 76533 have electric and recoil startup. However, the iGen4500 is better in this regard because it also has a remote start, so you don’t need to walk up to it to turn it on.

Both models have LED displays that inform you of the things you need, like fuel consumption and oil levels. However, the iGen4500 also has a separate fuel gauge, which is quite helpful than having it all on the display panel.

The Champion 76533 also offers more 4 AC outlets compared to the iGen4500’s 3 outlets.

FAQS

You might have some more questions regarding generators that haven’t been answered by the information above. Here is some more information that you might find useful

What type of fuel is best?

It depends on your needs. In terms of cost, gasoline is the cheapest and also the most common. People can opt to use propane as well for cleaner emissions and lower fuel costs in the long run, but propane-powered generators tend to have higher prices.

Diesel works fine as well, just make sure that it is compatible with your device so you won’t end up breaking it as diesel-powered generators are known to produce unstable power.

Can I keep my inverter generator inside the house?

Never keep your inverter generator running inside the house since it produces deadly smoke that can kill people inside the house. If you are storing it, that’s fine, but make sure it is in a cool and safe place away from children. Furthermore, make sure that the fuel tank is empty to prioritize safety.

 How long does a generator last?

A generator’s lifetime is parallel to how well you maintain it. The more attention you pay to its maintenance, the longer it will last. Some well-maintained generators even last for decades and more. If generators break down early, it’s almost always because of misuse and lack of maintenance.

What happens if I overload my generator?

Don’t attempt to make your generator supply more power than it can at the risk of breaking it due to overloading. Overloading happens when the wattage needed by the appliances plugged into your generator exceeds the running wattage. If this happens, then you’re risking your safety. To avoid this, try to look for models with overload protection.

Conclusion

The iGen4500 and Champion 76533 are equal in most respects, with each generator having a small edge in some areas.

The Champion 76533 holds the edge over the iGen4500 when it comes to wattage with 3800 running watts and 4750 starting watts compared to its counterpart’s 3700W and 4500W.

Furthermore, while they both have excellent fuel consumption, the Champion 76533 also beats the Westinghouse because of its dual-fuel feature that allows it to work using propane. If you don’t know, propane is more efficient to use than gas and has cleaner emissions.

Yes, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is a good generator, and we can’t blame you if you already bought it.

However, even with the Westinghouse’s minor power advantage, the Champion’s dual-fuel feature is too good to pass up, which is why the Champion 76533 is better than the Westinghouse iGen4500.