Westinghouse vs. Honda Portable Inverter Generator

Portable generators have been on the rise for the last several years.

We have seen how their technology has evolved to now having generators that can give you more power and performance while at the same time remain compact.

Such generators are the Westinghouse iGen4500 and the Honda EU3000iS models. These two offer the best value for money considering the amount of power that each offers and the price it retails.

Yes, the Honda models can be slightly expensive, but their reliability and innovation make them a top choice for many.

Nevertheless, comparing it to a cheaper model with more power feels like the right way to go. It will show you that not all high-powered models have to be expensive.

What to Consider

Ease of Starting

Different generators will have different ways of starting them. So, finding the best method that makes the whole process easier will be ideal. No one wants to struggle with starting a generator.

A generator with a newer design will have an electric start. This is the kind of start you do not have to deal with pulling cords. This should make your job easier so that starting a generator is not hard.

Some models now come with key fobs for starting them just as you would do for a car.

Even if they have an electric starting mechanism, there is always the recoil start as a backup option.

Safety

The type of safety that comes with the generator is important. Safety in this case we mean the power supply stability. The type of power output needs to be clean and stable. This ensures that the devices connected to the generator get the right power they need.

Let us say you are running sensitive electronics. Well, you will need clean power so that the electronics can function correctly. This is mostly common with the laptops and other similar devices.

Take the time to find the right generator that delivers clean power. Where possible, read reviews to see what other people are experiencing with the generator first before making up your mind.

Rated Power

Another thing to keep in mind is the rated power. So, you want to get yourself the best generator, but where do you start?

This is a common question for people who have never used a generator before.

The first thing you need to do is understand the rated power of the generator and what it means.

You can have a model rated at 4500 watts, but that is the peak power. It will be different from the running watts which can be around 4000 watts. So, when you connect the electrical load, it should not go beyond the running watts output.

If you want to run more electrical appliances, then consider going for a larger-rated generator. This ensures that you always have the right power for the job.

Build Quality

The overall build quality is all about the durability of a generator. When you can invest money in getting a generator, then you hope it can last for years to come.

Depending on the manufacturer, most will give you a warranty of three to five years. Having more warranty years takes away the worry that the generator might break down easily when you want it to work great still.

The materials used to make the generator often speak a lot about its durability and overall build quality. If the manufacturer uses high-quality materials, then you can be comfortable that the generator will last you for even a decade with minimal maintenance.

Usability Features

Generators are supposed to be simple machines. You do not have to worry so much about operating them.

However, manufacturers tend to complicate the generators by giving them different additional features which might not necessarily make them easy to use. This is mostly when it comes to the controls.

As such, get a generator with simple controls that will make your job easier. You would not have any issues when it comes to starting, stopping, or manipulating the generator as you desire.

As part of improving usability, some models would come with wheels for transportation and portability. Not all models are light, so having wheels helps a lot in moving them from one location to another.

Others will have a low-oil warning system. This is important to avoid running your engine dry. Lubrication is always important for the longevity of your engine.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel efficiency is something you cannot neglect to check out. There are times when you want to run the generator for long hours. In this case, the fuel efficiency plays an important role.

You will learn more about the fuel efficiency by looking at the runtime of the generator on a full tank of gas. Having more hours generally means that the generator can supply more power just as you want.

Keep in mind that the runtime is also affected by the electrical load. If you increase the load, then the runtime of the generator reduces.

Most people will be running their generators at 25% capacity. This capacity always leaves you with hours of generator power. Some can even do 18 hours on a full tank of gas for this capacity.

Customer Support

At some point, you might need help with your generator. So, the customer support team should have the information that you need to solve an issue.

Look at what other users say about the customer support team. If you want the best service, always go for a company with the best customer support.

The Noise

Looking for a good performance generator, one thing that you can always consider is the noise level that it produces.

If you have hopes of keeping it in your home or RV, then you need a model that does not make a lot of noise.

So, how do you know the noise level of your generator? Most manufacturers are proud of their silent generators so they will easily show their numbers.

Look at the dBA value of the generator. This is the measure of sound in terms of decibels.

If the value is below 65 dBA, then you will have a quiet generator in your home. Also, you will enjoy the quiet operation all the time.

Let’s Compare

Westinghouse iGen4500 Portable Inverter Generator

The Westinghouse brand is no joke when it comes to making generators. With many generators under its name being good, it is intriguing to see what the iGen4500 can do for a user. That is what we will focus on in this guide below.

The Rated Power

The manufacturer claims that it can deliver 4500 watts as the peak power and 3700 watts as the running power. On the overall, this kind of power is good to power several appliances in the house.

You should not have any trouble setting up a number of appliances so long as it is within the inverter rating.

Since its power has less than 3% THD, many find it is an ideal option for providing stable power to various appliances.

Starting

This generator comes with a key fob to start it. This is something you see with cars mostly. However, that is what you get with this one.

With a key fob, it means that it has an electric start. This should make your job of starting the generator easier than when using a recoil start.

As part of backup, the generator also has the recoil start. This means that you can easily start the generator even when the electric start fails.

The Outlets

As for the outlets, you get it having a 5-20R 120V duplex household outlet and a Tt-30R 30-amp outlet for RV applications. It is now easy to either set it up in a home or an RV and enjoy the power supplied.

The two additional USB outlets should make it also a great choice for those who might find them useful on a generator.

The Panel

It is good to know that the panel is a simple one. You will get all the information that you need to know about the generator and its working condition.

There is a famous LED data center on the panel. This part is a rotating display that gives you information such as the fuel level, the power output, lifetime hours, the voltage output, and the remaining runtime.

When you have all this type of information, you can understand how the generator works even better.

Runtime and Noise Level

These are two important features a person would consider when buying their new generator.

This model is designed to be more fuel efficient than its predecessors. This is because it can run for 18 hours on a 3.4-gallon tank of gas.

There is also the economy mode option on the generator to help with maximum fuel efficiency. The result is that you can enjoy more power while spending less.

Looking at the noise level, the manufacturer claims that it can produce a noise of 52dBA. In the generator world, this is super silent. You will not have to worry about it disturbing your neighbors or other people at a campsite.

Honda EU3000iS Portable Inverter Generator

Maybe you have not come across Westinghouse before, then the Honda brand should sound familiar. For our guide, we will compare the model above to the Honda EU3000iS model. It is one of the bestselling Honda inverter generators on the market right now.

So, what makes it so good? Below are some of the notable features many people need.

Stable Power

One thing that stands out for the unit should be its stable power. For this reason, the model is good for powering RVs, homes, and other applications. All you have to do is keep the electrical load below the rated power output.

For this model, the running watts are 2800 watts while the peak starting power is 3000 watts. So, always set up your system to be within the available power supply by the generator.

Advanced Inverter System

Honda for a long time has been a leader in innovation and technology. The same is true when you look at its advanced inverter system.

For this inverter, we find that it can give the user continuous stable, and clean power. It is why you can use this generator with your sensitive electronics and not have to worry that they might get damaged.

Fuel Efficient Generator

With every new generator, what most people hope for is better fuel efficiency. So, it should be interesting to see how this Honda model performs.

Since it comes with an Eco Throttle System, the model has the best fuel efficiency. It is why it can run on average for 7 to 20 hours on a single tank of gas.

The runtime largely varies with the amount of load on the generator. If the load increases, then the runtime reduces too.

With its runtime, several users find it great for providing overnight power especially when camping.

Super Quiet Operation

Each time someone sets up a generator in the neighborhood, people are not sure how to feel. This is because generators are notorious for being too loud.

The Honda EU3000iS model is different. With a noise level of 57 dBA as the maximum, it is not a big deal to have it in your home. This is because such a noise level is the same as a normal conversation.

For such a noise, many users also find it ideal for camping, RV use, and much more. So long as the operation needs a quiet generator, then you know which one to consider.

Allows for Parallel Connectivity

If you feel like there is a need for more power, then you have the option of connecting similar generators in parallel to get such power.

Connecting two such generators will double their power so that you can have more electrical load connected to them at any time.

The connection process is not hard. You simply have to buy the generators with an optional cable that allows for such connectivity. Once the setup is done, you can sit back and enjoy more power going to the electrical loads easily.

FAQs

Should you invest in Westinghouse generators?

Yes. The Westinghouse generators are commonly user-friendly, reliable, and built to last for a long time. The best part is that you do not have to spend so much to get them. With many positive reviews, it is a safe bet to get a Westinghouse generator.

Where are Westinghouse generators made?

The Westinghouse generators are made in Columbus, Ohio. For those who always love to buy American products, then you know how to proceed. You can be assured of the best quality when getting such generators.

Can you use the Honda EU3000iS in an RV?

Yes. The manufacturer made it to be versatile when it comes to use. The unit comes ready with an RV output so it should be easy for you to set it up correctly and start using the generator.

Is the Honda EU3000iS quiet?

Yes. The model generates a noise level of around 57dBA. This kind of sound is good enough for most people. This is the same noise a normal conversation would have in any setting. So, it is not too much that your neighbors might feel irritated with it in operation.

How long should a Honda generator last?

It often depends on the usage, but you can be sure it will last for decades. Some people claim to have used their generators for almost two decades with minimal maintenance. So, with proper maintenance, you should get the best service.

Conclusion

For most people, the price is a huge factor. If that is the case, you will find the iGen4500 model is cheaper than the EU3000iS model. So, those budget buyers will have a clear choice between these two portable inverter generators.

Still, you can opt for the Honda EU3000iS if you want the Honda’s reliability and performance. This model is built to last for years to come. There is no doubt it is going to be an ideal choice for those who need durability.