Champion 2500W dual fuel vs WEN 56235i: which inverter generator is better for a power outage?

Specs side by side

Specs as each maker states them.

The key differences at a glance

Start with fuel. The Champion accepts gasoline or propane. On gasoline it lists 2,500 starting and 1,850 running watts; on propane the running figure is 1,665 W. The WEN takes gasoline only, at 2,350 surge and 1,900 rated watts. The WEN is the lighter unit, 39 lb to 43.2 lb. Champion adds a 3-year limited warranty with lifetime technical support, against a two-year warranty from WEN, and builds in CO Shield, a carbon monoxide shutoff. See the generator comparison for other options.

Power, outlets and electronics

Both are inverter designs. Champion says its output is under 3% total harmonic distortion; WEN says under 0.3% at no load and under 1.2% at full load, and each presents that as suitable for sensitive electronics. For connections, both panels carry one 120V NEMA 5-20R duplex outlet and a 12V DC outlet, and Champion's outlet is covered. WEN adds two 5V USB ports. A parallel kit is an optional extra from either maker.

Fuel and run time

Champion's page says a dial switches fuels and a propane hose is in the box. Its quoted run times, up to 11.5 hours on gasoline and 25 hours on a 20-lb propane tank, are both at 25% load. WEN's 5.7 hours is at half load on a 1.06 gal tank, so the numbers cannot be compared directly. If propane is part of your plan, only the Champion offers it. If you stay with gasoline, WEN's manual describes a FUEL OFF setting that burns off the fuel left in the carburetor.

Weight, size and noise

By size, the WEN measures 17.3 by 11.5 by 17.7 in at 39 lb, and the Champion 17.6 by 12.8 by 18.1 in at 43.2 lb. For sound, WEN gives 51 decibels at quarter load, while Champion gives 53 dBA at 23 feet and no load level, so the pair cannot be ranked on noise. Both manuals say the economy setting should be off under heavy load: Champion's for periods of high load, and WEN's when the total is above 1,000 W.

Safety: outdoors only, and CO shutoff

Both belong outdoors only. CDC guidance is never inside the home, basement, garage or carport, and at least 20 feet away from any door, window or vent; the CPSC adds never on a porch. Champion's CO Shield turns the engine off if it detects unsafe carbon monoxide, which Champion says does not replace an indoor alarm. WEN's page and manual for the 56235i list no CO shutoff; WEN gives that feature, its Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor, to the separate 56235iX. WEN's manual adds that CO can leak into the home even when a generator is used correctly. See generator safety.

Which to choose

Pick the Champion for propane, the built-in CO shutoff and the longer warranty. Pick the WEN if gasoline-only is fine and you value less weight and USB ports. There is more on the dual fuel model in the Champion review.

Common questions

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