Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator Review
Introduction
If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages, investing in a backup generator is a smart idea. The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is an excellent choice for anyone looking to power their home during outages. In this review, we’ll look at the key features and benefits of this generator and share our thoughts on its performance.
Overview of the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
This generator is a gas and propane powered unit that boasts 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts when running on gasoline. When running on propane, it delivers 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts. The generator features a remote start with an included key fob, electric and recoil start options, and can run for up to 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge. It has two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles, one transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R, and one RV ready 120/240V 14–50R.
Purpose of the Review
At [Company Name], our goal is to provide you with candid and helpful reviews of the products we test. In this review of the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, we aim to give you a comprehensive understanding of its features, performance, and overall value.
Summary of Key Features and Benefits
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a versatile and reliable power source during power outages. Here are some of its key features and benefits:
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Dual fuel system allows you to switch between gasoline and propane for added flexibility
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Remote start with included key fob and electric/recoil start options make starting the generator hassle-free
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Up to 12 hours of run time on a single tank of fuel for extended use during power outages
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Easy-to-read VFT display provides real-time updates on voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
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Comes with a tool kit, oil, oil funnel, battery charger, and user manual to get you started right away
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Heavy-duty cast-iron sleeve engine with automatic low oil shutdown for added safety
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Transfer switch ready to power your home directly using the generator
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Covered by a 3-year limited warranty for added peace of mind
In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into these features and explore how they contribute to the overall performance of the generator.
Dual Fuel Capability
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is equipped with dual fuel capability, allowing it to run on both gasoline and propane. This feature ensures that you can choose the fuel that is most readily available to you during an emergency, or the one that is more affordable or better for the environment.
Description of the Dual Fuel Feature
This generator has a powerful 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV engine with a long-lasting cast iron sleeve. It can provide up to 12500 peak watts of power when running on gasoline, and 11200 peak watts when running on propane. The generator comes with a propane regulator and a hose so that you can easily connect it to a propane tank.
Pros and Cons of Using Gasoline Versus Propane
One of the benefits of using propane is that it is more efficient and produces fewer emissions than gasoline. Propane also has a longer shelf life than gasoline, making it a better choice for long-term storage. On the other hand, gasoline is more widely available than propane, especially during natural disasters when gas stations may have limited supplies. Gasoline is also easier to find in remote areas where propane may not be available.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime
The generator has a large 6.6-gallon fuel tank that can provide up to 12 hours of runtime on a single tank of gasoline. When running on propane, the generator can provide up to 13.5 hours of runtime on a 20-pound tank. The fuel gauge on the generator allows you to easily monitor fuel levels, so you can avoid running out of gas or propane when you need it most.
Overall, the dual fuel capability of the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator provides users with flexibility and convenience. Whether you choose to run it on gasoline or propane, you can be confident that you’ll have power when you need it.
Power and Performance
Peak and Running Wattage
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator boasts 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts when powered by gasoline. If propane is used as a fuel, it can produce 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts. This wattage output is ideal for powering large household appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, during power outages or when camping and tailgating.
Examples of Appliances and Electronics That Can Be Powered
This generator can power many household appliances, such as lights, refrigerators, microwaves, and even air conditioners. It has two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles, one transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R, and one RV ready 120/240V 14–50R, making it versatile. It can also power outdoor appliances like power tools, sound systems, and more, making it useful for outdoor projects and recreational activities.
Personal Experience Using the Generator for Home Backup and Outdoor Projects
Customers who have used this generator for home backup and outdoor projects have reported good experiences with its performance. One customer from southern California who purchased the WGen9500DF for emergency backup during power outages reported that it provided enough power to run essential household appliances, including a 3-ton AC, deep freezer, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot. Another customer from a rural location reported using it for a wheelchair and found it to be easy to assemble and use.
Noise Level
The generator’s noise level can be an issue for some customers. As one customer reported, it measured 90+ dB-A standing next to it on the exhaust end. However, the noise level dropped to a reasonable 45 dB-A when measured from inside the house, by a closed window about 30-ft away. Despite its noise level, it still provides reliable power and performance.
Overall, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a great investment for those needing reliable power during power outages or for outdoor projects and recreational activities. Its wattage output, versatility, and performance make it a worthwhile purchase, backed by a 3-year limited service, labor, and parts coverage with nationwide customer service network.
Buy the Westinghouse Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Portability and Ease of Use
Description of the generator’s wheels and handle
The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is designed to be portable and easy to move. It comes with two large wheels and a strong handle to make it easy to roll over different types of terrain, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Personal experience moving the generator
According to many customer reviews, moving the generator is relatively easy. One customer stated that they were in a wheelchair, but the device was easy to move around once they assembled it. Additionally, the generator can be rolled onto its side and back onto one wheel, allowing you to install the other wheel effortlessly.
Control panel and outlet options
The device has an easy-to-use control panel, and it has a lot of outlet options available. The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator features two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles, one transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R, and one RV ready 120/240V 14–50R. All the outlets have rubber covers for added safety.
Electric start and choke knob
The device also has a remote start with an included key fob, an electric and recoil start, and a choke knob. The device is plug-and-play, providing users with a generator that is easy to use and can provide power as soon as it is taken out of the box.
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Warranty and Customer Service
Overview of the manufacturer’s warranty and technical support
At Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment, we want to provide our customers with peace of mind. That’s why all of our portable generators come with a 3-year limited service, labor, and parts coverage. We also have a nationwide customer service network that is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
In addition to our warranty, our generators are EPA and CARB compliant, ensuring that they meet the strictest emissions standards. We also functionally test all of our generators in the factory to ensure that they meet our high standards before they leave our facility.
Personal experience with customer service
Our customers’ satisfaction is our top priority, and we aim to provide the best customer service possible. We were pleased to hear that our customers had a positive experience with our customer service team and that our representatives were able to assist them quickly and effectively.
One customer had an issue with the battery on their generator, and our representative was able to walk them through the solution to get their generator up and running. Another customer appreciated speaking with a representative in the United States and found them to be helpful.
We are always looking to improve our customer service and welcome any feedback that our customers may have. We strive to make the process of purchasing and using our generators as seamless as possible.
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Customer Reviews
Summary of positive customer reviews and experiences
Customers who purchased the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator appear to be overwhelmingly satisfied with their purchase. The generator is praised for its ease of assembly, which includes an intuitive user manual. The dual-fuel option is also mentioned as a key feature, with customers claiming that it offers peace of mind during power outages. The generator is said to run the entire house without missing a beat, powering the fridge, electronics, and even the water well. The generator’s auto choke is also praised, with customers reporting that it throttles the generator perfectly.
Summary of negative customer reviews and experiences
Some customers had issues with their generator upon receipt, with one customer reporting that they were unable to start theirs, despite several attempts. Another customer reported an issue where the shipped oil was a little shy of filling the machine. One customer encountered difficulty connecting the 1-inch diameter 50-amp cord due to the location of the receptacle over the wheel.
Consideration of common issues and their resolutions
Despite these issues, customers note that the customer service provided by Westinghouse was exceptional, with quick and responsive assistance. As for the issue with the shipped oil, customers simply purchased additional 10W-30 oil to fill their generator up to the proper level. One customer who had trouble starting their generator realized that they missed the instruction to click the battery connections together, which resolved their issue. Additionally, customers offer helpful tips, such as using dielectric grease when first hooking up the plugs and checking and double-checking the grounding connections. Overall, any issues that customers have encountered seem to have been resolved quickly and easily, leaving them highly satisfied with their purchase.
Conclusion
Overall assessment of the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Based on our research and customer reviews, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is an excellent investment. With a peak wattage of 12500 (gasoline) and 11200 (propane), this generator is powerful enough to run your entire home during power outages.
The generator comes with a remote start key fob, electric and recoil start options, and up to 12 hours of run time on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank with a fuel gauge. It features two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles, one transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R, and one RV ready 120/240V 14–50R. Additionally, all outlets have rubber covers for safety.
The Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV engine is heavy-duty, featuring a long-lasting cast iron sleeve with automatic low oil shutdown and digital hour meter. The VFT display gives real-time output voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours updates.
Recommended audience for this product
This generator is suitable for homeowners or renters who want a reliable backup power supply during power outages. It’s also great for those living in areas with frequent power outages due to hurricanes or other severe weather conditions.
Final thoughts and recommendations
Overall, we highly recommend the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator. It comes with a remote start key fob, 12V battery charger, oil, an oil funnel, a tool kit, and a user’s manual to get you started right out of the box. It’s CARB compliant and backed by a 3-year limited service, labor, and parts coverage with a nationwide customer service network.
That said, we advise users to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, especially regarding proper grounding, wiring, and fueling. Additionally, it’s important to register the product to receive a free cover and make sure to double-check everything before use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable backup power source for your home, the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a great choice.
