WEN DF451i 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter with Electric Start review: our full analysis

What will a 4,500-watt generator run?

The WEN DF451i 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter with Electric Start delivers 3,500 W continuously and up to 4,500 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 3,150 running watts (4,050 W starting), 10% less. It handles 12 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor. As an inverter, it produces clean power suited to laptops, TVs and furnace control boards.

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

WEN DF451i 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter with Electric Start3,500 running W · Dual fuel inverter · typical price $800–$1,200 Check best price

Fuel tank and runtime

The fuel tank holds 2.2 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 8 hr 30 min on a full tank. That is about 0.26 gallon per hour at half load, or 6 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.

58 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the WEN DF451i 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter with Electric Start at 58 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is quieter than a normal conversation: suitable for campgrounds and close neighbors.

Can you connect it to your house?

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), TT-30R 30 A RV outlet, USB ports, 12 V DC outlet. It has no 240 V outlet: it runs plug-in appliances through extension cords, not hardwired circuits or a 240 V well pump. The TT-30R outlet plugs straight into a 30 A RV. It is parallel capable: linked to a second compatible unit with a parallel kit, the two outputs combine.

Starting, safety and warranty

It has electric push-button start, with a recoil cord as backup. The manufacturer does not list a CO shutoff sensor: be strict about placement, 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

Typical price $800–$1,200: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the WEN DF451i 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter with Electric Start scores 5.2/10 on value: a high price per watt, which its other strengths may justify. Inverters always cost more per watt than open frames: compare it with other inverters. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

WEN DF451i 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter with Electric Start3,500 running W · Dual fuel inverter · typical price $800–$1,200 Check best price