WEN DF8000X 8000W Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog review: our full analysis

What will a 8,000-watt generator run?

The WEN DF8000X 8000W Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog delivers 6,500 W continuously and up to 8,000 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 5,850 running watts (7,200 W starting), 10% less. It handles 14 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.

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

WEN DF8000X 8000W Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog6,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

Runtime and fuel

The fuel tank holds 6.7 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 10 hours on a full tank. That is about 0.64 gallon per hour at half load, or 15 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.

Noise level

The manufacturer does not publish a noise figure for this model. Open-frame generators of this size typically run around 70 to 76 dB(A) at 23 feet; our noise score treats a missing figure as below average.

Outlets: home, RV and tools

Its panel offers 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), TT-30R 30 A RV outlet, L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 12 V DC outlet. The L14-30R outlet supplies 120/240 V, which is what a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box connects to, installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed the house through a wall outlet. The TT-30R outlet plugs straight into a 30 A RV.

Starting, safety and warranty

It has electric push-button start, with a recoil cord as backup. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

Typical price $500–$800: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the WEN DF8000X 8000W Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog scores 9.6/10 on value: one of the best results in our catalogue. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

WEN DF8000X 8000W Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog6,500 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price