Whole-house power · Dual fuel inverter · 9,000 W

Westinghouse iGen12000DFc review: our full analysis

Brand: Westinghouse · Ranked 13th of 174 · Our methodology

7.9/10 Power8.8 Runtime9.4 Noise6.6 Features9.6 Portability7.6 Watts per dollar6.2 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $1,800–$2,500 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. With 9,000 running watts on gasoline (12,000 W starting), the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc is mostly aimed at RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet. It weighs 189.0 lb, is rated at 64 dB(A) and runs about 11 hours at half load on a tank. Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor, remote start, a 240 V transfer-switch outlet.

Pros

  • 9,000 running watts at 3% THD or less, with 14-50R and L14-30R outlets.
  • Up to 19 hours at 25% load and 11 hours at 50% on 7.9 gal.
  • WATS200 automatic transfer switch compatible; remote start.

Cons

  • 189 lb, wheel kit required.
  • Only one 5-20R duplex.
  • Propane runtime about 5 hours at 50% on a 20 lb tank.

Best for

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit
  • Running most of a house, well pump included

Specifications

TypeDual fuel inverter (inverter: clean power)
Running watts9,000 W gasoline · 8,100 W propane
Starting watts12,000 W gasoline · 11,000 W propane
FuelGasoline, propane
Fuel tank7.9 gal
Runtime19 hours at 25% load · 11 hours at 50% load
Noise64 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight189.0 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock · 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V
Transfer switch readyYes
StartRemote key fob + electric push-button + recoil
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableYes
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine457 cc
Warranty3 years
Westinghouse iGen12000DFc9,000 running W · Dual fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Westinghouse iGen12000DFc is mostly suited to:

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet.
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.
  • Running most of a house, well pump included.
1

9,000 running watts: what can it power?

The Westinghouse iGen12000DFc delivers 9,000 W continuously and up to 12,000 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 8,100 running watts (11,000 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. As an inverter, it produces clean power suited to laptops, TVs and furnace control boards.

ApplianceRunning / starting wattsWill it run?
Wi-Fi router and modem20 W / 20 W✅ Yes
CPAP (no humidifier)50 W / 50 W✅ Yes
Laptop or TV150 W / 150 W✅ Yes
Full-size refrigerator700 W / 2,200 W✅ Yes
Chest freezer500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Furnace blower (1/2 HP)800 W / 2,350 W✅ Yes
Sump pump (1/2 HP)1,050 W / 2,150 W✅ Yes
Microwave (1,000 W)1,000 W / 1,000 W✅ Yes
Space heater1,500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Window AC (10,000 BTU)1,200 W / 3,600 W✅ Yes
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W✅ Yes
Circular saw1,400 W / 2,300 W✅ Yes
Well pump (1 HP, 240 V)1,000 W / 4,000 W✅ Yes
Central AC (3-ton, soft start)3,800 W / 5,500 W✅ Yes

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

Westinghouse iGen12000DFc9,000 running W · Dual fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500 Check best price
2

How long does it run on a tank?

The fuel tank holds 7.9 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 19 hours at a quarter load. At half load, it runs about 11 hours on a full tank. That is about 0.72 gallon per hour at half load, or 17 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.

Fuel tank7.9 galgasoline
At 25% load19 hoursmanufacturer figure
At 50% load11 hoursmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 17 gal24 h at half load
3

64 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc at 64 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is a typical open-frame level, comparable to a vacuum cleaner: fine for home backup at 20 feet, loud for a campground.

4

Can you connect it to your house?

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V. The 14-50R 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. It is parallel capable: linked to a second compatible unit with a parallel kit, the two outputs combine.

5

Starting, safety and warranty

It starts with a remote key fob or the electric push-button, 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).

6

Typical price $1,800–$2,500: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc scores 6.2/10 on value: an average result. 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.

Westinghouse iGen12000DFc9,000 running W · Dual fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500 Check best price

Our verdict on the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc

The Westinghouse iGen12000DFc scores 7.9/10 and ranks 13th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 9,000 running watts at 3% THD or less, with 14-50R and L14-30R outlets; up to 19 hours at 25% load and 11 hours at 50% on 7.9 gal. It is best suited to RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet and home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.

Westinghouse iGen12000DFc9,000 running W · Dual fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 9,000 running watts and 12,000 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc power a house?

It can back up the essentials through a transfer switch or interlock kit connected to its 14-50R outlet. With this power, that includes most of a typical house.

How long does the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc run on a tank?

About 11 hours at half load according to the manufacturer, and 19 hours at a quarter load.

Does the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc run on propane?

Yes, it is dual fuel: 8,100 running watts on propane.

Is the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 64 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.

Westinghouse iGen12000DFc9,000 running W · Dual fuel inverter · typical price $1,800–$2,500 Check best price

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