Whisper quiet · Gas inverter · 1,000 W

Westinghouse iGen1500c review: our full analysis

Brand: Westinghouse · Ranked 158th of 174 · Our methodology

5.8/10 Power4.2 Runtime6.7 Noise9.6 Features6.3 Portability4.5 Watts per dollar4.5 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $300–$500 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. The Westinghouse iGen1500c is a gas inverter generator rated at 1,000 running watts and 1,500 starting watts, built for camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet. It weighs 32.0 lb and is rated at 52 dB(A). Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor.

Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: runtime, EPA compliance.

Pros

  • 1,000 running watts from a 32 lb unit with a built-in carry handle.
  • Rated as low as 52 dBA with under 3% THD for laptops and phones.
  • Up to 12 hours at 25% load on a 0.79 gal tank; parallel cables come in the box.

Cons

  • 1,000 running watts covers a fridge or small loads, not an RV air conditioner.
  • No 30 A outlet: only one 5-20R duplex and two USB ports.
  • Recoil start only.

Best for

  • Camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet
  • Places where noise matters: campgrounds, close neighbors

Specifications

TypeGas inverter (inverter: clean power)
Running watts1,000 W gasoline
Starting watts1,500 W gasoline
FuelGasoline
Fuel tank0.79 gal
Runtime12 hours at 25% load · ≈ 7 hr 30 min at 50% load (estimate)
Noise52 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight32.0 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · USB ports
Transfer switch readyNo (no 240 V outlet)
StartRecoil (pull start)
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableYes
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine56 cc
Warranty3 years
Westinghouse iGen1500c1,000 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Westinghouse iGen1500c is mostly suited to:

  • Camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet.
  • Places where noise matters: campgrounds, close neighbors.
1

Power output: running and starting watts

The Westinghouse iGen1500c delivers 1,000 W continuously and up to 1,500 W for a few seconds to start motors. It handles 5 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❌ No
Chest freezer500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Furnace blower (1/2 HP)800 W / 2,350 W❌ No
Sump pump (1/2 HP)1,050 W / 2,150 W❌ No
Microwave (1,000 W)1,000 W / 1,000 W✅ Yes
Space heater1,500 W / 1,500 W❌ No
Window AC (10,000 BTU)1,200 W / 3,600 W❌ No
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W❌ No
Circular saw1,400 W / 2,300 W❌ No
Well pump (1 HP, 240 V)1,000 W / 4,000 W❌ Needs 240 V
Central AC (3-ton, soft start)3,800 W / 5,500 W❌ Needs 240 V

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

Westinghouse iGen1500c1,000 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price
2

How long does it run on a tank?

The fuel tank holds 0.8 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 12 hours at a quarter load. At half load, count on roughly 7 hr 30 min (our estimate from the quarter-load figure). That is about 0.11 gallon per hour at half load, or 3 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.

Fuel tank0.8 galgasoline
At 25% load12 hoursmanufacturer figure
At 50% load7 hr 30 minestimate
Fuel per day≈ 3 gal24 h at half load
3

52 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Westinghouse iGen1500c at 52 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.

4

Outlets and home connection

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

5

Start type, CO shutoff and warranty

It starts with a recoil (pull) cord. 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 $300–$500: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Westinghouse iGen1500c scores 4.5/10 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.

Westinghouse iGen1500c1,000 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Our verdict on the Westinghouse iGen1500c

The Westinghouse iGen1500c scores 5.8/10 and ranks 158th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 1,000 running watts from a 32 lb unit with a built-in carry handle; rated as low as 52 dBA with under 3% THD for laptops and phones. It is best suited to camping, tailgating and small jobs away from an outlet and places where noise matters: campgrounds, close neighbors.

Westinghouse iGen1500c1,000 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Westinghouse iGen1500c run a refrigerator?

Not reliably: a full-size fridge can need about 2,200 W for a moment when the compressor starts.

Can the Westinghouse iGen1500c power a house?

Only plug-in appliances through extension cords: it has no 240 V outlet for a transfer switch.

How long does the Westinghouse iGen1500c run on a tank?

About 7 hr 30 min at half load (our estimate), and 12 hours at a quarter load.

Does the Westinghouse iGen1500c run on propane?

No, it runs on gasoline only.

Is the Westinghouse iGen1500c quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 52 dB(A), quiet enough for most campgrounds.

Westinghouse iGen1500c1,000 running W · Gas inverter · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

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