Best value · Gas · 3,600 W

Westinghouse WGen3600cv review: our full analysis

Brand: Westinghouse · Ranked 79th of 174 · Our methodology

7.1/10 Power6.7 Runtime7.7 Noise5.9 Features5.0 Portability5.3 Watts per dollar9.6 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. With 3,600 running watts (4,650 W starting), the Westinghouse WGen3600cv is mostly aimed at RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet. It weighs 100.6 lb and is rated at 68 dB(A). Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor.

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

Pros

  • 3,600 running watts with TT-30R and L5-30R 30 A outlets.
  • Up to 14 hours at 25% load on a 4 gal tank.
  • 212 cc engine with cast iron sleeve and CO shutdown.

Cons

  • Recoil start only.
  • No 240 V outlet, so not transfer-switch ready.
  • 68 dBA, louder than an inverter of similar output.

Best for

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet
  • Jobsites and power tools

Specifications

TypeGas (open frame)
Running watts3,600 W gasoline
Starting watts4,650 W gasoline
FuelGasoline
Fuel tank4 gal
Runtime14 hours at 25% load · ≈ 8 hr 50 min at 50% load (estimate)
Noise68 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight100.6 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · TT-30R 30 A RV outlet · L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock
Transfer switch readyNo (no 240 V outlet)
StartRecoil (pull start)
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine212 cc
Warranty3 years
Westinghouse WGen3600cv3,600 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Westinghouse WGen3600cv is mostly suited to:

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet.
  • Jobsites and power tools.
1

3,600 running watts: what can it power?

The Westinghouse WGen3600cv delivers 3,600 W continuously and up to 4,650 W for a few seconds to start motors. 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.

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❌ 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 WGen3600cv3,600 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500 Check best price
2

Fuel tank and runtime

The fuel tank holds 4 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 14 hours at a quarter load. At half load, count on roughly 8 hr 50 min (our estimate from the quarter-load figure). That is about 0.45 gallon per hour at half load, or 11 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.

Fuel tank4 galgasoline
At 25% load14 hoursmanufacturer figure
At 50% load8 hr 50 minestimate
Fuel per day≈ 11 gal24 h at half load
3

68 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Westinghouse WGen3600cv at 68 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

Outlets: home, RV and tools

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), TT-30R 30 A RV outlet, L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock. 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.

5

Safety features 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 WGen3600cv 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.

Westinghouse WGen3600cv3,600 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Our verdict on the Westinghouse WGen3600cv

The Westinghouse WGen3600cv scores 7.1/10 and ranks 79th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 3,600 running watts with TT-30R and L5-30R 30 A outlets; up to 14 hours at 25% load on a 4 gal tank. It is best suited to RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet and jobsites and power tools.

Westinghouse WGen3600cv3,600 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Westinghouse WGen3600cv run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 3,600 running watts and 4,650 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the Westinghouse WGen3600cv 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 WGen3600cv run on a tank?

About 8 hr 50 min at half load (our estimate), and 14 hours at a quarter load.

Does the Westinghouse WGen3600cv run on propane?

No, it runs on gasoline only.

Is the Westinghouse WGen3600cv quiet?

The manufacturer rates it at 68 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.

Westinghouse WGen3600cv3,600 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500 Check best price

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