CO shutoff · Dual fuel · 5,300 W

Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv review: our full analysis

Brand: Westinghouse · Ranked 24th of 174 · Our methodology

7.6/10 Power7.7 Runtime8.4 Noise5.9 Features6.6 Portability5.9 Watts per dollar9.3 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $500–$800 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. With 5,300 running watts on gasoline (6,500 W starting), the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv is mostly aimed at RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet. It weighs 135.6 lb and is rated at 68 dB(A). Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor, a 240 V transfer-switch outlet.

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

Pros

  • Gasoline 5,300 / propane 4,800 running watts.
  • L14-30R transfer-switch outlet plus TT-30R RV outlet.
  • Up to 14.5 hours at 25% load on a 4.7 gal tank.

Cons

  • Recoil start only.
  • 135.6 lb.
  • Only one 5-20R duplex.

Best for

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit

Specifications

TypeDual fuel (open frame)
Running watts5,300 W gasoline · 4,800 W propane
Starting watts6,500 W gasoline · 5,800 W propane
FuelGasoline, propane
Fuel tank4.7 gal
Runtime14 hours at 25% load · ≈ 9 hr 05 min at 50% load (estimate)
Noise68 dB(A) (manufacturer figure)
Weight135.6 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · TT-30R 30 A RV outlet · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock
Transfer switch readyYes
StartRecoil (pull start)
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsEPA compliant
Engine274 cc
Warranty3 years
Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv5,300 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv is mostly suited to:

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet.
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.
1

5,300 running watts: what can it power?

The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv delivers 5,300 W continuously and up to 6,500 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 4,800 running watts (5,800 W starting), 9% 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.

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 WGen5300DFcv5,300 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price
2

How long does it run on a tank?

The fuel tank holds 4.7 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 14 hours at a quarter load. At half load, count on roughly 9 hr 05 min (our estimate from the quarter-load figure). That is about 0.52 gallon per hour at half load, or 12 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 tank4.7 galgasoline
At 25% load14 hoursmanufacturer figure
At 50% load9 hr 05 minestimate
Fuel per day≈ 12 gal24 h at half load
3

68 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv 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, L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock. 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.

5

Starting, safety 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 $500–$800: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv scores 9.3/10 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 WGen5300DFcv5,300 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

Our verdict on the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv

The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv scores 7.6/10 and ranks 24th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: gasoline 5,300 / propane 4,800 running watts; L14-30R transfer-switch outlet plus TT-30R RV outlet. It is best suited to RVs and travel trailers, through its TT-30R outlet and home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.

Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv5,300 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 5,300 running watts and 6,500 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv power a house?

It can back up the essentials through a transfer switch or interlock kit connected to its L14-30R outlet.

How long does the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv run on a tank?

About 9 hr 05 min at half load (our estimate), and 14 hours at a quarter load.

Does the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv run on propane?

Yes, it is dual fuel: 4,800 running watts on propane.

Is the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv quiet?

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

Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv5,300 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

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