The Westinghouse iGen2200 has an enticing price tag, but there’s more to like about this portable generator than just cost savings. An well-rounded package and easy maintenance makes it a great choice for tailgating, RV shore power and mobile tool power.
The Basics: Power, Sockets and Dimensions
The Westinghouse iGen2200 portable generator produces 2,200 peak watts to handle load spikes from reactive loads, and 1,800 rated watts for sustained loads. It weighs 46 lbs. and measures 19.8 x 17.9 x 11.4 inches.
The Westinghouse iGen2200 has two 5-20R 120 volt household outlets. These are wired in duplex, so you can use a single heavy-duty extension cable to draw the full current available from this portable generator. This inverter generator also has two USB Type A outlets for charging battery-powered electronics. One socket delivers up to 2.1 amps, the maximum for the standard, while the other is limited to one amp. All outlets have rubber covers to protect them from water and dirt when they are not in use. However, they are not GFCI protected.
The Westinghouse iGen2200 is parallel capable, letting you link two generators together to act as one. While most inverter generator models can only be paired with identical models, several iGen models can be hooked together in parallel. This connection supports any combination of the Westinghouse iGen2200, iGen2300, iGen2500, iGen2600, iGen4500, iGen4500DF or WH2200iXLT portable generators. Westinghouse offers a parallel cable with a built-in TT-30R 120 volt outlet, letting you connect both generators directly to your RV.
This inverter generator is CARB compliant, and it has a spark arrester. That means you can use it anywhere that allows generators, including areas with strict fire safety and pollution restrictions.
Pros
Cons
What do I Need to Use the Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Generator?
The generator should be kept at least 6 feet away from buildings and flammable material, although 20 feet is recommended. This reduces the chance of fires and prevents the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas. You will need a 12 or 10 gauge extension cable to get the full power of this inverter generator to where you want to use it.
If you plan on using this generator at altitudes over 2,000 feet above sea level, you need to install a high altitude kit. Westinghouse offers three kits for this portable generator, letting you re-jet the carburetor for 2,000 to 3,000 feet, 3,000 to 6,000 feet or 6,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level. While you can have this done by a service center, Westinghouse offers the instructions for installation online. If you have some mechanical ability and a few hand tools, you can swap out the jets as needed while traveling.
The generator has an external ground, which may be needed to meet local municipal and work safety requirements. To use this ground, you need to attach it to a grounding rod, sold separately.
What Do I Need to Do to Maintain the Westinghouse iGen2200?
The Westinghouse iGen2200 comes with a funnel, a spark plug wrench, and a small bottle of oil. The spark plug can be accessed by popping off the top-mounted cover. To access the rest of the generator, you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver.
Maintenance schedule:
The owner’s manual also includes instructions for checking valve lash. However, there is no set interval for inspecting the valves.
The 80 cc engine in this portable generator holds 0.37 quarts of oil. 10W30 oil is recommended for most temperatures, 5W30 for use below freezing, and 15W40 above 80°F.
The air filter can be washed in soap and water, and it does not need to be oiled. Carbon deposits can be removed from the spark arrester with a wire brush.
Like every other piece of small engine equipment, this inverter generator can have issues with stale fuel blocking the carburetor jets. Fortunately, the iGen2200’s design makes it easy to prevent these issues. Gas can be drained from the fuel tank by loosening the float bowl screw on the carburetor. The bottom of the bowl has a built-in hose, making it easy to transfer the gas to a container.
Operating the Westinghouse iGen2200
The choke and ignition are controlled by a single knob on the front panel. To start this inverter generator, open the vent on the gas cap, turn the starter knob to “choke,” and pull the recoil starter handle. Since this generator uses a gravity feed tank, there’s no need to prime the carburetor. The engine will usually start on the first or second pull. Once the engine is warm, the starter knob can be turned to “run.” From there, it’s ready to power appliances.
The Westinghouse iGen2200 has a 1.2 gallon fuel tank. This is enough fuel to keep it running for 12 hours at 25% load, or 8 hours at 50% load. Turning on efficiency mode lets the generator automatically adjust the throttle to match load demand while minimizing noise and fuel consumption. The iGen2200 makes 52 dB of noise at 25% load as measured from 25 feet away.
The front panel has a light to let you know when the generator is ready to provide power. It also has warning lights for low oil and overloads. The engine shuts off automatically if the oil level is too low to keep the engine lubricated.
What Can I Power with the Westinghouse iGen2200?
One Westinghouse iGen2200 will power an 11,000 BTU RV air conditioner. Connect two of these generators together, and they can power a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner.
Since this is a pure sine wave inverter generator, the AC electricity is safe to use with electronics.
The inverter averages 3% harmonic distortion, which is about average for a portable generator with an inverter.
The Westinghouse iGen2200 has enough power for most tailgating appliances, including small coffee makers, slow cookers, radios and TVs. It probably won’t be able to power a blender, hot plate or 12 cup coffee maker.
Power draw from tools can vary widely. This portable generator should have enough power for most hand tools. It doesn’t make enough power to run an air compressor, and it may be able to power one bench top tool at a time, depending on power draw. Check the specifications for your tools before buying a generator. The required power needed to use a tool is usually listed on the serial number tag and the owner’s manual.
Westinghouse iGen2200 Warranty and Service
The Westinghouse iGen2200 is covered for three years of residential use and one year of commercial use. There are plenty of service centers in the United States and Canada, but not nearly as many as Honda or Briggs & Stratton. Parts and accessories are also available directly from Westinghouse.
What’s the Difference Between the Westinghouse iGen2200 and the WH2200iXLT?
While the WH2200iXLT may be the predecessor to the iGen2200, both generators are currently in production. Most of the specs are similar, including noise and runtime. However, there are a few key differences.
The WH2200iXLT has a 12 volt cigarette lighter instead of a pair of USB ports. It’s three pounds lighter than the iGen2200, but it has a slightly larger case.
The fuel drain is built into the middle of the back panel. While it’s easy to access, the awkward position makes it likely that you’ll spill fuel while emptying the tank.
How Does the Westinghouse iGen2200 Compare to the Honda EU2200i?
The Honda EU2200i is the class leader in the enclosed portable generator market. It usually sells for about twice the price of the Westinghouse iGen2000. With such a big price difference, you would think there would be a massive difference in quality and performance. However, they are closer than you would think.
The Honda is quieter, with a noise level of 48 dB at 25% load. Since decibels are on a logarithmic scale, that means the Westinghouse iGen2200 is 2 ½ times as loud. However, you can still stand next to either inverter generator and hold a normal conversation.
The Honda EU2200i has the same rated and maximum output as the Westinghouse EU2200i. Both generators have a pair of 120 volt household plugs. However, the Honda has a T-shaped 12 volt connection instead of a pair of USB ports. This connection can only be used to charge batteries.
The EU2200i has a small gas tank, running for just three hours and 12 minutes at 50% load. That’s about two hours less than the Westinghouse. Other features are fairly similar across the two portable generator models. Both have gas tanks that can be drained through the carburetor, and maintenance intervals are similar.
The EU2200i can connect to other EU2200i and EU2000i inverter generators. However, there are no sockets built into Honda’s parallel cable. If you want a high amperage socket for shore power, you need to get an EU2200i Companion, which has a TT-30R socket built into its front panel. The iGen’s parallel cable has a built-in TT-30R, so you have shore power access without needing a special generator model. Two Westinghouse generators and a parallel cable cost just slightly more than a single EU2200i.
Honda’s reputation for reliability is unmatched. They have a massive dealer network, so you never have to go out of your way for parts or repairs. While Westinghouse does have quite a few dealers, there’s less chance that these shops will have the parts you need in stock, aside from those needed for basic repairs. Both generators come with a three year warranty for consumers. Honda’s warranty covers commercial owners for three years, while iGen owners are covered for just one year.
Price aside, you may find that the Westinghouse iGen2200 is a better fit for your needs. Commercial users may prefer the longer warranty and reputation of the Honda. However, for RV shore power and long run times, the Westinghouse is the clear winner.
Verdict
The Westinghouse iGen2200 inverter generator is a well-balanced package offering a low price, good performance, a useful selection of ports, and long run times. Even if you could buy an EU2200i for the same price, the Westinghouse is a better fit for the needs of most consumers.
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