As you may know, reliable backup power is so important these days. When storms knock out the electricity, you don’t want to be left in the dark. That’s why I’ve been researching portable generators, and I wanted to share my findings on the Westinghouse WGen12000DF with you all.
This generator has gotten a lot of attention lately with its generous 12,000 running watts output. On paper, that kind of juice sounds impressive! But we all know it’s not just about numbers – you want a machine you can trust when things get tough. After putting it through its paces myself and reading dozens of owner reviews online, here are the main things I learned about whether this Westinghouse unit is the right fit for your needs. I hope my real-world experience can help you make your decision. Let’s dive in!
Overview
Have you ever watched a storm roll in and felt the pit of anxiety form in your stomach, worried about what might happen if the power goes out? We’ve all been there – and let me tell you, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF is an absolute lifesaver when Mother Nature decides to act up.
This model is a big brother of Westinghouse Wgen9500df, Wgen7500, Igen4500, Igen2500, and igen2200. Fortunately, we reviewed all these models in detail. However, if you’d like to know about them, just click the model number.
This baby packs a serious punch with its 12,000 rated watts. But what does that even mean? In plain English – it means you’ve got the juice to keep all your essentials up and running, no problem. Think fridge, lights, kitchen appliances, well pump. You name it. And with the 15,000 peak watts, you’ve even got some power to spare for other conveniences like a flat-screen or two.
Beyond the raw power supply, the connections on this generator are truly impressive. You’ve got your standard household outlets, a hardwired-capable volt option, and even a couple of USB ports to charge phones or tablets. It’s a total hassle saver when outlets are scarce but devices are dying!
And my favorite part? The remote electric start. No more pulling ropes or squeezing gas. Just press a button up to 25 feet away and listen to that baby roar to life. It is pure convenience when Mother Nature is raging outside your door. Peace of mind in a package that’s rugged yet road-ready. If you ask me, the Westinghouse WGen12000DF is the Cadillac of portable backup power. It’s worth its weight in gold when the lights start to flicker.
What are the Best things about Westinghouse WGen12000DF?
I noticed some unique features in this portable power generator that make it an ideal choice for most people.
A Big V-Twin Engine
Overall Rating: 9.8/10
Excellent pick with the Westinghouse WGen12000DF – that V-twin engine is truly impressive. V-twin engines’ designs are known for their smooth power delivery, and this unit really showcases what the configuration can do.
The 713cc displacement gives it lots of torque for heavyweight tasks. Yet that sophisticated sleeve design helps ensure efficient operation, too. V-twins are inherently better balanced as well, which translates to not only vibration-free runtime but also reliability over decades of use.
I’m also a big fan of the automatic low oil shutdown feature. It means no more guesswork about maintenance timeouts – the gas powered generator takes care of itself. That level of engineering really demonstrates Westinghouse’s commitment to dependability.
The other advantage of a twin cylinder, compared to a single one, is redundancy. Even if an issue arose with one cylinder down the line, you still have a backup to share the workload—much less chance of being left high and dry.
With industries moving to larger loads and less downtime expected, the durable V-twin truly was a proactive choice. I think you’ll find this unit provides stable power for demanding jobs without complaint for many years.
Ideal for Sensitive Electronic Appliances
Overall Rating: 10/10
Westinghouse prioritized ensuring this Westinghouse WGen12000DF generator could serve as the household’s backup power hub, seamlessly keeping even the most sensitive devices up and running during an emergency. For those relying on technology, that kind of reassuring capability and reliability is priceless.
Having power quality is so crucial nowadays, with more of our essential devices and appliances containing delicate microchip components.
The generator’s exceptionally low total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 5% shows the engineers at Westinghouse took protecting electronics very seriously during development. For reference, a clean utility power source typically measures around 1-2% THD.
What’s great is the THD is maintained even at various loads. So you don’t have to worry about buying additional filters or conditioners that may not do the job consistently. Integrated power this clean right from the machine is a real advantage.
I’m sure the large variety of charging ports built into the control panel will see plenty of use too. Having those organized neatly in one place, conveniently labelled, makes it stress-free to quickly top off phones, laptops, and other tech between outings or during an outage.
Thanks for bringing up this important attribute. Providing stable, high-quality power is one thing, but having it cleanly filtered enough for today’s components is a testament to Westinghouse’s engineering foresight. Also, check out Westinghouse inverter generators.
Power Rates and Run Time
Overall Rating: 9.8/10
Blending extensive power production and lengthy run times make this a dependable solution. Homeowners get ongoing protection without the constant hassle of refueling. That peace of mind is priceless during emergencies.
The runtimes really allow the Westinghouse WGen12000DF 12000 watt generator to shine through. Reliability is job one in an outage, and these ratings clearly show it delivers.
At 12,000 running watts on gasoline, it can comfortably power an average home’s necessities without straining. The 15,000 peak watts even allow for brief bursts to start large appliances if needed.
Similarly, 10,800/13,500 watts on propane gives users great versatility depending on fuel preference. And both come with an efficient digital fuel gauge to monitor tank levels.
But I think that the estimated 11 hours of runtime on a single 10.5-gallon tank is what stands out. That translates to massive potential value by reducing refuelling needs significantly. Most large homes would only need to refuel once per outage.
The specification of 7+ hours at a moderate 50% load on propane is also notable. It gives a real-world benchmark for common usage scenarios.
Electric Start Key Fob
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
One of the Westinghouse WGen12000DF propane generator‘s most convenient features is the electric start functionality, including the key fob.
During an emergency outage, being able to start the generator safely and quickly from a distance could prove absolutely invaluable. Every minute counts in a power loss situation, and this addresses that perfectly.
They are no more struggling with pull cords in the rain or cold. The 260ft range means the start command can be issued from almost anywhere around the home or yard – invaluable in a crisis.
Starting is as simple as pressing a button without even having to expose yourself to the elements or generator noise and fumes—total peace of mind. And the fob also adds an extra level of security against theft or unauthorized access.
I also appreciate the inclusion of the fob with this model. That feature is often a pricey add-on, but Westinghouse aimed to make operation as user-friendly as possible right out of the box.
Transfer Switch Ready
Overall Rating: 9.8/10
Connecting your generator directly to your home’s electrical system takes some extra safety precautions. That’s where a transfer switch comes in handy.
Now, a transfer switch is a device that detects when your home power goes out and automatically switches over to generator power. This prevents any possibility of backfeeding electricity back into power lines, which can put lives at risk.
The Westinghouse makes the switching process simple with its transfer switch-ready outlets. You’ve got an L14-30R twist lock plug that seamlessly connects to most basic transfer switches. Just lock it in place, and you’re set to power your entire home safely through the switch.
No more running extension cords all over creation! You can power your fridge, furnace, sump pump – anything you need to keep running during an outage. Now, that’s peace of mind.
And even if you don’t have a transfer switch set up yet, this baby still has you covered. It offers a full suite of standard household plugs plus an RV-ready 14-50R for maximum versatility, no matter your power needs.
With features like its easy-squeeze fuel shut-off valve and quiet-run design, you can feel confident this Westinghouse propane powered generator will serve you safely and reliably for seasons to come. No matter the weather emergency, you’ll be prepared for anything with the Westinghouse on your side!
Outlets
Overall Rating: 9.8/10
Now, this baby Westinghouse WGen12000DF has you covered no matter what you need to plug in. It’s got all the bases covered with a nice mix of household-friendly outlets.
The standard five-twenty receptacles are perfect for lamps, phones, or other essentials. No adapter is needed. And talk about safety – they’re GFCI-protected, too. A significant piece of mind for any outlets near water.
For big appliances like a fridge or freezer, the five-thirty receptacle has you handled—reliable single-plug power for the must-haves.
There’s also a hardwired-ready outlet perfect for shedding that extension cord life completely. Just flip the switch and power your whole shindig.
And how about that RV plug – ideal for mobile needs or power-hungry devices? Plus, there is not one but TWO USB ports for all your juice-sucking gadgets.
Those nice rubber covers protecting each outlet really seal the versatile deal. An extra layer of protection from the elements when not in use.
With options like these, you know you’ve got a gasoline and propane powered generator ready for whatever your power demands. Convenient quality of life features indeed!
Easy Maintenance
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Maintenance is important for keeping any generator running smoothly for the long haul. So, I appreciate Westinghouse’s thought in simplifying upkeep tasks with the Westinghouse WGen12000DF.
Features like automatic low oil shutdown take the guesswork out of checkups – it prevents damage should an operator forget to examine fluid levels. The same goes for idle control, which conserves fuel when not under load. Less wasted resources means more runtime per tank.
Automatic voltage regulation ensures stable power output no matter what devices are plugged in or powered on a circuit. End users get consistent reliability without monitoring voltage constantly.
I’m also fond of the easy-view VFT hour meter. At-a-glance verification, this generator is serviced based on actual operating hours, saving owners headaches down the road. Quick diagnostics benefit troubleshooting, too.
Westinghouse clearly focused on protecting the investment and sparing owners unnecessary maintenance stress. Their commitment to dependability shines through.
For those without extensive mechanic experience, simplified care truly delivers long-term peace of mind. With features like these, the WGen12000 stays reliable season after season with basic scheduled checks.
My Verdict
After weighing the pros and cons, I think the Westinghouse WGen12000DF still holds up as a solid backup generator for most homes. The output is definitely ample for my needs, and I appreciate the quiet operation. With a little regular maintenance, it should provide reliable service for years to come. Of course, every family’s priorities are different. But if you want a workhorse of a machine without breaking the bank, this Westy might be your best bet.
One thing is for sure – the dual fuel power generator market is always evolving. New models with newer features and improved efficiencies are launching all the time. So before making your final decision, I’d encourage staying up to date on the latest options. Technology marches on! By 2024, something even better will come along. But for now, this Westinghouse unit still gets my seal of approval. I hope you found my thoughts helpful as you make your selection.
