Westinghouse WH6500E Vs Duromax XP4400 Portable Generator Review

 

 

Portability is a constant struggle for most manufacturers in various fields, but generator manufacturers make great efforts to provide reliable standby generators. They are quieter, easier to use than before and extremely powerful. Whether you’re out camping or want to be fully prepared in case of major power outages at home, there is a lot of options available for portable generators.

The Westinghouse WH6500E is a high power portable generator for intensive home as well as outdoor use. The Duromax XP4400, on the other hand, is a medium power portable generator for buyers with a low budget. It is suited for outdoor use or to get power backup at home in order to power important appliances during power outages.

It is difficult to distinguish the better of the two since each has its strengths and weaknesses. However, this guide can help you choose the best based on your personal requirements.

Body Dimensions and Weight

The typical three dimensional measurement of the Westinghouse WH6500E is 27.2×20.5×22.0 (LxWxH) in inches. It weighs 88 Kg (194 lbs) on an empty fuel tank and 109 Kg (240 lbs) on a full tank. The Duromax XP4400 is slightly smaller at 23.2x17x17 (LxWxH) in inches. It has a dry weight of 61 Kg (135 lbs) and weighs a mere 72 Kg (160 lbs) on a full tank.

Both have a pair of wheels and handles for easy portability.

Fuel

The WH6500E runs on unleaded gasoline or gasoline mixed with 10% ethanol. Its fuel tank has a capacity of 6.6 gallons (25 litres) which can run for a maximum of 13 hours when half loaded. The XP4400, on the other hand, only runs on unleaded gasoline with a 4 gallon (15 litres) tank. It can run for a maximum of 8 hours when half loaded.

Noise

The XP4400 is commendably quiet, producing only 69dB owing to the presence of a good muffler system. The WH6500E is even quieter with the use of an oversized muffler and an additional catalyst known as the Pulse-Flo & Trade.

Power Output

The XP4400 can churn out 3500 watts of power continuously and it can surge up to 4400 watts. It uses a 4 stroke 7HP 196cc air cooled engine fitted with a cast iron sleeve. The WH6500E, on the other hand, can supply a whopping 6500 watts continuously with a surge of up to 8000 watts. It runs on a 4 stroke engine of 420cc equipped with cylinder sleeves (made of cast iron), connecting rods and forged pistons for reduced oil consumption.

The XP4400 has two 120V and 20 amp standard duplex outlets and a 120/240V, 30 amp twist outlet suitable for connecting it to a high powered tool or a transfer box. It also has a 12V, 10 amp utility connection. The WH6500E has two 120V, 20 amp duplex outlets and provisions for 30amp/120V and 27amp/240V in the twist outlet.

Each of the duplex plugs of the XP4400 is limited to a 14.5 amp circuit breaker. So it is impossible to attain the full 20 amp. However, with a combination of the two, you can get nearly 30 amp. The WH6500E is limited to 54 amp when all the five 120V plugs are combined. However, it is limited to 27amp for use in the 240V mode.

The XP4400 is not suitable for use with sensitive electronic equipment, as it is not inverter-based. But the WH6500E is able to produce quality power with voltage regulation and surge control.

Control Panel and Display

The WH6500E has a well labelled and easy-to-use control panel, positioned on the side of the generator. The control panel has an engine control switch on the left side with three options of Star, Run and Stop. Adjacent to it is the main circuit breaker responsible for controlling all the outlets. Next are the twist outlets followed by the 2 duplex outlets. Adjacent to the top outlet is the circuit breaker for the 2 duplex outlets. Beside the bottom outlet, there is another circuit breaker controlling the two outlets to its immediate left. Lastly, on the right, under the last group of plugs is a ground terminal.

The control panel of the XP4400, positioned on its side, is easier to use. On the extreme left of the panel is a red switch with the options of On and Off. Next to the right is an analogue voltmeter displaying the output in real-time. Below it are the 12V DC outlets with a circuit breaker in between. On the right of the voltmeter are the 2 duplex outlets followed by the twist outlets. In the very end, the is a circuit breaker which cuts power in case of an overload and below there is a grounding nut.

Start Up

Both generators have electric start as well as a manual pull-rope recoil starter for backup.

General Uses

The WH6500E is suitable for power backup in the home if a standby generator is unavailable. It can comfortably power a few lights and several household appliances at one go. Though extremely heavy, you can take it along with you on an outdoor trip in an RV or forest cabin. It can be used on construction and work sites to run tools and on farms to run equipment. On a full tank, it can run for several hours, roughly the length of a work day.

The XP4400 is more suited for outdoor use and can run several appliances in an RV or forest cabin. It can also serve as a suitable power backup for homes. It is capable enough to power tools in a construction site or a work site.

Conclusion

The Westinghouse WH6500E is more versatile, powerful and can run for longer durations but it is very expensive. However, it is the best for heavy-duty tasks and extended periods of use. If you are looking for a simpler and more affordable generator only for occasional use at home or outdoors, the Duromax XP4400 can satisfy your needs.