Westinghouse iGEN4500 Review

When choosing an electric generator for a food trailer, there are several factors you need to consider. One of them is to keep the noise level as low as possible. Fortunately, if you are looking for a quiet generator, the Westinghouse iGen4500 inverter generator delivers. It is equipped with an automatic voltage regulation feature that ensures that noise output remains constant even when the power load changes. There are more great things to say about this generator, as well as some not so good ones, so stick with our review to find out whether iGen4500 is the right generator for you.

Westinghouse iGEN4500 is a portable inverter generator and one of the best-selling models in its price range. It’s widely praised for its large fuel tank, low noise level and sensible price. But does this little power generator have enough juice to power the appliances in a food truck. We have put it to the test.

• 224cc Westinghouse OHV 4-cycle engine
• Up to 3.4 gallons of gasoline fuel tank capacity
• The unit can run for 18 hours on a 25% load
• Produces only 52dB of noise
• Equipped with a pair of USB outlets as well as a Tt-30R outlet
• This Westinghouse’s model has a fuel-saving Economy mode
• Features a low oil shutdown sensor
• The iGen4500 comes with a 3-year warranty

Westinghouse iGen4500 has a 224cc OHV 4-cycle engine. It delivers 3700W running power and 4500W peak power. This is about enough to power up some kitchen appliances, but not the really power-hungry ones like the water heater or an espresso machine. However, compared to big-name brands like Honda or Cummins, Westinghouse Inverter generators are pretty affordable. This allows you to use the paralleling capability and link the two iGen4500 generators together to double the power, for a fraction of the price of a Honda generator with similar power output.

On a 3.4 gallon fuel tank this little generator can run for up to 18 hours at 25% load. The Westinghouse inverter generator is very efficient when using gasoline. You can expect it to deliver its full output without consuming more than 1 Gallon of gas per hour. The iGen4500 has a fuel‐saving Economy mode. What we really like is that even in this mode, it can still produce up to 3250W and run for up to 13 hours on a 50% load.

In the same Westinghouse series you can also find the dual fuel version – the iGen4500DF. The iGen4500 can run only on gasoline, while iGen4500DF allows for an on-the-go fuel change between gasoline and propane. On propane, the unit has 3330 rated watts and 4050 peak watts. This is the main difference between the two, other specs like run time, weight, outlets and noise are the same.

Another impressive thing is that Westinghouse iGen4500 runs quietly and produces only 52 dB of noise which is about as loud as a normal conversation. So if you want to power up your cart in the early morning, this inverter generator will not upset your neighbors nor disturb the area.

Westinghouse iGen4500 is very well built. The shell is made of high-quality materials. The inside features noise-absorbing panels all around, which results in low noise levels. The cooling system is also built nicely. It consists of a large, 12-inch fan and an automatic low oil shutdown sensor which ensures the safety of the engine.

All parts are easily accessible, including battery and oil tank, making maintenance a piece of cake. For transporting this generator has large rubber wheels and a retractable handle. The only thing that might be annoying is the rubber feet. They tend to wear off easily and leave black marks on the floor.

Westinghouse iGen4500 comes with an easy-to-use control panel that offers a convenient low oil shutdown sensor, economy mode switch, and a LED Data Center that has an automatic rotating digital display to keep you up to date for maintenance with real-time information. A pair of USB outlets and a Tt-30R outlet make this generator very convenient for powering up different devices. You can power up your phone, tablet, or laptop without using an extension cord.

Tired of starting the engine manually every time? Westinghouse iGen4500 has a remote control, which allows you to start/stop the engine from the distance.

It also has a number of safety features like low oil shutdown sensor, fuel‐saving Economy mode and overload protection that will protect both the unit and you from damage in case of abnormal situations.

Being EPA and CARB compliant means that it meets the environmental standards required by most states.

We loved how quiet this generator is. Even on a full load, you will still be able to have a normal conversation right next to it.

A remote control start is also a useful feature. Many smaller output inverter generators only have a recoil start because this eliminates the need for a battery which in turn cuts out a few pounds of weight. The iGen4500 does have a battery which is necessary for its remote control start.

With a total weight of 104lbs it is a bit heavy and cumbersome to move, especially with the full tank.

Many people consider the higher price a disadvantage, but purchasing a generator for a food truck should be viewed as an investment, not an expense. Even though they are more expensive than some alternatives, Westinghouse iGen4500 still costs less than the big brands and it has a lot to offer for the price.

Based on the reviews from buyers, several people allegedly had an issue with the iGen4500 auto choke control that needs adjusting. We didn’t experience the same, but there is a way to fix this problem. Even Westinghouse have addressed it on their website here. If you don’t feel like reading, or you don’t like the blurry pictures, here is a video that explains the choke fix in great detail.

Westinghouse Electric Corporation was an American company, established in 1886. It has long been producing high-quality generators for both residential and commercial use. Today the company operates in about 80 countries around the world, including North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America and Australia. The generators are designed in the USA and made in China or Vietnam under the license and supervision of Westinghouse.

Westinghouse igen4500 portable inverter generator is a quiet and reliable generator with many safety features. With 4500 starting watts and 3700 running watts this unit has enough power to handle most appliances that are commonly used in homes or at events. It is also quiet and compact, so you can easily move it around between different events. It’s a nice, reliable, durable power source for your food truck business for a great price.