How many times have you been ready to kick back with a beer on game night, and found your plans spoilt by an unexpected power cut? Or you have an important meeting going on, and suddenly, your workplace loses electricity. Power cuts can be a real pain, wasting hours of productive time or ruining a great evening. If you’ve got a power backup, chances are you’ll have to go switch it on, or if it is one of those neat self-start ones, there’s the question of which appliances to prioritise running.
Speaking of appliances, don’t you put in hours of research into buying every one of them, whether it means skimming through reviews and blogs, scouring the web for deals and discounts, watching several videos, asking everyone from coworkers to friends for advice? It’s only natural, after all, appliances make life easy, and you use them all throughout the day. Have you ever thought about how many electrical appliances or gadgets you use through the course of a single day? From your power adapters to your kettle, to the microwave and dishwasher, from your electric shaver, right down to your big-screen TV and your computer – that’s seven already.
It’s true that you live in an age where a lot of time is spent turning switches on and off. So it comes as little surprise, that each gadget you own, (unless you were lucky to be gifted some of these) has been bought after considerable research and contemplation. After all, everyone always wants the best value for their money, right?
So why should it be any different, when it comes to buying the one gadget that keeps all your other gadgets and appliances going, especially when the power goes away? Ask most people to list their most commonly used devices, and chances are, they will include power banks, lawnmowers, and hair-dryers but completely miss out on the one appliance that you wouldn’t want to be stranded without.
If you haven’t guessed already, it’s the often forgotten but absolutely indispensable power generator – that powerful machine which roars to life every time the electricity goes off and makes sure you’re not submerged into complete darkness. It isn’t just about the darkness in today’s times – everything, from your internet connection to your security systems, and even the temperature control devices in your house are powered by electricity. Imagine the inconvenience of unbearable heat and cold during harsh weather, and the perils of a house without a security system, that too, engulfed in darkness – that’s what you risk without a power generator that does its job well. And it isn’t just about getting a power generator – there’s a lot more to think about.
The Reviews: Westinghouse Power Generators
| Model | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WH1000i | 1000 | 1100 | 30 lbs | Check Price |
| Westinghouse iGen2200 | 1800 | 2200 | 46 | Check Price |
| Westinghouse WGen7500 | 7500 | 9500 | 201 | Check Price |
Westinghouse WH1000i: The Value-for-Money Generator
This is a basic, entry-level product from Westinghouse – a great budget buy, ideal for basic appliances. Its compact design and lightweight structure make it a great fit for small to mid-sized apartments. In addition, the WH1000i also ensures that there is no voltage fluctuation when the generator is switched on or off, making it stable and safe to use with sensitive high-technology electronic devices such as cell phone or laptop adapters.
Features of the Westinghouse WH1000i
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.2 x 18.2 inches
- Unit Weight: 30 lbs.
- 1000 running watts and 1100 starting watts
- Gas powered
- 0.8-gallon gas tank lasts 8 hours at a 25% load
- Two 120VAC power outlets
- 4-stroke engine
PROS
- Lightweight and compact
- Dual muffler design for maximum noise reduction
- Fuel efficient
- Simple to start, with color-coded buttons
- Regulated, stable power flow for sensitive devices
CONS
- No self-start
- May turn off with low oil levels
Westinghouse iGen2200: The Multi-Purpose Power Generator
This is one must-have product for those who want to get the most out of their power generator, and are always on the go. Whether you’re talking about powering home appliances or throwing a fabulous party for friends at an outdoor venue, this is the power generator you will want, with its enhanced features like a built-in handle for easy transportation, or outlets that allow you to plug in different kinds of devices at the same time. It is definitely an upgrade from a basic generator, and packs in some great features that make it a good choice.
Features of the Westinghouse iGen2200
- Dimensions: 17.91 x 11.22 x 19.69 inches
- Unit Weight: 46 lbs.
- 1800 running watts and 2200 starting watts
- Gas powered
- A 1.2-gallon gas tank lasts 10 hours at a 25% load
- Built-in carry handle for easy transportation
- 2 USB ports (5V DC) and a 120 VAC 20A household duplex outlet
- 4-stroke engine
PROS
- High fuel efficiency – automatically regulates power based on generator load
- Easy-to-transport with a carry handle
- Multiple outlets, flexibility for connected appliances
- Quiet and noise-free
- Regulated, stable power flow for sensitive devices
CONS
- No self-start
- Slightly heavier as compared to other models
Westinghouse WGen7500: The Powerhouse Generator
When it comes to full-power, heavy-duty power generator, this piece of equipment pulls out all the stops. Perfectly suited for big homes, office spaces or large-scale outdoor events, this is an absolute powerhouse of a generator, producing as much as 9500 watts power at its peak. An added advantage, this one-touch electric-start generator requires no manual start, which provides a hassle-free user experience. If there were a generator with super-powers, this would probably be the one.
Features of the Westinghouse WGen7500
- Dimensions: 26.2 x 26.18 x 27.32 inches
- Unit Weight: 201 lbs
- 7500 running watts and 9500 starting watts
- Gas powered
- A 6.6-gallon gas tank lasts 10 hours at a 50% load
- Two GFCI 5-20R 120V household duplex receptacle and one L14-30R 120/240V twist-lock receptacle
- 4-stroke engine
- Automatic low oil shutdown and digital hour meter
- Remote start key fob, onboard battery charger with included power adapter
- Intuitive control panel
PROS
- Heavy-duty, sturdy design
- Compatible with heavy appliances and devices
- Dual muffler design for maximum noise reduction
- Hassle-free, one-touch electric start
- High running time
- Regulated, stable power flow for sensitive devices
CONS
- Heavy-duty and bulky
Takes up a lot of space - Less fuel-efficient than smaller generators
Power Generators: The Basics
There is no doubt about the fact that power generators are absolutely indispensable in today’s fast-paced, electricity-powered lives, or that sooner or later, if you reside in a neighborhood where the power goes missing frequently, a power generator should absolutely be on top of your list of gadgets to invest in.
If power generators are this crucial, it must be easy work buying them, right? Well, let’s put it this way – unfortunately, for something as useful and indispensable, shopping for one on the internet can be a really daunting task. For one, there are too many options available in the market, and just as many buying guides and manuals, all of which are just mind-boggling. Because of this, a rushed decision is only going to leave you stuck with a bulky, expensive, noisy piece of equipment, which, to make matters worse, may not even meet all your needs. The end result? Frustration, inconvenience and a dent in your pocket, worth hundreds of dollars (if not thousands).
So what then, are the main considerations to be made while choosing a power generator?
Purpose
Narrowing down why you need a generator in the first place is a great way to begin the search for one. Is it a tiny apartment you live in, or a multi-bedroom house? Are you looking to install a generator at your workplace, or is it a technical setup with a lot of equipment? Is it an outdoor event you’re looking to power, or are you a tailgater or camping enthusiast with a trailer that needs electricity? These are only a few questions to have in mind, as the options available to suit your needs may vary from person to person. Not going ahead without thinking this through isn’t recommended – you’ll need to know the exact purpose that your generator is going to serve.
Power Required
This is another important factor that will have a major impact on your decision as a power generator user. What are the appliances you use most frequently? Which of them do you need to use even when the power is gone? This will help you determine the output of your generator – an important consideration since power generators are priced differently based on their output. Confused about the wattage bit? It’s fairly easy – you need to first find out the wattage required by all of your appliances. While doing this, remember to include all the appliances and devices that consume power, and might be necessary during a power cut – this includes lights, fans, air-conditioners, charging outlets and kitchen appliances.
When doing this, don’t forget to account for the fact that different appliances have varied starting wattage requirements and continuous wattage requirements – that the starting requirement could be as much as three or four times higher than the continuous wattage that they need.
Number of Outlets
When it comes to appliances, there is yet another factor to think about – how many appliances do you need to power at once? Accordingly, you should be able to figure out how many outlets you’ll need in your generator. This may also mean prioritizing certain appliances – for example, you will definitely want to make sure your Wi-Fi and security systems, as well as your refrigerator, are running, in addition to temperature control devices during harsh summers or winters. After these crucial appliances are decided, consider other appliances that you use most frequently. Also, different types of appliances use different outlets, so you might want to take a closer look at the types of outlets provided in your power generator.
Stationary vs. Portable Power Generators
For years, there has been a popular belief that stationary power generators are a better option as compared to their portable counterparts since they offer higher output and are self-starting once installed. However, this has changed, with many latest portable generators offering outputs that outpower those of stationary generators, and come equipped not just with self-start, but a host of other features.
The other common assumption against portable generators is that since they are fuelled by gasoline or fuel, they tend to be more hazardous as compared to stationary generators. As a user of portable power generators, you don’t have to worry about this. Manufacturers like Westinghouse, for example, not only include safety features that protect against combustion, but also offer added security for your sensitive devices like cell phones, tablets, and laptops by ensuring stable power output and zero fluctuation. What most people completely forget, is that portable generators give you more value for money and increased flexibility, thanks to their easy installation process and portability, neither of which is a possibility with stationary generators.
Now that the basics of buying a power generator are covered, let’s take a look at some great options catering to a variety of needs. Before taking a closer look at their features, there’s one thing you can be completely assured about – and that’s top-notch quality. After all, these power generators are brought to you by Westinghouse, who have been pioneers in technology that empower everyday life, since 1869. They take the technology bit seriously, so seriously, in fact, that some of their latest power generators come with in-built Wi-Fi enabled technology that allows you to control your generator using your mobile device!
One last tip before you make that purchase – make sure your generator comes with some solid warranty. Be sure to check what is covered under warranty and what isn’t with your manufacturer, after all you’re investing in equipment that is going to last you for years. And now, you are set to give your home or office a reliable power backup system, and one that you can easily adapt to suit your needs. The next time there is a power cut, you won’t have to worry about a thing, be it charging your devices, finishing your work on time, or cooling down your drinks for the big game night – your power generator will ensure that your appliances keep going, and nothing comes in the way of your comfort and convenience. So whether your neighborhood loses electricity for an hour, or the entire night, you’ve got the power, and that too, one switch away!