How much power does the WEN DF680iX give you?
On gas, this model is rated for 5,100 running watts and 6,800 starting watts. Running watts are the power available while your appliances are on. Starting watts are a short burst to help things like refrigerators and pumps turn on. You cannot use that bigger number for appliances that need steady power.
On propane, you get 4,500 running watts. That is 600 fewer watts than on gas.
| Fuel | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 5,100 W | 6,800 W |
| Propane | 4,500 W | 6,000 W |
The details for this model
Model: DF680iX. Manufacturer part number: DF680iX. These are published specifications, not results from our own testing. If a detail is missing, we leave it marked rather than use a number from a similar generator.
- How it starts
- Electric with pull cord backup
- Voltage
- 120/240V
- Gas tank
- 2.9 gal
- How long it runs
- 6.1 hours at half power on gasoline; 9 hours at half power on LPG (manual)
- Weight
- 94.8 lb (manual)
- Size (L × W × H)
- 22.8 × 16.6 × 19.7 in (manual)
- Outlets
- 120V household and TT-30R; 120/240V L14-30R; 12V DC and USB. Verify breaker limits in manual.
- Generator type
- Inverter
- Power smoothness (THD; lower is generally smoother)
- Product page: under 0.3% no load / 1.2% full load
- Carbon monoxide shutdown
- WEN Watchdog
- Noise
- Not confirmed for this model
- Warranty
- 3-year limited
A 120V outlet powers ordinary household plug-in devices. Some pumps and larger equipment need 240V. Inverter models use electronics to control the electricity they supply. THD measures how smooth that electricity is; a lower number generally means smoother power. Check your device instructions before connecting electronics.
Sources: Manufacturer specifications / manual ·
How long will it run?
The published runtime is 6.1 hours at half power on gasoline; 9 hours at half power on LPG (manual). The listed gas tank holds 2.9 gal. The more power you use, the sooner you will need fuel. A runtime measured at 25% load means the generator was only supplying a quarter of its running power, not working flat out.
Propane gives you another fuel option. Follow the manual for the regulator and cylinder size. A small cylinder may not supply enough fuel in cold weather. Read our fuel-storage guide →
What can you run during an outage?
Start by listing the appliances you need most. Check both their running watts and the extra power they need to start. A refrigerator, for example, may need much more power for a moment when its compressor kicks on.
Here is an example, not a test of this generator: a refrigerator using 600 running watts, plus 100 watts of lights and 100 watts for a router and other small devices, adds up to 800 watts. If that refrigerator needs 1,800 watts to start, the total briefly reaches 2,000 watts. Your appliances may use different amounts.
That example is within the listed gasoline running and starting ratings. You still need to check your own refrigerator, each outlet’s limit, and anything else that may turn on at the same time. If you use propane or natural gas, check those ratings separately.
A 1,500-watt heater uses a lot of power on its own. Follow its connection instructions; many portable heaters must plug directly into a suitable wall outlet. For a well pump or central air conditioner, have an electrician check voltage, running power, and startup demand. A 240V outlet alone does not guarantee enough power. Work out how much power you need →
What we like and what to consider
Reasons to consider it
- Runs on gas or propane.
- 5,100 running watts on gas.
- Inverter design, which can be useful for compatible electronics.
Things to keep in mind
- It weighs 94.8 lb (manual). Make sure you can move and store it.
- Switching to propane reduces running power to 4,500 watts.
- There is no complete noise test to compare with other models.
What owners are saying
Some owners mention the weight and needing practice with propane setup or starting. Others like the electric starter and having 240V in a smaller package. Some reviews were written in exchange for an incentive. This feedback can help you decide what matters to you, but it does not establish long-term reliability.
- Individual customer reports, including incentivized reviews
Starting, moving, and maintenance
The listed starting options are: electric with pull cord backup. Keep the starter battery charged as the manual recommends. Practice any backup starting method before an outage. It weighs 94.8 lb (manual). Wheels can help on level ground, but they do not make stairs or lifting into a vehicle easy.
The listed warranty is 3-year limited. Read the full terms, including whether your seller and intended use are covered. Follow the manual for oil type, oil changes, and storage. Keep track of running hours during a long outage. See our maintenance guide →
Other generators to compare
Briggs & Stratton Q6500 30761 →
The Q6500 30761 is an inverter generator with 5,000 running watts and 6,500 starting watts, according to the brand's store. It also lists CO Guard shutdown. Its enclosed design may appeal for home backup, but noise claims need matching test conditions to compare fairly.
5,000 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120/240V
Champion 201513 →
This gas inverter offers more running power and a larger tank than many small carry-along models. Wheels and a folding handle help you move it, but at around 102 pounds it still takes planning to power use into a vehicle. It does not run on propane.
5,000 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120/240V
Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv →
This generator runs on gas or propane and has 240V output for compatible home circuits. It starts with a pull cord, so make sure everyone who might use it can start it comfortably.
5,300 running watts on gas · Dual fuel · 120/240V
Questions about the WEN DF680iX
How much running power does it provide?
5,100 watts on gasoline; 4,500 watts on propane. Starting watts are only available briefly, not for steady use.
Is it an inverter generator?
Yes, this model is listed as an inverter generator. Its published power-distortion figure (THD) is Product page: under 0.3% no load / 1.2% full load. Check your electronics’ power requirements before connecting them.
Can I use it in a garage if it has CO shutdown?
No. Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open. Use it outdoors at least 20 feet from homes and openings, with exhaust pointed away. Carbon monoxide shutdown is extra protection; it does not make indoor use safe.
Can I connect it to my house?
Its 120/240V output may work with a suitable home connection. Have an electrician choose and install the right transfer equipment and check the generator’s wiring setup. Never connect a generator to a household wall outlet.
Should you consider the WEN DF680iX?
The DF680iX gives you gas and propane options, inverter power, and 240V output. Plan around its 5,100 running watts on gas, rather than the larger 6,800-watt starting number. It is heavier than a small carry-along model, and an electrician should check its wiring setup before a home connection.
Check Price on AmazonWhere the information comes from
We use the sources below to compare specifications and features. We have not personally tested this generator.
- Manufacturer specifications / manual
- CDC generator safety guidance ↗
- How we put our reviews together