How much power does the Westinghouse iGen1500c give you?
On gas, this model is rated for 1,000 running watts and 1,500 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.
| Fuel | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 1,000 W | 1,500 W |
Is this model a good fit for you?
This model is for modest power needs. Our example refrigerator-and-lights setup uses 800 watts while running, but reaches 2,000 watts at startup. That is above this generator's 1,500-watt starting limit. Choose it around your actual small devices rather than assume it will start a refrigerator.
The twelve-hour claim is at 25% power use, or about 250 watts, from a 0.79-gallon tank. It is not twelve hours near full output. Listed features include carbon monoxide safety shutoff, low-oil shutdown, overload protection, and power distortion of 3% or less. The outlets share the generator's output. Connecting a second generator requires compatible equipment and the correct instructions.
The details for this model
Model: iGen1500c. Manufacturer part number: iGen1500c. 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.
A detail to confirm: The official narrative says 33 lb., while its specification table gives 32 lb. Treat handling weight as approximately 32–33 lb.; confirm the shipped revision.
- How it starts
- Pull cord
- Voltage
- 120V
- Gas tank
- 0.79 gal. (3 L)
- How long it runs
- 12 hrs. at 25% power use on gasoline
- Weight
- 32–33 lb. (official page conflict)
- Size (L × W × H)
- 17L x 10.5W x 16H in.
- Outlets
- 1 Duplex 120V (5-20R), 2 USB
- Generator type
- Inverter
- Power smoothness (THD; lower is generally smoother)
- ≤3%
- Carbon monoxide shutdown
- Automatic CO shutdown documented
- Noise
- 52 dBA claimed; measurement distance and load not established
- Warranty
- 3-year limited residential; 1-year limited commercial; see full exclusions
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: Westinghouse official product specifications · Matching manufacturer owner manual ·
How long will it run?
The published runtime is 12 hrs. at 25% power use on gasoline. The listed gas tank holds 0.79 gal. (3 L). 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.
Keep approved gas containers, rotate stored fuel, and plan where you can refill them. A bigger wattage number will not help if you run out of fuel. 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 exceeds at least one of this generator’s gasoline ratings. Choose smaller loads or a generator with enough running and starting power. 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. This review does not confirm 240V output for this model. Do not choose it for a 240V pump or air conditioner without checking that first. Work out how much power you need →
What we like and what to consider
Reasons to consider it
- A gas-only setup with no fuel switching.
- 1,000 running watts on gas.
- Inverter design, which can be useful for compatible electronics.
Things to keep in mind
- It weighs 32–33 lb. (official page conflict). Make sure you can move and store it.
- No confirmed propane rating is available.
- Noise figures depend on the distance and how hard the generator is working.
What owners are saying
We do not have enough owner feedback for this exact model to give a fair summary. Reviews for a similar generator, or another option on the same Amazon page, may describe a different machine. Before buying, check recent reviews for the full model number and find out how the seller handles service and returns.
Starting, moving, and maintenance
The listed starting options are: pull cord. Practice starting it before an outage so you know you can use it when needed. It weighs 32–33 lb. (official page conflict). 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 residential; 1-year limited commercial; see full exclusions. 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
GENMAX GM2000i →
The GM2000i provides 1,600 running watts and 2,000 starting watts in a listed 34.2-pound case. It is best considered for small portable appliances. A 1,500-watt heater would leave just 100 watts for everything else.
1,600 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120V
Honda EU2200i →
The EU2200i is a portable option for a few essentials, such as lights, charging, and a refrigerator whose startup needs fit. It provides 1,800 running watts, not 2,200. It cannot power 240V appliances, and electric heaters quickly use up its available power.
1,800 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120V
Honda EU2200i Companion →
The Companion adds a locking 30A outlet to the EU2200i design. One generator still provides only 1,800 running watts, regardless of the outlet's rating. The main reason to choose it is the outlet setup and the option to connect it to another compatible generator.
1,800 running watts on gas · Gasoline · 120V
Questions about the Westinghouse iGen1500c
What load is behind the iGen1500c’s twelve-hour claim?
The manufacturer specifies twelve hours at 25% load on a 0.79-gallon tank. With a 1,000W running rating, that is roughly a 250W load. It is not a twelve-hour claim at full output.
Does the refrigerator example in this review fit the iGen1500c?
The assumed 800W running total is below 1,000W, but the assumed 2,000W refrigerator-start case exceeds the 1,500W peak. That illustrative combination is unsuitable. A real refrigerator needs its own verified starting assessment; this model is more naturally considered for smaller loads.
How much running power does it provide?
1,000 watts on gasoline. 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 ≤3%. 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?
Check the voltage and outlets before planning a 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 Westinghouse iGen1500c?
This little inverter provides 1,000 running watts for lights, charging, and other small appliances. Its 1,500-watt starting limit is too low for many refrigerators or combinations of appliances. Check startup needs before connecting a motor-driven appliance.
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.
- Westinghouse official product specifications
- Matching manufacturer owner manual
- CDC generator safety guidance ↗
- How we put our reviews together