How much power does the Westinghouse WGen3600cv give you?
On gas, this model is rated for 3,600 running watts and 4,650 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 | 3,600 W | 4,650 W |
Is this model a good fit for you?
This is the simplest WGen3600 here. It has no propane setup, starter battery, or electric starter. It weighs 100.6 pounds without fuel, and the manufacturer does not list wheels as included. Choose a spot you can reach without carrying it down steps. Its RV and twist-lock outlets share the same 3,600 watts; extra outlets do not add power.
The DFcv adds propane, while the heavier DFc adds remote electric starting and wheels. The advertised 68 dBA noise figure does not say how far away it was measured or how much power was being used, so it is not enough to call this a quiet generator.
The details for this model
Model: WGen3600cv. Manufacturer part number: WGen3600cv. 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 overview advertises a CO sensor, but its specification table says “No.” Do not rely on automatic carbon monoxide safety shutoff without confirmation of the supplied revision.
- How it starts
- Pull cord
- Voltage
- 120V
- Gas tank
- 4 gal. (15 L)
- How long it runs
- 14 hrs. at 25% power use on gasoline; 10.5 hrs. at 50% power use
- Weight
- 100.6 lb. (45.6 kg)
- Size (L × W × H)
- 23.3L x 17.5W x 18.7H in.
- Outlets
- 1 120V Duplex 5-20R 1 120V L5-30R 1 120V TT-30R
- Generator type
- Conventional
- Power smoothness (THD; lower is generally smoother)
- ≤23%
- Carbon monoxide shutdown
- Conflicting official page: overview says CO shutdown, specification table says no; confirm exact supplied revision
- Noise
- 68 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 14 hrs. at 25% power use on gasoline; 10.5 hrs. at 50% power use. The listed gas tank holds 4 gal. (15 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 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. 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.
- 3,600 running watts on gas.
- 120V power for compatible appliances.
Things to keep in mind
- It weighs 100.6 lb. (45.6 kg). 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 100.6 lb. (45.6 kg). 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
Westinghouse WGen3600DFcv →
This 120V generator runs on gas or propane and provides 3,600 running watts on gas. It starts with a pull cord and weighs 104.7 pounds without fuel. Make sure you can move and start it comfortably.
3,600 running watts on gas · Dual fuel · 120V
Westinghouse WGen3600DFc →
This 120V generator adds remote electric starting and wheels to a gas-and-propane setup. It provides 3,600 running watts on gas and weighs 121.1 pounds without fuel. Check whether its power output suits any sensitive electronics you want to run.
3,600 running watts on gas · Dual fuel · 120V
PowerSmart MB5040DC →
This open-frame inverter runs on gas or propane and uses a pull starter. It provides 3,600 running watts on gas or 3,300 on propane, and includes carbon monoxide shutdown. It is 120V only, so it cannot run 240V appliances.
3,600 running watts on gas · Dual fuel · 120V
Questions about the Westinghouse WGen3600cv
Does the WGen3600cv include electric starting or propane operation?
No. The matching manufacturer specification table lists pull-cord starting and gasoline operation. The similarly named WGen3600DFcv adds propane; the DFc adds electric and remote starting. Those are different models with separate review pages.
Is CO shutdown confirmed for this exact model version?
The official product overview says it has CO shutdown, while the same page’s specification table says no. Confirm the supplied revision with the manufacturer before relying on that feature. Either way, operate outdoors with the required separation from openings.
How much running power does it provide?
3,600 watts on gasoline. Starting watts are only available briefly, not for steady use.
Is it an inverter generator?
No. It is a conventional generator. A voltage regulator does not make it an inverter. Its published power-distortion figure (THD) is ≤23%. 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 WGen3600cv?
This gas generator provides 3,600 running watts for 120V appliances and starts with a pull cord. It weighs about 100 pounds and does not include wheels, so think about where you will store and move it. It cannot power 240V appliances.
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