WEN 4,750-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and Electric Start

Why I picked this generator

A late-season storm was my reminder that my backup plan needed to be simpler and more flexible. I wanted a unit that could run on both gasoline and propane, deliver true 120/240V output for a transfer switch, and start reliably without a wrestling match. The WEN dual‑fuel generator checked those boxes with a practical feature set: electric start, a 120/240V L14‑30R outlet, GFCI 120V receptacles, and a selector to switch between gasoline and propane. On paper it promised 3,800 running watts on gas (3,500 on propane) and a realistic 11-hour runtime at half load from its 4‑gallon tank. After living with it through setup, break‑in, and several powered tests, here’s how it performed.

Setup and first start

Out of the box, the unit was well protected and straightforward to assemble. The wheel and handle kit went on without fuss, though two shipping brackets underneath were cinched down tighter than necessary and took a breaker bar to remove. One note that will save you time: the battery’s negative cable ships disconnected (a smart safety move). Hook that up before you install the wheel in front of it.

WEN includes a bottle of oil, and you’ll want a long-spout or flexible funnel to reach the fill neck cleanly—there isn’t a ton of clearance. With oil in, I connected a 20‑lb propane tank using the included LPG hose, set the dial to propane, pulled the choke, and turned the key. It fired on the first try. The pull starter is equally cooperative; it’s not a high-compression struggle, so recoil starts are perfectly viable if you don’t want to rely on the battery.

Power and performance

I ran the first few hours on propane to keep things clean and maintenance‑light. The generator settled into a steady RPM quickly, held 120 volts within a couple of volts at the 120V duplex outlets, and kept frequency right around 60 Hz across light and moderate loads. A 1,500W space heater, a fridge, and a few shop tools simultaneously didn’t cause any drama on propane. On gasoline, it has a bit more headroom, as expected: 3,800 running watts versus 3,500 on propane. For context, that’s enough for a well pump, a furnace blower, a fridge/freezer, lights, and some convenience outlets—just not central air.

For a 120/240V portable in this size, voltage stability was what I wanted: predictable under load, no hunting once warmed up, and no spiky behavior when large inductive loads (a 1/2 HP well pump in my case) kicked in. The 4‑stroke 224cc engine isn’t fancy, but it’s consistent.

120/240V switch and home backup

One key detail to understand: when you flip the selector to 240V, the two 120V GFCI outlets shut off by design. In 240V mode, power is routed to the L14‑30R twist‑lock for your transfer switch. It’s a sensible choice for home backup, but if you’re expecting to simultaneously run 120V tools corded off the front panel while feeding a 240V circuit, you’ll be surprised. The solution is to use a subpanel/transfer scheme where your 120V branch circuits are supplied through the L14‑30R when in 240V mode.

Speaking of the L14‑30R, it locked into my transfer switch cord securely, and the voltage remained balanced across both legs. If you’re an RVer, note that there’s no TT‑30 outlet on the panel; you’ll need an L14‑30 to TT‑30 adapter and must keep the switch in 120V mode for proper RV service.

Noise and portability

This is not an inverter generator, so don’t expect campsite whisper levels. It’s an open‑frame unit and sounds like one: a steady, workmanlike hum that’s perfectly acceptable at the side of a house, but you’ll want it placed outdoors, away from windows and neighbors if possible. Vibration is controlled well for its class; it stayed put on its feet without walking.

At a bit over 100 pounds with fuel, the wheel kit and folding handle are essential, and they work well. One person can lift the front to pivot it over a step, and the footprint is compact enough to store under a bench.

Fueling and runtime

Dual fuel is the real value here. Propane is clean, stores indefinitely, and avoids the “old gas” problem that plagues emergency‑only equipment. The trade‑off is about 300 watts of continuous output versus gasoline. If you need every watt, gasoline delivers more capacity and the longest runtime: the 4‑gallon tank got me close to the published 11 hours at a measured half‑load. Propane runtime depends on your tank size and load. A 20‑lb cylinder covered an evening’s worth of essentials easily; larger stationary tanks are where this unit shines for home backup, as you can run for extended periods without refueling.

Controls are intuitive: a simple fuel type dial, a choke lever, and a key start. The built‑in fuel shutoff for gasoline is useful for running the carb dry before storage.

Maintenance and reliability

After a short break‑in, I changed the oil; it looked clean and free of glitter, and access to the drain was painless with a shallow catch pan. Routine maintenance is light: periodic oil changes, air filter checks, and a quick run every month or two to keep the battery topped and the engine ready. If your generator sits more than it runs (likely for emergency backup), I strongly recommend a small 12V battery maintainer. The onboard battery will slowly discharge over time, and you don’t want to discover that on a dark, stormy night.

Replacement batteries are available, though the physical format and terminals aren’t as ubiquitous as a lawn tractor battery. If this generator is critical to your plan, pick up a spare or at least note the spec and source ahead of time. The good news: the pull start remains a reliable fallback, and it’s easy enough that I don’t hesitate to use it.

Electrical quality and safety

The 120V outlets are GFCI‑protected, which is welcome on jobsites and around damp conditions. The 12V DC cigarette‑lighter‑style port is handy for trickle charging small batteries, though I’d keep expectations modest there. Because this is not an inverter generator, I treat it conservatively with sensitive electronics. I’ve run networking gear, TVs, and chargers without issue, but if you’re protecting mission‑critical hardware, a quality UPS or line conditioner is a sensible adjunct.

This unit is CARB compliant and ships ready for jurisdictions with stricter emissions rules. Standard safety caveat: it must be used outdoors, far from doors, windows, and vents. Install a transfer switch if you plan to power home circuits—backfeeding with improvised cords is never worth the risk.

What could be better

• 120/240V behavior: Disabling the 120V outlets in 240V mode is logical for safe distribution, but it’s easy to forget. Label the panel to remind yourself how it works before an outage.
• Battery management: The electric start is great, but the battery benefits from regular exercise or a maintainer. Budget for a replacement down the road and verify fitment.
• Oil fill angle: Plan on a long‑reach funnel. It’s a once‑in‑a‑while nuisance, but an avoidable one with a better fill neck.
• Noise: Typical for an open‑frame generator; quiet for its class, but not neighborly. If low noise is priority one, you’ll be shopping in inverter territory at a higher price.
• RV output: No dedicated TT‑30 outlet. Easily solved with an adapter, but worth noting for travel trailers.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners who want a budget‑friendly, transfer‑switch‑ready backup with true 240V output.
• Anyone who values propane for clean storage and quick starts, with gasoline available as a higher‑output fallback.
• Trades and jobsite users who need GFCI 120V outlets and occasional 240V tool support, and don’t need the refinements of an inverter generator.

If your needs lean toward ultra‑quiet operation, sensitive electronics, or lightweight portability, an inverter model is a better match—at a higher cost and with lower 240V options.

Recommendation

I recommend the WEN dual‑fuel generator for homeowners and light commercial users who want dependable 120/240V power, the flexibility of gasoline or propane, and straightforward operation without premium pricing. It started easily on both fuels, held voltage and frequency well under real‑world loads, and integrates cleanly with a transfer switch via the L14‑30R. The trade‑offs—open‑frame noise, a battery that benefits from a maintainer, and a few ergonomic quirks—are reasonable for the capability and price. If you need a reliable backup workhorse rather than a whisper‑quiet inverter, this generator earns a spot in the shed.