Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
As its name suggests, Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is designed as a compact and relatively lightweight power generator, with efficiency and low-noise operation in mind.
Westinghouse iGen2600 is very popular and considering its features, an affordable inverter generator, suitable for camping, tailgating, in emergencies, and when connected in parallel with another compatible generator, it can be even used for powering RVs and similar leisure vehicles and vessels and even smaller homes.
Published: February 22, 2021.
Westinghouse iGen2600 Features and Specifications
Westinghouse iGen2600 Portable Inverter Generator is powered by a 98cc four-stroke, gas-powered, air-cooled, OHV (Overhead valve) engine providing up to 3.4 HP, with the maximum speed of 4800 rpm.
Unit features 1.0 gallons (~3.8 liters) fuel (gas) tank, which is enough for 10h of operation at 25% load (550 watts) and 8h at 50% load (1100 watts).
Oil capacity is 0.37 qt (11.8 oz) - Westinghouse iGen2600 comes with Low Oil warning and Low Oil engine automatic shutdown.
Note that Westinghouse iGen2600 features very low noise - just 52 dB @25% (550W) load, making it very suitable for camping and for generally, community-friendly use.
Note: as with all power generators, during operation, Westinghouse iGen2600 emits fumes and gasses that may be very harmful to humans and animals - never operate any power generator indoors. Although Westinghouse iGen2600 is a rather simple generator to use and maintain, when it arrives, be sure to read the Owner's Guide thoroughly and to keep it close to the unit - just in case You or somebody else needs to clarify/check something ...
As an inverter generator, Westinghouse iGen2600 is rated at 2200 Running Watts and 2600 Starting Watts.
Its physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 20 x 11.6 x 18.1 inches (508 x 295 x 460 mm) and it weighs 48 pounds (~22 kg) with no fuel.
Westinghouse iGen2600 comes with a suitable handle, allowing the user to carry the unit to shorter distances - just be aware that 48 pounds (22 kg) is not something to underestimate when carrying with a single hand...
Engine features a manual recoil engine start system which does its job well, but it is not as user-friendly as electric or even remote start.
Note: most power generators in this class feature only the manual recoil engine start system.
Westinghouse iGen2600 power outlets include:
- one Duplex 120V 20A AC 5-20R outlet,
- one 12V 8A DC outlet,
- two USB 5.0 ports (1.0 and 2.1 Amps).
All power outlets feature rubberized covers, but the unit should not be used when raining, without a suitable cover.
Westinghouse iGen2600 doesn't feature RV ready outlet.
However, Westinghouse iGen2600 is a parallel ready power generator and if two units are paired with Westinghouse Inverter Generator Parallel Cord (Amazon link, link opens in the new window), they can provide enough power even for larger RVs and other similar loads via builtin two 120V AC NEMA 5-20R and one NEMA TT-30 power outlets.
Westinghouse Inverter Generator Parallel Cord and second Westinghouse iGen2600 generator must be ordered separately, of course.
Another very interesting kit that may be ordered for Westinghouse iGen2600 is an Altitude Carburetor Kit Number 140542, allowing the unit to compensate (up to the point) power loss due to the increase in the altitude - on average, the engine of the Westinghouse iGen2600 will lose ~3.5% of power for every 1000 feet (300 m) increase in altitude even with carburetor modifications. Other generators that don't feature such conversion kits usually lose even more ...
Other very interesting features of Westinghouse iGen2600 include Eco-Mode and LED data center.
Efficiency Mode allows the unit to operate at the engine at different speeds, saving fuel and prolonging the runtime on a single tank of fuel. Efficiency Mode should be activated only when the engine is warmed up - when the power requirement is increased, engine RPMs are automatically increased. However, when powering larger loads that are often turned On and Off, and when the Westinghouse iGen2600 must often run at its peak power, turn off the Efficiency Mode.
Led Data Center provides information about Fuel Level, Power Output, Remaining Run Time, Voltage Output, and Lifetime Run Hours.
Also, Westinghouse iGen2600 comes with three 'standard' status/warning LEDs including Output Ready, Overload, and Low Oil.
Westinghouse iGen2600 Maintenance
In order to operate properly, Westinghouse iGen2600 must be maintained regularly - for exact maintenance procedures, check the Owner's Guide/Manual. Maintenance procedures include:
- engine oil: checking the level, adding the oil, replacing the oil,
- air filter: cleaning and replacing the air filter,
- float bowl: drain and clean the float bowl,
- spark plug: cleaning the spark plug, checking the gap, replacing the spark plug, etc.
All these tasks are done periodically and when done properly, Westinghouse iGen2600 will operate for a long time.
Westinghouse iGen2600 comes with a 1-year limited commercial and 3-year limited residential warranty.
Long Story Short: Westinghouse iGen2600 is a very popular power inverter generator for many good reasons.
The only thing that could really be better is the fuel shutoff feature - when Westinghouse iGen2600 is going to be stored for a longer period of time, the unit can't be shut off by closing the fuel prior to the carburetor.
When being stored for a longer period of time, it is up to the user to manually drain any remaining fuel in the float bowl.
Other than that, it is really hard to find some 'cons' for this unit.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to follow Westinghouse iGen2600 Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
