Overview of Westinghouse WGen9500TFc

The Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is a high-performance, tri-fuel home backup portable generator designed by Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment. It is capable of running on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, making it a versatile power solution for various needs. This generator comes with a remote electric start, transfer switch ready feature, and is compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Features:

• 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Gasoline)
• 11200 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Propane)
• 9500 Peak Watts, 7500 Running Watts (Natural Gas)
• Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start
• Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
• Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacles, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R
• Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine

Attributes:

Brand	Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
Wattage	12500 watts
Fuel Type	Electric
Power Source	Fuel Powered
Item Weight	208.34 Pounds
Voltage	240 Volts
Output Wattage	12500 Watts
Price	$1,082.09

The Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is a robust, reliable, and versatile generator. It comes with a 3-year limited service, labor, and parts coverage, and nationwide customer service network.

Overview of DuroStar DS13000E

The DuroStar DS13000E is a high-powered, gas-powered portable generator designed by DuroStar. It is equipped with an electric start and is ready for home backup & RV usage. This generator is 50 state approved and comes in a vibrant red and black color scheme.

Features:

• 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, capable of handling heavy loads
• Powered by a robust DuroStar 500cc OHV engine
• Idle Control that lowers the RPMs of the generator when not in use, saving fuel and reducing noise
• Low Oil Shutoff feature that protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
• Fully featured Power Panel with a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in various applications

Attributes:

Brand	DuroStar
Wattage	13000 watts
Fuel Type	Gasoline
Power Source	Gas Powered
Item Weight	234 Pounds
Voltage	12 Volts
Output Wattage	13000 Watts
Price	$999.00

The DuroStar DS13000E is a robust, reliable, and high-performing generator. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a generator capable of handling heavy loads and high voltage appliances.

Summary of Specs: Westinghouse WGen9500TFc vs DuroStar DS13000E

Specification	Westinghouse WGen9500TFc	DuroStar DS13000E
Brand	Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment	DuroStar
Wattage	12500 watts	13000 watts
Fuel Type	Electric	Gasoline
Power Source	Fuel Powered	Gas Powered
Item Weight	208.34 Pounds	234 Pounds
Voltage	240 Volts	12 Volts
Output Wattage	12500 Watts	13000 Watts
Price	$1,082.09	$999.00
Peak Watts (Gasoline)	12500	N/A
Running Watts (Gasoline)	9500	10500

The table above provides a comprehensive comparison of the two generators’ specifications. Both the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc and the DuroStar DS13000E offer robust performance and reliability, with differences in fuel type, power source, and wattage. The choice between the two would depend on specific user requirements and preferences.

User reviews of Westinghouse WGen9500TFc

Summary of Positive Reviews for Westinghouse WGen9500TFc

• Users appreciated the solid construction and the tri-fuel capability of the generator, allowing it to run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas.
• Many buyers highlight the device’s easy assembly and straightforward instructions. They also praise the inclusion of all necessary parts, such as hoses for gas hookups and a toolkit, which saved them time and effort.
• Several customers commend the generator’s powerful performance, capable of running most household appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units. Its flexibility in fuel selection is a standout feature, providing continuous power even if one type of fuel runs out.
• Users also appreciated the noise level, stating that it is quieter than many other generators in its class.
• The generator’s packaging and delivery have been lauded, with customers mentioning the care taken in packaging and the punctuality of the delivery.
• Buyers have also expressed satisfaction with the generator’s price, considering it a more affordable alternative to other standby home units.
• The safety features, such as the Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensor, were also highlighted, giving users peace of mind during operation.
• The remote starter was another feature that users found convenient, allowing them to start and stop the generator from a distance.
• A few customers mentioned the generator’s durability, with one user stating it ran for almost two days straight without any issues.
• Finally, the customer service from Westinghouse and Amazon received positive comments, with a user receiving a $380.00 refund when the product went on sale shortly after his purchase.

Negative Aspects of Westinghouse WGen9500TFc

• The product contained a different brand of circuit breaker for 30 amp than what was advertised in the photos or other breakers on the control panel, leading to disappointment and confusion.
• There was a dent on the support bar, even though the shipping box showed no signs of damage, implying mishandling prior to packaging.
• Customers found it extremely difficult to get product information, specifically BTU requirements for the generator, from the company’s customer service. The online chat was unavailable, emails were not responded to, and phone calls led to long waits and further referrals, causing frustration and discouragement about the brand’s customer service quality.

User reviews of DuroStar DS13000E

Positive User Reviews of DuroStar DS13000E

• Users appreciate the reliable performance of the DuroStar DS13000E, reporting that it operates as expected, even if it can be a bit hard to start after a period of non-use.
• The generator has been praised for its ability to power an entire house, with one user running it successfully for 100 hours following a hurricane. The 50amp receptacle was found to be adequate for backfeeding a breaker box and powering everything except the central AC, though it could handle multiple portable AC units.
• Many users appreciate the gas-only model for its simplicity and lack of dual fuel complications. They also commend the generator’s ease of maintenance, with one user recommending the use of a Fumoto Drain valve for painless oil changes.
• Despite its size, the DuroStar DS13000E is described as fairly quiet and fuel-efficient, running a full 8 hours on a tank of gas. It also handles sensitive electronics without issue.
• Users report that the generator can comfortably power a sizeable home, even in Texas, during power outages. It has been used to charge electric vehicles in addition to running a whole house with AC.
• Some minor issues reported include a sticking gas tank gauge, which can be freed up by knocking on the tank, and slightly cambered-in wheels after use. The grounding post on the front panel was also found to be small with soft metal hardware.

Summary of Critical Reviews for DuroStar DS13000E

• Several users reported issues with the starting mechanism, stating it often malfunctioned or failed to work altogether.
• There were complaints about its fuel efficiency, with many finding the generator consumed more fuel than advertised.
• Some users found the noise level of the DuroStar DS13000E to be too high, making it unsuitable for residential use.
• A few users reported that the generator was not as durable as they expected, with breakdowns occurring after a few months of use.
• Customer service was also a point of contention, with users stating they had difficulty getting timely responses or helpful solutions.
• Lastly, there were some complaints about the generator’s weight and portability, as it was found to be too heavy to easily move around.

Pros and Cons of the compared products

Pros and Cons of Westinghouse WGen9500TFc

Pros

Positive Aspects
The generator has solid construction and a tri-fuel capability, enabling it to run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas.
The device’s assembly is easy, with straightforward instructions and the inclusion of necessary parts, such as hoses for gas hookups and a toolkit.
It delivers powerful performance, capable of running most household appliances, with flexibility in fuel selection.
The noise level is lower than many other generators in its class.
Customers praised the generator’s packaging and delivery, noting the care taken in packaging and punctuality of the delivery.
It is considered a more affordable alternative to other standby home units.
The safety features, such as the Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensor, give users peace of mind during operation.
It has a convenient remote starter, allowing users to start and stop the generator from a distance.
The generator is durable, with one user reporting it ran for almost two days straight without any issues.
Positive feedback was given to the customer service from Westinghouse and Amazon.

Cons

Negative Aspects
The product contained a different brand of circuit breaker than what was advertised, leading to confusion and disappointment.
Some customers reported dents on the support bar, implying mishandling prior to packaging.
Customers found it difficult to get product information from the company’s customer service, leading to frustration and discouragement about the brand’s customer service quality.

Pros and Cons of DuroStar DS13000E

Pros

Positive Aspects
The DuroStar DS13000E offers reliable performance, operating as expected even after a period of non-use.
It has the ability to power an entire house, with one user successfully running it for 100 hours following a hurricane. The 50amp receptacle was found to be adequate for backfeeding a breaker box and powering everything except the central AC.
Users appreciate the gas-only model for its simplicity and lack of dual fuel complications. The generator is also easy to maintain.
Despite its size, it is fairly quiet and fuel-efficient, running for 8 hours on a tank of gas and handles sensitive electronics without issue.
It can comfortably power a sizeable home during power outages, even used to charge electric vehicles in addition to running a whole house with AC.
Minor issues reported include a sticking gas tank gauge and slightly cambered-in wheels after use, which can be easily fixed.

Cons

Negative Aspects
Some users reported issues with the starting mechanism, stating it often malfunctioned or failed to work altogether.
There were complaints about its fuel efficiency, with many finding the generator consumed more fuel than advertised.
Some users found the noise level to be too high, making it unsuitable for residential use.
A few users reported that the generator was not as durable as they expected, with breakdowns occurring after a few months of use.
Customer service was a point of contention, with users stating they had difficulty getting timely responses or helpful solutions.
There were some complaints about the generator’s weight and portability, as it was found to be too heavy to easily move around.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right generator depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc and the DuroStar DS13000E offer robust performance and durability. The Westinghouse WGen9500TFc offers the versatility of tri-fuel usage while the DuroStar DS13000E provides a slightly higher wattage. Ultimately, the best generator is the one that fits your needs most closely.