WEN DF480iX
#6 in Mid-sizeFull review
A light, low-cost dual-fuel inverter for RVs and outages, with CO shutoff and electric start. Plan on frequent refuelling or a propane tank for long runs.
Amazon $647$647
The WEN DF480iX is the better inverter generator overall, rated 3.7 to 3.3. The WEN DF480iX leads on fuel options and starting. The Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB wins on run time. The WEN DF480iX costs $52 less ($647 vs $699).
Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB
#14 in Mid-sizeFull review
A gas-only open-frame inverter for California RV owners who want clean power for a 30 A RV at a low price per watt.
Amazon $699$699
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the WEN DF480iX for fuel options (gasoline or propane vs gasoline only) and starting (push-button electric start vs pull start only).
- Choose the Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB for run time (13 hours on a tank at 25% load vs 9.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | WEN DF480iX | Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 97 $0.16 per running watt | 94 $0.17 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 25 62 dBA at light load, maker rating | 0 70 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 27 9.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) | 58 13 hours on a tank at 25% load |
| Fuel options 10% | 70 gasoline or propane | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| WEN DF480iX | Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,000 W running, 4,800 W starting | 4,000 W running, 5,500 W starting |
| Propane | 3,600 W running, 4,320 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), USB | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV) |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 1.2% | - |
| Price per watt | $0.16 | $0.17 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 1.9 gal | 2.9 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 7 hr at 50% load | 13 hr at 25% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 12 hr | - |
| Engine | 224 cc | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | 62 dBA | 70 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | No | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Recoil (pull) |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 23.8 x 12.6 x 22.1 in | 21.3 x 17.9 x 17.9 in |
| Weight | 78.5 lb | 81.6 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2024-06 | 2026-06 |