WEN 56235i
#8 in SmallFull review
A cheap, light inverter for camping and charging electronics. Pay more for a model with CO shutoff if it will run near a house.
Amazon $429$429
The WEN 56235i is the better inverter generator overall, rated 3.3 to 3.2. The WEN 56235i leads on value and warranty. The Predator 2500 Super Quiet wins on CO safety and run time. The WEN 56235i costs $170.99 less ($429 vs $599.99).
Predator 2500 Super Quiet
#10 in SmallFull review
A cheap, light camping and tailgating inverter with CO shutoff. The short warranty is the trade-off for the low price.
Harbor Freight $599.99$599.99
Prices were last checked October 22, 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 56235i for value ($0.23 per running watt vs $0.30 per running watt) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 0.2-year warranty).
- Choose the Predator 2500 Super Quiet for CO safety (shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up vs no CO shutoff) and run time (10.2 hours on a tank at 25% load vs 7.5 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 small inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | WEN 56235i | Predator 2500 Super Quiet |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 94 $0.23 per running watt | 75 $0.30 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 79 51 dBA at light load, maker rating | 29 58 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 35 7.5 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) | 62 10.2 hours on a tank at 25% load |
| Fuel options 10% | 0 gasoline only | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 0 no CO shutoff | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 25 2-year warranty | 0 0.2-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 0 pull start only | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| WEN 56235i | Predator 2500 Super Quiet | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 1,900 W running, 2,350 W starting | 2,000 W running, 2,500 W starting |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, USB | 2 × 120 V, USB |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 1.2% | - |
| Price per watt | $0.23 | $0.30 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Tank | 1.1 gal | 1.4 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 5.7 hr at 50% load | 10.2 hr at 25% load |
| Engine | 79 cc | 98 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | 51 dBA | 58 dBA |
| CO shutoff | No | Yes |
| CARB compliant | - | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Recoil (pull) | Recoil (pull) |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | No | No |
| Dimensions | 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 in | 20.375 x 11.625 x 19.125 in |
| Weight | 39 lb | 46 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 0.2 years |