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 CO safety, fuel options and value. The WEN 56380i wins on run time. The WEN DF480iX costs $52.99 less ($647 vs $699.99).
WEN 56380i
#14 in Mid-sizeFull review
An RV-ready mid-size inverter with electric start at a modest price. It lacks CO shutoff, which newer models include.
Amazon $699.99$699.99
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 DF480iX for CO safety (shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up vs no CO shutoff), fuel options (gasoline or propane vs gasoline only) and value ($0.16 per running watt vs $0.21 per running watt).
- Choose the WEN 56380i for run time (11.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) 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 | WEN 56380i |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 97 $0.16 per running watt | 86 $0.21 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 25 62 dBA at light load, maker rating | 56 57 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 27 9.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) | 43 11.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) |
| Fuel options 10% | 70 gasoline or propane | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 0 no CO shutoff |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| WEN DF480iX | WEN 56380i | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,000 W running, 4,800 W starting | 3,400 W running, 3,800 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), USB |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 1.2% | under 1.2% |
| Price per watt | $0.16 | $0.21 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 1.9 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 7 hr at 50% load | 8.5 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 12 hr | - |
| Engine | 224 cc | 212 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | 62 dBA | 57 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Electric and recoil |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.8 x 12.6 x 22.1 in | 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 in |
| Weight | 78.5 lb | 99.2 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |