WEN 1,350W Gas Generator Review
The WEN 56155 is a gasoline generator with a rated wattage of 1350 and a peak wattage of 1550.
At a Glance
- Running Watts1350W
- Starting Watts1550W
- Fuel TypeGasoline
- Runtime (50%)7.5h
- Weight55.8 lbs
Where to buy
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Is this the right generator for you?
Here's the quick tradeoff view — what this model does well, and where it may not fit.
Pros
- High starting wattage of 1550 watts
- Long runtime of 7.5 hours at 50 gasoline
- Includes fuel gauge and spark arrestor
- Compact dimensions and manageable weight
- Two AC outlets for multiple devices
Cons
- No electric start feature
- No inverter technology
Summary
The WEN 56155 is a compact gasoline generator built around a 1,350W running and 1,550W starting output, making it a practical fit for light-duty power needs. With a 1.1-gallon fuel tank and a published 7.5-hour runtime at 50 percent load, it targets users who want steady, predictable power for essentials without stepping up to a larger, heavier unit.
At 55.8 lb and sized at 20.6 x 15.4 x 16.6 inches, the 56155 is geared toward home backup for a few key devices, jobsite convenience power, and general-purpose use where portability matters. It also comes backed by a 2-year warranty, which helps round out its value proposition for occasional to regular use.
Power & Runtime
This model runs on gasoline and delivers 1,350 running watts with 1,550 starting watts. That starting headroom is important for devices that draw extra power at startup, while the 1,350W continuous rating defines what it can sustain once everything is running.
Fuel capacity is 1.1 gallons, and WEN rates the generator for 7.5 hours of runtime at 50 percent load. At that load level, the generator is supplying roughly 675 watts on average (50 percent of 1,350W). That works out to approximately 0.147 gallons per hour (1.1 gal divided by 7.5 hours), a useful figure for planning fuel on longer days.
Using that same consumption rate as a planning baseline, a full tank would support about 3.7 hours at a steady 100 percent load equivalent (1,350W), since doubling the load typically increases fuel use. Conversely, for lighter loads around 25 percent (about 337W), you can reasonably expect runtime to extend beyond the 7.5-hour benchmark, making it well-suited for charging, lighting, and small electronics over extended periods.
Noise level and starting mechanism details are not part of the provided data, so the best planning approach is to size your connected load to the 1,350W running limit and reserve the 1,550W rating for brief startup surges.
Outlets
The provided specifications do not list any outlet types or quantities for the WEN 56155. For a generator in this wattage class, outlet selection is a key buying factor because it determines what you can plug in directly and how easily you can distribute power safely.
RV-ready capability typically depends on having a dedicated RV-style receptacle, and transfer switch compatibility depends on having an appropriate connection method and matching electrical configuration. Since outlet details are not included here, buyers should confirm the exact receptacle set on the unit’s control panel before planning RV hookups or home integration.
If your use case involves powering multiple devices at once, also verify whether the generator’s receptacles match your plug types and whether you will need adapters or a power distribution solution.
Portability
Portability is one of the 56155’s strongest on-paper advantages. The generator weighs 55.8 lb, which is manageable for many users to lift into a vehicle or reposition around a property, especially compared to larger open-frame units.
Its footprint is compact at 20.6 x 15.4 x 16.6 inches, making it easier to store in a garage, shed, or vehicle cargo area. That size also helps when you need to place it at a safe operating distance from doors and windows while still keeping it accessible for refueling and monitoring.
Frame design, wheel kit, and handle details are not included in the provided data. Given the weight, it is still a realistic candidate for single-person handling, but users who expect frequent moves should confirm whether it includes integrated carrying points or a wheel and handle setup.
Features
The WEN 56155 is a conventional generator rather than an inverter model, as indicated by the inverter field being false. That distinction matters most for buyers prioritizing ultra-clean power for sensitive electronics, or those seeking the efficiency and variable engine speed behavior commonly associated with inverter generators.
Warranty coverage is listed at 2 years, which is a meaningful ownership feature for a generator intended for seasonal use, emergency readiness, or intermittent jobsite duty. A multi-year warranty can also be a practical indicator of the manufacturer’s support expectations over typical consumer usage cycles.
Control panel details, displays, and safety systems are not enumerated in the provided data. For shopping decisions, the most important feature checks to make in-person or via the product manual are how the unit indicates load and fuel status, and what protections are built in for safe operation during extended runs.
Accessories included in the box are also not listed here. If you plan to use the generator for preparedness, it is worth confirming whether any basic tools, cables, or setup items are included, or if you should budget for essentials like a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord set and a weather-aware storage solution.
Recommended Audiences
- Homeowners who want a compact gasoline generator for light emergency backup loads within a 1,350W running limit
- Campers and tailgaters who value a small footprint (20.6 x 15.4 x 16.6 inches) and manageable weight (55.8 lb)
- DIYers needing portable power for light tools and chargers with up to 1,550W starting demand
- Users who want predictable mid-load endurance, with a rated 7.5 hours at 50 percent load on a 1.1-gallon tank
- Apartment or small-home preparedness planners who need a stowable generator that does not dominate storage space
- Budget-focused buyers who prefer a conventional generator design over an inverter model
- Shoppers who prioritize warranty coverage, backed here by a 2-year warranty
- Anyone building a basic power kit for lights, device charging, and small essentials where compact size and moderate output are the priority
Score Breakdown
- Watts/$
- Surge/$
- Runtime/$
- Warranty
- THD (lower=better)
- Build Quality
- Noise (lower=better)
- Portability
- Outlet Variety
- Feature Points
What this generator can power
At a Glance
- Continuous:1,350W(recommended usable: 1,080W)
- Surge:1,550W
- Output:120V only
- Inverter:No
Big-item compatibility
May struggle with startup surge
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
May struggle with startup surge
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
Exceeds capacity
Example setups
Essentials
- Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
- Refrigerator
Est. running: 400W
Peak surge (single motor): 1,200W
Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.
Essentials + Comfort
- Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
- Refrigerator
Est. running: 400W
Peak surge (single motor): 1,200W
Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.
Jobsite / Tools
- Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
Est. running: 200W
These are estimates using typical wattage assumptions. Real appliances vary. Startup surges can be 2–6× the running wattage for motor-driven loads. 240V loads require a 120/240V generator and proper connection. Use a transfer switch or interlock kit; never backfeed a panel.
About WEN
WEN is renowned for delivering affordable, reliable generators and power equipment, catering to various residential and industrial needs.
Warranty
Power by fuel
| Fuel | Running | Starting | Runtime @50% | Runtime @25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 1350W | 1550W | 7.5h | — |
Full Specifications
Power
| Running Watts | 1,350 watts |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 1,550 watts |
| Starting Watts (Gasoline) | 1,550 W |
| Running Watts (Gasoline) | 1,350 W |
Engine
| Engine | OHV, 4 stroke, single cylinder |
|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 98 cc |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes |
Electrical
| Voltage (AC) | 120V |
|---|---|
| Voltage (DC) | 12V |
| AC Frequency | 60 hz |
| AC Outlets | Two AC 120V three-prong wall outlets |
| DC Outlets | Cigarette-lighter-style 12V 8.3A DC outlet |
Dimensions
| Dimensions | 20.6 x 15.4 x 16.6 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55.8 lbs |
Other
| Automatic Low Oil Shutdown | Yes |
|---|---|
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| Carbon Monoxide Sensor | No |
| Covered Outlets | No |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.1 gallons |
| Inverter | No |
| Part Number | 56155 |
| Residential Warranty | 2 years |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Core
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
|---|
Runtime
| Runtime @ 50% | 7.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 7.5 hours |
Questions & Answers
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