Westinghouse 14500 Watt Tri-Fuel Generator: In-Depth Review

When it comes to reliable and flexible backup power, the Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator stands out as one of the top choices for homeowners and professionals alike. With the versatility of running on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, this generator is designed to provide a dependable power source during power outages or for various outdoor activities. In this review, we will break down the key features, performance, customer feedback, and provide a final verdict on the Westinghouse 14500 Watt Tri-Fuel Generator.

Key Features and Specifications

The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is packed with numerous features that make it a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use generator. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key specifications and special features that make this model stand out.

General Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Westinghouse
Wattage	14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline)
Fuel Types	Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas
Power Source	Fuel Powered
Voltage	240 Volts
Item Weight	230 lbs
Dimensions	27.1 x 28.1 x 27.2 inches
Running Hours	Up to 19 hours (gasoline)
Fuel Tank Capacity	9.5 gallons
Engine Type	550cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine
Output Wattage	14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
Starting Mechanism	Electric start, Remote key fob
Transfer Switch	Ready (L14-30R and 14-50R)

Special Features

• Tri-Fuel Capability: Runs on three different fuel types – gasoline, propane, and natural gas, providing users with flexibility based on fuel availability.
• Electric Start: Push-button electric start makes operation hassle-free.
• Remote Start: Key fob remote start adds convenience, allowing users to operate the generator from a distance.
• Overload Protection: Prevents the generator from damage due to excessive load.
• Muffler: Keeps noise levels at a minimum for a quieter operation.
• CO Sensor: Built-in carbon monoxide sensor for enhanced safety, automatically shutting off the generator when dangerous levels of CO are detected.
• Fuel Gauge: Easily monitor fuel levels for better management of runtime.
• Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): Ensures stable and reliable power output.

Performance

The performance of the Westinghouse 14500 Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is one of its strongest attributes. With a powerful 550cc 4-Stroke OHV engine, this generator delivers substantial power for a variety of applications. Here’s a breakdown of how the generator performs under different fuel types:

Gasoline Performance

Running on gasoline, the Westinghouse 14500 Watt generator can produce up to 14,500 peak watts and 11,500 running watts. This is more than sufficient for powering larger homes during power outages. With its 9.5-gallon fuel tank, the generator can run for up to 19 hours, making it a reliable source of power through extended outages.

Propane Performance

When using propane, the generator’s peak wattage drops to 13,500 watts, and its running wattage is reduced to 10,500 watts. Despite this reduction, it still offers ample power for home backup, RVs, or job sites. The runtime on a 20-pound propane tank is around 7 hours, making it a great option for shorter durations of use.

Natural Gas Performance

Operating on natural gas, the generator offers 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts. While it produces slightly less power than the gasoline or propane options, natural gas provides the advantage of continuous, low-maintenance use. The performance remains stable, and many customers have reported being able to power their entire homes, including essential appliances, with ease.

Noise and Fuel Efficiency

The Westinghouse WGen11500TFc operates relatively quietly, especially when compared to some larger, more industrial models. The built-in muffler reduces the noise to a more manageable level, which is especially important for residential use. Additionally, the generator’s fuel efficiency is impressive, especially when using gasoline, offering long operational hours without frequent refueling.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback for the Westinghouse 14500 Watt Tri-Fuel Generator has been largely positive, with many users highlighting the generator’s versatility, ease of use, and powerful performance. Below are some of the common themes found in user reviews:

Ease of Use

Customers have consistently praised the generator’s ease of setup and operation. The push-button electric start is a favorite feature, as it eliminates the need for manual pull-starting. Furthermore, the remote start function adds an extra layer of convenience, especially for users who want to start the generator from inside their homes or from a distance.

Versatility of Fuel Types

The tri-fuel capability is a major selling point for many users, as it allows them to operate the generator on whatever fuel is most readily available. Whether it’s gasoline, propane, or natural gas, users appreciate the flexibility of having multiple options at their disposal, particularly during emergency situations when gasoline might not be accessible.

Reliable Performance

Many customers have noted that the generator runs smoothly and reliably, even during extended use. Some have used the generator to power entire homes during power outages, and it has met their needs without issue. Others have used it for outdoor events and construction sites, where it has proven to be a robust and dependable power source.

Noise Level

While the generator is generally quieter than expected for its size, some users have mentioned that it can still produce noticeable noise during operation. However, this has not been a major point of contention, as the noise is generally considered acceptable for most users, especially given the generator’s large power output.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Tri-Fuel Capability: The ability to run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas is a standout feature, providing maximum flexibility.
• Ease of Use: The electric start and remote start key fob make operation incredibly user-friendly.
• Long Runtime: With up to 19 hours of runtime on gasoline, this generator is perfect for long power outages.
• Quiet Operation: The muffler keeps noise to a minimum, making it suitable for residential use.
• CO Sensor: Enhanced safety with the built-in carbon monoxide sensor that automatically shuts the generator off in case of high CO levels.
• Powerful Engine: The 550cc 4-Stroke OHV engine delivers substantial power, making it suitable for larger homes or professional job sites.

Cons

• Weight: At 230 pounds, the generator is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around without assistance.
• Noise at Full Load: While generally quiet, the generator can still produce more noise when running at full capacity, which could be an issue for noise-sensitive environments.
• Natural Gas Performance: While the generator performs well on natural gas, its peak wattage is slightly lower than when running on gasoline or propane, which might be limiting for some users.

Final Verdict

The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a powerful, versatile, and reliable backup power solution. Its ability to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas provides significant flexibility, making it ideal for a variety of applications, from home backup power to outdoor activities and job sites.

With a powerful engine, long runtime, and user-friendly features like remote start and a CO sensor, this generator delivers on both performance and safety. While its heavy weight and noise level under full load may be drawbacks for some, the generator’s overall value, performance, and reliability make it a standout option in its category.

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