Looking for a compact and lightweight inverter generator that is easy on your pocket and comfortable enough to carry anywhere?
Then the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is an ideal choice!
It costs almost half of the industry-standard Honda EU2200i costs, yet offers slightly better features and functionality comparatively.
In this Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Review, we’ll take a look at all the features, functions, performance, and usability of this generator.
We’ll also take a look at its Pros & Cons and see how it compares with other generators that offer similar functionalities.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Review
First Impression & Design
The WH2200iXLT features Westinghouse’s trademark blue-colored casing with yellow accents.
Hence, it’s easy to recognize it as a Westinghouse generator even from a far distance.
Just like the Westinghouse iGen2500 that we’ve reviewed earlier, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT too features a compact design.
With the help of a handlebar incorporated within its casing, it’s effortless to carry around this 43-pound generator everywhere.
It also comes with 4 small rubber-feet at its base. This makes sure the generator doesn’t wobble when its working on high load.
Similar to Westinghouse iGen2500, the WH2200iXLT too features swivel-design fuel cap at top with yellow-colored fuel vent.
The left-panel of Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is where all the magic happens.
At first glance, it is hard-to-miss its recoil starter that can be used to start the generator. Since it’s a budget-oriented generator, it misses out on electric-start.
Next to it, you get the Fuel ON/OFF Switch. Since the switch is made entirely out of plastic, I’d advise you to handle it with care.
This inverter generator doesn’t come with USB outlets; however, the 12V outlet next to the recoil starter can be used to connect a USB Car Charger. The USB Car Charger can be used to power or charge your USB devices like mobile, camera, power bank, and so on.
Next to it, you get a Choke Lever, Circuit Breaker and an Efficiency Mode Switch that can be used to save gas and reduce generator noise.
Additionally, it also features 3 LED indicators for low oil, overload alarm, and output-ready.
Each of the associated led will turn on if you have low oil, power overload, or when the generator is ready for output. You can read more about it in the generator’s manual.
Meanwhile, you also get 2x 120V 20 Amp outlets that can be used to power your electronic devices & appliances.
Additionally, using the 120V outlet, you can connect this generator in parallel with another Westinghouse WH2200iXLT or with parallel-compatible generators like Westinghouse iGen1200, iGen2200 and iGen2500 to this generator.
To connect it in parallel with other generators mentioned above, you’d need a parallel cord from Westinghouse.
Hence, for the price of one Honda EU2200i, you can get 2x Westinghouse WH2200iXLT and double the power as well.
Furthermore, on the right-side panel, you can access the spark plug, fuel drain valve, and oil reservoir. All of which are properly covered and safe from nature’s elements.
The front panel features air intake for the engine, while the back panel hosts the exhaust outlet.
Features & Specifications
It’s surprising that even being a compact and budget-oriented generator, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is loaded with features that you are bound to find in pricey generators.
Firstly, this modest-sized inverter generator can produce 2200W peak watts and 1800W running watts. This is possible due to the 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine by Westinghouse.
This much power is ideal enough to power a myriad of electric appliances, including multiple power-sensitive electronics like mobile, camera, power bank, laptop, and so on.
The Westinghouse WH2200iXLT runs on gasoline and comes with a 1.3-gallon fuel tank, which is bigger than the Honda EU2200i and its bigger brother Westinghouse iGen2500.
A larger fuel-tank helps it run for around 13 hours at 25% load. While the Honda EU2200i can only run for around 8 hours at quarter load due to a smaller fuel-tank size of 0.95-gallon.
Along with the generator, the overall package includes a 4-stroke oil bottle, 200ml oil funnel, spark plug wrench, and screwdriver.
Being an inverter generator, it can run very quiet compared to non-inverter generators. At the same time, save a lot of fuel.
From a 23-feet distance, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is only 52dB loud at 25% load. This loudness is as quiet as a household refrigerator.
However, the increase in sound is directly proportional to the increase in load. Yet, it won’t get much louder than a vacuum cleaner.
Note: It is an industry-accepted standard to measure generator noise from at least 23-feet. Partly because it is advised to keep the generator at least 23-feet away from you. This prevents you from inhaling any harmful gases the generator’s exhaust releases like Carbon Monoxide. It is advised to keep the generator in an open environment rather than in constricted and closed environments to prevent accumulation of harmful gases.
With an Efficiency Mode and Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 3%, this gem from Westinghouse can save plenty of fuel and power all your sensitive electronics without any issues.
Compared to a traditional generator, you get longer run time, less noise, and less pollution from an inverter generator.
Built Quality & Performance
Covered in a plastic casing, the casing can be easily damaged if the generator falls from a 5-6 ft. height.
To keep the overall pricing low, plastic construction works. However, if you’re a rough user like me, make sure to handle the generator with care.
The internals can take a beating, but plastic being plastic; cannot face a lot of abuse. Nor does the other knobs and plastic opening. A small nick can throw it off its place.
Yet, if you take proper care while loading and unloading the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT from your truck or moving around, the casing is going to last as much as the generator itself.
Likewise, always make sure to keep the generator in an upright position. Be it while in use, filling fuel or oil, or when stored. This ensures a long life, and your generator won’t get damaged.
On the performance front, it can handle almost all lightweight electronic devices you throw at it.
The 2x 120V outlets can quickly charge your laptop, smartphone, camera, or any other electronic device that can be charged via an electric socket.
Moreover, with the help of a 12V car charger, you can also charger smaller electronics like your Bluetooth earbuds, smartwatch, rechargeable lights, and anything that can be charged via a USB outlet.
For serious electronics, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT can power a couple of high-wattage kitchen appliances like fridge, blender, microwave, toaster, electric kettle, coffee machine, and so on at once.
Out-of-the-box this generator isn’t RV-ready, yet you can use an RV-adapter to connect it to an RV or camper van.
A video posted by Westinghouse on YouTube shows the generator simultaneously running a pedestal fan (50W), work light (35W), Milwaukee Radio (30W), halogen flood lamp (431W), iPad (25W), iPhone (10W), hand grinder (~1600W) without any issues.
This proves the capability of this small generator, while at the same time instills confidence within the buyer.
Hence, you wouldn’t go wrong if you pick the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT inverter generator eyes closed.
Pros & Cons of Westinghouse WH2200iXLT
Pros
- Offers 1800W running watts and 2200W peak watts at half the price of Honda EU2200i
- Parallel capable and can be easily connected to a similar generator or with others in the Westinghouse family
- Comes with a useful oil funnel within the box
- Has easy access to spark plug, oil reservoir, and fuel drainage
- Comes with 1.3-gallon fuel tank along with easy-to-carry handle
- As quiet as a refrigerator at 25% load
- Can quickly start with 2-3 pulls if maintained properly
- Can power couple of high-wattage kitchen appliances simultaneously
Cons
- Misses out on a fuel gauge & voltage meter
- Gets considerably loud at high load
- The plastic casing can get damaged if used roughly
Conclusion
The Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is my favorite when it comes to pocket-friendly and compact inverter generators under $500.
It is in direct comparison with the Honda EU2200i and the Yamaha EF2000iSv2. Both of which come with the reliability Honda and Yamaha engines, respectively.
However, if proper care and regular maintenance are taken, the Westinghouse WH2200iXLT can last as much as the generators from Honda & Yamaha.
Moreover, for the price of one ~2000W inverter generator from Honda or Yamaha, you can 2x Westinghouse WH2200iXLT and enjoy twice the power.
It’s definitely the best 2200W inverter generator you can buy under $500.
