Choosing an Emergency Backup Generator: Westinghouse iGen2200

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ม.ค. 2025

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  • @RaulHRivas
    @RaulHRivas 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Excellent review... really appreciated. Just ordered the one from Sam's for $299 :)

  • @billcsho
    @billcsho 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I also ordered one at $299 shipped from Sam's Club.

  • @2hgarza
    @2hgarza ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good information. I have a Honda 3000 but was looking for something more lighter and mobile to use in my van for trips. Very happy with my Honda as it is both quiet and very dependable but pricey. I'm going to invest on this smaller unit and hope all goes well with it. Thanks again for your valuable report.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching Homer! Everyone says the Honda's are the Cadillacs of generators but sometimes you just need a Taurus to get you around town :)

  • @aparker167
    @aparker167 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Not sure if this is a repeat comment, don't know if the first posted. I don't know who you are, but this is by far the BEST product review I've ever seen, Thanks.

  • @PattymacMakes
    @PattymacMakes 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have solar generators but not enough solar panels if I’m using all of them, or if there’s poor solar conditions. I bought this gas generator specifically to charge up the power stations as needed. I can charge two or three at a time depending on what I am charging. I used it today to try it out and recharged three power stations in a couple of hours. I love the solar generators for using indoors. They’ll run just about anything and they make very little noise. You might want to consider a couple of them for computers and wifi and so on. I have energy efficient fridge and freezers so I can run them with individual power stations. We get outages and storms here so I feel so much better knowing I can keep my food safe. Between those and a few camping items, we have to make only minor adjustments in an outage. Walking around after sundown with flashlights and praying your food is ok is not something I care to do anymore. Thanks for an in depth review of this! I found it easy to setup and it’s something I can move around on my own which is important.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting, Pattymac! I've seen solar panels on sale at Harbor Freight pretty often and the battery packs are getting pretty popular. Which panels and packs are you using? How much wattage do you generally get from your panels (on average) compared to rated? I'm assuming rated means max blistering sun on a cloudless day?

  • @LilMikeysBigPlans
    @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just noticed I went live with a slightly older version of this video. The newest version has a correction to the 'parallel operation' graph at 15:30. The animation of the graph implies that more voltage will be delivered in parallel operation when you actually get additional wattage by synchronizing two inverter generators. I think the material impact is minimal as the voice-over describes it correctly so I'll leave it up with this footnote.

  • @jetmechanic100
    @jetmechanic100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I just ordered one of these last night from Sam's Club on sale for $299. I believe I picked it up at a steal also.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Wow! Good find. Small price to pay for some peace of mind.

    • @jetmechanic100
      @jetmechanic100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans Yep, I was waiting for the "August Sale" to begin to pick on up. I stayed up last night to insure I got one.

  • @TrooperFA24
    @TrooperFA24 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great job on this video. Very informative and well put together.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Much appreciated, Jemx!

    • @billcsho
      @billcsho 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I notice that there are newer model of this without the parallel connection ports. I think the one from Sam's Club still has the parallel ports just like in this video. On HomeDepot and other websites, you will see a mix of new and old models. With no parallel connection port, you would have to use the cable from WH to pair with another WH inverter generator.

  • @cowboygeologist7772
    @cowboygeologist7772 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great information; thanks for posting. Now, these are around $500 - $550 but one place has them on sale for $319. I'm thinking of ordering it but was wondering what will it actually power in real life. I'm glad I ran across your informative video.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching Cowboy! Glad you found it useful.

  • @maxford27
    @maxford27 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great review. Most comprehensive I've seen.

  • @kyjarhead12
    @kyjarhead12 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for making the time to make this helpful video

  • @geneteramura4876
    @geneteramura4876 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for your explaining inverter vs. standard generators. I live in the California fire zone and will use it when the power is shut off due to high winds. Just bought one from Amazon, $379.99 delivered in two days!

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad to help, Gene! I hope you stay safe out there. We Floridians are through the hurricane season now but it seems like fire season is pretty much year round in California now. Hopefully you'll never need the generator!

  • @minirunt
    @minirunt 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Though the generator has a 3 year warranty Westinghouse's warranty repair service is slow. I bought a 2200 and it was great. I wanted to run it in tandem so I purchased a Westingthouse 2500, which is very similar to the 2200. After 14 hours the 2500 stopped working. It took 2 weeks to finally to talk to someone and another month in the repair shop. That did no fully fix the problem, so it took another 2-3 weeks of emails and calls (initiated everytime on my part) and still have not came up with a resolution. I have requested they send me a new generator. In the end, I have been without a generator for 2 1/2 months and still no end in sight.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's disappointing to hear, especially for a company the size of Westinghouse. Will be interested to hear what/when the final resolution is.

  • @DARTHDANSAN
    @DARTHDANSAN 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very helpful. I just got to Westinghouse Igen 200 . If I lose power I just need to power my headlamp and phones

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Same boat here. I have a handful of essentials and it'd be nice to keep a fridge running. This simple little generator fits the bill perfectly.

  • @robertcortes7601
    @robertcortes7601 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good video just order that exact generator. Already have a 7000 watt generator but after the snow storm this year this would have saved me some money. ( fuel)

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, those big boys are great for a whole-house but can't throttle down for just a fan or two :) Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @sanramonjoe
    @sanramonjoe 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks! I just purchased a iGen2200 off of Amazon. This was a very good introduction.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great to hear! If you bought it as a backup I hope you never have to use it! :)

  • @eddiet3026
    @eddiet3026 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent explanation! Clear and informative. Subbed!

  • @02blackLightning
    @02blackLightning 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have 2 of these and I'm looking for a extended run time fuel setup for them but I can't seem to fine a kit made for the igen2200. Does anyone know of one that works?

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey first last. I haven't used the kits myself however my understanding is the kit is pretty dumb and the inverter generators themselves sync to each other. There is no need for a like-branded kit and you can even use generators from different manufacturers (although you'd want similar wattages). I would do some additional research and don't solely rely on this advice but I *think* any kit with the right banana plugs should work.

    • @02blackLightning
      @02blackLightning 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans I'm not looking to put them together. I'm looking to install a long run time fuel system like a 6 gal tank on each.

  • @fmaples1
    @fmaples1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good video but just one comment about the availability of gasoline in a dire situation. Like you I thought siphoning gas from either or both of my two vehicles from the garage would be sufficient but a little investigation showed me that it's almost impossible with newer cars to do that because of the configuration of the fill pipe in the car. Bummer!

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's good to know! I know my truck doesn't even have a gas cap so there has to be some kind of automatic valve. Guess we'll have to drill a hole when the EMP hits :)

  • @Mike_219
    @Mike_219 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Picked up 2 from the Sam's Club deal but the parallel cable is out of stock everywhere! Any leads??

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey Mike, I think the parallel kits are pretty universal - as long as they use the same two banana-style plugs. The user reviews for the Wen kit on Amazon indicate it works with Honda and Westinghouse generators. In fact, some older kits (and crazy DIY folks) used the 120v plugs for paralleling. Not sure if that impacts the warranty at all though so, beware.

  • @MikePanov
    @MikePanov 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome review sir, thank you!

  • @sukieme1
    @sukieme1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    When you have it on the Eco Mode does it only throttle up enough to make the wattage needed or does it go right to Full Throttle like a space heater made it do, and how fast does it burn the little bit of gas under a load, thank you and it was a wonderful video

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello Mark. From memory I thought it throttled down in both modes but it was a 'softer' throttle non-Eco and took longer to ramp in Eco mode. I'll pull it out this weekend to run some gas through it and see if I can tell if it's throttling at all in non-Eco mode. Thanks for watching!

  • @carolannbest1925
    @carolannbest1925 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I only need a generator for my heater..low 700 watts..high 1500 watt..I would like to run 2 heaters if possible..I have power stations to run everything else. My home is about 650 sqft. Ty

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello Carol. A 1500 watt heater really turns the screws on this little generator. No way you could run two of them at 1500 watts. You should be able to get away with two at 750 watts though. Most heaters are pretty 'dumb' though so if your main concern is running them then you can probably get away with a beefier but dumber non-inverter generator.

  • @TheOne_1969
    @TheOne_1969 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid.

  • @thecoltcrypt9252
    @thecoltcrypt9252 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    GREAT review ! Thanks

  • @imransayeed9929
    @imransayeed9929 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice Review!

  • @digitalmixer
    @digitalmixer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi so I live in California and I don't have ethanol-free gas what do you recommend for someone that doesn't have any means for ethanol free gas

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hello Richard. Stabil is design to stabilize ethanol fuel so you should be good with just that treatment. Stabil + Ethanol-free is really doubling up the protection.

    • @digitalmixer
      @digitalmixer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans omg thank you very much

  • @VincentsfamilyCali
    @VincentsfamilyCali 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    thanks for the nice review, should i use mobile 1 synthetic 10-30 oil and regular 87 gas + fuel stabil?

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would check your generator specs but the Westinghouse calls for 10w30 and Mobile 1 is just about the best out there so that should be great. For fuel, I can't find any recommendations from Westinghouse but 87 should be standard and the safest - and in my area ethanol-free only comes in 87. Regular 87 + stabil should be a safe bet. Stabil says it keeps fuel fresh for two years but I personally try to run mine through every 6-12 months.

    • @condor5635
      @condor5635 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans- run it dry and empty it completely of fuel. Then you don’t need Stabil and you won’t have any issues whatsoever with respect to fuel. I run mine every six to eight months or so, and it starts on the first pull

  • @Stavros1977
    @Stavros1977 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi how do you know when to ground the generator? Thx

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think the general rule is if you run the generator you should ground the generator :) That said, if I'm just running it for maintenance I don't bother grounding so bit of a 'not as a do' situation.

  • @christophergeorge8800
    @christophergeorge8800 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love You Tube. THANK YOU SIR. GREAT JOB FOR A NEWBEE. GOD BLESS

  • @joejohnson2478
    @joejohnson2478 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How did you calculate starting watts for your fridge? My refrigerator uses 8.5 amps or 1020 watts to run. What will the peak wattage be and will the Westinghouse igen 2500 which peaks at 2500 watts and runs at 2200 be enough to run my fridge? We have occasional outages where I live and am considering buying one. What's your thoughts on this?

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The rule of thumb I heard is that starting watts are 3x running watts for a typical electric AC motor. If you're fridge is pulling 700 watts or less while it's running (and nothing else is starting) then a 2200 should cut it but if you have a beefier fridge you might want to consider a larger generator.

    • @joejohnson2478
      @joejohnson2478 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans Thanks for your response back and the heads up.

    • @joejohnson2478
      @joejohnson2478 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans Since my fridge has a 1020 watt run it would take a generator that runs or peaks past 3000 watts as the fridge will do starting up. Thanks again but there isn't any reasonably size Inverter that generator that can supply that can supply that amount of power. I'mnow looking for the cheaper, noisier, heavier unit on wheels. Thanks again as you were spot on with a fridge spiking up to three times it's running wattage when the compressor starts.

  • @TheDwightMamba
    @TheDwightMamba 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    If it's in this exact case, it's made by Generac. I have the Coleman. Bought 3 of them on clearance at Walmart for $300/each. 1 for me, 1 for my sister and another as a housewarming gift.
    These things are awesome. Clean the spark arrestor with 91% rubbing alcohol and a brass brush with every oil change. I do it every 50 hours, no matter what.
    Ethanol free rec gas is your friend with these. There are many TH-cams on how to make your own. Water absorbs ethanol and gas floats on water. Pretty simple, actually.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That sounds about right. There are about a dozen different manufacturers that all fit in this same case. I'm betting they're all using the same Generac internals. So far I've only started mine a couple of times to run through some gas. Knock on wood and hope this is a mild hurricane season!

  • @wpherigo1
    @wpherigo1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I appreciated your review and have a question. You wanted the generator to prevent some of the problems you had during an extended power outage earlier. You mentioned losing all the food in your refrigerator, which seemed like the biggest issue. Did you ever test your generator to see if it would power the refrigerator in question. A refrigerator shouldn’t need much power if the inside temperature is stable, but does have a decent power draw at the start of each cooling cycle.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ya, I've test my fridge on it and I also hooked the watt meter up. My fridge 'only' appeared to spike to 800-900 watts or so however the watt meter only updates a few times a second so it may be a bit higher than that. It spiked the generator for a second but it chugged right through it. That's not to say it'll work for every fridge in every situation though. This is one of those traditional basic over-under fridges with no features or anything.

  • @chiptom6461
    @chiptom6461 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey LilMikey. What's that big white thing behind you? I tried to figure it out but it's got me stumped. Did you build it? It looks like a standup piano and a refrigerator had a baby.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Chip, it's actually a wall-bed. I'm putting together a video now on it since I had to move it to another room anyway :) Congrats on being the first person to inquire on that monstrosity!

  • @fefeyo99
    @fefeyo99 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love R.O.B by the way...

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! He's OG. Got him in the original NES kit circa 1985.

  • @duncanpage1556
    @duncanpage1556 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey sweet Tshirt...from Alberta

  • @robertbrewster6890
    @robertbrewster6890 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Mike!!

  • @mikeguzman24
    @mikeguzman24 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Should I leave the remaining fuel inside the generator if I won't use it for several weeks?

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hey Mike. Weeks probably isn't an issue for any type of fuel but if that turns into months you might have some issues. There are few things you can do. Ethanol-free fuel should help with ethanol evaporation over time and a stabilizer like 'Sta-bil' should help prevent both varnishing and ethanol evaporation. They claim it can stabilize fuel for up to two years. The safest thing to do is drain the fuel and burn it in your car or something. If you've already messed up and gummed up your system the most common culprit is the carburetor. Cleaning a carb can be a bit messy but it's well within the capabilities of most folks.

    • @mikeguzman24
      @mikeguzman24 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans wow, thanks very much for the reply. I bought it just yesterday and I used it only once for a couple of hours to test it with some appliances and electronics plugged into it and it ran great. And then, as you advised, I think it is a better idea to drain the fuel to keep it clean.
      Thank you very much. Your video was really helpful ☺️

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sure thing,@@mikeguzman24. Good luck with the generator and don't be a stranger!

    • @condor5635
      @condor5635 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Run the unit dry after tipping it over and draining the fuel. Burn the fuel in your car just like he said. Then you don’t have to worry about using Stabil and the generator will start up like brand new when you use it in a year.

  • @cranium33333
    @cranium33333 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Westinghouse uses the Honda motor so what’s the real difference from a Honda?

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Is that true? Westinghouse is part of a motor manufacturing conglomerate (www.tecowestinghouse.com/) so I assumed their motors were either their own or a 'commodity' motor like most others.

  • @jesth7335
    @jesth7335 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    How was it when you connected your refrigerator and light? Nice video!

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Fridge + light were no problem at all. That's less than 1000w total. Fridge + Space Heater (on high) + Light might be pushing the limits a bit. :)

  • @johnmcalisterjr3913
    @johnmcalisterjr3913 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    On sale at sams club right now for 329.

  • @billcampbell8031
    @billcampbell8031 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sorry to say about Honda I love Honda products but the Westinghouse has a much better surge power that the Honda . for the price you cannot beat the Westinghouse or the Predator from Harbor Freight .

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's interesting, Bill. I've not owned a Honda generator but everyone that does is happy to tell you how much better than are then everything else :) The best generator is the one you have and that starts up when the power is out which, for me, was never going to be a Honda.

  • @garyscullion8832
    @garyscullion8832 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The reality is .. most of the generators out there , ryobie , preditor , westinghouse the list goes on are all made by Ducar so it doesn't really matter who's you buy they are all basically the same . Some have other features but the basic generator and motor are made by Ducar , so buy the cheapest one you can find they're all the same go figure .

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Interesting, Gary. I hadn't heard of Ducar before. I know Westinghouse does manufacture engines but they certainly don't appear to put them in their cheap generators as without a shell I don't think anyone would be able to tell those brands apart. It's pretty much the same assembly line until you get to the Yamaha's and Hondas it seems.

    • @davidleonard8369
      @davidleonard8369 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans the ducar engine is a Yamaha clone.

  • @smokeythebear194
    @smokeythebear194 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The “pandemlc” LOL. I had to change the spelling so I didn’t get BANNED

  • @charlesgallagher1376
    @charlesgallagher1376 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Looked at your link, $497.

  • @archdukeofsynth
    @archdukeofsynth 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    $299 online at Sam's Club right now.

  • @tmc1473
    @tmc1473 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    WOW,,,$$500 NOW!! LOL.

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      $380 at Sam's Club! Looks like there are no good deals at Amazon, HD, or Lowes at this time. Hurricane season has arrived so I'd jump on any deal you find quickly.

  • @bluemouse5039
    @bluemouse5039 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't think any of these portable 2000 watt generators are powerful enough for back up power for your home, 2000 watts isn't a whole lot when you hook up a refrigerator , air conditioner, space heater, or run a washing machine , they are made more for camping to power a TV, recharge your phone batteries, a few lights and a fan , for the same money you spend on one of these small inverters, you can buy a open frame inverter generator for the same price but will put out 3500-4000 watts enough to run a room air conditioner , where a 2000 watt generator would struggle or possibly not be able to,

    • @LilMikeysBigPlans
      @LilMikeysBigPlans  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree, a 2200 watt generator is not backup power for your home. Regardless of generator type, plan your wattage needs, decide if you need an inverter generator or not, and buy a decent brand with a reasonable warranty to match. If you need AC, fridge, heater, and washing machine even a 4000 will be pushing it.

    • @bluemouse5039
      @bluemouse5039 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@LilMikeysBigPlans I plan on buying 2, I currently have a 2200 watt inverter unit only because I got a great buy on it, and plan only to use that one for small things like lights, fans, computer, charging phones, TV, and the next on will be a larger unit capable of powering my refrigerator and freezer, and my pellet stove