Customer reviews from westinghouse.com
Westinghouse - 12,500/9,500-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start, 50 Amp Outlet - Blue
Average customer rating
4.8
(7,918 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 7,918 reviews
5 Stars
6,780
4 Stars
1,013
3 Stars
66
2 Stars
15
1 Star
44
98%of customers recommend this product.
(
7,419 out of
7,588)
Customer Reviews for Westinghouse - 12,500/9,500-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start, 50 Amp Outlet - Blue
Customer Rating
5
More than one has the right to expect at the price
on March 10, 2019
Posted by: Judicious James
from WA State
I bought this generator after our old generator (top brand name) swallowed a valve. The Westinghouse is not the cheapest in this class, but it seems to occupy a sweet spot of price, features, output, and warranty.
Assembly was effortless. Westinghouse includes EVERYTHING you need besides a 10mm wrench and gas. Even the oil is included and premeasured. The wheels are blow-molded plastic but very sturdy, have ball bearings and are totally appropriate in quality for the price point. Rolling the unit around is very easy. The folding handle is sturdy and excellent.
The big selling point on this genset was the 50A outlet. Those are hard to find at this price point, but this enables us to power the entire house with reasonable limitations.
Starting was amazingly easy. I knew it had electronic start, but I didn't realize that it had the smarts to go through several start cycles automatically until the engine catches. It's really a nice feature to have if its my wife who has to start the generator while I'm away. Starting on the recoil starter is also easy.
Other pleasant surprises were the AGM battery (leak proof) that was included. I was fully expecting to have to put acid into the battery, but nope, this was easy.
Choke on this generator is automatic/electric. A very nice surprise at this price point.
Air filter changing is tool-less. Very nice to have. Spark plug wrench is included.
Things that could use improvement:
- Shipping carton is far too flimsy. I know that no one wants to pay for a crate, but a double-wall corrugated box with a reinforced floor should be considered. There has to be some type of cost-benefit on warranty claims with this. There is just no way for a single-wall cardboard box to survive the number of truck transfers going coast to coast. The lack of a bottom reinforcer was a surprise.
- 12V battery charger is not intelligent and cannot be left on for long periods. This is clearly stated in the manual, but given the fact that the battery really needs to be on a maintainer, this is a small disappointment. The upshot is that there is *no* drain on the battery when the switch is off. There's a 20mA drain with the switch on, so expect the battery to die in a couple of days if the switch is bumped on.
- The battery cables can be inadvertently installed so as to rub on the frame. This generator really vibrates, so there need to be some due caution there. It feels like some spiral wrap to prevent chafing might be in order as well as some locking nuts on the battery terminals.
- Oil filler cap should be double-checked before shipment. Mine was loose and there was a bit of leftover oil in the carton. It caused no problems, other than an extra 20 minutes at the store trying to figure out if it was a loose cap or damage.
- fuel level indicator needs some adjustment. I'm sure that the user can do this just by bending the float arm. I just haven't done so yet.
- Muffler - I'm sure it's to specification, but the unit is quite loud given the large size of the muffler. I wish there was an aftermarket option to purchase a quieter muffler. I knew this from the reviews, so this was not a surprise, nor am I unhappy given the overall value, but it would be nice to be able to swap out a more effective unit.
- User manual could use some fixes:
(1) the electrical schematic shows an an electric fuel valve, but the valve on this model is manual.
(2) Schematic shows an emergency stop switch. There is none.
(3) The fuel strainer on the fuel valve is not explained in the manual or the schematic. While likely obvious to some, when servicing the unit in the dark, there's the question of strainer orientation and the order in which the strainer and gasket are installed. I installed the strainer first, then the gasket. I hope that's correct.
(1) the electrical schematic shows an an electric fuel valve, but the valve on this model is manual.
(2) Schematic shows an emergency stop switch. There is none.
(3) The fuel strainer on the fuel valve is not explained in the manual or the schematic. While likely obvious to some, when servicing the unit in the dark, there's the question of strainer orientation and the order in which the strainer and gasket are installed. I installed the strainer first, then the gasket. I hope that's correct.
The above are minor points that I would not let dissuade me from purchase again, and may well do so for a family member. There really isn't a better deal on the market once one adds up what's included for the price: wheels, battery, oil, tools, remote start, 50A outlet, GFCI outlets, etc.
Note: I was given a free accessory as part of writing this review, but it really has no influence on my opinions expressed here.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from westinghouse.comBy Westinghouse, March 12, 2019
Wow! We thank you so much for taking the time to write out such a detailed and constructive review! There are many great points you have made here with the minor changes, and we will definitely take these suggestions into consideration for any improvements that may be needed going forwards.
Overall, we are delighted to hear that you are having a positive experience with your WGen9500. It's a great little beast of a machine to keep your home up and running in case of emergencies. The peace of mind and convenience it brings is priceless, and we hope you enjoy it all.
Thank you for choosing Westinghouse, and have a great day!
Overall, we are delighted to hear that you are having a positive experience with your WGen9500. It's a great little beast of a machine to keep your home up and running in case of emergencies. The peace of mind and convenience it brings is priceless, and we hope you enjoy it all.
Thank you for choosing Westinghouse, and have a great day!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com
Customer Rating
5
Easy startup
on March 9, 2019
Posted by: RRust
from Camas Valley, OR
My son bought this for me and it was just delivered today. An easy put-together and up and running and at work already. I think I will be very happy with this generated after a terrible experience with Generac!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com
Customer Rating
4
Nice , starts and operates easily.
on March 8, 2019
Posted by: Paps toy
from Ohio
We haven`t used it much yet, but anxious to do so.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com
Customer Rating
5
LOVE THE REMOTE START
on March 7, 2019
Posted by: SHER
from REDDING, CA.
IT DID A GREAT JOB DURING A UNEXPECTED SNOW STORM.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com
Customer Rating
4
Generator
on March 6, 2019
Posted by: RSub
from Butler, PA
Very happy with my purchase. Powerful enough to run my large home. Only complaint are the wheels. Would have preferred something a little better than plastic.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com
Customer Rating
4
Can't beat the price for the size
on March 5, 2019
Posted by: CDYFRRS
from Nazareth, PA
So far very happy. Bought and broke in to Westinghouse recommendations via HDdotcom also got a great deal from them. I'd give 4-1/2stars if i could as my concerns thus far are minor. I don't like the location of the ground terminal under the 50amp receptacle it protrudes a little for my 90degree plug but it's still fine. My other concern is that I just don't like the wheels being attached by a cotter pin. When full of gas and rolling the wheels are angled just doesn't seem strong to last a long time. All in all does what its supposed to do so far so I would recommend
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com
Customer Rating
4
Great Product
on March 4, 2019
Posted by: Happy Mom
from Michigan
I bought this a month ago after a power outage. This is an excellent product. It is quick to setup and easy start and stop.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com
Customer Rating
5
Beast
on March 3, 2019
Posted by: Go-Bills!
from Lockport New York
Short term review! putting it together could not be easier, It fired up first try.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting westinghouse.com