The WEN 56352 is an excellent choice for a mid powered portable generator.  It is rated 3000 running watts and 3500 starting watts.  This amount of power may seem in the lower range for the price.  However the included features make up for this being in the lower end of power to price ratio.  The lower power output in this range makes this less versatile in running several devices during a power outage, but more than enough for job site needs.

You get the basics in a 7 HP OHV 4-cycle gas powered engine, but the additions make this unit value.  This WEN model 56352 gives you the option of 120/240 Volts, DC charging ability, and included wheel kit, AND you even get an hour meter, to make your maintenance schedule easier to keep track of.  Unfortunately for our friends in California, the WEN generator is NOT CARB compliant and not for sale or use in California.

Table of Contents
(click a title to jump ahead!)
1. Power Considerations – Wattage
2. Engine Type and Fuel Considerations
3. Starting Mechanism
4. Oil Usage Considerations
5. Outlets and Meters
6. Noise Level – Portability
7. Warranty
8. What’s in the Box
9. Dimensions/ Weight
10. Pros and Cons
11. Consumer Reviews
12. Price
13. Summary

As always, know your power needs before choosing your portable generator.  Consider how you plan to use it and the features included.  Check out the table below to compare this to other WEN generators.   There are different wattages available as well as generators branded under the name Power Pro.  WEN has a good reputation for customer service out of its Elgin, Illinois US headquarters.  Their website makes ordering replacement parts and accessories a simple process and great benefit for the fix-it-yourselfers.

The WEN line of similar generators is listed in the table below.  The higher level models give you more watts and horsepower and an electric start, but you’ll have to expect it to be a louder running model.

The Review…

Power Considerations – Wattage

For most household purposes, there are plenty of watts available with this model with its 3500 Surge Watts and 3000 Running Watts for powering most devices separately.  You can take this unit out to the workplace as a workhorse to power your individual tools.  You might find that the available power is more suited to running individual power tools, rather than expecting it to power several pieces during a power outage.  For example, running a common refrigerator/freezer may take approximately 2000 watts to cover the surge requirement.  This leaves barely 1000 watts to power a TV, and some lights.  Check out this handy table for estimating your power needs and if this unit will have enough power for what you plan to use it for.

The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the generated sine wave is said to be around 15 – 20%.  This means if you might want to invest in a more expensive inverter unit to operate sensitive electrical equipment.  Anything over 6% and you’ll want to look at an uninterrupted power source (UPS).

Hooking this unit to your home’s power supply would provide the bare minimum of creature comforts.  So obviously this is better suited for an “as needed” power supply.  Take it on your outdoor trips, or on the job and you’ll be happy with its reliability.

There is no volt meter.  On the control panel there is a power indicator light.  When this light glows green, you know that the engine has supplied the necessary mechanical energy for the generator to supply the rated electrical energy.  With no volt meter, you’ll have to assume the volts being supplied is not varying much from the desired 120V.  If you feel so inquired, get yourself an inexpensive wattage meter to make sure.

If you do want to hook this WEN generator to your home’s power supply, make sure that you purchase the appropriate power transfer switch and have it installed by a certified electrician.  Make sure that this is done in accordance with the National Electric Code, NFPA 70.
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Engine Type and Fuel Considerations

The engine displacement of 212 CC provides 7 HP with its overhead valve 4 cycle engine.  The starting mechanism is a non-contact transistor.  The WEN generators will run on regular unleaded gas with a minimum octane rating of 87.  Of course, use fresh gas, and do not use oil and gas mixture.  Avoid letting dirt or moisture getting into the fuel.  Gas should not be stored for more than 3 months, otherwise add a fuel stabilizer.

The tank holds 4 gallons (15L) of fuel which is enough to run the motor/generator for 11 hours at half load.  There is a fuel gauge which will indicate the level of fuel remaining in the tank and will assist you in filling to the appropriate level.  Of the few negative consumer comments, some were directed to the fuel gauge not working properly.  If that is the case WEN will replace the gauge.

There is a fuel on/off valve which allows fuel to flow to the carburetor.  This is where you can drain the fuel tank if you plan for extended storage.  Also in this area is a fuel filter cup that can be removed and cleaned as necessary.

The choke is a lever type with on/off indicators.  Turning the lever to OFF when starting and slowly moving the lever to ON after a few minutes of run time is all you need to do to get this unit humming.

The generator is EPA approved and with its quiet muffler and spark arrester, making it suitable for use in U.S. National Parks.  The recommended spark plug replacement is NGK BP7ES.

As with ALL portable generators this WEN unit is equipped with a grounding terminal.  Many users of portable generators operate without grounding.  There can be disastrous effects if you neglect taking this step.  Like the old saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”  I suggest you consult the National Electric Code (NEC) Article 250 to read about the grounding of portable generators.  It goes into detail beyond the scope of this review.  In most cases, when the generator is mounted to its frame, the unit is neutral grounded.  There are however, exceptions.  You may read the extensive regulations, or contact WEN or whichever brand you have a question about.
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Starting Mechanism

Starting the WEN generator is simple.   As with ALL portable generators, do not have anything plugged in to the outlet receptacles.  Check the fuel and oil levels.  Open the fuel line, turn the choke lever to off, turn on the start button and pull the recoil start.  In most cases one pull is all that is necessary.

The power indicator light, directly above the receptacles, informs the user of the status of the receptacles. If the light is on, the power is on.  You may then attach your power cords and set your circuit reset buttons to avoid overloading the generator.

When stopping the generator, unplug all devices first.  Unplugging running devices can cause damage to the generator.  Then simply turn the engine switch to off, then turn the fuel valve to off.

The generator must be running to begin using the DC power supply.
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Oil Usage Considerations

WEN generators are shipped without oil. You must add the proper amount of oil before operating the generator for the first time. The oil capacity of the engine crankcase is 20 fluid oz.   Under most ambient conditions of operating temperature, you will use SAE 30 oil.  5W-30 or 10W-30 may also be used in cooler temperatures.  The SAE 30 is not recommended under 40 degrees F.  Select good quality detergent oil bearing the American Petroleum Institute (API) service classifications SJ, SL, or SM.  WEN authorizes the use of synthetic oil throughout the temperature range and you will get longer oil life if you do.

There is a Low-Oil Automatic Shutdown feature to protect the engine should the oil level become too low in the crankcase.  Of course with routine checking of the oil level with each use, you may never need this safeguard.

Changing the oil at recommended intervals or if the oil becomes contaminated is easy.  There is an oil drain plug located directly below the fill hole.  With a 10mm hex wrench, remove the plug and allow the spent oil to drain completely.  It is recommended to perform this when the generator is warm for better draining.  You need not tip the unit to get the oil out as you would with some other brands.

With the run time meter included on this WEN model, it is easier to keep to your maintenance schedule.
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Outlets and Meters

Take a look at the power panel and see two 20 Amp 120 Volt three pronged Receptacles (NEMA 5-20R), one 240/120V Twist-Lock Receptacle (NEMA L14-30). A Voltage Selector Switch allows you to access the 240V feature.  The 240V supply only affects the L14-30 receptacle and not the standard three prong receptacles.  The Voltage Indicator Lights (2) will both light up when the 240V is being supplied to the receptacle.

When set to 120V, both of the three pronged receptacles will supply 25A.  If you move the selector to 240V, the 25 Amps is shared between the three prong and the twist-lock.

Even though rated for 3000 running watts, do not attempt to run more than 2400 watts out of only one of the two 120V receptacles.  Try to even out the power distribution to keep from damaging the unit.

As mentioned earlier the power indicator light will glow green when power is being supplied to the receptacles.

The circuit reset buttons help to prevent the generator from electrical overload. If your receptacle short circuits or becomes overloaded by an electrical device or devices with too great a wattage rating, the circuit protector may shut off power to the receptacle. If this happens, you will see the voltage indicator light or lights turn off and you will not be able to draw power from the overloaded receptacle. In the event of such an overload, disconnect all electrical devices from the generator and press the circuit reset buttons. If power still does not return to the receptacle, call the customer service line.

For DC power, this unit is equipped with a 12V DC outlet.  The maximum draw is 8.3 Amps.  The cigarette-lighter-style receptacle is similar to ones found in cars.  It is NOT intended to charge automotive batteries.  Some common uses are inflators, car vacuums and chargers of various types.  It is protected against overload by an in-line fuse located behind the control panel.  The engine must be running to use this feature.

A digital hour counter, which accumulates the run time hours, helps in deciding when to perform the required maintenance.
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Noise Level – Portability

This gen-set is relatively quiet at idle.  The muffler with spark arrester does its job of keeping the noise level to a respectable 67 decibels at idle speed.  At full load the noise level is 74 decibels which is on the louder side measured at 7 meters.  This makes it an OK choice for outdoor power tool use, but maybe a bit much when you don’t want to annoy fellow campers.

The included mobility kit which will need assembly, makes moving the generator a breeze.  The two flip up handles are nice considering some portability kits only have one handle.  The wheel kit and tools come included with this WEN generator, and the instructions are fully illustrated and easy to follow.  The weight at just over 100 pounds without liquids, means you may need assistance moving it to and from your truck bed.

Once running, the generator stays stable on the ground thanks to the two rubber motor mounts which serves to dampen the vibration.  The two solid wheels and resting feet attach well to the solid 1-inch tubular frame.  Of course always store and run your generator on a level surface.
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Warranty

WEN Power™ generators are warranted (to the original purchaser and not transferable) to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase. Generators used for commercial or for rental have a warranty period of 90 days from date of original purchase.

WEN Power™ will repair or replace, at its discretion, any part that is proven to be defective in materials or workmanship under normal use during the two (2) year warranty period. Warranty repairs or replacements will be made without charge for parts or labor. The warranty does not cover wear or maintenance parts.

Recommended Maintenance

• Check oil after every use.
• Replace oil after first several hours at break in period.
• Replace oil after every 20 hours use or once per month.
• Check air cleaner every use
• Clean air cleaner every 50 hours or 3 months
• Clean fuel filter cup every 100 hours or 6 months
• Check/Clean/Replace spark plug every 100 hours or 6 months
• Clean fuel tank every 300 hours or 1 year

Remember once any generator is filled with oil and gas for the first time, they can NOT be returned via common carrier.  For any repairs, you’ll either have to do it yourself with the help of customer service, or take it to a local repair facility.
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What’s in the Box

• WEN 56352 Portable Generator
• Instruction Manual (illustrated with photos)
• Wheel kit assembly
• Tool kit (4 assembly wrenches)
• Spark Plug Wrench
• Tool Pouch
• One standard three prong plug (NEMA 5-20)
• One Twist-Lock Plug (NEMA 14-30)
• note that the plugs are plug only, no cord

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Dimensions/Weight of the WEN 56352

Dimensions ( L x W x H ):

24.4 inches
17.7 inches
18.5 inches

Weight:

111 pounds
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Pros and Cons

PROS:

• Dual Voltage Capability 120/240V
• Low Oil Shutdown
• Digital Run Time Meter
• DC ability – cigarette lighter type
• Wheel Kit included
• Easy website replacement parts
• Easy fuel drain
• Easy oil change
• 2 Year Warranty

CONS:

• Not CARB Compliant
• No Voltage Meter
• DC not for charging car battery
• Higher Decibel rating
• Oil not included

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Consumer Reviews

This model is a consumer favorite.  The majority of reviewers rate this unit 5 out of 5 Stars.  In fact with over 100 reviews, Only 5 rated it 3 Stars or less on Amazon.com.  Of the complaints, they were usually for how the unit was received.  There were small dents, disconnected fuel line, or missing battery cap.  All raved about how customer service at WEN took care of their issues.

Read more consumer reviews directly from Amazon here: WEN 56352 Portable Generator Reviews

Average Rating: 4.6 Stars

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Price

The price of this unit and of the other WEN model Portable Generators vary depending on where you buy it but Amazon tends to have the lowest price.

Check current pricing discounts:

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Summary

After reviewing the WEN 56352 Portable Generator, I confirm that it’s a good choice for someone looking for a dependable portable generator in with mid-level needs.  For the price is good.  The power is adequate.  The included wheel kit is a plus.  The digital hour meter is unusual for a generator in this price range.  The lack of a volt meter requires that you purchase a separate meter if it is of concern.

Use it as a workhorse on the job, or keep it stored for that emergency.  As a camping generator, it is a bit on the louder side, but still a good, dependable choice for the outdoorsman or for frequent outdoor use.  Still, having it will give you piece of mind in an emergency.

You will not be disappointed with this portable generator, over 75 % of people out of over 100 reviews have given this machine a 5-star review from Amazon alone.
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Filed under: $250 - $499 • Reviews • WEN