Mid-size inverter (3,000–6,000 W running)
WEN DF680iX 6800-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
A 5,100-running-watt dual fuel inverter with an L14-30R at 120/240 V, a TT-30R for an RV and a CO shutdown sensor, at under 100 lb.
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Best for
Furnace blower, fridge and sump pump in an outage, or an RV with one air conditioner
Specifications
| Output (gasoline) | 5,100 W rated / 6,800 W surge |
|---|---|
| Output (propane) | 4,500 W rated / 6,000 W surge |
| Voltage | 120 V / 240 V by selector switch; 21.25 A at 240 V on gasoline |
| Outlets | 120/240 V L14-30R, 120 V TT-30R (RV), two 120 V 5-20R, 12 V DC, 2× USB |
| Neutral | Bonded (WEN) |
| Transfer switch | WEN's manual: connect to a building only through a transfer switch that switches all conductors except the equipment ground |
| CO shutoff | CO Watchdog — automatically shuts the generator down if CO levels get too high |
| Parallel | With another 240 V WEN inverter via WEN's 240 V parallel kit (240 V only) |
| Run time | 6.1 hr at half load on 2.9 gal gasoline; 9 hr at half load on a 20 lb propane tank |
| Noise | 64 dB at 1/4 load (distance not stated) |
| Start | Electric, recoil backup |
| Weight | 94.8 lb |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Specifications as published by WEN. Confirm against the current spec sheet before buying — manufacturers revise models without renaming them.
What's good
- 240 V and an L14-30R in a generator under 100 lb — the lightest 240 V unit here
- Dual fuel with automatic fuel selection: it uses propane when a tank is connected
- TT-30R for an RV plus the L14-30R for the house, so one generator covers both jobs
What's not
- Bonded neutral, and WEN requires a transfer switch that switches the neutral (every conductor except the ground) — an interlock kit, or a typical 30 A switch that leaves the neutral connected, doesn't meet that
- Parallel operation is 240 V only and needs a second 240 V WEN unit
- 2.9-gallon tank: about six hours at half load on gasoline, so overnight runs mean a refill or propane
Our verdict
For the middle tier — furnace blower, refrigerator, sump pump, lights — 5,100 running watts covers the loads with room for the sump pump's start surge, and the L14-30R means it can do it through a transfer switch rather than extension cords. Read the WEN manual's transfer-switch requirement before you buy the switch, not after: it asks for one that switches the neutral. Outdoors only, 20 feet from the house.
Compare with the alternatives
- Westinghouse iGen12000DFc — home backup of the essentials — fridge, freezer, furnace blower, well or sump pump — through a transfer switch
- Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN) — a refrigerator, internet and electronics through an outage, or quiet power at a campsite
- Champion 8500W Wireless Start Tri Fuel Inverter (201537) — homes with natural gas or a large propane tank that want an inverter instead of a standby unit
- Honda EU7000iS — quiet, transfer-switch-ready 240 v backup for essentials when reliability matters more than watts per dollar
- Westinghouse iGen2550DFc — a fridge and essentials on propane, or light use in a 30 a rv