The Westinghouse iGen4500 is the generator we recommend when someone asks for quiet power and doesn't want to pay the Honda premium. At 3,700W running, it delivers nearly double the Honda EU2200i's output for roughly half the price, runs at 52 dB (quieter than normal conversation), and includes remote start as standard — something Honda charges extra for. We've run ours for over 40 hours across load tests and real outage use. Here's the complete picture.
Specifications
| Westinghouse iGen4500 — Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Running Watts | 3,700W |
| Peak / Starting Watts | 4,500W |
| Engine | Westinghouse 224cc OHV |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline or propane (dual fuel) |
| Fuel Tank | 3.4 gallons |
| Run Time at 25% Load | 18 hours (gas) |
| Run Time at 100% Load | ~5 hours |
| Noise Level | 52 dB at 23 feet |
| Start Type | Electric start + recoil backup + remote key fob |
| AC Outlets | 2× 120V 20A, 1× 120/240V 30A TT-30R |
| USB-A | 2× 5V/2.4A |
| THD | Less than 3% |
| Parallel Capable | Yes |
| Weight | 98.1 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Performance Testing
Noise Level
We measured 52 dB at 23 feet at 50% load — 1 dB better than Westinghouse's claim. At 25% load it drops to around 48 dB. At 100% load, 57 dB. For comparison: the Generac GP8000E runs at 74 dB — that's 22 dB louder than the iGen4500 at 50% load, which in practice sounds roughly four times as loud to the human ear. The noise difference between an inverter generator and a conventional generator is not subtle.
Load Testing
Voltage stability was excellent across all load levels — never dropped below 118V at any load up to 3,500W. THD measured 2.3% at 50% load. These are good numbers that confirm clean, stable power safe for sensitive electronics.
Runtime at Real-World Loads
| Load | Claimed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| 25% (~925W) | 18 hrs | 17.2 hrs |
| 50% (~1,850W) | ~10 hrs | 9.4 hrs |
| 75% (~2,775W) | ~7 hrs | 6.5 hrs |
| 100% (3,700W) | ~5 hrs | 4.8 hrs |
Remote Start
The included key fob remote start worked reliably up to about 80 feet through walls in our testing. On cold mornings (38°F), it started cleanly on the first remote press about 80% of the time — occasionally required a second attempt. The electric start button on the unit itself was more reliable in cold conditions. Still, having remote start at all — included in the box — is a meaningful quality-of-life advantage over the Honda EU2200i.
Dual Fuel
Switching to propane took about 30 seconds: close the gas valve, open the propane line, press start. On propane, we measured 3,380W running (91% of gas output) — consistent with Westinghouse's claim. Propane consumption at 50% load ran about 0.45 lb/hour. A standard 20-lb propane tank provides roughly 44 hours of light-load runtime — very useful for extended storage applications.
iGen4500 vs Honda EU2200i: The Real Comparison
| Category | Westinghouse iGen4500 | Honda EU2200i |
|---|---|---|
| Running Watts | 3,700W | 1,800W |
| Noise (50% load) | 52 dB | 52 dB |
| Dual Fuel | ✓ Gas + propane | ✗ Gas only |
| Remote Start | ✓ Included | ✗ Extra cost |
| Electric Start | ✓ | ✗ Recoil only |
| Fuel Tank | 3.4 gallons | 0.95 gallons |
| Weight | 98 lbs | 47 lbs |
| Long-term Reliability | Good (improving) | Exceptional (decades proven) |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
At the same noise level, the iGen4500 produces more than double the wattage for less money, includes remote and electric start, and runs dual fuel. The Honda wins on portability (47 vs 98 lbs) and long-term reliability track record. For most homeowners who want a quiet generator for emergency backup and don't need to carry it long distances, the Westinghouse makes more sense.
Who Should Buy the Westinghouse iGen4500?
Pros
- 3,700W at 52 dB — best wattage-to-noise ratio in class
- Dual fuel included — gas or propane flexibility
- Remote start key fob included as standard
- Clean power (THD <3%) for all sensitive electronics
- 18-hour run time at 25% load — exceptional fuel economy
- Strong value vs Honda at comparable noise levels
Cons
- 98 lbs — needs wheel kit for meaningful movement
- Long-term reliability not as proven as Honda
- Still gas-dependent — CO hazard, outdoor use only
- Won't run central AC (3,700W limit)
Final Verdict
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is the best value in quiet inverter generators. It beats the Honda EU2200i on wattage, features, and price — the only thing Honda does better is long-term reliability, and even that gap has narrowed. For anyone buying a quiet generator for household emergency use who doesn't want to pay the Honda premium, the iGen4500 is the clear recommendation. It's the generator we'd buy in this category if budget mattered.