When shopping for a reliable backup generator, two brands consistently rise to the top: Generac and Westinghouse. Both companies offer powerful dual and tri-fuel portable generators that can keep your home running during outages or power your outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll examine the Westinghouse WGen9500DF and the Generac GP9500 to help you choose the best generator for your needs.
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Overview: Two Powerhouses Go Head-to-Head
Westinghouse WGen9500DF: A dual-fuel generator offering 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline, with propane capability and remote start functionality.
Generac GP9500: A tri-fuel generator providing 12,500 starting watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline, with the added flexibility of running on propane or natural gas.
Power Output Comparison
Both generators deliver similar power output, making them suitable for whole-house backup or heavy-duty applications:
Westinghouse WGen9500DF
- Gasoline: 12,500 peak watts / 9,500 running watts
- Propane: 11,200 peak watts / 8,500 running watts
- Engine: 457cc 4-stroke OHV with cast iron sleeve
Generac GP9500
- Gasoline: 12,500 starting watts / 9,500 running watts
- Propane/Natural Gas: Similar output with fuel selector dial
- Engine: 500cc OHV engine
Winner: Tie for gasoline performance, slight edge to Generac for the larger 500cc engine and natural gas capability.
When shopping for a reliable backup generator, two brands consistently rise to the top: Generac and Westinghouse. Both companies offer powerful dual and tri-fuel portable generators that can keep your home running during outages or power your outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll examine the Westinghouse WGen9500DF and the Generac GP9500 to help you choose the best generator for your needs.
Overview: Two Powerhouses Go Head-to-Head
Westinghouse WGen9500DF: A dual-fuel generator offering 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline, with propane capability and remote start functionality.
Generac GP9500: A tri-fuel generator providing 12,500 starting watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline, with the added flexibility of running on propane or natural gas.
Power Output Comparison
Both generators deliver similar power output, making them suitable for whole-house backup or heavy-duty applications:
Westinghouse WGen9500DF
- Gasoline: 12,500 peak watts / 9,500 running watts
- Propane: 11,200 peak watts / 8,500 running watts
- Engine: 457cc 4-stroke OHV with cast iron sleeve
Generac GP9500
- Gasoline: 12,500 starting watts / 9,500 running watts
- Propane/Natural Gas: Similar output with fuel selector dial
- Engine: 500cc OHV engine
Winner: Tie for gasoline performance, slight edge to Generac for the larger 500cc engine and natural gas capability.
Fuel Flexibility: Dual vs. Tri-Fuel
This is where these generators diverge significantly:
Westinghouse: Dual-fuel operation (gasoline and propane) with straightforward switching between fuel types.
Generac: Tri-fuel capability adds natural gas to gasoline and propane options, providing maximum fuel flexibility. The fuel selector dial allows seamless switching between all three fuel types.
Winner: Generac takes this category with its tri-fuel versatility, especially valuable if you have a natural gas line available.
Runtime and Fuel Capacity
Westinghouse WGen9500DF
- Fuel tank: 6.6 gallons
- Runtime: Up to 12 hours at 50% load
- Built-in fuel gauge
Generac GP9500
- Fuel tank: 7.5 gallons (steel construction)
- Runtime: Up to 9.5 hours at 50% load
- Built-in fuel gauge
Winner: Westinghouse edges out with longer runtime despite the smaller tank, suggesting better fuel efficiency.
Runtime and Fuel Capacity
Westinghouse WGen9500DF
- Fuel tank: 6.6 gallons
- Runtime: Up to 12 hours at 50% load
- Built-in fuel gauge
Generac GP9500
- Fuel tank: 7.5 gallons (steel construction)
- Runtime: Up to 9.5 hours at 50% load
- Built-in fuel gauge
Winner: Westinghouse edges out with longer runtime despite the smaller tank, suggesting better fuel efficiency.
Starting Systems and Convenience
Both generators offer multiple starting options, but with different approaches:
Westinghouse Features:
- Push-button electric start with automatic choke
- Remote start key fob (260-foot range)
- Traditional recoil start backup
- VFT display showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours
Generac Features:
- Electric start with included battery
- No remote start capability
- Manual starting backup
- Basic control panel
Winner: Westinghouse wins decisively with its remote start capability and advanced VFT display.
Safety and Protection Features
Westinghouse Safety Features:
- Automatic low oil shutdown
- GFCI outlets with rubber covers
- Digital hour meter for maintenance tracking
- EPA compliant
Generac Safety Features:
- COsense® technology for carbon monoxide protection
- Automatic low oil shutdown
- Covered outlets for environmental protection
- 49-state compliant (restrictions may apply in California)
Winner: Generac takes this with its advanced COsense® carbon monoxide detection system, a potentially life-saving feature.
Build Quality and Portability
Westinghouse Construction:
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Heavy-duty never-flat wheels
- Lift bracket and handle included
- Cast iron engine sleeve for durability
Generac Construction:
- Weight: 219 pounds
- Heavy-duty never-flat wheels
- Steel-tube cradle frame
- Handle and wheel kit included
- Rugged design for harsh environments
Winner: Slight edge to Westinghouse for being 9 pounds lighter while maintaining robust construction.
Build Quality and Portability
Westinghouse Construction:
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Heavy-duty never-flat wheels
- Lift bracket and handle included
- Cast iron engine sleeve for durability
Generac Construction:
- Weight: 219 pounds
- Heavy-duty never-flat wheels
- Steel-tube cradle frame
- Handle and wheel kit included
- Rugged design for harsh environments
Winner: Slight edge to Westinghouse for being 9 pounds lighter while maintaining robust construction.
Outlets and Connectivity
Both generators offer comprehensive outlet configurations for various applications:
Westinghouse Outlets:
- Two GFCI 120V 5-20R 20A standard household receptacles
- One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A
- One RV Ready 120/240V 14-50R 50A
Generac Outlets:
- Multiple 120V household outlets
- Transfer switch ready connections
- RV-ready outlet configuration
- Covered outlets for protection
Winner: Tie – both offer comprehensive outlet options suitable for home backup and RV use.
Customer Feedback and Reliability
Westinghouse Customer Reviews:
- Praised for reliability and easy starting
- Remote start feature highly valued
- Good value for money
- Mixed reviews on noise levels
Generac Customer Reviews:
- Easy setup and operation
- Good power output for most appliances
- Mixed reviews on reliability and noise
- Some starting issues reported
Winner: Westinghouse appears to have slightly more consistent positive feedback, particularly regarding reliability.
Warranty and Support
Westinghouse:
- 3-year limited warranty
- Lifetime technical support
- Nationwide customer service network
- Established since 1886
Generac:
- Manufacturer warranty available through customer service
- #1 selling brand of home standby generators
- Extensive dealer network
- Founded in 1959
Winner: Westinghouse with its clearly stated 3-year warranty and century-plus track record.
Price and Value
Both generators are competitively priced in the premium portable generator market. The Westinghouse typically retails slightly lower than the Generac, making it an attractive value proposition when considering its feature set.
Final Verdict: Which Generator Should You Choose?
Choose Westinghouse WGen9500DF if you want:
- Remote start convenience
- Longer runtime efficiency
- Advanced display features
- Proven reliability
- Better warranty coverage
Choose Generac GP9500 if you want:
- Maximum fuel flexibility (tri-fuel)
- Advanced carbon monoxide protection
- Slightly more robust construction
- Brand recognition in the generator market
- Natural gas capability
Warranty and Support
Westinghouse:
- 3-year limited warranty
- Lifetime technical support
- Nationwide customer service network
- Established since 1886
Generac:
- Manufacturer warranty available through customer service
- #1 selling brand of home standby generators
- Extensive dealer network
- Founded in 1959
Winner: Westinghouse with its clearly stated 3-year warranty and century-plus track record.
Price and Value
Both generators are competitively priced in the premium portable generator market. The Westinghouse typically retails slightly lower than the Generac, making it an attractive value proposition when considering its feature set.
Final Verdict: Which Generator Should You Choose?
Choose Westinghouse WGen9500DF if you want:
- Remote start convenience
- Longer runtime efficiency
- Advanced display features
- Proven reliability
- Better warranty coverage
Choose Generac GP9500 if you want:
- Maximum fuel flexibility (tri-fuel)
- Advanced carbon monoxide protection
- Slightly more robust construction
- Brand recognition in the generator market
- Natural gas capability
The Bottom Line
Both generators are excellent choices that will serve you well during power outages or outdoor activities. The Westinghouse WGen9500DF wins on convenience features, runtime, and value, while the Generac GP9500 takes the lead on fuel flexibility and safety features.
For most homeowners, the Westinghouse offers the best combination of features, reliability, and value. However, if you have natural gas access or prioritize maximum fuel options, the Generac’s tri-fuel capability makes it the better choice.
Ultimately, both generators represent solid investments in backup power, and your choice should align with your specific needs, fuel availability, and feature preferences.
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