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.
We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend. See our affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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