The Westinghouse WGen9500c is a gasoline portable generator rated at 9,500 running watts and 12,500 peak watts. It has 120/240-volt outlets, which makes it a candidate for home backup through a properly installed transfer switch. The WGen9500DFc is the same platform with propane added. On propane it drops to 8,500 running watts. Pick the WGen9500c if gasoline is all you’ll use. Pick the DFc if you want to store propane for outages and the lower rating still covers your loads.
This review is based on Westinghouse’s product pages and manuals. Nobody tested either generator for this page.
WGen9500c vs WGen9500DFc
| Item | WGen9500c | WGen9500DFc |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline or propane |
| Running / peak watts, gasoline | 9,500 / 12,500 | 9,500 / 12,500 |
| Running / peak watts, propane | — | 8,500 / 11,200 |
| Gas tank | 6.6 gallons | 6.6 gallons |
| Runtime | Up to 12 hours at 25% load | Up to 12 hours at 25% load on gasoline; up to 7 hours on a 20-pound propane tank |
| Outlets | Two 120V 5-20R duplex, one 120/240V L14-30R, one 120/240V 14-50R, two USB | Two 120V GFCI 5-20R duplex, one 120/240V L14-30R, one 120/240V 14-50R |
| Starting | Electric, remote and recoil | Electric, remote key fob and recoil |
| Safety | CO sensor with automatic shutdown; low-oil shutdown | CO sensor with automatic shutdown |
| Weight | 209.1 pounds | 212.1 pounds |
| Size (L × W × H) | 27.2 × 26.1 × 26.5 inches | 27.2 × 26.1 × 26.5 inches |
| Rated noise | 74 dBA | See product page |
| Warranty | 3-year limited residential | See product page |
Runtime figures assume Westinghouse’s stated load. Heavier loads shorten them.
Plan the loads first
Add up the running watts of everything that will run at the same time. Then add the largest motor-starting surge, such as a well pump, sump pump, refrigerator or central air. The “9500” in the name is not a whole-house rating. On the DFc, if you plan to use propane, size your loads to 8,500 running watts.
Connect it safely
The L14-30R and 14-50R outlets can feed a transfer switch or an interlocked inlet, but a licensed electrician should size and install that equipment. Never backfeed house wiring through a dryer outlet or any other receptacle. Follow the manual for neutral and grounding requirements.
Carbon monoxide
Westinghouse’s manual warns that running a generator indoors can kill within minutes, even in a garage with the door open. CPSC says to run portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. The CO sensor shuts the unit down as a backup. It doesn’t make a garage, porch or shed safe. Keep working CO alarms inside the home.
Fuel and handling
Gasoline gives the higher rating but has to be stored safely and rotated. Propane stores without going stale, but cylinders must stay outdoors, and output can drop in cold weather. At roughly 210 pounds, either model needs a clear, level path from storage to its operating spot.
Verdict
Either generator suits a written, prioritized backup plan that needs 120/240-volt output and has a safe place outdoors to run it. Choose the WGen9500c for gasoline-only use. Choose the WGen9500DFc when storing propane makes you better prepared and 8,500 running watts on propane still covers your loads.