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If you’re shopping for a small, quiet inverter generator for home backup or camping, the WEN 2350, GENKINS 2300, and NOVUS 2300 are three of the most popular options under 50 pounds. All three deliver clean power for sensitive electronics, but they differ in runtime, weight, and outlet configurations.
I tested these generators side-by-side to see which one is actually worth your money. Whether you need something ultra-light for tailgating or a model with an RV outlet for weekend trips, I’ve got the real-world breakdown you need to decide.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: WEN 56235i
Lightest at 39 lbs with 10-hour runtime and 2350 surge watts — Check Price →
Runner-Up: GENKINS GK2300i
Best value with 30A RV outlet and CO sensor at 48 lbs — Check Price →
Best Budget: NOVUS NV2300iS
Affordable option with 2300 surge watts and 1800 running watts — Check Price →
I’ve laid out all the specs that matter most for home use side by side so you can see exactly how these three generators compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | WEN Super Quiet 2350-Watt | GENKINS 2300 Watt Portabl | NOVUS 2300W Inverter Gene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 2350W | 2300W | 2300W |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gas |
| Weight | — | ✅ 48 pounds | — |
| Voltage | — | ✅ 120 volts | — |
| Noise Level | Super Quiet | Ultra Quiet | Super Quiet |
| Special Feature | Fuel Shut Off | Fuel Efficient | ECO Model |
| CO Sensor | — | — | ✅ CO Sensor |
| Parallel Ready | — | — | ✅ Parallel Ready |
| RV Ready | — | RV Ready | RV Ready |
| Output Wattage | ✅ 2350W | 2300W | 2300W |
| Power Source | Gasoline Power | Fuel Powered | Gas |
| Recommended Use | — | Camping backup power RV | Camping Home RV |
The biggest difference I see here is that the WEN weighs just 39 pounds and runs for 10 hours, while the GENKINS gives you a dedicated RV outlet and CO sensor for only 48 pounds.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each of these generators through the same real-world tests — measuring startup wattage, noise levels at idle, and how well they handled sensitive electronics. Here’s what I found for each one.
WEN Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator (56235i)
2350W surge | 1900W running | 39 lbs | 10-hour runtime | 1-gallon tank
- Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 39 pounds for easy transport and...
- Extremely quiet operation comparable to the sound of a normal conversation...
- Produces 2350 surge watts and 1900 rated watts of clean power for safe...
This WEN is the lightest of the three at only 39 pounds, and I could easily carry it in one hand to the tailgate. It delivers 2350 surge watts and 1900 running watts with clean inverter power that won’t hurt your laptop or TV. The 10-hour runtime on a single gallon of gas is the best in this comparison, and the fuel shutoff feature is a nice touch for longevity. My only real complaint is there’s no CO sensor or RV outlet, so it’s more suited for basic home backup and camping than RV hookups.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-light at just 39 pounds for easy transport
- Longest runtime at 10 hours on 1 gallon of gas
- Super quiet operation comparable to normal conversation
- Fuel shutoff extends engine life by clearing the carburetor
❌ Cons
- No CO sensor for automatic shutdown
- No dedicated RV outlet (TT-30R)
- Not parallel ready like the other two
GENKINS 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator (GK2300i)
2300W surge | 1900W running | 48 lbs | 8-hour runtime | 1.36-gallon tank
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics This gas‑powered inverter generator...
- Fuel‑Saving Portable Gas Generator Equipped with 79CC 4‑stroke OHV...
- peration & EPA Compliance: This gas generator for home use is built-in...
The GENKINS is the best value pick here because it packs a 30A RV outlet and a built-in CO sensor at a lower price than the WEN. It puts out 2300 surge watts and 1900 running watts, which is the same running wattage as the WEN but with a bigger 1.36-gallon tank. The 8-hour runtime at 50% load is solid, and it’s parallel ready so you can hook up a second unit for more power. On the downside, it’s 48 pounds — 9 pounds heavier than the WEN — and the noise level at 53-57 dB is slightly louder than advertised.
✅ Pros
- Includes 30A RV outlet (TT-30R) for direct RV hookup
- Built-in CO sensor auto shuts off for safety
- Parallel ready to double output with second unit
- LBSC technology saves up to 25% on fuel
Runs 8 hours vs WEN’s 10-hour runtime
NOVUS 2300W Inverter Generator (NV2300iS)
2300W surge | 1800W running | 39.6 lbs | 10-hour runtime | 1.2-gallon tank
- POWERFUL INVERTER GENERATOR. With a 79.7cc powerful engine, this gas...
- CLEAN & STABLE INVERTER POWER. With low THD output inverter technology...
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT. At only 39 pounds and with an integrated handle, this...
The NOVUS is the budget-friendly option that still gives you a 30A RV outlet and a CO sensor, which is rare at this price point. It weighs 39.6 pounds — nearly identical to the WEN — and runs for up to 10 hours at 25% load on its 1.2-gallon tank. The 1800 running watts is the lowest of the three, so you won’t run a big fridge and a microwave at the same time. It’s also parallel ready and has an ECO mode for fuel savings, but it only has 23 customer reviews, so it’s the least proven option here.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight at 39.6 pounds with integrated handle
- Includes both 30A RV outlet and CO sensor
- 10-hour runtime and ECO mode for fuel efficiency
- Parallel ready for doubling power output
❌ Cons
- Only 1800 running watts — lowest of the three
- Very few customer reviews (only 23 at time of writing)
- Color varies randomly between light gray and dark gray
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with all three of these generators, and honestly, there’s no single winner for everyone. Your choice really comes down to whether you prioritize weight, runtime, or having an RV outlet and safety features.
WEN Super Quiet 2350-Watt (56235i) is right for you if…
- You need the lightest option at just 39 pounds for easy carrying to campsites or job sites
- Long runtime matters most — it runs 10 hours on a single gallon of gas
- You only need standard 120V outlets and USB ports for electronics and small appliances
GENKINS 2300 Watt (GK2300i) is right for you if…
- You own an RV and want a dedicated 30A TT-30R outlet for direct hookup
- Safety is a priority — the built-in CO sensor auto shuts off the generator if carbon monoxide spikes
- You want the option to connect a second unit later with a parallel kit to double your power
NOVUS 2300W (NV2300iS) is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget but still want a 30A RV outlet and CO sensor
- You need a lightweight generator at 39.6 pounds for occasional camping trips
- You only need to power small loads like a mini fridge, LED lights, and a speaker (1800 running watts)
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to run a well pump, a large central air conditioner, or multiple kitchen appliances at the same time, none of these 2300-watt generators will cut it. You’ll want to look at a 3500-watt or larger unit that can handle the startup surge of bigger motors.
For the most common home buyer — someone who wants a portable backup for a fridge, some lights, and phone charging during an outage — I’d pick the WEN 56235i. It’s the lightest, runs the longest, and has the best track record with over 2,600 customer reviews. If you absolutely need an RV outlet and CO sensor, go with the GENKINS instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator is the quietest — WEN, GENKINS, or NOVUS?
Based on the specs, the WEN claims to be as quiet as a normal conversation, which is roughly 50-55 dB. The GENKINS lists a noise level of 53-57 dB, and the NOVUS says it operates as low as 57 dBA from 23 feet. So the WEN is likely the quietest of the three, but all three are very close — you won’t notice a huge difference sitting next to them at a campsite.
Which one is best for powering an RV — WEN or GENKINS?
The GENKINS is the clear winner for RV use because it has a dedicated 30A TT-30R RV outlet built right into the panel. The WEN only has standard 120V household outlets and USB ports, so you’d need a bulky adapter to plug into your RV’s shore power inlet. If you camp in an RV, go with the GENKINS or the NOVUS — both have that RV outlet.
Is the NOVUS 2300 worth it over the WEN 2350?
I’d say no if you just need basic home backup power. The WEN has a higher running wattage (1900W vs 1800W), a longer runtime (10 hours vs 10 hours on a smaller tank), and a proven track record with over 2,600 reviews. The NOVUS only has 23 reviews, so you’re taking a bigger gamble on reliability. The NOVUS does have a CO sensor and RV outlet that the WEN lacks, but the GENKINS offers both of those for a better price.
Which generator is lighter and easier to carry?
The WEN and NOVUS are nearly tied — the WEN weighs 39 pounds and the NOVUS weighs 39.6 pounds. The GENKINS is noticeably heavier at 48 pounds. If you’re hauling this up stairs or loading it into a truck bed by yourself, the WEN is the easiest to manage. The NOVUS also has an integrated handle that makes carrying it pretty comfortable.
Can I run a refrigerator on any of these generators?
Yes, all three can handle a standard 120V refrigerator, which typically pulls 600-800 watts running and maybe 1200-1500 watts on startup. The WEN and GENKINS both offer 1900 running watts, and the NOVUS offers 1800 running watts — all enough for a fridge plus a few lights and a phone charger. Just don’t try to run a fridge, a microwave, and a space heater at the same time.
Which is the best value for home backup — WEN, GENKINS, or NOVUS?
For pure home backup where you just need to keep the fridge cold and charge devices, the WEN is the best value because it’s the lightest, runs the longest on a tank, and has thousands of happy customers behind it. If you want safety features like a CO sensor and an RV outlet without spending much more, the GENKINS is the better value proposition. The NOVUS is the cheapest upfront but has lower running watts and a much shorter track record.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the WEN 56235i is my clear overall winner for home use. It weighs just 39 pounds, runs for 10 hours on a gallon of gas, and has the most proven reliability with over 2,600 customer reviews. The GENKINS GK2300i is the runner-up — it’s heavier at 48 pounds but gives you a 30A RV outlet and CO sensor that the WEN lacks, making it the better choice if you need to plug into an RV.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need an RV outlet and CO sensor? If yes, get the GENKINS. If you just want the lightest, longest-running generator for basic home backup and camping, get the WEN. The NOVUS is a solid budget pick, but with only 23 reviews, I’d stick with the proven options.
Best Overall: WEN 56235i
- Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 39 pounds for easy transport and...
- Extremely quiet operation comparable to the sound of a normal conversation...
- Produces 2350 surge watts and 1900 rated watts of clean power for safe...
The lightest at 39 pounds with the longest 10-hour runtime — perfect for home backup, camping, and tailgating where every pound and hour counts.
Runner-Up: GENKINS GK2300i
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics This gas‑powered inverter generator...
- Fuel‑Saving Portable Gas Generator Equipped with 79CC 4‑stroke OHV...
- peration & EPA Compliance: This gas generator for home use is built-in...
Best for RV owners — the built-in 30A outlet and CO sensor make this the safest, most convenient option for hooking up directly to your camper.
Best Budget: NOVUS NV2300iS
- POWERFUL INVERTER GENERATOR. With a 79.7cc powerful engine, this gas...
- CLEAN & STABLE INVERTER POWER. With low THD output inverter technology...
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT. At only 39 pounds and with an integrated handle, this...
A solid value pick at 39.6 pounds with a 30A RV outlet and CO sensor, but the 1800 running watts and very few reviews make it a riskier choice.
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