12500/9500–Watt Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator + Remote Electric Start

This will be a lengthy review and I am in now way being compensated or have any affiliation with Westinghouse. Start with delivery and unboxing: they delivered as promised using XPO, who I had never heard of prior. They were very personable and took good care of the generator prior to and during delivery. They placed it exactly where I wanted in my garage. A+ on delivery. Next assembly and set up: I followed the manual exactly. If you read carefully and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS” you will see the entire quart of included SAE 10-30 oil needs to be added to the generator and they even include a funnel which I did think “what a nice touch”. Everything went smoothly and there were a couple things I noticed. 1. There is a cut off valve on the fuel line for the gas. I would recommend never getting a generator without one because when you are done using your generator you should cut off the fuel and then let it run until it uses all the fuel in the carb so it does not crystallize prior to you using it again. 2. It was so easy to switch between gas and propane, also well explained in the manual. 3. Battery was already charged but they included a battery charger with this model that plugs into a normal 110 outlet and then plugs into the faceplate on the generator to top off the battery. In the owners manuals it states not to leave it plugged into this charger as it is not a trickle charger and may overcharge the battery if it is left charging more than 8 hours. ANOTHER GREAT UNEXPECTED ADDITION. 4 The pairing of the key fob for the auto start was a little weird but, again, if you follow the directions exactly even though it seems weird it worked the first time. 5. It included the wheel and handle kit unlike a lot of other generators I previously priced and researched. Nice size and sturdy wheels as well. Starting: 1. I used propane and I used the auto start. The first time it did not start on the first or second attempt but fired right up on the third and I think that is normal because the fuel had to make it to the motor. 2. Although it did not start on the first crank it had an auto feature that it automatically tries 3 cranks before failing and turning the start/stop indicator to red indicating a start failure. I only pushed the button once. Great feature!!! 3. I love the counter that shows usage to help you determine when to service. Things it came with I was unaware of: 1 a small tool kit 2. Quart of 4 cycle motor oil 3. A fully charged battery 4. A 6.6 gallon main fuel tank for gas which should give you around 12-14 hours of run time. The only negative thing and I hate to mention it because I feel like I am wanting to eat my cake and have it as well. The generator is noisy! It is a 12,500 watt generator and is going to be loud, but be prepared to use some longer cabling and extension cords to get it away from you. We are using this generator to power our home during hurricane and cold weather power losses here in TX. VERY HAPPY WITH THE PIRCHASE!!! It is definitely big enough to run the whole home heater, all three refrigerators, and one freezer as well as all lights and entertainment as well. Advice: if you are using it to power your home speak to your electrician before buying a interlock kit as different breaker boxes use different kits. Great job Westinghouse