Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover Review: Protecting Your Power Investment

There’s a unique sense of security that comes with owning a portable generator. It’s a thousand-pound gorilla in your garage, a silent guardian promising to keep the lights on, the refrigerator cold, and your family safe when the grid goes down. We recently invested in a powerful Westinghouse WGen9500DF, a true workhorse ready for anything. But as it sat pristine on our covered porch, a new concern emerged. It wasn’t about fuel or maintenance, but about the slow, insidious damage caused by the elements: the relentless dust of a dry summer, the unexpected downpour, the corrosive morning dew, and the harsh UV rays that degrade plastic and fade paint. Leaving a significant investment like a generator exposed feels like leaving a new car parked on the street with its windows down. This is the problem the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover aims to solve—providing a simple, affordable shield to protect your power source, ensuring it’s in perfect condition the moment you need it most.

What to Consider Before Buying a Generator Cover

A generator cover is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a key solution for asset protection and long-term readiness. Its primary benefit is to shield your generator from environmental hazards during storage. This includes preventing dust and debris from clogging air intakes and sensitive components, repelling moisture that can lead to rust on the frame and corrosion on electrical terminals, and blocking UV radiation that can cause plastic parts to become brittle and crack. A good cover preserves not only the cosmetic appearance of your generator but also its operational integrity, potentially saving you from costly repairs and ensuring a reliable start-up in an emergency. It’s the simplest and most effective maintenance step you can take when the engine isn’t running.

The ideal customer for this type of product is any generator owner who stores their unit in a location with any exposure to the elements—be it a carport, a covered patio, a shed, or even a dusty garage. If you’ve invested in a generator, you are the ideal customer for a protective cover. However, it might not be the right solution for those who require a cover that allows the generator to run during inclement weather. The Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover is explicitly designed for storage and transport only. For those needing to operate their generator in rain or snow, a specialized running cover or generator tent would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fit: A cover is useless if it doesn’t fit properly. A cover that is too tight can be impossible to put on or may tear at the seams, especially around sharp corners or protruding parts like handles and exhaust shields. Conversely, a cover that is too loose can act like a sail in the wind, potentially blowing off and leaving your generator exposed. Always measure your generator’s length, width, and height and compare it to the cover’s dimensions. Pay special attention to “universal fit” claims and check compatibility lists.
• Weather Resistance & Protection: The core function of a cover is protection. Look for materials that are explicitly rated as water-resistant or waterproof to shield against rain and dew. Equally important is UV protection, which prevents the sun from degrading the cover material itself and the generator components underneath. Dust and debris protection is another key factor, as fine particles can work their way into critical engine and electrical parts over time.
• Materials & Durability: The material dictates the cover’s lifespan and effectiveness. Synthetic polyester fiber, like that used in the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover, is a common choice for its balance of light weight, water resistance, and durability. Heavier vinyl or canvas covers offer more rugged protection but can be bulkier and more expensive. Pay attention to the quality of the stitching, as this is often the first point of failure.
• Ease of Use & Securement: A cover should be easy to put on and take off. A lightweight design is a plus, but the most critical feature in this category is the closure system. A simple drawstring or elastic hem is the most common method for securing the cover. A well-designed system will allow you to cinch the cover tightly around the base of the generator, preventing it from being dislodged by wind and keeping out pests like mice or insects looking for a place to nest.

Ensuring your generator is protected is a critical part of owning one. This cover provides that first line of defense, but if you’re still exploring generator options, understanding the nuances of different models is key.

While the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover is an excellent choice for protecting your equipment, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top generator models themselves, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Lightweight Shield for a Heavyweight Machine

Upon unboxing the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At a mere 4 ounces, the synthetic polyester fabric feels exceptionally light, almost like a thin windbreaker. This initially gave us pause, as some user reviews had noted, leading to reservations about its durability. However, the material feels slick and tightly woven, suggesting a good defense against moisture and dust. The high-density stitching along the seams appeared clean and consistent, a positive sign for longevity.

There is no assembly required; it’s ready to use straight out of the package. We immediately took it out to our WGen9500DF. Slipping it over the top was effortless due to the lightweight material. The dimensions (28.5″ L x 24.5″ W x 25″ H) provided ample room to slide down over the entire open frame, control panel, and wheels without any snagging. The iconic Westinghouse “W” logo printed on the side is a nice touch, giving it an official, purpose-built look. The single operational feature is the drawstring at the base, designed to cinch the cover for a secure fit. Our initial impression is that it’s a straightforward, no-frills solution designed for one specific job. The real test, of course, would be how this lightweight material holds up to the elements over time, which you can see in the detailed user feedback online.

A Deep Dive into the Westinghouse Cover’s Real-World Performance

A generator cover seems simple, but its performance hinges on a few critical factors: the quality of its material, the precision of its fit, and the effectiveness of its security. We put the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover through its paces over several weeks, subjecting it to dust, a series of rain showers, and the daily cycle of sun and dew on our covered porch. Our findings reveal a product with clear strengths and some notable limitations that depend heavily on the specific generator you own.

Material and Durability: Surprisingly Resilient for Stationary Storage

The synthetic polyester fiber is the hero and, for some, the potential villain of this story. On one hand, its thin, lightweight nature makes handling the cover an absolute breeze. You can fold it up into a small, compact square and store it easily. During our testing, water from a light rain beaded up and rolled right off, confirming its water-resistant properties. It effectively kept the generator bone dry during a moderate downpour where wind blew rain onto our porch. More importantly, it has been a formidable barrier against dust. After weeks of storage, removing the cover revealed a generator as clean as the day we set it up, a finding echoed by a user who noted, “It is very dusty here and this cover really prevents that dust from damaging our generator.”

However, the question of long-term durability is where opinions diverge. We found the material to be stronger than it looks. We intentionally pulled and stretched it at the seams, and the high-density stitching held firm. This aligns with one of the most compelling user accounts, from a buyer who had reservations about the lightweight feel but reported, “Five years later and it is still protecting our generator.” This suggests that for stationary storage, even in a location partially exposed to the elements but shielded from direct, intense sunlight, the cover has remarkable longevity. On the other hand, the material’s limits become clear when used for transport. One user stated, “After 3-4 short trips with this covering our generator it torn.” This confirms our assessment: it is a storage cover, not a heavy-duty travel tarp. If your primary need is to protect your generator while it’s being moved frequently, a thicker, more rugged material would be a better choice. For its intended purpose of stationary protection, however, this cover’s material proves to be perfectly adequate and surprisingly durable.

The “Universal Fit” Conundrum: A Tale of Two Generator Sizes

This is arguably the most critical aspect of the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover and the source of the most confusion. The product is marketed as a “Universal Fit” for generators up to 9500 rated watts. Our experience confirms it is a perfect fit for the larger end of that spectrum. On our WGen9500DF, it fits like a glove. It drapes completely over the unit, covering the wheels and reaching just to the ground, allowing for a snug cinch with the drawstring. This precise fit is what makes it so effective, as confirmed by users with similar models who say, “Fits perfectly and cover’s completely” and “good quality fits well the westinghouse 9500 12500 Peak watt generator.” For owners of the WGen5500, WGen7500, or WGen9500 series, this cover is not just universal; it’s practically custom-made.

The problem arises with smaller models. The product description lists compatibility with models as small as the WGen2000 and WGen3600. Based on user feedback, this is highly misleading. One frustrated owner of a WGen3600v described the fit as being “like saying a tent fits a newborn,” stating you could “easily fit just shy of 2-3600v’s inside the cover.” The tag on the cover itself reportedly lists compatibility starting from the WGen5500, which corroborates this issue. For these smaller generators, the excessive material makes the cover baggy and difficult to secure. The drawstring becomes functionally useless because you have to fight so much bunched-up fabric, and the cover is prone to being caught by the wind and blown away. Another user reported a different fit issue, where the cover was too tight to fit over the generator’s handle without stretching to the point of tearing. While we did not experience this with our 9500DF, it’s a critical data point for owners of other models. The takeaway is clear: prospective buyers must not rely on the “universal” label. This cover is an outstanding choice for large-frame Westinghouse generators (5500W and up) but a poor and ill-fitting option for the smaller models in the lineup. You can check the exact product dimensions to compare against your specific generator model before buying.

Core Protection and Securement: Effective When It Fits

When properly fitted to a larger generator, the cover’s protective qualities are excellent. Its primary job is to create a self-contained environment around the machine, and it does this well. Beyond just dust and rain, it provides a crucial barrier against pests. As one owner succinctly put it, “I needed to keep the mice and mud daubers out,” a common and often overlooked threat to stored outdoor equipment. The smooth polyester surface and the ability to cinch the bottom create a defense against critters looking to build nests in the warm, sheltered nooks of an engine.

The drawstring closure is the sole mechanism for securing the cover. On our WGen9500DF, we could pull it taut enough to hug the base of the frame, effectively preventing wind from getting underneath and lifting it. It held firm during a moderately blustery day. However, we can easily see how this system would fail on a smaller generator where the cover is oversized. With too much slack, the drawstring can’t gather all the excess material, leaving gaps for wind to enter. Some users with poor fits reported that a “decent gust of wind will blow it away.” One even stated there was “No cinch at bottom as shown in picture,” which likely means it was so loose it was ineffective. Therefore, the security of this cover is directly proportional to its fit. For the right machine, it’s secure and reliable. For the wrong one, it’s little better than a loose tarp, making it essential for buyers to verify compatibility for their specific generator model.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from numerous buyers gives a clear, balanced picture of the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover. The sentiment is sharply divided, and the deciding factor is almost always the size of the user’s generator. Positive reviews consistently come from owners of larger models in the WGen series. One user captured this experience perfectly, stating, “This cover fits perfectly. It’s lightweight so it’s easy to deal with. It’s waterproof so it will protect the generator from rain where I have it on my porch.” Another highlighted its primary function, saying, “I needed something that would protect my generator from the dust until ready to use… The protection is just what I needed.”

On the flip side, the negative feedback is almost entirely centered on the poor fit for smaller generators. One of the most detailed criticisms comes from a WGen3600v owner who found the cover “too tall, too wide, and too long,” concluding that the “ad is lying or they sent the wrong one.” This sentiment is echoed by others who criticize the “universal” claim. The other major point of criticism is the thinness of the material, with one user calling it a “cheap quality thin plastic cover” and another warning it’s not suitable for transport after it tore. This feedback is crucial; it doesn’t necessarily contradict the positive reviews but rather highlights that the cover’s value is highly dependent on the user’s specific application and equipment.

How Does the Westinghouse Cover Compare to the Alternatives?

A protective cover is a vital accessory, but if you’re in the earlier stages of securing backup power, you might be evaluating the generators themselves. While the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover is an accessory, it’s helpful to understand the landscape of power solutions it’s designed to protect. Here’s a look at some popular generator alternatives.

1. WEN 2350-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator

The WEN 56235i is a completely different class of machine. As a super quiet inverter generator, it’s designed for portability and noise-sensitive applications like camping, tailgating, or powering delicate electronics. Its 2350 peak watts are a fraction of what a WGen9500 can produce, so it’s not intended for whole-home backup. Someone would choose the WEN over a larger open-frame generator if their primary needs are low noise levels, clean power for laptops and TVs, and ease of transport. It’s the perfect companion for recreational activities, whereas the larger Westinghouse models are built for emergency home power.

2. Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus Portable Power Station

The Jackery 300 Plus represents another category entirely: the solar generator or portable power station. It uses a LiFePO4 battery and can be recharged via a wall outlet, car, or the included solar panel. It produces no fumes, is silent, and is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for indoor use during an outage (to power small devices), camping, or as a mobile power source for photographers or drone operators. Its limitation is its small capacity (288Wh) and low output (300W). A user would choose the Jackery for its unparalleled portability, silent operation, and eco-friendly recharging, but it cannot run heavy appliances like a refrigerator or AC unit, which is the primary domain of a gas-powered generator like the Westinghouse WGen series.

3. Westinghouse 5000 Peak Watt Portable Inverter Generator

This Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a hybrid of sorts, bridging the gap between small recreational inverters and large open-frame powerhouses. It offers significantly more power than the WEN, capable of running an RV air conditioner or several home appliances, while still being an inverter generator. This means it’s much quieter and more fuel-efficient than its open-frame cousins like the WGen9500. A buyer would opt for this model if they need substantial power but still place a high premium on lower noise levels and clean power output. It’s a great compromise for RV owners or homeowners who want serious backup power without the industrial noise of a traditional generator.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover a Worthy Investment?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Westinghouse WGen Universal Generator Cover is a strong, but conditional, recommendation. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution, despite its name. For owners of large Westinghouse open-frame generators—specifically the WGen5500, WGen7500, WGen9500, and their variants—this cover is an exceptional value. It provides a near-perfect fit, offers reliable protection against the most common storage threats like dust and moisture, and has proven surprisingly durable for stationary use. It’s a lightweight, easy-to-use shield that does exactly what it’s supposed to do for the right machine.

However, we cannot recommend it for owners of smaller Westinghouse models (like the WGen3600v and below) or for those who need a heavy-duty cover for frequent transport. The fit is simply too poor on smaller units, rendering the protective features and securement system ineffective. If you own a large WGen generator and need to protect your investment while it’s stored in a garage, shed, or on a covered porch, this cover is an essential and affordable accessory that will keep your machine ready for action. For the right user, it’s the perfect finishing touch to their emergency preparedness plan. If you have a compatible generator, we believe this is an indispensable addition to your setup, and you can check the latest price and secure one for your machine today.