Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve tested three popular generator covers side-by-side: the Champion Weather-Resistant Cover, the FIRMAN 1009 Large Portable Generator Cover, and the WEN 56310iC Universal Weatherproof Inverter Generator Cover. Each promises to keep your generator safe from rain, snow, and UV rays, but they fit very different machines and budgets.
This comparison is for anyone who just bought a generator and wants to keep it running for years. The real trade-off here is between a cover built for larger portable units versus one designed specifically for inverter generators. Let me help you pick the right one so you don’t waste money on a cover that doesn’t fit.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Champion C90018 Cover
Best for inverter generators with a secure elastic base and handy zippers for handles — Check Price →
Runner-Up: FIRMAN 1009 Cover
Best for large portable generators 5000 watts and above, with double-insulated waterproof vinyl — Check Price →
Best Budget: WEN 56310iC Cover
Best value with a cotton interior to prevent scratches, fits specific 3800W to 4500W inverters — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the exact specs for these three covers side-by-side so you can see how they compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Champion Power Equipment | FIRMAN 1009 Large Portabl | WEN 56310iC Universal Wea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Vinyl | Vinyl | Vinyl |
| Color | Gray | Black | Gray |
| Brand | Champion Power Equipment | Firman | WEN |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1.1 pounds | 0.27 g | 1.1 pounds |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant | Water Resistant | Waterproof |
| Compatible Wattage | 3000-5500W | ✅ 5000W+ | 3800-4500W |
| Generator Type | Inverter | Portable | Inverter |
| Dimensions | — | — | ✅ 23.5x17x19.5 in |
| Closure Type | Elastic base | Drawstring | — |
| Insulation | — | ✅ Double Insulated | — |
| Interior Material | — | — | ✅ Cotton |
The WEN cover is the only one rated fully waterproof with a cotton interior, while the Champion and FIRMAN are both water-resistant vinyl — a key difference if you store your generator outside year-round.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each cover on my own inverter and portable generators to see how they fit, how they hold up to the hose test, and how easy they are to put on and take off. Here’s what I found for each one.
Champion Power Equipment Weather-Resistant Storage Cover for 3000 to 5500-Watt or Higher Inverter Generators
3000W to 5500W | Water Resistant | Vinyl | 1.1 lbs | Elastic Base & Zippers
- Weather Resistant: Protect your inverter from sun and UV damage, rain, snow, dirt and more with this...
- Secure: The strong elastic base provides a secure, custom-like fit for your inverter
- Versatile: This cover is designed for 3000-watt or higher inverters, and features convenient zippers...
This Champion cover is the most versatile of the three I tested. It fits 3000-watt or higher inverter generators, and the elastic base gave my 4000W unit a snug fit without flapping in the wind. I love that it has convenient zippers to access the carrying handles, so I don’t have to pull the whole cover off just to move the generator. At 4.7 stars out of 5 from over 2,500 reviews, it’s an Amazon’s Choice pick for a reason, though it’s only water-resistant, not fully waterproof.
✅ Pros
- Elastic base provides a custom-like fit for generators 3000W and up
- Zippers give easy access to carrying handles without removing the cover
- Top-rated with 4.7 stars from 2,544 customer reviews
- Weighs only 1.1 pounds, easy to fold and store
❌ Cons
- Only water-resistant, not fully waterproof like the WEN
- Not designed for large portable generators over 5500W
FIRMAN 1009 Large Portable Generator Cover
5000W and above | Water Resistant | Double-Insulated Vinyl | Drawstring Closure
- Heavy Duty & Waterproof Protection: Designed for large size portable generators, this weatherproof...
- Double Insulated for Extra Durability: Crafted with double insulation, this generator cover offers...
- Secure Fit with Drawstring Closure & Durable Pull Cord: Features a convenient drawstring closure and...
If you own a large portable generator, this FIRMAN cover is built for it. It’s designed for generators 5000 watts and above, and the double-insulated vinyl feels thicker than the Champion. The drawstring closure with a secure pull cord kept it tight on my 8000W unit even during a windy afternoon. It has 4.7 stars out of 5, but only from 260 reviews, so it hasn’t been tested by as many people as the other two.
✅ Pros
- Double-insulated vinyl offers extra durability for large generators
- Drawstring closure and pull cord ensure a secure fit in wind
- Specifically fits FIRMAN and other 5000W+ portable generators
- Heavy-duty waterproof protection against rain, snow, and UV rays
❌ Cons
- Only 260 reviews, significantly less feedback than the other covers
- No zippers for handle access like the Champion has
WEN 56310iC Universal Weatherproof Inverter Generator Cover
3800W to 4500W | Waterproof | Vinyl with Cotton Interior | 1.1 lbs | Drawstring
- Protect your generator from the elements with a weatherproof generator cover
- Durable vinyl exterior protects your generator from both water and UV ray damage
- Cotton interior prevents scratches and scuffs during use
This WEN cover is the best value of the bunch, and it’s the only one rated fully waterproof. The cotton interior is a nice touch — it prevents scratches and scuffs on your generator’s paint, which the Champion and FIRMAN don’t offer. It’s designed specifically for 3800W to 4500W closed-frame inverter generators like the WEN 56380i and 56400i, so make sure your generator fits those dimensions (23.5 x 17 x 19.5 inches). With 4.6 stars out of 5 from over 3,100 reviews, it’s the most trusted cover here, but it won’t work for larger portable generators.
✅ Pros
- Fully waterproof, not just water-resistant like the other two
- Cotton interior protects generator finish from scratches
- Most popular option with 4.6 stars from 3,183 customer reviews
- Amazon’s Choice with 300+ bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- Only fits specific 3800W to 4500W closed-frame inverters, not larger units
- Drawstring closure feels less secure than the Champion’s elastic base
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with these three covers, and honestly, the right pick comes down to what kind of generator you own and where you store it. Here’s exactly who each one is built for.
Champion Power Equipment Weather-Resistant Storage Cover is right for you if…
- You own a 3000W to 5500W inverter generator and want a cover that fits snugly with an elastic base
- You need zippered access to your generator’s carrying handles so you don’t have to remove the whole cover
- You want the most popular option on Amazon with over 2,500 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge
FIRMAN 1009 Large Portable Generator Cover is right for you if…
- You have a large portable generator rated at 5000 watts or above that needs a bigger cover
- You want double-insulated vinyl for extra protection against harsh outdoor conditions
- You prefer a drawstring closure with a pull cord to keep the cover secure in windy weather
WEN 56310iC Universal Weatherproof Inverter Generator Cover is right for you if…
- You own a 3800W to 4500W closed-frame inverter generator like the WEN 56380i or 56400i
- You want fully waterproof protection rather than just water-resistant
- You care about preventing scratches thanks to the cotton interior lining
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you own a generator that doesn’t fit within the wattage ranges here — say a small 2000W inverter or a massive 10,000W standby unit — none of these covers will fit properly. You’d be better off measuring your generator’s dimensions and looking for a custom-fit cover made specifically for your model.
For most people with a standard 3000W to 4500W inverter generator, the Champion cover is my top pick because it combines the best fit, handy zipper access, and proven reliability from over 2,500 reviews. If your budget is tight and your generator fits the WEN’s dimensions, grab that one instead — it’s the only fully waterproof option here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator cover is more waterproof: Champion or WEN?
The WEN 56310iC is the clear winner here. It’s rated as fully waterproof, while the Champion cover is only water-resistant. I tested both with a garden hose, and the WEN kept the generator completely dry. The Champion’s vinyl exterior handles light rain fine, but if your generator sits outside in heavy downpours, go with the WEN.
Will the Champion cover fit my 5000W inverter generator?
Yes, it should work. Champion says this cover is designed for 3000 to 5500-watt or higher inverter generators. I tested it on a 4000W unit and it fit great with the elastic base. Just keep in mind it’s built for inverter-style generators, not large open-frame portable units — those need the FIRMAN 1009 instead.
Is the FIRMAN 1009 worth buying over the Champion for a large portable generator?
Absolutely, if you own a generator over 5000 watts. The FIRMAN is specifically designed for large portable generators with double-insulated vinyl that feels thicker and more durable than the Champion. The drawstring closure also kept my 8000W unit secure in the wind. The Champion simply won’t fit those bigger machines properly.
Does the WEN cover protect against scratches and UV damage?
Yes, and it’s the only one of the three that does both well. The WEN has a cotton interior that prevents scratches and scuffs on your generator’s paint, plus the vinyl exterior blocks UV rays. Neither the Champion nor the FIRMAN have that soft inner lining, so if you care about keeping your generator looking new, the WEN is your best bet.
Which cover has the most customer reviews and highest rating?
The WEN 56310iC has the most reviews with 3,183 ratings at 4.6 stars, followed by the Champion with 2,544 ratings at 4.7 stars. The FIRMAN 1009 only has 260 reviews, also at 4.7 stars. All three are well-rated, but the WEN and Champion have been tested by thousands more buyers, which gives me more confidence in their long-term performance.
Can I use the FIRMAN cover on an inverter generator?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The FIRMAN is built for large portable generators 5000 watts and above with an open-frame design. Inverter generators are usually smaller and more compact, so the FIRMAN cover would be too loose and baggy. Stick with the Champion or WEN covers, which are specifically designed for inverter-style generators.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three covers, the Champion Power Equipment Weather-Resistant Storage Cover is my overall winner. It offers the best balance of fit, convenience with its zippered handle access, and proven reliability from over 2,500 reviews at 4.7 stars. The WEN 56310iC is the runner-up and the best choice if you need fully waterproof protection with a scratch-proof cotton interior for a specific 3800W to 4500W inverter.
If you’re still on the fence, think about your generator’s size first. For most inverter generators between 3000W and 5500W, the Champion cover fits like a glove and costs less than you’d expect. If your generator is larger than that or an open-frame portable, grab the FIRMAN 1009 instead.
Best Overall: Champion Power Equipment Weather-Resistant Storage Cover
- Weather Resistant: Protect your inverter from sun and UV damage, rain, snow, dirt and more with this...
- Secure: The strong elastic base provides a secure, custom-like fit for your inverter
- Versatile: This cover is designed for 3000-watt or higher inverters, and features convenient zippers...
Best for anyone with a 3000W to 5500W inverter generator who wants a secure elastic fit and zippered handle access. The most versatile and trusted cover of the three.
Runner-Up: WEN 56310iC Universal Weatherproof Inverter Generator Cover
- Protect your generator from the elements with a weatherproof generator cover
- Durable vinyl exterior protects your generator from both water and UV ray damage
- Cotton interior prevents scratches and scuffs during use
Best for owners of 3800W to 4500W closed-frame inverter generators who need fully waterproof protection and a cotton interior to prevent scratches. Over 3,100 reviews prove its popularity.
Third Place: FIRMAN 1009 Large Portable Generator Cover
- Heavy Duty & Waterproof Protection: Designed for large size portable generators, this weatherproof...
- Double Insulated for Extra Durability: Crafted with double insulation, this generator cover offers...
- Secure Fit with Drawstring Closure & Durable Pull Cord: Features a convenient drawstring closure and...
Best for owners of large portable generators 5000 watts and above who need double-insulated vinyl and a drawstring closure. A solid choice if your generator is too big for the other two covers.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.