When it comes down to surviving a blackout or a week-long camping trip, you need a good source of electricity to keep your home and RV appliances running.
Champion Power Equipment is one of the leading manufacturers of an inverter, hybrid, and portable generators, meeting the needs of both homeowners and RV campers across the globe.
Give our Champion generator review a read if you’re looking for a safe and sturdy generator for an upcoming outdoor event or only getting a backup power source for your residence.
Why a Champion Generator?
There were plenty of useful features that had us instantly sold on a Champion generator. And the unbeatable price range also had its appeal. Without further ado, let’s see what makes Champion generators so unique!
Parallel Kit
Champion manufactures inverter generators with parallel kit compatibility and stackable features. You can readily connect two inverter generators of the same model for double power and output.
VoltGuard
It is the built-in power surge protector that comes with a Champion generator when the voltage is showing inconsistency or rising above a safe level. This way, your sensitive appliances are protected from voltage spikes.
Champion Generators also incorporate GFCI-protected outlets for preventing electric shock hazards from a ground fault.
Intelligence
When you take good care of any machinery, you can expect years and years of uncompromised service from them. The same applies to Champion generators.
Keeping the engine health in mind, a digital meter is placed on the generator, showing real-time engine hours, frequency, and voltage. It leads you to a clear idea of when to let the engine rest or when it’s time to refill the tank.
Smart Economy Mode
This mode is exclusive to Champion Inverter Generators. It makes the engine run with better fuel efficiency and decreases the power load for extended runtime. In regular portable generators, there’s the low oil shut-off sensor that does a similar job.
Quick Touch Panel
Other than mastering the pull-cord start, the next thing that newbies find it hard is the whereabouts of every switch and learning what they do. Thanks to Champion generators’ Quick Touch panel, everything is laid out in one place and labeled well for anyone to catch up quickly.
Top 10 Champion Generator Review
Champion manufactures top-notch generators with impressive specs, each better than the last in various price points and options.
We will be discussing ten top-of-the-line Champion generators to give you a head start.
Inverter Generators
The reason why inverter generators are our absolute favorite is that they dial up and down the engine rpm according to the electrical load. They produce cleaner energy and are a lot more fuel-efficient, indeed. As for now, we will be talking about four of the best Champion inverter generators below.
1. Champion 4000-Watt DH Series Inverter Generator
The Champion 100302 is a 4000-Watt, lightweight inverter generator that meets your extra power needs at home and outdoors. If you are looking for a cost-effective yet incredible generator that delivers just the right amount of power for surviving a blackout, this is it.
Hailing from the Champion’s Digital Hybrid inverter generator line, this one is 20 percent lighter and 50 percent quieter than any traditional portable generator. The noise level, being 64 dBA, is alright because the wattage is not an entry-level one.
Rather the 3500 running Watts easily makes it a mid-range inverter generator in terms of power.
Its rope start feature is relatively easy to use, and the 4000 surge Watts is perfect for starting many household appliances. Although truth be told, refrigerators and heavy electronics will require a generator between 5000 to 7000 watts.
But then again, the 100302 is genuinely tailored for the campers, which also explains its 0.6-quart oil capacity. The fact that the generator is exceptionally fuel-efficient will save you some bucks and trips to the supermarket.
Furthermore, the smart, 224cc engine is also equipped with a low oil shutdown sensor and a much needed Economy Mode for monitoring real-time power consumption so that you can reduce the electrical load.
Moreover, with a less than 3-percent THD, this Champion generator produces clean power. It helps you to safely charge your delicate electronics such as cellphones, laptops, trimmers, etc.
All the controls are laid out on its Quick Touch Panel for easy selection; on top of that, the generator comes fully assembled. Add gas or oil, and you’re ready to go! It also supports the addition of another inverter generator with the help of a Parallel kit.
Lastly, it can run up to whopping seventeen hours on a low-medium setting.
What We Like Most?
- Includes two 120V 20A household outlets and a 120V 30A RV outlet
- Economy mode for effective power monitoring
- Low oil shut off sensors
- Fuel-saving technology and easy controls
What Could be Better?
- Average choke and oil dipstick quality
2. Champion 3100-Watt Inverter Generator
If you want a reliable source of backup power for your home and RV, this Champion generator will be perfect for you. It features an ultra-quiet operation while delivering clean power for your sensitive electronics.
For starters, this inverter generator comes with a 120V 30A RV outlet besides two 120V 20A home outlets. The 12V DC outlet comes with a dual USB adapter and battery charging cords.
Besides, the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) being less than 3%, powering up delicate appliances will no longer be a cause of worry. Moreover, the generator flaunts the Smart Economy Mode, as seen on Champion’s high-end generators for saving up power and fuel.
The Smart Economy Mode, coupled with its dedicated fuel-efficiency, makes this generator a wise choice for your RV camping and tailgating. It can decrease the electrical load, providing a quieter and longer performance, and extend the engine life.
On top of that, the noise level is 58 dBA; it’s comparatively less noisy than the ones with similar wattage.
You can access all the controls on its Quick Touch Panel. The fuel can is easy to fill and empty as well. Just like the Champion 100302 4000W inverter generator, this one also has a 0.6-quart oil capacity.
It can drive up the wattage up to 3100-Watts, which is its starting wattage. But the 171cc engine will have 2800 running watts and deliver clean power up to 8 hours.
The cast iron sleeve adds more durability to the device. It has built-in handles for you to carry it while you’re out camping. The wheels make it easy to roll around the generator and operate from a safe distance.
Lastly, the push-to-reset circuit breakers and the low fuel shut-off were two features we found to be extremely useful.
What We Like Most?
- 1.6 Gallon fuel tank and 0.6L oil capacity
- Built-in handle and wheels for easy carrying
- Push-to-reset circuit breakers
- Extended fuel economy on the Smart Economy Mode
What Could be Better?
- Doesn’t support parallel connection
3. Champion 100148 2000-Watt Inverter Generator
This is a lightweight yet powerful inverter generator that you can pack with your RV essentials or store at the back of the truck for uninterrupted power. Even when you’re miles away from the reach of electricity, turning on power tools or charging various devices shouldn’t be a problem.
The 100148 inverter generator might seem like a step down from Champion’s similar products with a better wattage, and truth be told, at first, you would think there aren’t many heavy-duty appliances you can power up with this one.
But it’s a stackable inverter generator, which means that when you need more power coverage, you can make use of its RV-ready outlet and connect another generator with the Parallel kit.
One of these inverter generators can supply a smooth 9.5 hours of runtime with a super quiet 53 dBA engine. You won’t have to speak at the top of your voice when you’re having a conversation with your family nearby.
And a low-noise operation truly helps sustain the magical RV experience for you and the fellow campers.
You can start this generator right out of the box after filling the fuel tank. That said, the assembly will have been taken care of before the generator will be supplied to you.
Moreover, because this one here is a stackable inverter generator, you can buy a second and a third one and connect them in a parallel manner for increasing the power output as well as runtime.
Be it a 7.5A grinder or a 7A impact wrench or an orbital palm sander. The generator will run effortlessly with a low hum and supply your power.
As you move up to the more significant power tools, installing a second one will help you run a much greater range of electronics such as circular saws, drill machines, washing machines, heaters, and air coolers.
While it is a known factor that taking care of Champion generators is the easiest thing, if you want the generator to last and the engine to stay healthy, you can install a third-party hour meter for tracking the engine schedules. It can help the engine to cool off and let you know what to expect.
What We Like Most?
- A whopping runtime of 9.5 hours
- Able to run low to mid-range power tools
- You can stack multiple Champion 2000W inverter generators
- Low-noise operation
What Could be Better?
- The second inverter generator got to have the same interface for parallel connection
4. Champion 3400-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Whether you are going for RV camping or tailgating, a 3400-Watt inverter generator is a must-have for keeping your essential electronics running. You can run this generator on either gas or propane and get a 7.5 hour long supply of clean power!
Unlike the traditional fuel-powered generators that always run on full throttle, a premium inverter generator such as this will not burn up all the fuel. Instead, it can deliver clean energy with a minimum amount of THD (less than 3-percent) for the safety of your sensitive devices.
Moreover, it features an electric start rather than the pull cord start, which is very convenient because now you only need to press a button!
You are going to find multiple uses other than leaving it in the garage for emergency home use. For example, you can bring it along with your RV rides, tailgating, camping grounds, or simply use it for powering up some necessary hand tools if you happen to work on a DIY project.
Its ParaLink parallel kit helps you join two inverter generators for doubling up the power.
Lastly, the generator includes a standard 50-amp RV outlet and powers up to two 15,000 BTU RV air conditioners. It can deliver 3100 running watts to comfortably run various appliances such as lights, fans, blenders, refrigerators, electric grills, coffee makers, and so on.
So, if you were planning on a family bbq dinner this camping season, get it started!
What do We like Most?
- Suitable for sensitive electronics
- Produces pure sine wave power
- Runs on propane or gasoline
- Electric start with the 3-step ignition switch
What Could be Better?
- Average gasoline capacity
Portable Generators
The durability, efficiency, and extended runtime of Champion portable generators are unmatched. When the engine roars back to life, you can expect an uninterrupted power supply and sound performance for hours on end. Keep on reading to know more!
1. Champion 100165 9375/7500-Watt Generator
The Champion 100165 features Intelligauge- a three-digital mode meter comprising runtime hours, voltage, and hertz to give you real-time updates on the engine health and load.
While it’s true that Champion makes some of the most dependable portable generators, the 100165 exceeded our expectations with a wide range of user-friendly specs.
For starters, it has a low oil shutoff design that will halt the operation and alert that the fuel is running out. This portable generator is not only CARB compliant but also EPA certified; so, you know you are getting the best and the safest deal on a mighty Champion generator!
The generator also comes with four 120V 20A household outlets with GFCI, ground-fault circuit interrupter. It is a circuit breaker designed to turn off the power when a ground-fault, a common form of electrical hazard, has occurred within 1/40 of a second.
On top of that, both the electric start and recoil start option come side by side in this heavy-duty generator.
It supports both gasoline and propane, hence the name Dual Fuel. Now, the best part about this feature is not just the versatile option of fuel. Rather it is the varying wattage that provides similar fuel-efficiency like an inverter generator.
When on gasoline, the generator will have 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts. It can drive up the wattage up to 8400 and run at 6750 watts on propane. That said, you can enjoy a great runtime of 8 hours on gasoline and a decent 5.5 hours on propane.
What We Like Most?
- Digital meter for monitoring volt, hertz, and runtime hour
- Supports recoil and electric start
- GFCI protected outlets eliminate ground-fault
- Includes a safety fuel selector button
What Could be Better?
- Weighs 202.4 pounds
2. Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Generator
Featuring a safety fuel selector switch, the Champion 76533 gives you the luxury to switch between your choice of fuel and delivers power to your home, workspace or RV. It makes up an excellent solution to your power outage and lets you run various appliances comfortably.
To begin with, this is an RV-ready generator equipped with a standard 30A RV outlet. It can run a 15,000 BTU RV conditioner. Other than that, if you are looking for a power source to dabble in DIY woodworking projects, a 3800-Watt generator suffices.
And what’s better than the 76533 to power up your tools? It comes with Volt guard, an innovative surge protector that saves tour appliances from voltage spikes above a certain threshold.
Its Cold Start technology helps start the generator in cold weather. Moreover, it is housed in a highly durable steel structure with a foldable handle and wheels.
Maneuvering the generator to a safe distance from your house and campsite is now the easiest. Sump pumps, lights, refrigerators, furnace blowers, routers, and fans are some electronics that the Champion 76533 can run.
The generator includes a 120V 30A RV outlet, 120V 30A locking, and two regular household outlets. Intelligauge, the generator’s built-in digital meter for showing runtime, Volt, and Hertz, helps you decide when to let its 224cc engine rest for better engine life.
Lastly, if you want a generator that emits way fewer pollutants in the air, you’ll be happy to know that the Champion 76533 is CARB compliant in all 50 states.
What We Like Most?
- 3.4 Gallon gasoline tank and propane inlet
- Volt Guard for protecting your electronics from spikes
- Push-button electric start with a battery charger
- 9-hour run time on a full tank of gas
What Could be Better?
- Recoil start doesn’t support gasoline when the battery is dead
3. Champion 8000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
This portable generator from Champion ticks all the boxes in terms of power, durability, runtime, and safety. It is loaded with a bunch of safety features so that you and your family can have a good night’s sleep and use every household appliance without worry!
With a striking 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts, gasoline is one of the two choices of fuel you get in this portable generator. It sports Champion’s patented fuel selector, which allows safe and easy switching between gasoline and propane.
So, if you have a 20-pound fuel tank, connecting it to the generator and pressing the electric start can get you 9025 starting watts alongside 7250 running watts. It is more than enough to run a 40,000 BTU central air conditioner for your home, which will take 6000 running watts.
Moreover, you can set this portable generator on either gasoline or propane and run commonly used household appliances, power tools, and kitchen necessities of all kinds.
For example, a 625W microwave oven, freezer, garage door opener, furnace fan, well pump and sump pump, drill machine, circular saw, halogen work light, electric grill, etc. run beautifully on this workhorse of a generator!
Lastly, the noise level takes a big hit from this generator’s much more effective and rigorous operation. The noise level stays at 74 dBA from 23 feet, sounding noticeably louder than a vacuum cleaner. Want to dial down the noise? You can purchase an automotive muffler for up to a fifteen-decibel reduction.
What We Like Most?
- Comes with a 3.3-feet propane hose
- Four GFCI protected 120V 20A outlets
- Low oil shutoff sensor
- It Runs 8 hours on gasoline at a 50-percent load
What Could be Better?
- Loud operation
4. Champion 46596 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator
For an RV-ready portable generator, 3500 watts is indeed a good number when you’ll be powering up an electric grill or heater apart from regular fan and light outlets. The Champion 46596 is an incredible generator that comes at a reasonable price and runs wonderfully well.
For starters, Champion takes both user safety and device safety very seriously. It not only comes with a built-in automatic voltage regulator but also includes a backup VoltGuard for preventing overload.
This smart feature also comes in handy when voltage spikes are a common issue in your region. Besides, like many portable Champion generators, this one includes a Cold Start technology for making your winter days comfortable.
You have no reason to take the 196cc engine lightly. This unique power equipment will deliver 12 hours of service on a 50-percent load, which is significantly higher than most portable generators out there.
Its durable steel frame makes the generator sturdy for withstanding the rigors of camping.
As we have mentioned before, VoltGuard protects your electronics from power surges.
Next up, the IntelliGauge, which is also seen on the top-of-the-line Champion generators, is a digital meter for showing different metrics for you to understand the generator’s output, runtime, and load plans your usage accordingly.
Lastly, it comes equipped with a 3.8 Gallon fuel tank and a standard 39A outlet. The generator can power up a 15,000 BTU air conditioner for your RV.
What We Like Most?
- Rugged, high-quality steel frame
- Cold Start technology and recoil starting options
- Runs half a day on a full tank
- Voltmeter shows you real-time power output
What Could be Better?
- Doesn’t support propane
5. Champion Power Equipment 42436 1500/1200-Watt
Enjoy a good 10-hour long runtime on this 1200-watt generator and recharge your precious electronics with ease. The Champion 42436 is a budget-friendly option for backup power equipment.
When it comes to camping, tailgating, or a simple family vacation, you need a generator that will have your back. Lights, ovens, fans, television, router, and cell phone charger are the top-priority things that instantly come to mind if we list down our most used items in a day.
Luckily for this mid-range generator, its 80cc, single-cylinder engine easily handles emergencies without breaking your bank.
Equipped with a push-to reset circuit breaker alongside the low oil shutoff feature, the 42436 is an outstanding choice of backup electricity when the primary source is temporarily down.
At only 50 percent load, the generator runs nearly half a day. That said, you don’t usually expect a high coverage such as this that belongs to a generator other than the inverter type.
The oil change is an easy job even for the most inexperienced lot; the package includes a complimentary oil funnel for effortless oil refills. Moreover, 42436 is EPA certified. You don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning when you place this generator at a safe distance from your RV.
On top of that, being a CARB-compliant generator releases fewer amounts of pollutants in the air.
What We Like Most?
- 10-hour runtime on 50-percent load
- Lightweight yet durable steel casing
- Built-in Voltmeter and push-to-reset circuit breaker
- EPA certified and CARB compliant
What Could be Better?
- No parallel capacity
6. Champion 100555 4375/3500-Watt Portable Generator
This gas-powered generator is packed with a bunch of handy features that will take your RV camping days up a notch. Its built-in surge protector, cold start technology, and IntelliGauge come together to make a powerful portable generator that is meant to last!
The 208cc engine delivers a smooth 12-hour runtime at only a 50-percent load. Its IntelliGauge helps you track the engine health against three different metrics: runtime, voltage, and frequency. Although for a 3500-watt generator, it makes quite the racket when you place it close to your RV.
But the fact that this specific model is so lightweight and comes with two handles makes it a number one favorite among regular campers across the country.
Champion incorporated the pull cord starting mechanism and kept the electric start option exclusive to other high-end models from their portable generator series. The parallel kit compatibility is yet to be seen in regular generators, whereas nearly every inverter generator by Champion supports it.
Next up, let’s talk about the outlet specs. The 1000555 comes with a 120V 30A RV outlet beside a 120V 30A locking outlet. Then there are two 120V 20A household outlets for running electronics such as a refrigerator, coffee maker, heater, microwave, fans, and lights.
It produces 4375 starting watts to power up the rather heavy appliances such as washing machine, freezer, electric grill, and some power tools.
What We Like Most?
- 12-hour runtime on 50-percent load
- 4375 starting watts and 3500 running watts
- 4.8 Gallon gasoline capacity
- Cold start technology
What Could be Better?
- Doesn’t include a wheelset
What to Look For Before Buying
When spending a couple of hundred bucks is involved, you want the best features in your portable generator. That said, we are here to guide you on the key elements that make any generator stand out from the rest!
Power Output
The generator’s output needs to match your requirements. You’ll have to decide beforehand the number of appliances you would use during a trip or a power outage.
If it comprises heavy electronics such as a washing machine, freezer, heater, dishwasher, iron, etc., go for an 8000-watt portable generator to run these power-hungry appliances comfortably for hours.
User-friendly Features
A push-to-reset circuit breaker will prove its worth when there’s an overload. If the generator comes with GFCI-protected household outlets, a ground fault is not something you’ll need to worry about.
Moreover, carbon monoxide poisoning and air pollution are two downsides of running a generator, they are securely kept at bay when you settle for an EPA certified or a CARB-compliant generator.
Compatible Electronics
The generator’s wattage will say a lot about the electronics you can power up and run with its power. For that, you’ll have to have a clear idea about starting watt and running watt.
More so, the former is the temporary wattage needed for powering up some motor-driven electronics such as a freezer. And the running watts are simply the spontaneous power required to keep these appliances running.
Any generator below 3500-watt will struggle much in powering up the heavier bunch of electronics. But for an RV, even a 1200-watt generator can be used for the most basic sorts of electricity needs.
That said, the best thing about inverter generators is that you can stack multiple ones for increased power output and coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Time for the much-awaited FAQ section of our guide. This penultimate section will answer some of your most burning questions and ensure that you know more answers than your friends when dealing with and buying generators.
How is a dual-fuel portable generator better?
Many mid-range and high-end portable generators will support both gasoline and propane as their fuel type. There’s a smart switch that allows you to switch between the two options safely.
This feature is undeniably useful because propane has an incredible shelf life and keeps the engine in excellent condition.
What is Cold Start on a portable generator?
It’s a technique that helps to hard start engines. After choking the engine normally, find the governor arm, which should be above the generator’s recoil assembly. Turn this governor arm towards the carburetor and to the idle position. Let go of the arm as you turn on the engine. Push the choke in as soon as the engine starts.
Why is my Champion generator surging?
Although there might be a few reasons behind a surge, the most common one is improper fuel use and quality. We suggest you use the advised fuel type that your generator supports. Use a stabilizer with old gas and check the carburetor for holes or clogging.
What is ground-fault on a generator?
It is an accidental contact between the ground and a conductor. An insulation breakdown causes ground fault, and it is, 80 percent of the time, the main reason for short circuits.
How to stop my generator from leaking gas?
If your generator is leaking gas, there might be a problem in the carburetor. It is most likely the bowl gasket that needs to be checked for holes, and if present, you need to replace the gasket to stop the leak.
Final Words
By this time, you must be sure about the fact that one simply cannot go wrong with a Champion generator. Not only will it be a smart option for your emergency power solution at home, but it also inspires you to pack up and leave for a rejuvenating RV trip with your friends.
We hope that our Champion generator review was of help.
