7 Best Champion Generators: Powerful Machines with Excellent Runtime

In today’s world, it is impossible to spend hours without having a connection with electricity. The only effective solution to deal with a power outage is to use a generator to keep your essentials running. However, there are many companies that manufacture the best quality generators; one company that is considered the best among all is Champion Power Equipment.

Champion is a leading manufacturer in the field of power equipment. Since 2003, it has earned a great reputation for manufacturing premium quality generators. Alone in North America, more than 2.5 million Champion generators have been sold.

So, if you are looking for a Champion generator then here we have reviewed the seven best champion generators to make the selection process easier for you.

Best Champion Generators

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Product Name
Features

Ratings

Reviews

Check Price

Westinghouse lightweight power station

Champion 100302 DH Series Inverter

  • 224cc Champion OHV engine

  • 2.9-gallon fuel tank

  • Cold Start Technology

Champion power station with 439cc engine

Champion 100263 Portable Generator

  • 192cc, 4-stroke Champion engine

  • 1.6-gallon gasoline fuel tank

  • Cold Start Technology

Honda power station with 52 dBA noise level

Champion 76533 RV Ready Portable Generator

  • 224cc, 4-stroke, engine

  • 3.4 gallons fuel tank

  • 68 dBA noise level

CAT power station with 420cc engine

Champion 100165 Generator

  • 439cc, 4-stroke engine

  • 6.1 gallons fuel tank

  • ColdStart Technology

Sportsman power station with long runtime

Champion 46596 Portable Generator

  • 196cc Champion single-cylinder engine

  • Recoil start system

  • 3.8-gallon fuel tank

Smarter tools ST power station with 6750 watts output

Champion 75537i Portable Inverter Generator

  • 1.6-gallon fuel tank

  • 171cc, 4-stroke engine

  • Low-oil shutdown

Briggs & Stratton power station with 10,000 watts output

Champion Power Equipment 100148 Generator

  • 53 dBA noise level

  • 9.5 hrs runtime at 25% load

  • Recoil start system

1. Champion 100302 DH Series Inverter – Excellent Runtime

Champion inverter generator

Parallel Capable: This digital hybrid, open frame inverter generator is parallel capable. You can either link up to two 2800-watt generators or a digital hybrid with the help of a parallel kit.

Engine: It comes with a 224cc Champion OHV engine.

Power Output: The unit produces 4000 watts of peak power and 3500 watts of running power.

 Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: With only a 2.9-gallon fuel tank capacity, the unit offers 17 hours of runtime at a 25% load. This runtime is really massive.

Noise Level: Its noise level is 64 dBA that makes it quieter than a conventional 3500-watt generator.

 Start System: This CARB compliant unit has a recoil start system with a Cold Start Technology. This Cold Start Technology ensures a quick and easy start in winters.

Economy Mode: It also features an economy mode that reduces the electric load by effectively monitoring power consumption in real-time.

Power Outlet: Its control panel has two 120V AC household outlets, one 120V 30A RV outlet, and a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter.

Safety Features: The low-oil shutoff sensor turns the engine off when it senses lower oil levels.

Pros: It is a very fuel-efficient generator that offers the best runtime. It also performs well and is lighter and quieter than many generators.

Cons: There are no wheels for portability. Also, it is expensive than standard non-inverter units.

2. Champion 100263 Portable Inverter Generator – Best Dual Fuel Champion Generator

Champion portable inverter generator

Dual Fuel System: It is a dual fuel RV and parallel-ready inverter generator that runs on both gasoline and propane. You can easily switch between the two fuel sources with the help of fuel selector dial.

Engine: The unit is powered by a 192cc, 4-stroke Champion engine with a cast iron sleeve.

Power Output: On gasoline, it produces 3400 peak watts and 3100 running watts. But on propane, it generates 3060 peak watts and 2790 continuous watts.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It has a 1.6-gallon gasoline fuel tank that gives 7.5 hours of runtime at a 25% load. But with a 20 lb. propane tank, the engine runs for 14.5 hours at 25% load.

Economy Mode: The economy mode reduces the electric load, saves fuel, improves the engine life, and provides noise-less operation.

Start System: The generator features both the electric start (3-position ignition switch) and the recoil start system. The electric start system incorporates the battery and Cold Start Technology.

Noise Level: 59 dBA is its noise level from 23 feet.

Power Outlets: There are two 120V AC outlets, a 12V DC receptacle with a dual USB adapter, and a 120V 30A RV outlet.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown and overload protection with light indicators.

Parallel Capable: The unit is also parallel capable to help you in generating more power by connecting two generators in parallel.

Pros: This RV-ready generator from Champion is a good option for those who want decent output power along with quiet operation. It is also highly portable and user-friendly as well.

Cons: It is a little expensive, and there is no remote start option.

3. Champion 76533 RV Ready Portable Generator – Best under $500

Champion portable generator

Start System: This CARB-compliant unit supports both the push-button electric and recoil start systems for your convenience. It also has a Cold Start Technology that helps you to turn on your generator quickly in winters.

Dual Fuel System: It also features a dual fuel system that allows you to run your generator on gas or propane.

Engine: It has a 224cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine that is protected with a cast iron sleeve and has an air-cooled cooling system.

Power Output: The unit generates 4750 peak watts and 3800 running watts on gasoline. And 4275 peak watts and 3420 continuous watts on propane.

Intelligauge: Its control panel is equipped with an intelligauge that shows the voltage, frequency, and running hours of the generator. Also, it tracks the maintenance intervals.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: With a fuel tank size of 3.4 gallons, this unit can run up to 9 hours at 50% load on gasoline and up to 10.5 hours on propane at 50% load.

Power Outlets: It only features two 120V AC household outlets. Also, there is one 120V 30A RV outlet and a 120V 30A locking outlet.

Noise Level: It has a decibel rating of 68 dBA from 23 feet.

Safety Features: There is a low-oil shutoff sensor that keeps the engine protected. Also, there is a Volt guard that protects the generator as well as your equipment from a power surge.

Pros:  According to its fuel tank size, it has a good runtime. It is versatile and powerful and ideal for running sensitive electronics.

Cons: To reach the oil plug, you have to remove the battery first.

4. Champion 100165 Generator – Most Powerful Champion Generator

Champion RV ready portable generator

Engine: It is a conventional generator powered by a powerful 439cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder Champion engine that features an air-cooled cooling system.

Dual Fuel System: With a convenient fuel selector switch, you can select either propane or gas to run your generator.

Power Output: This EPA certified, and CARB compliant unit produces 8400 peak watts and 6750 running watts on propane, but on gasoline, the unit generates 9375 watts of peak power and 7500 watts of running power.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It has a bigger fuel tank of 6.1 gallons that gives 8 hours of runtime at 50% load on gasoline. But with a 20 lb. propane tank, you will get 5.5 hours of runtime at 50% load. This runtime is less than what Champion 76533 is offering with a 3.4-gallon fuel tank.

Start System: The generator features both the push-button electric start and recoil start system. The electric start system includes a battery. Also, its ColdStart Technology ensures a quick start in winters.

Noise Level: It is a noisy unit with a decibel rating of 74 dBA from 23 feet.

Power Outlets: Its control panel features four GFCI-protected 120V household outlets, one 120V 30A locking outlet, and a 120/240 30A locking outlet.

Intelligauge: There is an intelligauge located at the top of the control panel that allows you to monitor the voltage, hertz, and runtime hours. Also, it tells you when the next maintenance is due.

Safety Features: There are a low-oil shutoff sensor and the Volt-guard that is a built-in surge protector.

Pros: It is quite a powerful generator that can power many of your appliances at the same time. Its intelligauge feature is quite useful, and it is less expensive as compared to the other leading brands.

Cons: It is not a fuel-efficient product. Also, it is loud, as well.

5. Champion 46596 Portable Generator – Best under $350

Champion 46596 generator

Engine: The unit is powered by a 196cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine that runs on gasoline. It is also protected with a cast iron sleeve.

Start System: It only comes with a recoil start system. But it offers a one-pull start. Also, its Cold Start Technology ensures quick and easy starts in winters.

Noise Level: Its noise level is 68 dBA from 23 feet same as the Champion 76533.

Power Output: It is a powerful unit that produces 4000 watts of peak power and 3500 watts of running power.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: With a 3.8-gallon fuel tank, it offers quite an excellent runtime of 12 hours at 50% load.

Safety Features: The generator comes with a low-oil shutoff sensor and a Volt guard like the above-mentioned Champion generators.

Power Outlets: This RV-ready and EPA approved portable generator has a 120V 30A RV outlet, one 120V 20A household socket, and one 120V 30A locking socket. Other than this, you have an intelligauge and a voltmeter.

 

Pros: This Champion 46596 is ideal for those who are looking for a tough and durable mid-sized RV generator. It offers an excellent runtime and has an affordable price.

Cons: The unit doesn’t have wheels. Also, it is not CARB compliant.

6. Champion 75537i Portable Inverter Generator – Best under $800

Champion 75537i generator

Noise Level: This Champion 75537i inverter generator operates at only 58 dBA.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: With a 1.6-gallon fuel tank, you will get 8 hours of runtime at 25% load. This runtime is slightly better than the Champion 100263.

Start System: It only features a recoil start system that comes with a Cold Start Technology. 

Engine: It has a less powerful 171cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder Champion engine that is protected by a cast-iron sleeve.

Power Output: This EPA and CARB compliant unit generates 3100 watts of peak power and 2800 watts of running power.

Economy Mode: There is also an economy mode that changes the engine speed according to the load applied. That results in fuel-saving and increased engine life.

Power Outlets: There is a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter, one 120V 30A RV outlet, and two 120V AC household outlets.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown and overload protection with light indicators.

Pros: It is also one of the best RV generators that generate enough power to run your essentials. It is an ideal combination of convenience and versatility.

Cons: Its build quality is not great.

7. Champion Power Equipment 100148 Stackable Portable Inverter Generator – Quietest Champion Generator

Champion portable generator

Parallel Capable: Its stackable frame design allows you to link several units to generate more power to meet your needs.

Engine: This EPA and CARB compliant inverter generator owns the least powerful 80cc 4-stroke engine.

Noise Level: It is the quietest of all with a decibel rating of only 53 dBA.

Power Output: It generates 2000 starting watts and 1700 running watts.

Economy Mode: For better fuel economy, noise-less operation, and increased engine life along with electrical load reduction, use this Economy mode.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It has a small size fuel tank of only 1-gallon that offers 9.5 hours of runtime at a 25% load.

Power Outlets: Its control panel is featured with two 120V AC outlets and a 12V DC outlet.

Start System: The unit only comes with a recoil start system featuring a Cold Start Technology.

Safety Feature: There is a low-oil shutoff sensor.

Pros: It is a decent Champion generator that is ideal for those who neither need much power output nor the runtime. Its stackable frame design and lightweight make transportation easier.

Cons: There is no USB port. Also, it takes little time to start in winters.

Buyer’s Guide

Inverter or Conventional Generator

First of all, decide whether you want an inverter or a conventional Champion generator.

If your only focus is the high wattage power, then a conventional generator is best for you. Though conventional generators are noisy, they generate more output power. Also, they consume more fuel, but they are less expensive.

On the other hand, an inverter generator provides clean and reliable power to your electronics and appliances. They create less noise and are fuel-efficient. But they are expensive and fail to generate higher output power.

Single Fuel or Dual Fuel

Champion generators also come with both single and dual fuel options. If you have only access to gasoline, then there is no other option for you. But if both gas and propane are widely available in your area, go for a dual fuel champion generator.

The reason for this is when one fuel source gets short; you can use another one to keep your generator running. Second, to achieve more runtime you can use propane, and to get more power output, you can switch to gasoline.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime

Runtime depends on the fuel tank size and fuel-efficiency feature of the generator. If a fuel tank is big and the generator is fuel-efficient, you will get extended runtime. But with a small fuel tank having no fuel-efficiency feature, you will get shorter runtime. However, a small tank can also offer good runtime if it is fuel-efficient.

Here, one thing you should keep in mind that the load applied also changes the runtime. A generator at 25% load will offer different runtime than at 50% and 100% load.

Noise Level:

It is also necessary to focus on the noise level. Noise pollution is constantly putting adverse effects on our health. Therefore, it is necessary to find and buy a generator having a decibel rating within 70 dBA.

Safety Features:

Most of the modern generators come with light indicators to indicate low oil and power overload. You need to make sure your unit has a low-oil shutdown sensor and overload protection. Both of these safety features are important to keep your generator’s engine free from damage and overload.

FAQs

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What are the advantages of Champion generators?

There are various advantages of Champion generators.

First of all, you will find a model for every need. Second, they are durable and have solid construction. Third, they are efficient and have user-friendly attributes. Fourth, their warranty period is quite good. Most of the generators come with a 3-year warranty that includes labor and parts. Fifth, there are some Champion models that operate quietly.

What kind of oil should you use in a Champion generator?

The kind of oil depends on your climate conditions. Here we are going to tell you which kind of oil would be suitable for what temperature.

Below 0 degree Fahrenheit, it is recommended to use 5W-30. Greater than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you should use 10W-30 and above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, use 10W-40.

Where Champion generators are made?

Champion Power Equipment is a company that is located in the USA. But most of its models are manufactured in China. However, it doesn’t mean that they are not reliable. Everything is done in America like research and selection of parts and technology. Only China makes these generators and claims that Champion is made in China. But the main important thing is the technology that comes from the USA.

How much a Champion generator cost?

These Champion generators are considerably affordable as compared to the same power and quality products from other high-end brands.

However, prices may vary from store to store and location to location.

Generally, light-duty models range between $300 and $600 whereas the cost of heavy-duty units ranges between $800 and $1200.

Where is the model number written on a Champion generator?

Many people fail to find the model number on a Champion generator unless someone helps them to find. Usually, the model number is written on the left side of the control panel.

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