A New Breed – Champion 100402 Review / Dual-Fuel Inverter

The Champion Power Equipment 100402, was one of the first dual fuel inverter generators, which was quite rare a few years ago. In 2023, this type of generator has become more common, with the most powerful model (Genmax 9000 iED) can output 7600W or run power and 9000W of peak power. Modern inverter generators are Impressive for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because they now rival traditional gas generators in terms of power. The reason there popularity is growing rapidly is because they’re superior in almost every way — except price.

Even though prices for inverter generators have been dropping dramatically over the past couple years, on average, they’re about 1.5 to 3-times more expensive than a conventional gas generator.

The Champion 100402 is hard to find in 2023

The 100402 is getting harder to find as it’s been replace with newer models from Champion, such as the 200961, a 2500W model (200961) or their popular RV model, with peak output of 4500W (200988). At the time of its release, the 100402 was considered to have a “crisp new modern look,” and “engineered with an engaging digital user interface.” It’s funny how times change quickly. What was once considered sleek is now considered bulky and outdated.

Either way, it’s still a great inverter generator but in all honesty, you’re better off investing in a newer models for less money, and with a carbon monoxide monitor. We’ve written an indepth buying guide on the latest inverter generators that we feel are worth buying. Champion is one of the many brands we cover in the article.

For this article, we review the 100402 by Champion and a couple other comparable models to consider. Champion generators are known for their reliability and overall quality. They are one of the top manufacturers.

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Intro — Champion 100402

Outlets include : 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R), 12V DC Automotive

It’s not easy to compare the Champion to any other 2KW inverter generator that also offers dual fuel operation. Searching for alternatives from other brands, only reveals more expensive generators that don’t really match this one with its fantastic modern conveniences and superb design.  The Pulsar PG2200BiS costs more. and it’s also a dual fuel inverter generator, providing 200 watts more in peak power.

This 10% increase in power output can justify the higher price, but I much prefer the design and convenient features that you get on the wonderfully cheaper (and more advanced) Champion power equipment 100402. After reviewing the Champion dual fuel inverter generator, I’ll offer a quick comparative review — Champion Power Equipment 100402 vs Pulsar PG2200BiS

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Champion 2500W Model / 200961

2500W Peak / 1850W Running

https://youtu.be/DntIZykYHQ4

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VIDEO | A Closer Look at the Champion 2000W Dual-Fuel

https://youtu.be/gf7lCmDOH6U

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Unique in its design; the ability to stack one on top of the other into a compact modular form. It may seem trivial but when you think about it, it’s quite innovative and practical; allowing you to use your space efficiently. The thing about back-up power is that we never know under which conditions we’ll be using it. Typically, circumstances are unpredictable when the power shuts down or we’re out camping. Being able to connect a second generator to double your power is a unique features of inverter generators, generally speaking. This isn’t unique to Champion. Let’s be clear on that. Their are a lot of advantages that come with owning an inverter generator, certainly far superior to traditional gas models.

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Review – Champion 100402

It won’t power your house but it can keep your fridge running.

Features —

📒 View or download the MANUAL detailed operation instructions.

OVERVIEW

These work like the battery indicators on your cell phone, with 7 bars, so you get a pretty accurate idea of what’s going on. It also has a full selection of warning lights with easy to understand icons: low oil, receptacle fault and overload, as well a service indicator light – much like the “check engine” warning light we have in our cars. A really cool thing, that I haven’t seen on other generators, is the “Fuel Fill Assist LED”. If you’re filling the gas tank in the dark, a button on the handle will light up the fuel filler cap, making things much easier.

As much as I like modern gadgets and impressive electronic gizmos, how a generator performs is more important. The Champion 100402 uses an 80cc (EPA and CARB certified) engine which is really easy to start. The all-in-one startup dial, means no fiddling around the engine. Turn to run position or keep going to activate the choke. Then pull on the recoil starter to get the engine purring like a kitten. It really does purr, not roar, with a rated noise level of only 53dBA from 23-feet. With no other information about noise levels, my guess is that this is the sound level is measured at 25% load. Though I can’t say for sure.

Like all inverter generators, the Champion 100402 provides clean power (<3% THD), making it perfectly safe for electronic devices. The inverter also allows for an economy mode. When the Eco touch button is activated, fuel consumption is reduced, and the generator runs quieter. It lowers the engine RPM when the power demand drops below 25% of the rated load. This is not a particularly large generator (2000W peak load and 1,600W rated power). So, at 25% load, you’re only using 400W. This would be enough for a TV, satellite receiver, possibly a small surround sound system, and a couple of lights. None the less, when the power demand is low, like at night, you can get up to 11-hours runtime from the 1.1 gallon gas tank at 25% load.

Propane may be clean burning and offers some other advantages too. But it is less efficient than gasoline. This means a lower output when a dual fuel (hybrid) generator is running on propane. In the case of this one, peak power is down by about 20%, which isn’t too great. On propane the Champion 100402 will generate 1,800 peak (starting) watts and 1,440 running (or continuous) watts.

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Outlets : Champion 100402

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If you want to double your power output, the Champion 100402 has connections for a parallel kit, allowing two 100402 generators to be used in parallel. The parallel kit is sold separately and has a 30A RV outlet included in the kit. The control panel fitted to the generator only has 2 X 20A 120V household outlets. This is pretty much the norm for a generator of this size. It also has an 8A 12VDC outlet with a USB adapter included. Both the AC and DC circuits are protected by push to reset circuit breakers.

Since the Champion 100402 weighs only 47.6 LBS, no wheel kit is included. It has a large molded handle at the top, by which you can carry the generator. This is the design of choice for most lightweight quiet inverter generators and is very practical.

For camping and tailgating, the Champion 100402 is a marvelous generator. It’s cheap enough yet displays no cheap traits. The 3-year warranty is certainly up there with the high-end inverter generators. This little generator can be used for emergency power at home but, with only 1,600 running watts and 2,000 peak watts, you will be fairly limited. It could have enough power for some refrigerators, but that would about all you could run. Using two generators, with a parallel kit, will make a big difference if you intend using the Champion 100402 at home during an outage.

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Quick Facts : Propane vs Gasoline

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How Stored Gasoline Changes Over Time (from BP: View PDF)

Property	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5
% Volume Lost	3	5	8	10	15
Octane RON	98.1	98.4	98.6	99	99.5
Density Kg/L 15°C	0.75	0.76	0.765	0.78	0.79
Equivalent air fuel ratio (constant volume)	13:1	12.8.1	12.7:1	12.5:1	12.3:1

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💡 Learn more : Facts on Alternative Fuels (US Department of Energy)

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— Pulsar PG2200BiS

How does this compare to Ford?

Features — Pulsar PG2200BiS

OVERVIEW —

Pulsar has teamed up with Ford Outdoor Power Equipment division, to supply good quality light to medium duty generators for domestic use. This, in my opinion, places the brand directly alongside Champion as a manufacturer of great value generators for home and camping.

VIDEO | Pulsar : A Closer Look at switching fuels…

The Pulsar PG2200BiS is, like the Champion 100402, is a dual fuel inverter generator. So you can use either propane or gas, depending on which is the most convenient fuel source. This is another reason while I feel these two generators make for a pretty even comparative review.

There are some notable differences, however, and this could make either the best option. It would depend on what is more important to you as a generator buyer. Since both are relatively cheap inverter generators, I’d guess that would make the price a fairly important factor for anyone looking at this sector of the generator market. Since the Champion 100402 is the cheaper of the two, this does give it a distinct advantage. Though we need to keep in mind that the Pulsar PG2200BiS is the more powerful option, with 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts, when running on gas. This gives you an extra 200W when comparing both rated power and surge power for these two generators. On propane, the difference is even better. The PG2200BiS is already more powerful than the Champion 100402 overall, but it is also more efficient when using propane: providing 2,000W peak power and 1,600 running watts.

Even though the Pulsar PG2200BiS delivers 10% more output wattage using gas (about 15% more on propane), it uses the same size engine as the Champion 100402 – 80cc. It is a little more fuel efficient too. The slightly larger gas tank (1.18 gallon) will provide 8-hours at 50% load.

I can’t make any kind of definitive comparison with regards to noise levels, as both specs are fairly vague – neither specify the load at which they’ve measured noise levels. Since we can assume both manufacturers want to advertise the best noise level readings (probably around 25% load), it appears the Champion may be the quieter generator. Champion advertise a noise level of 53dBA for the 100402 model, and the Pulsar PG2200BiS is advertised as having a noise level of 60dBA. Either way, these are both quiet generators and I doubt either will cause a disturbance in a campsite or quiet residential neighborhood.

The Champion 100402 is definitely the winner when it comes to high-tech mod-cons. The Pulsar PG2200BiS resembles most other inverter generators in this class. It has a basic user panel with no gauges or digital display. You’ll get the expected 2 X 20A household outlets and a USB port for charging devices like cell phones. The starting functions are also a little old-fashioned, with a conventional on/off switch for the ignition, a pull-out choke, and inline fuel shutoff valve. A dial on the front panel allows for easy switching from gas to propane. The normal LED waring lights also appear on this panel: low oil; overload; run.

In terms functionality, the Champion may be a little easier to use and it has a fancy digital data center. But the real important stuff is basically the same. The Pulsar PG2200BiS has all the same inverter generator advantages. This would be low THD clean power for electronic equipment, parallel connections that allow for two generators to be used simultaneously for increased wattage, and an economy mode to reduce noise and fuel consumption at low output.

While I consider these two generators to be much the same in terms of quality and brand reputation, the difference in warranties can’t be ignored. The Pulsar has a 1-year warranty, which is quite normal for an inverter generator in this price range. This makes the 3-year Champion warranty quite exceptional and worth noting. In the end, I feel that the Champion 100402 is the better option for a budget 2KW inverter generator with dual fuel capabilities. It lacks the higher output power of the Pulsar but, in all other regards, it appears to be the superior generator. It’s also the cheaper option.

Need More Clean Power? Consider…

A Favorite Dual-Fuel Inverter — Westinghouse iGen4500DF (4500W) —- read indepth review

Features :

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This is the perfect mid-size inverter generator, in my opinion. It’s powerful, well-made, affordable and gives you enough power for most situations. A 2000W generator is the minimum amount of power, suitable for light duty applications. But, this Westinghouse moves you into the next level, providing more power so you don’t have to manage your devices. Generators are one of those things where bigger actually is better, for several reasons.

The closer you run your generator to its maximum power level the louder it is and the more stress you put on the engine. Noise is the bigger issue, less so with inverters but it is noticeable.

Also, more power means you can power multiple devices at the same time. Even on propane, this Westinghouse is twice as powerful as the Champion 2000W running off of gas. Basically, you’re getting the equivalent of two 100402 models. Ultimately, only you can determine what you need. I’m not trying to sell you anything, I feel the responsibility to provide a range of options for homeowners to consider. Not everyone knows their options or what’s available on the market.

On that note, Champion has a highly-rated 3400W (100263) dual fuel (RV ready), which is impressive in its own right based on the historical ratings and customer feedback for the product. Here’s a photo, but I recommend reading our full review if you’re interested in learning more.