A Champion inverter generator is a brand synonymous with quality and reliability. Although a relatively young company, founded in 2003, they’ve done a magnificent job at ensuring their generators are well-engineered — and it shows, based on incredibly positive feedback from their customers.
In this article, we dissect Champion inverter generators that we feel are worth your hard-earned money. We hope you find this generator buying guide helpful. We wrote it for you.
Champion Inverter Generator | Buying Guide
Our lives revolve around technology. In fact, we don’t always realize just how dependent we are on it. Just a few days back, my Smartphone tumbled out of my hands and fell to the floor. The screen was destroyed and while it could be repaired that particular incident threw my day into turmoil. I tried to order a cab but I couldn’t. I tried to message my husband but I couldn’t. I couldn’t access my GPS data to find out where I was going. In short, the hurdles were numerous!
The number of gadgets that we have has multiplied over the years. Our dependence on them has increased exponentially. Almost all gadgets have one thing in common. They all need electricity. Some of these appliances need a constant source of electricity while others can be charged and used. That essentially means that if you cut off your electricity source, you will find yourself lost. Your daily routines will be affected and it will make life much harder to cope with.
The thought of the disruption of my well oiled routine is enough to make me want to look at the different ways that I can prevent an incident like that from happening. Power cuts vary depending on the location that you stay in. Their duration and frequency are the main factors that should point you towards buying a generator. That is exactly what happened to me!
Dual-Fuel Generator | Propane & Gas | Champion 100263
(Gasoline) : 3100 running watts/3400 starting watts — (Propane) : 2790 running watts/3060 starting watts
Why Do I Need A Generator?
I couldn’t help wondering whether I was being paranoid. My life does revolve around my gadgets but can you blame me? I work from home. If you take my laptop and my phone away from me, you take away my livelihood!
Interestingly enough, once I came home after dropping my phone off at a service center, I found that I had more problems than I had expected. Yes, there was a power cut while I was away and worse still the power cut had not ended. This meant that I couldn’t put on my laptop (which I had forgotten to charge). Even if I did manage to use my laptop, I had no internet. That however was the least of my worries.
Without power, the food in my fridge would go bad (if the power cut went on indefinitely), the microwave refused to work (but of course it needs electricity) and even my stove required electricity. That meant that I had to order in but surprise! Surprise! No phone, no laptop and no internet!
It was slowly become increasingly evident that I was not paranoid. It was time to invest in a good backup generator. Now when I look back at the decision, I know that I took the best course of action possible.
What Is A Generator?
Before we get into the intricacies of which generator I chose and why, I thought it would be better to talk about what a generator is. A lot of sites and books will give you different technical terms but they essentially mean the same thing. A generator is a mechanical device which uses fuel to produce electrical energy.
The electrical energy is produced by a series of events that take place in the generator.
- You fill the fuel tank and turn it on.
- The combustion of fuel takes place and produces mechanical energy.
- An electric motor helps to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
- The electrical energy is then supplied to the household appliances.
Now you need to understand that the number of appliances that you can use depends on the size and the type of the generator.
Portable Generator, Inverter Generator, & Inverter …
What’s The Difference?
Generators: Generators produce electrical energy in the form of AC power. The motor of a generator runs at a constant speed. This is approximately 3600 rpm. This rotation is the mechanical energy which gets transformed into electrical energy. Any fluctuation in the rotations per minute of the motor invariably causes a fluctuation in the AC power produced.
Video | Portable Generator vs Inverter Generator
Inverters: Inverters help to convert a DC power source into an AC power source. The inverter does this by literally inverting the DC power. The advantage that this inversion brings is that the resulting current can be of any required voltage and frequency. There are also no fluctuations in the current produced. Remember that inverters do not produce electricity. They only convert it!
Inverter Generators: These are the most sought after generators because they are quiet and produce clean power. There are many brands producing inverter generators. Essentially, Inverter generators take the best functions of inverters and generators and combine them together. Using a three step process, these devices produce AC power without fluctuations.
- Phase 1: The Inverter generator produces AC power. This is very similar to how the traditional generators work.
- Phase 2: The AC power is now converted into DC power.
- Phase 3: The DC power is inverted. This produces clean AC power.
Champion Power Equipment
When I started my search I had a few parameters that the generator needed to meet. It needed to be powerful and it needed to be reliable. The Champion Inverter Generators surpassed all expectations. In fact, I found out a few things about them that made me fall in love with their models even more!
Champion Power Equipment as a company has a reputation in the generator market. People look to them for dependable and durable power. A number of reviews from both colleagues and coworkers made me put the Champion Inverter Generators at the top of my list. As I delved into the different types of models that they provide, I managed to narrow my search to the following models.
- Champion Power Equipment 73536i | 2000W
- Champion Power Equipment 100263 | 3400W
- Champion Power Equipment 75537i | 3100W
- Champion Power Equipment 75531i | 3100W — RV ready outlets
Champion Power Equipment 73536i | 2000W
Features:
- 1700 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts
- True sine wave inverter technology
- Economy mode to save fuel
- Overload protection
- 120V AC Load / 12V DC outlet
- Up to 9.5 hours run time at 25% load
- 53 dBA at 23 ft.
- Only 48.5 lbs.
- Easy pull recoil start
- Low oil shut-off sensor
- USDA approved spark arrestor
- Stackable design
- Parallel capability (Kit sold separately)
- Built in carrying handle
- 50 state compliant (EPA+CARB certified)
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the 73536i 2000W inverter generator.
The Champion 73536i was always at the top of my list. While you can’t really describe the Champion 73536i as big but it certainly is portable. Its power producing capabilities are what caught my eye. Let’s take a look at the model in detail.
73536i Generator Specs
When it comes to buying any kind of power tools or generators, one must always look at the engine. The Champion Inverter Generator 73536i has an 80 cc OHV engine. This engine is responsible for producing a running wattage of 1700 watts and a starting wattage of 2000 watts.
The Champion Inverter Generator 73536i is a single phase generator. It functions by using regular unleaded gasoline. The minimum octane rating should be 85 and the ethanol content should be less than 10 percent. The fuel tank of the generator holds 3.8 liter of fuel which in my opinion is a good capacity for a generator this size.
Another important point to note is the oil requirements. The Champion Inverter Generator 73536i uses 10W-30 4-cycle automotive oil. It has a 0.4 liter oil capacity. Bear in mind that this oil capacity is great for an engine of this size. Do not try to overfill the oil tank. It is not necessary and is potentially dangerous!
The generator also has an inbuilt ‘low oil shut-off sensor’. This ensures that the generator does not run in case the oil levels reach a critical level. I find that this is a particularly important feature in the Champion Power Equipment 73536i as low oil levels could potentially damage your generator very badly. This normally leads to higher maintenance costs and a lower life expectancy of the machine.
Noise levels of the generator are also a cause of great concern among buyers. Nobody wants a noisy machine next to their house. The Champion Inverter Generator 73536i produces 53dBA of sound which can be heard 23 feet away. As far as generators go, the device is really silent!
Dimensions (73536i)
The dimensions are always an important consideration. We live in a world that is fighting for space. While a generator may seem ideal in all ways, it could be too large to fit in your backyard. Luckily for me the Champion Inverter Generator 73536i was perfect as far as size was concerned!
With a gross weight of 26.9 kg, the generator has a height of 41.5 cm, a width of 33.5 cm and a length of 49 cm. This means that the Champion Inverter Generator 73536i is reasonably small. It is small enough that you can fit comfortably in your backyard. It is small enough to make it extremely portable too!
Fuel Consumption And Run Times
The ‘Run time’ helps you understand how long a generator will work on a full tank of fuel. The easy pull recoil start helps you start the engine without any difficulty. The Champion Inverter Generator 73536i can run for 9.5 hours with a 25 percent load. In addition to this the device also comes with an economy mode that helps save fuel.
Parallel Capacity
You can connect two Champion 73536i generators in parallel. This increases the overall power availability to 3000 watts. Please note that to connect the two devices together, you need a parallel kit. This is an optional piece of equipment which you have to buy separately.
Champion Power Equipment 73500i | Run 2 in Parallel
Features:
- 120V receptacle (L5-30R).
- 120V RV receptacle (TT-30R).
- Easy to connect, no tools required.
- Custom design seamlessly integrates into 2 stacked Champion inverters.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the 73500i parallel kit.
Champion Power Equipment 100263 | 3400W Generator
Includes: RV Ready Outlet- TT-30R outlet
(Gasoline) : 3100 running watts/3400 starting watts — (Propane) : 2790 running watts/3060 starting watts
Features:
- 3100 running watts/3400 starting watts (Gasoline)
- 2790 running watts/3060 starting watts (Propane)
- RV Ready – TT-30R outlet
- 120V AC load
- 12V DC outlet – Automotive Style
- Up to 7.5 hour run time at 25% load (Gasoline)
- Up to 14.5 hour run time at 25% load (20 lb./5 gal. standard Propane tank)
- 59 dBA at 23 ft.
- Push button electric and easy pull recoil start
- Low oil shut-off sensor
- USDA approved spark arrestor
- Integrated mobility kit
- Built in carrying handles
- Parallel capability (Kit sold separately)
- 50 state compliant (EPA+CARB certified)
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Champion 100263.
Another great inverter generator is the Champion Power Equipment 100263. Like its counterpart, this Champion inverter generator has a number of features that make it an ideal buy. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Specifications
The Champion Inverter Generator 100263 comes equipped with a Milwaukee Series OHV commercial V-twin engine. It has two cylinders and has a displacement power of 717 cc. The entire cylinder block is made of aluminum and cast iron sleeves. This ensures that the engine is durable which in turn means less maintenance.
The generator has a running wattage of 3100 watts and a starting wattage of 3400 watts. You will notice that this is much higher than the previous Champion inverter generator that we discussed. This output however is achieved when the user uses Gasoline. If the user switches to Propane then the running wattage is 2790 watts and the starting wattage is 3060 watts. The difference between both fuel sources is definitely large!
The Champion Inverter Generator 100263 also comes with a low oil shut off sensor and a USDA approved spark arrestor. It is EPA AND CARB certified. As far as noise levels go, the generator produces 59 dBA at 23 feet. This is louder than the Champion Inverter Generator 73536i. The increase in noise however is expected because it corresponds with the increase in power.
Unlike the Champion Inverter Generator 73536i, this generator has a push button electric start. This makes it much easier to operate. It also has the easy pull recoil start, so you can choose to use whichever one makes you more comfortable.
Economy Mode
The economy mode can easily be activated in order to reduce fuel consumption and noise while operating the 73536i generator during times of reduced electrical output, allowing the engine speed to idle during periods of inactivity (no load). The engine speed will resume normal output when you plug something in, requiring power. When the economy mode switch is off, the generator engine will operate at its normal speed.
Dimensions
As I said before, dimensions are important. The Champion Inverter Generator 100263 has a net weight of 95.7 lbs. This means that generator is very heavy and is not easily transported from one location to another. To combat this issue, Champion Power Equipment has provided built in carrying handles and an integrated mobility kit. While this does not totally compensate for the excessive size, it does help solve the portability issue a bit.
This Champion Inverter Generator measures 124.5 cm in length, 71 cm in width and 71 cm in height. It is a big generator and one must account for space in case you are considering buying one.
Fuel Consumption
The run time of the Champion 100263 depends largely on the type of fuel you use. If you use Gasoline, you will have a run time of 7.5 hours at 25 percent load. Propane on the other hand gives a longer run time of 14.5 hours on 25 percent load. This means that choosing between Propane and Gasoline will depend on what you need more: A longer run time or a larger power output!
Parallel Capability
The Champion Inverter Generator 100263 comes with a parallel capability. This helps you increase your power output. To connect two 100263 inverter generators together you require a parallel capability kit. This kit does not come with the inverter generator and is sold separately.
Video | Operating Procedure for the Dual-Fuel 100263
Tech Specs:
- Starting : 3400W (Gas) / 3060W (Propane)
- Running : 3100W (Gasoline) / 2790W (Propane)
- AC Load : 120V / DC Output : 12V/8.3A
- Engine : 192cc Champion 4-Stroke OHV
- Overload Protection : Automatic
- RPM : Automatic (based on load)
- Gasoline Capacity : 1.6 gal. (6 L)
- Run Time : 7.5 hours at 25% load (gasoline)
- Oil Capacity : 0.6 qt. (0.6 L)
- Recommended Oil : SAE 10W-30
- Start Type: Push Button Electric and Easy Pull Recoil
- Low Oil Shut-off Automatic
- Portability : Integrated Handle & Wheels
- Choke Type: Manual
- Noise Level : 59 dBa at 23 ft.
- Size: L 25.1″ (63.7 cm) / W 17.3 ” (44 cm) / H 18.3″ (46.4 cm)
- Weight : Gross: 110.5 lb. (50.1 kg) / Net : 95.7 lb. (43.4 kg)
- Engine Emissions : 50 state compliant (EPA+CARB certified)
Champion Power Equipment 75537i | 3100W Generator
Features:
- 2800 running watts/3100 starting watts.
- Wireless remote start from up to 80 ft. away.
- RV Ready – TT-30R outlet.
- 120V AC load / 12V DC outlet.
- Up to 8 hour run time at 25% load.
- 58 dBA at 23 ft.
- Low oil shut-off sensor.
- Auto overload protection.
- USDA approved spark arrestor.
- Integrated mobility kit.
- Built in carrying handles.
- 50 state compliant (EPA+CARB certified)
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Champion Power Equipment 75537i.
The Champion Power Equipment 75537i is another great piece of equipment. When compared to its counterparts, you will realize that the Champion 75537i has been incorporated with more features than them. This is what makes the Champion Inverter Generator particularly interesting.
Specifications
The Champion Inverter Generator 75537i is equipped with a 171 cc 4 stroke OHV engine. The brilliant part about this engine is that it can be operated wirelessly by using a remote! The remote works from as far as 80 feet away!
The engine has a fuel tank with a capacity of 6 liters. Remember that the fuel used by this machine is regular unleaded gasoline which has a minimum Octane rating of 85. It must also have less than 10 percent of ethanol content by volume.
The oil that is used is 10W-30 automotive oil. It is filled in an oil tank that has the capacity of 0.6 liters. Do not attempt to overfill the oil tank. 0.6 liters is more than enough oil for the engine to function optimally.
The inverter generator has a rated load of 2800 watts and a maximum load of 3100 watts. It works on a single phase. Like all the other Champion Inverter Generators, this model is equipped with a USDA spark arrestor which is essential in preventing accidental fires.
As far as noise levels are concerned, the Champion Inverter generator 75537i produces 58 dBA of sound. It is definitely not too loud for a generator.
Dimensions
The Champion 75537i weighs 49 Kg. It measures 46.4 cm in height, 44 cm in width and 63.7 cm in length. Its size and its weight make it perfect for multiple uses. It can be used as a backup generator for your house or you can even take it with you when you go camping. Its versatility is probably one of the most attractive features that the model has to offer. The wireless remote comes in at a close second as far as favorite features are concerned.
Parallel Capacity
One major drawback that this model faces is the inability to connect it in parallel. If you aren’t looking for a model that has a parallel capacity, then you should consider opting for this one. It has a high power output, is versatile and is easy to operate.
75537i generator includes: Oil funnel, Spark plug socket, Wireless remote, 12V DC charging cable, Smart charger, Battery. USB adapter (Automotive style 2.1A and 1A ports).
Tech Specs:
- Power (watts): Starting: 3100 Watts / Running : 2800 Watts
- AC Load : 120V
- DC Output : 12V/8.3A
- Phase : Single
- Engine : 171cc Champion 4-Stroke OHV
- RPM : Automatic (based on load)
- Gasoline Capacity : 1.6 gal. (6 L)
- Run Time : Up to 8 hours at 25% load
- Oil Capacity : 0.6 qt. (0.6 L)
- Recommended Oil : SAE 10W-30
- Start Type : Wireless Remote, Electric, Recoil
- Low Oil Shut-off : Automatic
- Portability : Integrated Handle & Wheels
- Choke Type : Automatic, Manual
- Noise Level : 58 dBa at 23 ft.
- Size — L : 25.1″ (63.7 cm); W: 17.3″ (44 cm); H: 18.3″ (46.4 cm)
- Weight: Gross : 108 lb. (49 kg) / Net Weight : 96.6 lb. (43.8 kg)
- Engine Emissions : 50 state compliant (EPA+CARB certified)
Champion Power Equipment 75531i | 3100W Generator
Features:
- 2800 running watts / 3100 starting watts.
- Wireless remote start from up to 80 ft. away.
- RV Ready – TT-30R outlet.
- 120V AC load / 12V DC outlet
- Up to 8 hour run time at 25% load.
- 58 dBA at 23 feet.
- Low oil shut-off sensor.
- USDA approved spark arrestor.
- Integrated mobility kit.
- Built in carrying handles.
- 50 state compliant (EPA+CARB certified).
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the 75531i.
That brings us to the last model of Champion Inverter generators that we will be looking at. The Champion 75531i is another popular model as far as inverter generators are concerned. Let’s take a look at why this model is making ripples in the market.
The Generator Specifications
The 171 cc 4 stroke OHV engine of the Champion 75531i has an easy pull recoil start. It works on a single phase and has a starting wattage of 3100 watts. The running wattage of the generator is 2800 watts. The fuel tank of this generator has a capacity of 6 liters. It operates by using regular unleaded fuel. The fuel must however have a minimum ethanol content of less than 10 percent. It must also have a minimum Octane rating of 85.
Video | Overview of the Champion 75531i Generator
The oil that must be used with this generator is 10W-30 automotive oil. It needs to be filled in the oil tank which has a capacity of 0.6 liters. Like all other oil tanks, this one too should not be overfull. Fill the oil up to the maximum mark only. The Champion Inverter Generator 75531i has a low oil shut off function which protects the engine in case the oil levels are critically low.
The inverter generator is quiet and produces 58 dBA of sound. This makes it ideal for campsites, cabins and even residential areas.
Dimensions
The Champion 75531i weighs just 43 kg. Though it is not very light, it is not very heavy either. The length of the inverter generator measures in at 57cm, the height at 46.4 cm and the width at 44 cm. As you can see, the Champion Inverter generator 75531i is relatively small and easily transportable. In order to further aid with transport Champion Power Equipment provides an integrated mobility kit. That combined with the inbuilt handles makes the job much easier.
Parallel Capacity | Double your power
The Champion Inverter generator 75531i is not designed with parallel capabilities in mind. This is the only major drawback of the model.
Analysis | All 4 Champion Inverter Generators
I can understand why choosing a single inverter generator may be difficult. A lot of features of the generators overlap with each other. I firmly believe that in order to know what to buy you need to know what you want. To do that you need to ask all the right questions. The smartest way to do that is to start by asking questions related to the specifications and the features. This is the way my analysis of the four products goes.
- The Champion 73536i is the smallest as far as size is concerned. This makes it perfect if you are looking for something light and portable. However, bear in mind that the Champion 73536i also produces the least power. Its ability to be linked in parallel however may just be able to compensate for that shortcoming.
- The Champion 100263 is the largest and the heaviest of the three models. It also produces the most power. That however is dependent on whether you use Gasoline or not. If you choose Propane as your fuel of choice then the power output reduces considerably and places the Champion 100263 in the same range as the Champion 75537i and the Champion 75531i. The Champion 100263 however can be connected in parallel while its counterparts cannot.
- The Champion 75537i comes with a wireless remote which means that you can control the generator from 80 feet away. This is particularly useful on those cold winter nights when you do not want to get out of the house.
- The sound levels of all four inverter generators lies within the range of 53 dBA to 59 dBA. Champion 73536i is the softest while Champion 100263 is the loudest.
- All four models come with a USDA approved spark arrestor and have a low oil shut off sensor.
To choose the right generator you need to know how much power you need. You need to know if you will ever connect another generator with it in parallel. Portability and space should also play a large role in the type of generator you use. Like I said before, ask the right questions to pick the right generator!
Generator Safety Advice
Every heavy duty engine comes with its own set of safety precautions. Generators are no different in that respect. Let’s take a look at some important points that one must consider when installing and operating a generator.
- Risk Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Generators function by using an internal combustion engine. When any kind of fuel is burnt carrying levels of Carbon monoxide are produced. The problem with Carbon monoxide is it is odorless, colorless and extremely harmful when inhaled. Symptoms of Carbon monoxide poisoning range from nausea and dizziness to fainting and death.
In order to prevent Carbon monoxide poisoning from occurring, one must ensure that the generator is never used indoors. This includes basements, garages and even attics. The exhaust fumes must not enter the house. Hence the generator should not be placed next to any open window.
- Risk Of Electrical Shock: The generator is designed to produce electricity. With the amount of high voltage current flowing through it, the risk of an electrical shock does not come as a surprise. In order to prevent it from occurring, ensure that you do not touch any open wires. Electrical cords that are worn or frayed need to be replaced. It is advised to avoid using the generator in wet weather. In case the area in which you stay is damp then consider using a ground fault circuit interrupter.
Children should not be allowed near the generator and should definitely not be allowed to operate it.
- Risk Of Burns: Generators provide power by using the energy produced during combustion of fuel. This combustion produces heat. Heat needs some form of escape and that invariably leads to a number of parts of the generator getting hot. Touching anyone of these parts can cause severe burns. Companies advise to keep a three foot clearance radius around the generator. Also ensure that the generator has had time to cool down before you touch it.
- Risk Of Trauma: Every generator has a number of rotating parts. Entanglement of hands, feet, clothing and other accessories with these moving parts could result in varying forms of trauma. In some cases even amputation! In order to prevent this from happening ensure that you do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating this machine. It is also important to ensure that the guards are in place before you switch the generator on.
- Fire Hazard: As we have explained before, every generator functions by using combustion. Combustion is the very act of burning fuel. This means that there are high chances of sparks being let loose. That is the reason why a generator must always be fitted with a spark arrestor.
Learn more about Champion Power Equipment the brand, their products and generators by visiting their site.