This is our review of the Champion 3100 Watt inverter generator.
I have researched and analyzed features, user reviews, and recalls for the Champion 3100-watt portable generator.
Champion Power Equipment has been around for almost 2 decades now. They have a reliable and versatile product line.
Champion 3100 Watt Generator is a good backup power generator with advanced inverter technology. It produces clean electricity for sensitive electronics and increases its lifespan.
This generator features fuel shutoff, LED alerts, Economy mode, etc. Champion 3100-watt generator is durable and supports gasoline as a fuel option.
This generator produces average operation noise. This makes it a good solution for camping, tailgating, and other activities that require a quiet operation.
But, it does not have a fuel gauge, electric start, or parallel capability. However, it comes at an affordable price.
If you need deep insight into this generator’s features and answers to frequently asked questions such as.
What will a 3100-watt inverter generator run?
Are Champion generators reliable?
How long will a 3100-watt generator run?
Along with answers to these questions, I have included the best alternatives and our verdict at the end of this Champion 3100-watt review.
Keep reading…
Champion 3100 Watt Generator Overview
Champion Power Equipment produces reliable and versatile generators. They are constantly evolving their generators with the latest technologies.
Champion 3100-watt generator has a powerful 4-stroke 171cc Champion engine. It produces clean electricity for delicate electronics.
This Champion generator generates plenty of power to run all your home essentials. It can also run your power tools, camping, parties, etc.
Let’s find out how this Champion 3100-watt inverter generator performs against key aspects and features.
Power Output and Tank Size
You can find portable generators with power ratings from a few hundred watts to many kilowatts (KW). You might easily get lost in the long list of brands and different power ratings.
So, you should calculate your power requirements if you want to find the best portable generator without losing your mind.
With accurate power needs, you won’t end up with a portable generator too powerful or one in a less power range.
Also, I recommend you buy a portable generator with extra 20% power. This will improve the generator’s life and prevent accidental overload conditions.
This generator produces 3100-watt of starting power and 2800 watts of power while running.
This power is good to run a refrigerator, furnace, freezer, sump pump, small air conditioner unit, etc. You can also power your job site tools with this RV-ready portable inverter generator.
If you need a Champion generator with more power then Champion Power Equipment 200954 Inverter Generator can be the one for you.
Check Current Price of Champion Power Equipment 200954 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator
The same generator is also available with a remote start feature i.e. Champion Power Equipment 200953 with remote start.
Check Current Price of Champion Power Equipment 200954 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator
Portable generators with bigger tanks will give more runtime hours. But, it does not mean that they have better fuel efficiency.
A bigger tank impacts the portability of a portable generator adversely. So, an optimum level fuel tank is best.
This 3100-watt portable generator comes with a fuel tank capacity of 1.6 gallons. It does not have a fuel gauge.
Efficiency and Fuel Type
Efficiency is a broad term and covers many aspects that impact the overall performance of the generator.
An efficient generator has better output, runtime hours, and fuel efficiency. It will have a longer lifespan and will save you more bucks.
Champion 3100-watt inverter generator features a smart economy mode for extended operation. This allows the engine to regulate its speed according to the applied load.
Economy Mode improves fuel economy by reducing fuel consumption. It also increases engine life and supports quieter operation.
This generator can run up to 8 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of gasoline. It can work as an overnight power running your essentials.
Portable generators featuring dual-fuel technology support gasoline and propane as fuel options.
An alternate fuel option comes in handy when other fuel option supply gets disrupted. Natural disasters have disrupted the gasoline supply in the past.
It also helps if you are lazy like me to fetch the gas from the station. Propane is cheaper and burns cleaner.
Most Champion generators have an alternate dual fuel model. But, this generator supports gasoline as the only fuel type.
Safety Features
Portable generators can be dangerous with electrical power and gas emissions. Proper safety measures and guidelines must be in place when operating a portable generator.
Usually, generators produce CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) during combustion.
But, when you use a generator in a place with less air supply, it produces CO (Carbon Monoxide).
CO is a poisonous gas. It alone accounts for more than hundreds of deaths every year. It is also known as a silent killer 🔪.
EPA and CARB regulate emission guidelines. EPA is Environmental Protection Agency and CARB is California Air Resource Board.
EPA compliance is mandatory and CARB compliance is additionally required to sell portable generators in California.
Champion 3100-watt is EPA and CARB compliant generator. It also has Push-to-Reset Circuit Breakers for added safety.
Quiet Operation
All portable generators make some sound level when running. Some are loud and some are quiet.
We might have a few super quiet generator options but an absolutely quiet generator is still a fantasy.
A loud generator can be invasive and steal your peace of mind. Noisy generators are not neighbor-friendly.
During a power outage, most people use portable generators. And, you won’t love to have the loudest of them all.
This Champion inverter generator generates 58 DB of noise level at quarter load. This noise level is like light traffic or a bit more than normal conversation.
Inverter Generators have lower sound levels as compared to any traditional generator of the same power.
Additional Features
There are additional features and aspects that ease the user’s convenience and generator operation.
Control Panel
This 3100-watt Champion generator features a quick touch panel. It contains a fuel shutoff dial, circuit breakers, an economy mode switch, power outlets, and LED indicators.
LED indicators alert for output ready, low oil, and overload. This keeps the engine safe and helps easy operation.
This generator comes with a 120V 30A RV outlet, and two 120V 20A household outlets. It also has a 12 Volt DC receptacle.
Oil Funnel, Spark Plug Tool, and Battery Charging Cables are in the box.
RV-Ready
This Champion 3100-watt generator is RV-ready. It means it has a 120V 30A RV outlet. So, you can connect it directly to the RV outlet using an extension cord and power your travel trailer.
Advanced Inverter Technology
This generator uses advanced inverter technology to create stable power (Clean Power). Clean power has lower THD (Total Harmonic Distortions).
Lower voltage spikes make clean power ideal for sensitive electronics. Inverter generators also have a longer lifespan and quieter operation.
Electric Starter
The Electric Start feature reduces the hassle involved in starting the generator. If you don’t like pulling the recoil then you should find a generator with an electric start.
This generator does not have an electric start and depends on a recoil starter for starting.
Durability & Portability
The durability of a portable generator is its ability to survive and perform in extreme conditions.
A durable generator has a longer lifespan with minimum maintenance. A portable generator’s body parts, engine, and features altogether contribute to its durability.
This Champion portable inverter generator is durable with an engine built from a cast iron sleeve.
Advanced inverter technology, fuel shutoff, economy mode, etc are features that add to its durability.
By reducing engine speed when running on less electrical load, the economy mode feature minimizes engine wear. This supports extended engine life.
The fuel shutoff feature prevents the collection of engine oil in the carburetor. This comes in handy when you plan to store the generator for a brief period of time.
Better Portability of an inverter generator means it can be easily moved and accommodated. Portable generators have less weight and size compared to standby generators.
Champion 3100-watt is a compact inverter generator. It comes with a mobility kit that contains never-flat tires and a foldaway “U” shaped built-in handle.
Product Dry Weight: 94.8 lbs
Product Dimensions: 22.4” x 17.3” x 18.3” (L X W X H)
Champion Power Equipment covers this generator with a 3-year limited warranty. They also provide free lifetime technical support from experts.
Alternatives
You might need a backup power generator for a completely different use case.
So, if you haven’t decided on this Champion 3100-watt RV-ready portable inverter generator then you can check the alternatives.
Your reason to look into an alternative might be an additional feature, budget, power rating, etc. I am not judging you here. 😋
You can also check our roundup review of the best 3500-watt portable generator for more worthy and powerful options.
Honda EU3000iS – Super Quiet
Honda has been around for decades now. They have created quite a name in the power equipment sector.
Honda generators come with commercial-grade reliability and trust. Their inverter generators are super quiet, fuel-efficient, and durable.
Honda EU3000iS features a powerful 4-stroke Honda GX200 commercial engine. This engine produces 3000 peak watts and 2800 rated watts.
Honda EU3000iS is a super quiet portable generator with advanced inverter technology. It generates clean power for sensitive electronics.
It has an electric start for minimum hassle. It also has a recoil start as a backup for emergencies when the electric start doesn’t work.
This Honda inverter generator is EPA and CARB-compliant. It also has a USDA-qualified spark arrestor/muffler. This spark arrestor ensures added safety when operating in a forest or a park area.
Honda EU3000iS comes with CO Minder technology. This detects harmful levels of Carbon Monoxide and shuts down the engine for the user’s safety.
It has an intuitive control panel. It helps you monitor voltage, frequency, runtime, etc for better operation.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 3.4 gallons. It can run up to 19 hours at quarter load and 7 hours at full load.
It generates operation noise as low as 50 Db at a quarter load. When operated at rated load it produces 57 DB of the noise level.
This is a parallel-ready generator. It means that you can combine two Honda EU3000iS or identical models to get double power.
Honda EU3000iS comes with integrated wheels for easy movement. Eco-Throttle (Eco-mode) feature supports ultra-quiet operation.
It has a low oil level shutdown feature (or Automatic Low Oil Shut-off). This shuts the engine at low oil levels to protect the engine from any damage.
Honda Warranty covers this generator from top to bottom with a 3-year residential and commercial warranty.
This might be a little costly compared to the others on the list. But, this is the most durable and feature-packed generator of all.
Generac 7127 iQ3500 – PowerRush™ Technology
Since 1959, Generac Power System has led many major developments in the power tools sector. They were the first to engineer affordable home standby generators.
Generac 7127 is a 3500-watt gas-powered portable inverter generator. This features a 212cc Generac OHV engine with splash lubrication for a longer lifespan.
This Generac generator produces 3500 starting wattage and 3000 rated watts.
It has additional power i.e. 400 watts of starting power and 200 watts of running power compared to the Champion generator.
Generac 7127 comes with a 2.6 gallons fuel capacity. It can run for 14 hours on a single fuel tank at a quarter load.
Generac’s exclusive PowerRush™ technology ensures maximum output for each receptacle. When operating motor-driven tools its starting wattage crosses the 3500-watt mark.
This generator also features economy mode, inverter technology, electric start, fuel shutoff, etc.
These help to increase the overall durability and reliability of this portable generator.
Generac 7127 generator’s power panel comes with a Digital Smart LCD with an hour meter that tracks maintenance intervals.
Its steel enclosure design suppresses the engine noise to a great extent. This Generac 3500-watt generator is heavier than the Champion 3100-watt generator.
Weight: 109.1 lbs
Dimensions: 23.7” x 18” x 21.7” (L X W X H)
Generac 7127 3500-watt is an EPA and CARB-compliant generator. Generac Power System Covers this generator with a 3-year limited warranty.
This generator can be a good source of power for home backup. Its PowerRush™ technology makes it suitable for high amperage power tools too.
Westinghouse WGen3600 – Efficient & Versatile
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment has pioneered innovation in many sectors. They have been around for more than a century now.
Westinghouse portable generators are reliable and affordable. Westinghouse WGen3600 features a 212cc 4-stroke Westinghouse OHV engine.
This generator produces impressive 3600 running wattage and 4650 peak wattage. It comes with a large 4-gallon of gasoline tank with a fuel gauge.
This Westinghouse generator can run for 14 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of gasoline.
This generator is EPA and CARB-compliant. It features Automatic Low Oil Shutdown, overload protection, and outlet covers.
This generator is powerful and produces 68 DB of operation noise. This is like a vacuum cleaner running.
This generator comes with a wide selection of power outlets. It features a Duplex 5-20R 120V Household outlet, RV-Ready TT-30R 30A Receptacle, and L5-30R 30A outlet.
But, it does not have CO Minder and Electric start. This generator comes with a 3-year residential and 1-year commercial warranty with lifetime technical customer support.
If you need a generator with dual-fuel technology with the same specs. Then Westinghouse WGen3600DF can be the one for you.
Westinghouse WGen3600DF also has added a push-button electric start and remote key FOB. FOB is Frequency Operated Button.
Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen3600DF dual-fuel portable generator.
An option with added CO Sensor feature is also available i.e. Westinghouse WGen3600DFcv.
Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen3600DFcv dual fuel generator with CO Sensor.
Weight: 105 lbs
Dimensions: 23.3” x 22.8” x 21.3” (L X W X H)
This generator comes with a lot of options. You can choose a generator model based on your dual fuel feature, electric start, remote start, and CO Sensor requirement.
This generator can power all your household equipment and power tools during a power outage.
This RV-ready generator can power your camping, tailgating, and other recreational activity experience.
Our Verdict – Should You Buy It Or Not
Champion Power Equipment Founded in 2003 has grown into a reliable power equipment manufacturer.
Champion 3100-watt inverter generator 75531i is a good portable power source with advanced inverter technology. This generator is RV-ready and produces cleaner and safer power.
This Champion generator is fuel-efficient, durable, and reliable. It also features fuel shutoff, oil alerts, etc. Its cold start technology makes starting easy even in cold weather conditions.
This generator can be a good backup power solution if you are looking for a portable generator in the 3000-watt range.
But, this generator produces a bit more operation noise. It also lacks a fuel gauge and parallel capability.
All alternatives on this Champion 3100-watt generator review are from the best and most reliable brands in the portable generator industry.
So, if you plan on choosing an alternative that suits your backup power need, it will be equally worth it.
For example, if you need a generator that is quiet and feature-packed. Then Honda EU3000iS can be the best generator choice for you.
It might be a bit expensive compared to other options in this power range. But with all features and durability, it is worth it.
Check the Current Price of the Honda EU3000iS super quiet inverter generator.
But, if you want a portable generator in a lower price range, then Westinghouse WGen3600 can also be the best shot. The reliability and service of Westinghouse portable generators are worth the recommendation.
Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen3600 portable inverter generator.
With my experience, I have realized that a few generators might take a longer time to get delivered.
So, if you are planning to use it on a coming date then do check the delivery date first.
