This is our Champion 4000 Watt portable Generator Review.
I have always loved the versatility the champion generators offer. Champion Power Equipment has many models with few spec differences.
I have done extensive research and reviewed the Champion 4000-watt generator’s 100302-model. So, you can save time and effort.
Champion Power Equipment has been around since 2003 and is the industry leader for portable generators. This generator has lower fuel consumption, generates clean power, and has an affordable price.
This quiet generator uses quiet technology and economic mode for the best efficiency. It also has a few versions that differ in a few aspects. This gives you more options to choose from.
A few cons though. It does not have a VFT display and GFCI-protected outlets.
Everyone needs a portable generator for different uses. Your backup power source need might be completely different.
So,
Is a 4000-watt generator good?
What will a champion 4000-watt generator run?
How long will a champion 4000-watt generator run?
Keep reading…
Champion 4000-Watt Generator Overview
Champion 100302 4000-watt is an open frame generator from Champion Power Equipment. This generator runs on a reliable 224cc 4-stroke champion engine.
It is an upgraded model of the Traditional 3500-Watt Generator. This is a digital hybrid generator with quiet technology. It means it is an inverter generator mounted on an open frame.
Inverter Generator has a low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) i.e. less than 3%. It produces clean power ideal for sensitive electronic equipment.
This can run almost all essential home appliances. A 4000-watt portable generator can also be a good addition to your camping and tailgating experience.
I have reviewed a few important features that make this generator worth it.
RV Compatibility
RV Ready portable generator means that it has an Included Standard 50-Amp RV Outlet that makes this generator RV ready.
But, You cannot depend on a single unit running 24X7 continuously. You might have to give it a break in a while to let it cool down. Having two of these and swapping them can be a viable option if you plan regular and long-term RVing.
Power Output and Tank Size
The key to finding the best portable generator is accurately knowing how much power you need. The tech guys who assess your home for energy needs tend to increase your bill.
I recommend buying a generator with around 20% more power than you need. This will save your generator from overloading. Also, it will serve you in case of any emergencies where you need a little extra power.
A generator with too much power and one with less power than you need is waste. So, carefully assess your power needs and then start your quest for a portable generator.
Champion 100302 engine produces 4000 peak watts and 3500 running watts on gas. This power is good enough to run most of the household essential appliances during a power outage.
This 4000-watt generator can run a refrigerator, coffee machine, sump pump, small window AC, and some power tools. Not all simultaneously though. 😉
A bigger tank size means more fuel thus more runtime in a single full tank. But, it also increases the weight of the generator and affects its portability of the generator.
The Champion 4000-watt generator has a 2.9-gallon fuel tank capacity.
Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Type
A fuel-efficient generator produces more power and longer runtime hours for a given amount of fuel. It not only saves you bucks by a lower fuel consumption in a long run but also accounts for engine quality and durability.
This inverter has a 0.6-quart oil capacity recommended for Engine Oil Type 10W-30. It can run up to 17 hours at a quarter load in a single tank of gasoline. This can run around 8 hours at half load and a full tank of gasoline.
Gasoline can become un-accessible at times. Natural disasters have disrupted the gasoline supply earlier too. So, having an alternate fuel option will come in handy in these situations.
It also helps if you are lazy like me & don’t like to go to the station.
This generator model does not have dual-fuel capability. But, a duel fuel variant of the same model is available from Champion Power Equipment.
Champion 100754 4000-watt model has the same specs but also has the dual-fuel capability. You will have to pay a bit extra for the Dual Fuel portable generator version.
Safety Features
Proper safety measures are a must when operating generators of any kind. Electric shocks, Carbon Monoxide poisoning, etc are a few incidents to count.
All portable generators generate harmful gases and particles while running. Carbon Monoxide is one of the gasses. It is deadly, also called a silent killer. 🔪
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB(California Air Resource Board) provide emissions guidelines. An EPA & CARB-compliant generator ensures that their emission levels are below standards.
This generator is EPA and CARB compliant so available to buy in all 50 states.
Quiet Operation
Noisy generators are not loved. They steal your and your neighbor’s peace of mind. If you are camping with a noisy generator, imagine the reaction of other campers.
No noise generator is yet unachieved. You have to choose the one that makes less noise comparably.
This champion generator uses quiet technology to reduce operating volume. It has a noise level of 64 DB. This noise level is a bit more than a normal conversation.
Convenience
Convenience is part of the need when you set to buy a portable generator. All generator manufacturers ensure users’ ease by implementing many features.
Let’s have a look at what the Champion 100302 4000-watt generator model has to offer.
Quick Touch Panel
This generator has an intuitive control panel that offers fast access to controls. It also has output, overload, and low oil indicators. But, this generator has no VFT data center.
Cold Start Technology
Champion Power Equipment’s cold start technology ensures a quick start even in cold weather conditions. It decreases the hassle when using recoil start.
Electric Start/Remote Start
This generator model does not have an electric start, it only has a manual recoil start.
But again, Champion Power Equipment offers a model with the same specs and added electric start.
If you don’t like recoil start at all an electric start is one on your checklist. Do check out the Champion 100573 4000-watt wireless remote start model.
Check the current price for the Wireless Remote Start Version
Parallel Ready
This open-frame inverter generator is parallel-ready. It means you can connect two of these using a parallel kit to get double backup power when needed.
So, adding two Champion 4000-watt models using a parallel kit will give you 8000 watts of starting power and 7000 watts of power.
But, a parallel kit is not included in the box so you have to buy it separately.
Power Outlets
This RV Ready inverter generator includes a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R). It also has 2 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R) and a 12V DC automotive-style outlet. It comes with a dual USB adapter and battery-charging cables.
Durability and Portability
The durability of a portable generator refers to its life and ability to withstand tough conditions.
This generator has an economy mode feature that saves fuel and ensures extended engine life. This feature monitors power consumption in real-time to reduce the electrical load.
The low oil shutoff feature shuts down the engine as soon as the oil level reaches a certain level. This saves the engine from incurring any damage due to low oil levels.
This generator boasts Champion Support. It offers a three-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.
Better portability is important if you plan to move this generator often. This generator is quite portable. But, you have to buy an optional wheel kit if you plan on moving it a lot.
Product Weight: 81.6 lb
Product Dimensions: 20.5” X 17.9” X 17.7” (L X W X H)
Alternatives
This Champion generator has good features and is an excellent option for a backup power source. But, your use case and power need might be different.
So, in case you want to look for an alternative, I have listed 4 alternatives just for you.
DuroMax XP4400E – Additional Power, But Heavy
This is a gas-powered portable generator from Duromax. This generator uses a 4-stroke 210cc OHV engine.
The DuroMax XP4400E produces 4400 peak watts and 3500 running watts. This generator uses advanced technology such as MX2 Boost. This ensures maximum output for both 120V receptacles. This is ideal for usage with RVs.
This generator produces an acceptable noise level of 69 DB. This noise level is more than normal speech. It also has an electric start and recoil start as a backup. Its control panel has a voltmeter too.
This generator has a 3.9 gallons fuel tank. It has more than 11 hours of run time on gasoline at half load and around 8 operating hours at full load.
DuroMax also offers a dual-fuel model generator with the same specs. If you need a dual-fuel generator in the 4000-watt range do check this out.
This generator also has a surge arrest protector and all copper windings that extend engine life. The DuroMax XP4400E has GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets.
This too is a cost-effective power solution with a little more surge power and a few extra features. But, It is heavier and larger in size. It offers a 3-year limited warranty.
Product Weight: 122 lb
Product Dimensions: 25” X 24” X 21” (L X W X H)
Westinghouse iGen4500 – Quietest Of All
This is an advanced portable generator from Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment. This generator runs on a 224cc 4-stroke Westinghouse OHV engine.
The Westinghouse iGen4500 generates 4500 peak watts and 3700 running watts. It has a fuel tank capacity of 3.4 gallons. This generator has an impressive runtime of 18 hours on gasoline at a quarter load.
This generator ensures continuous power and better fuel efficiency with a variable-speed engine. Lowering engine speed when the load is less saves fuel and extends engine life too.
It generates clean power ideal for sensitive electrical appliances. It also has a lower noise level of 52 DB. It has an electric start and remote control feature. It is very easy to move this generator with wheels.
The Westinghouse iGen4500 comes with a Real-time LED display. It shows runtime, remaining fuel, load, output, volts, and lifetime hours. It is Transfer switch Ready thus enabling easy connection to your house power.
This is generator is ideal for RVing, Camping, and as a household backup power source. It also offers a 3-year warranty.
Product Weight: 104.7 lb
Product Dimensions: 24.5” X 17.5” X 20” (L X W X H)
WEN GN400i – Compact and Lightweight
This is an open-frame design portable inverter generator from WEN products. This generator uses a 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine. This generator has a compact mechanical design and is very lightweight.
The WEN GN400i produces 4000 surge watts and 3500 rated watts on gasoline. This generator has a fuel tank with a capacity of 1.85 gallons of gasoline. It can provide 7 hours of continuous power at half load in a single tank.
The WEN GN400i also has an economy mode to maximize fuel economy. This generator does not have an electric start though. This also has parallel compatibility so you use double power with a parallel connection.
Product Weight: 66.1 lb
Product Dimensions: 19.8” X 13.8” X 18.9” (L X W X H)
Lower weight and size make this generator ideal for unique cases. It has a powerful engine and good fuel efficiency too. But, its fuel tank is a bit smaller as compared to others on the list. It has a 2-year warranty.
It also has a lower price as compared to others on the list.
Pulsar G450RN – Beter Fuel Effifciency
This powerful and efficient portable inverter generator is from Pulsar Products. Pulsar G450RN. This generator produces 4500 peak watts and 3700 rated watts.
This generator has a fuel tank of 3.2 gallons capacity. It can run for up to 15 hours on a single tank of gasoline at half load.
This generator uses quiet technology for quieter operations. It produces a noise level of 63 DB. This noise level will feel a bit more than a few people having a normal conversation.
This generator has a remote start which removes the hassle of recoil start and reaching the generator to start it.
Product Weight: 108 lb
Product Dimensions: 27.5” X 21” X 23.5” (L X W X H)
This generator has excellent fuel efficiency. It is a good option for camping, tailgating, and other recreational events. It has a 1-year limited warranty.
Conclusion
Champion Power Equipment is a manufacturer of versatile and advanced product lines. You can find many models with a few differences in features. This lets you choose what you want and what you don’t.
This is an upgraded version of the Traditional Champion 3500-Watt Generator.
Champion 100302 4000-watt generator has good features and 95% of the users recommend this generator. It has a good power output, and a lower noise level, and generates clean power. It also has good fuel efficiency and overload protection.
All other models of the same specs are equally good and just differ by a few features. So, if you need any specific feature such as a dual fuel version, with electric start, etc. Go for it.
Check out the price for the Dual Fuel Version.
Check out the price of the Wireless Remote Start Version.
If you find one of the alternatives that suit your backup power needs. I would say trust your instincts and go for the one that fits best for your use case and price range.
For example, Westinghouse IGen4500 has the lowest noise level and WEN GN400i is the smallest and lightest of all.
All generators that are made up of this review are from renowned brands. Buying any of them according to your purpose will be best.
