Champion 4250-Watt Dual Fuel Open Frame Inverter Generator

I bought this for a variety of reasons: - Dual fuel and the ability to run Propane. This generator will be used very rarely, perhaps every two or three years whenever local power goes down. It MUST start when needed. Propane, unlike gasoline, does not deteriorate during long term storage. Therefore I plan to run it with a couple of 100 lb propane tanks. - High ratings. - The Champion website seems well organized. - Complete and well organized user manual, parts list, and wiring diagram. - Competitive, innovative technology and fully featured product range. They offer dual fuel on their smallest generators. - Very reasonable price. - Light enough that I can lift it, should the need arise. - Lots of youtube vids. Comments: - I bought their wheel kit, it installed in about 10 minutes. - At first I was unable to start the generator. A shot of starter fluid got it going for about 5 seconds, then it stalled. I thought it was a spark problem. I called Champion service and got a knowledgeable person on the line in less than 2 minutes. I asked if the low oil shutoff could be stuck. They said it's very rare for that to be a problem. The solution was to pre-load the recoil starter. That's when you pull the cord until you get resistance (about half way), then release the cord, then do a full pull. I did that and it started instantaneously. - The fuel gauge was stuck on empty. Champion service is sending a free replacement. They said it's very easy to replace. - The overall impression is high quality, nothing feels cheap. I was a little skeptical about the EZ start dial, which is a combined gas/propane fuel valve and ignition switch. However, it feels robust and operates with a positive action. It's wonderful to be able to switch from gas to propane with just the flick of the wrist. The propane hose and fittings are top quality, and even include a snazzy removable bracket to hang it on the generator. - Noise is on par with other small generators. But the relatively large 224 cc engine doesn't sound buzzy, more of a subdued rumble. Conclusion: Yes, I recommend this generator.

We got this for off grid RVing and it worked flawlessly for our 2 week camping in the boondocks. We work remotely, so it powered our Starlink, computer, printer, and even had enough power to run our small AC unit and microwave, but not simultaneously. It starts very easily, has a large tank for gas and can operate on propane of needed. I really like the gas run-out shutoff that is integrated into the start switch. No more hunting down the fuel switch to run the carb empty. Much better for storage. Do know that it's heavy. About 70lbs, so it's a pig to move. But we appreciate the quiet so moving it 100ft away is still worth it. I'll work on building a little wagon for it lol.

This seems extremely well built, came very well packaged. Set up and started right way with propane. Ran for a few hours to start breaking it in. No issues. Much less noise than my larger generator but it is a generator with considerable power so it is not noiseless. Registration was also a breeze. Mine did not come with a remote and I have not needed customer service for anything so far.

I bought this dual fuel generator as a spare/loaner for $317 during a sale in Dec 2023. I applied a $100 gift card so my out of pocket was $217 which made it a no-brainer. For a loaner it checks all the right boxes -dual fuel so no worries about vintage (stale) gas from the neighbor's shed -loud enough it will be obvious if it "grows legs" (theft) -open frame is easy to run a chain/lock through -not a $2400 Honda unit -enough wattage to reduce the need for load juggling -long run time It is a bit loud, but it quieted down after the break-in. It was quieter still up on a furniture dolly so I believe some of the noise is amplified off the ground. The rated power output seems a bit overstated because the inverter module is printed with 3.3KW. It will probably do the stated outputs, but in the interest of longevity I'm choosing to treat it as a 3KW generator. The components on the inverter board look pretty generic which is another reason to go easy on it. I may even wire a 12v computer fan to blow across the inverter board heat sink. I do believe this is a good value at <$400; Any more than that and I'd be looking at the WEN DF450i closed frame dual fuel instead ($648 at the time of this review). Update Jan 2025: Generator has performed well over a couple short outages. It ran a 12k midea inverter AC, 2 fullsize refrigerators, a dorm fridge, plus a variety of low-wattage stuff without issue. The 30amp outlet only secures certain TT30 plugs well because the plastic lip on the front panel prevents the plug from seating fully. An L5-30P outlet would've been a better design choice. After using the furniture dolly I'll say the wheel kit would be a worthy upgrade.