2500W Ultralight Portable Inverter Generator with CO Shield

We used this generator when the power company proactively cut our power for 26 hours, and then again for 30 hours, during high winds when there was fire risk. We kept our house refrigerator, a chest freezer, and some floor lamps running with no problem. The unit is light enough for one person to carry, it started and ran first time, and it was much quieter than other generators our neighbors had.

Living off the grid in California, I've gone through my fair share of suitcase generators, but this one stands out for its quiet performance. Despite the challenge of sourcing generators from out of state, this one has proven to be a keeper. With over 20,000 hours of use annually, the generator's quieter operation is a welcomed change. However, I did notice a slight increase in exhaust smell compared to previous models. I usually house my generators in a small doghouse-like cover for protection from the elements. One issue I encountered was the carbon monoxide sensor triggering frequent shutdowns, posing a concern for winter use. Despite this setback, the generator has been reliable, allowing me to power through snow and rain without a hitch. Overall, apart from the minor exhaust smell and sensor issue, I've been impressed with its performance.

My wife uses this generator for an ice cream cart that she displays at outdoor events. It powered the large cart, a slushie machine and some electronics for almost eight hours. It's also relatively quiet especially when compared to a normal generator. It's not light but not too heavy for my petite wife to maneuver. It also starts easily which is a big plus.

This generator was purchased when hurricane Helene rolled through. It got delivered just a few hours before power got restored. I'm crediting this generator with that. LOL. Anyway... It hasn't been cranked since Helene, around 9 months ago, but I had done a "long term storage procedure" on it, which is supposed to be good for years. After fueling, it fired right up. 1st or 2nd pull. I used it to power a fridge, internet equipment, two laptops, a desktop PC, an iPad, some LED lights, and a fan. It ran most of the time at under 50%. I topped off the fuel right before bedtime, and it ran for 7.5 hrs before running out. I was able to get pretty much a whole night of sleep uninterrupted. It does just what I wanted it for... enough power for essentials, with the ability to use fuel efficiently in case of extended outages.

One Year Review -Champion 2500 Watt Gas This is my second Champion generator. Initially during the break in period, oil was dripping out of the exhaust and smoking slightly. I brought it into the repair shop under warranty and was told that the issue would clear up eventually, which it did. Some brief blue smoke is visible during start up however it doesn’t really burn a measurable amount of oil. The machine could use better quality piston rings but not a deal breaker. There is no smoke once the engine is running. I use synthetic motor oil and I upgraded the spark plug to an NGK brand. I have about 35 hours on the machine and it works well as it sees regular tailgating use. It is important to remember that this is a light duty machine. If you are using it for tailgating; it is great for lights and fans. The machine is maxed out when using a single appliance such as a coffee maker or toaster or blender. You may wish to get something larger if you are planning on running multiple appliances at once. I can run lighting along with the appliances but It doesn’t make enough power to run multiple appliances at one time. Pros: -Quiet operation. -Starts easily (I use non-ethanol fuel) -Compact design -Budget friendly -Replacement parts are available on the Champion’s website. -12Volt cigarette style outlet which is handy for a 12Volt cooler or USB car adapter. Cons: -Heavy -Not made in USA -Wish it produced more power for its physical size. -Cheap plastic clips on the side panel used for checking and replacing oil. Overall I feel it was a pretty good purchase. I didn’t want to spend $1000 on a Honda just for recreational use. If you need something more robust then I would invest in a Honda. The compromises for a $400 or so machine seem to be worth it so far.

I bought this unit as an emergency generator. It run about 30 minutes and shut down. I tried running again and it run 30 minutes and then wouldn’t start again. I called champion support and they claimed the inverter needed to be reset they sent a video to dismantle the unit and change the inverter which I had no part to replace with after many calls finally got through and they said to take to a warranty dealer that was weeks ago I called serviceman and he said he thought the low oil sensor was malfunctioning. Ther serviceman said he did what champion told him to do to no avail and said he thought repair cost would be more than unit was worth More calls to champion and never got through after waiting hours on phone. I put a review on champions website and their response was tell the serviceman to change the oil. Why I should be involved with warranty repair is ridiculous. You can’t get through to champion support without waiting hours while their system plays marketing messages over and over. They have no callback service and they don’t respond to emails. This unit is defective. I’m ready to deny credit card charge and let Amazon and champion fight this out. Maybe at one time champion had good service but they sure don’t now. Buyer beware. Deeply regret buying this!

This Champion 2500W inverter generator is truly a game-changer! It impresses with its lightweight design and powerful performance, running quietly while ensuring safety with CO Shield. Ideal for camping or emergencies, it is easy to use, highly efficient, and consistently exceeds expectations. A must-have for anyone in need of reliable portable power.

Works well, fairly quiet, though if noise is an issue you may want to look elsewhere. The fuel gauge became discolored after a few months--hard to see through now.