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Portable generators have incredible utility and add great power to blank space that are otherwise off - grid . I ’ve tested several portable generators , using them to run home appliances and jobsite king tool and also to support a travel drone ’s electric refrigerator , lights , water system heart , and smoke . While each one I test supplied power , few could prevail as long or drive home enough magnate for high - need task .
When evaluating author , I supervise them for power surging and performance during 3- to 4 - hour cycles . I canvass each ground on ease of use , starting ability , fuel options , outlet types and numbers , portability , and overall carrying into action . TheChampion Power Equipment 8,500 - W double - fuel generatorperformed exceptionally well , delivering a coherent stream of power without surge or breakdowns . It was a deary of mine , and for users with significant power needs , it might be just the proper fit .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Champion 8,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator With CO Shield: At a Glance
Rating:9.2/10
SPECS
PROS
CONS
Get the Champion 8,500 - W dual - fuel generator at :
What is the Champion dual-fuel generator?
Designed to supply off - grid electricity , the Champion 8,500 - watt treble - fuel generator is a heavy - duty big businessman producer . It can draw efficiently on a 7.7 - gal tank car of natural gas for 10 hours with a 50 per centum load . A standard 8 - Sudanese pound propane army tank will bring home the bacon 5 hr of runtime under the same conditions . The alternative to take out on either fuel allows exploiter to carry whichever they find most low-cost or commodious .
At 8,500 Watt of running output , this author provides more than enough power to point batteries or operate multiple item . It can simultaneously back an air compressor and heat ticker or power - hungry convenience such as an melody conditioner , water heater , or apparel dryer . While users will want to check the attracter of individual power sources to annul overload the source , each power reference has a electric circuit breaker that will set off in the event of an overload .
ThisChampion generatorfeatures six outlets , include one 120V AC 30A lockup , one 120V/240V AC 30A lockup , and four 120V AC 20A GFCI . It fires the right way up with a simple ignition switch and has a digital display that usher runtime , volt , and frequency . For safety , it also has a built - in atomic number 6 monoxide auto shutoff .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Generator Setup
When it come to set up the Champion generator , all it take is installing the steering wheel and base legs to the dead body . At 209 pounds , this beast is heavy , so users may need a strong friend or two to help oneself move it off their truck bed or drone . I put mine down on a stage set of block , which helped me derive ground clearance for leg and wheel induction . The process was easy thanks to the wheel outfit ’s hub and cotter pin system , and I was able-bodied to attach the pegleg in proceedings using flange bolts and shut away nuts .
The folding handle came tack together , and once the cycle were on , I could move the source around my shop well . I positioned it on a level surface and completed the final three measure , which were :
Generator Operations
With everything gather , oiled , and fueled , it was time to memorize the controls and test execute the source for a half time of day . I wanted to get a spirit for how it sound and the running shape before placing a load on the unit . It also seemed like a good idea to break in the motor for a bit before putting it to do work .
The control were so sluttish to apply that I felt as if I was missing a stride . I twice - checked the manual of arms , and it turns out this unit is just really promiscuous to start and run . It has a telephone dial that points to the fuel types , so I turned it to gasoline , hit the ignition , and fired it right up . I was very impressed with this source ’s simplicity and first - clock time startup .
Next , I turned off the engine and hooked up the propane line . I turned the dial to propane , and again , it discharge right up and ran with zero hesitation or issues .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Beyond the start mental process , the only affair left to do was to connect a power supply . As with all other apparatus facial expression of this source , this mental process was intuitive , and the digital great power readings were clear and highly seeable .
Generator Performance
After connecting power , theChampion generatorimmediately get producing get-up-and-go . I started my tests by run an reference cord to a drill and then a rotary byword . The generator ran both without any indisposition . I then unite to a portable tenting refrigerator , which ran with zero surging . pull in confidence , I hook up my traveling trailer ’s 30 - amp electric cord to the 120/240 outlet . I left it go while going about my business for a few time of day , and it power all the widget in my poke without issue .
After running the source on natural gas for a half day , I switched to propane and did a 3 - 60 minutes streak on the travel trailer . Again , it powered all my appliances very smoothly . The load was n’t excessive ( I ran my electric refrigerator , a space bullet , and lights ) , but it was sure enough enough to give the source a mild exercising . If there was anything on the trailer with greater power need , it would have likely jaunt the trailer breaker and not the generator . It did n’t trip any surf , however , and I would n’t waver to run bigger power loads in the future .
My tool , contrivance , and locomotion lagger mental test did n’t add up close to running through the generator ’s gas tank , either . In the 4 - 60 minutes test , I used around one - poop of a armored combat vehicle . A heavier loading would increase consumption , but the manufacturing business ’s stated 10 - hr runtime seems very naturalistic . For contractile organ and jobsite worker , it can easily address a full transmutation without the motivation to replenish the tank .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Is the Champion dual-fuel generator worth the money?
For an 8,500 - watt generator , a price level of just over $ 1,000 is sensible — there are many similar theoretical account priced within $ 100 of the Champion .
What makes this generator ’s time value especially evident is its dual - fuel option . Most other models in this cost chain of mountains only run on gas and do n’t have the junior-grade propane fuel line . A few others do n’t have wheel or stabilizing legs and are instead encase in tubing that creates a frame . While it would be easy to lift with a few people helping , this design is difficult for one individual to move . Moving a author is more necessary than some might think , specially when it ’s being used as an off - grid power source or on a site where various extension cords must be reached . birth a author on wheels makes a conflict for longer periods of use and solo task - doers .
After completing my test of the Champion Power Equipment 8,500 - watt two-fold - fuel model , it was unclouded that this author is very well construct and has a great - running play locomotive engine . For users like me who need to run self-aggrandizing appliances or mightiness - heavy equipment , this unit of measurement is worth the money . For those who have belittled electric draw , other options that weigh and be less might be more suitable .
Should you buy the Champion dual-fuel generator?
Whether or not you need adual - fuel generatordepends on how you use the power source . Having access to multiple fuel options is great when fuel prices change or when one option is n’t pronto uncommitted . This flexibility also helps wield the generator ’s performance in vary weather conditions , as gasoline performs very well in the cold while propane is passing effective in hot climates .
TheChampion Power Equipment 8,500 - watt generatoris ideal for someone who needs a hard - working option with long runtimes . It ’s with child for contractors who demand to power roofing tile saws , charge putz battery , and plug away in a kind of equipment types . It ’s also idealistic for use at off - grid cabins and campsites if a boost is need to run appliances , point large battery savings bank , or to simply keep on hand as an emergency energy rootage .
If you need a high - character author with plenty of power and the power to execute in different climates , this Champion two-fold - fuel simple machine is an excellent option .
Where to Buy the Champion Dual-Fuel Generator
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance author splitting time between the great outdoors , locomotion , and DIY projection ranging from camper builds to home overhaul and care . His home theme in Montana is the perfect examination grounds for wintertime production and snow equipment . With over a 10 of professional writing experience , he also covers a multifariousness of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com .
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