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Description
Zoom on the Champion 200961
In a nutshell, the Champion 200961 is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Amateur DIY lovers
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 200961
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Champion 200961 provides an output of 120V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 1,850W along with a peak wattage of 2,500W. While propane-powered, it provides 1,665 rated watts and 2,500 starting watts. In addition, the device is parallel capable (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 53 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a quiet suburb). Its starting mechanism is based on a conventional pull-start mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
With a fuel capacity of 1.1 gallon, the 200961 can operate for up to 11.5 hours using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.1 GPH), or for up to 34 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.14 GPH) using propane.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the 200961 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 2 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries. Since a dual port USB adapter is included with the unit, you will also be able to use the DC receptacle to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
Portability
As the Champion 200961 is an inverter generator, its encased design (L17.3 x W12 x H17.7 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Weighing just 39 lbs, the 200961 can be considered a lightweight portable generator. The product’s power can be enjoyed on-the-go, as it can be moved by a single person without trouble. In addition, a handle (molded in the case) lets you carry it easily and further increases its convenience.
Features
The 200961's control panel
The device’s light indicators will display if the generator is overloaded, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Champion 200961 also comes with some accessories: dual port USB adapter, oil, funnel and propane hose are included.
Emissions
The Champion 200961 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Champion 200961 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 200961 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- As for its weight, the Champion 200961 weighs only 39 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 1500-2500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of just 34.2 pounds.
- At a lowest noise rating of 53 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the quieter devices of similar type and power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU2200i with only 48 dBA.
- The 200961 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 11.5 hours at 25% load. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the DuroMax XP2300iH, with up to 13 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is a rather fuel efficient one within its wattage category. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the DuroMax XP2300iH, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.08 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 1500-2500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Champion 200961 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Several accessories included
- Parallel capable
- Dual Fuel
- Inverter
- Lightweight (39 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (53 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- No data center
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 79 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,850 W | 1,665 W |
| Starting watts | 2,500 W | 2,500 W |
| Running amps | 15.4 amps | 13.9 amps |
| Peak amps | 20.8 amps | 20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 11.5 h | 34 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1.1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 39 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.3 x 12 x 17.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 53 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, propane hose, and dual port USB adapter |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 817198024523 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Champion Power Equipment
Founded in 2003, the Champion Power Equipment is a US based power equipment manufacturer. The relatively small company has made a name for itself both in the portable generator industry, but also the power equipment sector in general, with a particular focus on heavy duty equipment, such as log cutters, snow blowers, chipper shredders, etc. All of their products are engineered in the US. However, the company does not provide information on the origin of their components.
Warranty Information
The Champion 200961 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Champion generators, please consult Champion's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-877-338-0999.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Total | 1462 W | 2462 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1470 W | 1470 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1340 W | 1340 W |
What is the difference between 200961 and 200962 ??? (Asked August 25, 2022)
The 200962 has an inverted colorway. It also features USB ports, while the 200961 features a DC automotive outlet.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I agree I have this generator and it has been running since April of last year and I’m very happy with the proformance of this little generator. It has kept me from freezing in the winter and now it’s July in Las cruses new Mexico and its been running around the clock running a 8,000 btu portable air conditioner in my van. It still starts on the 1 st pull from the new Mexico hott dessert I recommend this generator for your favorite .