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Champion 201160 - 12000/15000W Portable Generator With Electric Start

The Champion 201160 is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 12,000 W and a starting wattage of 15,000 W. (Read full specs)

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Champion 201160
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Price history for the Champion 201160
Highest Price
$2,520.43
Lowest Price
$1,818.14
Current Price
$2,366.67

Description

The Champion Power Equipment 201160 MKE 12000 Portable Generator is designed with your safety and convenience in mind. Owning this rugged 12,000-watt generator means the next time there’s an outage, the power in your house stays on.

Zoom on the Champion 201160

In a nutshell, the Champion 201160 is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working.

In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201160 in use

The Champion 201160

The Champion 201160's core is the 717 cc V-Twin engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 12,000W and a peak wattage of 15,000W.

Operating with a noise level of 78 dBA (less noisy than a shower), the generator starts up via a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).

The 201160 can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.22 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 11 gallons.

The quite high THD (<20%) of the 201160 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 7 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

While this Champion generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, since the 201160 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

Portability

With a size of L33 x W33.7 x H33.1 in, the Champion 201160 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 328.7 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201160

The 201160's control panel

One of the many 201160's features is the digital Intelligauge data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the frequency, voltage, lifetime run hours and power output and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.

The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.

As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker). Champion's built-in surge protector (Volt Guard™) safeguards your equipment and appliances against voltage spikes.

The unit also benefits from the CO Shield™ technology, which monitors accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas produced by the engine's exhaust when the generator is running. If CO Shield™ detects elevated levels of CO gas, it automatically shuts off the engine and illuminates a red LED.

Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Champion 201160 features extra accessories: oil and funnel.

Product Video

The Champion 201160 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201160 compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).

  • A weight of 328.7 lbs makes the Champion 201160 one of the heavier devices in the 10000-14000 rated wattage range. if you wish to prioritize weight, the DuroStar DS13000MX is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 209 pounds.
  • With noise emissions rated as low as 78 dBA, this generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Genmax GM17000iETC. With just 63 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • As the 201160 offers around 9 hours run time on a full tank at a 50% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. 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 WEN TF1450X, with around 12 hours.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 1.22 GPH at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the WEN TF1450X, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.68 GPH, could be an option to consider.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the Champion 201160 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • GFCI Outlets
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Electric start
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (78 dBA)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No recoil back-up
  • No remote start
  • On the heavy side (328.7 lbs)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Champion 201160 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine717 cc V-Twin
Starting systemElectric
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts12,000 W
Starting watts15,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)100/50 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)125/62.5 amps
Run time @50% load9 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 11 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight328.7 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)33 x 33.7 x 33.1 in
Noise (lower limit)78 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, battery, and wheel kit
Country of originChina
SeriesMilwaukee
UPC817198025766

We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.

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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 201160 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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Hair dryer18001900
Slow cooker270270
Total9587 W11062 W
For workElectric welder90009000
Drain cleaner250250
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Bug zapper8080
Total9580 W9580 W

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