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Champion 201285 - 1200/1500W Portable Generator

The Champion 201285 is a compact and lightweight open frame generator with a rated wattage of 1,200 W and a starting wattage of 1,500 W. (Read full specs)

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Description

Zoom on the Champion 201285

In summary, the Champion 201285 is a compact and lightweight portable generator especially useful for:

  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools

Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201285 in use

The Champion 201285

Champion 201285 runs on gasoline, powered by a 79 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 1,200W alongside a starting wattage of 1,500W.

With a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a manual recoil starter system.

Thanks to its 1.46 gallon fuel tank, the 201285 can run continuously for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.15 GPH).

Given the 201285's high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is advisable to avoid using it to power sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features 2 AC outlets as follows:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Portability

With a size of L18.1 x W14.1 x H16.9 in, the Champion 201285 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

The 58 lbs of the 201285's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Additionally, the generator’s mobility is enhanced by its open frame design, as it can be easily grabbed and shifted.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201285

The 201285's control panel

The control panel of the 201285 includes an Intelligauge meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.

Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.

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.

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.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Champion 201285's package also includes these accessories: oil and funnel. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.

Product Video

The Champion 201285 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201285 compare to generators of similar power (between 1000 and 2000 W).

  • Weighing 58 lbs, the Champion 201285 is one of the heavier generators within the 1000-2000 rated wattage bracket. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, with a dry weight of only 24 lbs.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 65 dBA can be judged as noisy. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU2200i, whose lowest noise levels reach just 48 dBA.
  • With a run time of around 10 hours at 50% load, the 201285 has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Pulsar PG2200 shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 12 hours.
  • Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. As this generator uses an estimated 0.15 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.09 gallons per hour.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1000-2000W generators, the Champion 201285 is on the cheap side of the price range.

It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the heavy side (58 lbs)
  • On the noisy side (65 dBA)

Do you own the Champion 201285 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
Engine79 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts1,200 W
Starting watts1,500 W
Running amps10 amps
Peak amps12.5 amps
Run time @50% load10 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 1.46 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight58 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)18.1 x 14.1 x 16.9 in
Noise (lower limit)65 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil and funnel
UPC817198026749

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.

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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 201285 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 generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Slow cooker270270
Total462 W1462 W
For campingRV refrigerator180600
Rice cooker650650
Radio100100
Total930 W1350 W
For workReciprocating saw730960
Bug zapper8080
Total810 W1040 W

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Champion 201285
8.8 Total Score
1 review
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User Reviews

  1. 4.4
    Price
    80
    Value
    90
    Quality
    80
    Performance
    100

    They are absolutly wonderful working machine’s. I have had ( and still have ) a fair number of Champion generaters, of all sizes, and could not be happlier. Dave

    + PROS:
    • Always starts !
    - CONS:
    • Oil 'shut off' is a bit to sensitive
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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