Champion 201490 - 1850/2500W Inverter Generator
The Champion 201490 is a quiet, compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,850 W and a starting wattage of 2,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201490
In a nutshell, the Champion 201490 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
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
Running on gasoline, the Champion 201490 operates with a 79 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 1,850W and a peak wattage of 2,500W. Moreover, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) enables power output to double when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
The inverter generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 53 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a quiet suburb). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201490's fuel tank, boasting 1.05 gallon, allows it to operate for up to 11.5 hours with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.09 GPH).
With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 201490 delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle making battery charging a breeze. 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
The Champion 201490's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L17.3 x W11.5 x H17.7 in) provides an aesthetic advantage and contributes to quieter operation compared to any ordinary, open frame product. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Considered a lightweight portable generator, the 201490 weighs just 37.7 lbs. The device can be easily moved by just one person and thus, its power may be enjoyed on-the-go. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.
Features
The control panel of the 201490 includes a digital Intelligauge data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the voltage, lifetime run hours, power output and frequency.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will signal if the oil level is too low.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during use.
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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201490 also includes several accessories: oil, dual port USB adapter and funnel.
Product Video
The Champion 201490 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201490 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- In terms of its weight, the Champion 201490 weighs merely 37.7 pounds, earning it a spot among the lighter inverter generators within the 1500 to 2500 rated wattage category. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Genmax GM2000i stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 34.2 pounds.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 53 dBA, this inverter generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar type and power. 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.
- The 201490 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 11.5 hours at 25% load. If run time is one of your main concerns, the DuroMax XP2300iH could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 13 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. Among generators of similar power, this inverter generator stands out with a better fuel efficiency than most, with consumption rates around 0.09 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the DuroMax XP2300iH, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.08 GPH.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1500-2500W inverter generators, the Champion 201490 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
- CO Shield™ technology
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (37.7 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (53 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
The Champion 201490 doesn't have any notably low specs.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 79 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,850 W |
| Starting watts | 2,500 W |
| Running amps | 15.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 11.5 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 | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Plastic, 1.05 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 37.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 53 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and dual port USB adapter |
| Country of origin | China |
| Other model numbers | 201153 |
| UPC | 817198028347 |
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.
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 201490 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 |
| Game console | 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 |
How long does starting watts of 2500 last on the Champion 2500 watt dual fuel? (Asked April 04, 2025)
Starting watts are only available for a few seconds.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




