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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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Price history for the Champion 201490

Current price is in the high range.
Lowest price $399
Highest price $579.99
Current price $579.99
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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
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201490 in use

The Champion 201490

The Champion 201490 houses a 79 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 1,850W along with a peak wattage of 2,500W. Furthermore, its parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for doubling of power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.

With a noise rating of 53 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a refrigerator), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.

Featuring a 1.05 gallon fuel tank, the 201490 can provide power for up to 11.5 hours on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.09 gallons per hour).

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 features the upcoming 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle making battery charging a breeze. With the unit, you will also find a dual port USB adapter, allowing for the convenient charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets using the DC receptacle.

Portability

Since the Champion 201490 is an inverter generator, its closed design (L17.3 x W11.5 x H17.7 in) not only provides an aesthetic advantage but also contributes to reduced noise levels compared to conventional, open frame devices. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.

The 201490 is a lightweight, portable generator, as it only weighs 37.7 lbs. With its manageable weight, one person can easily move it around, ensuring power wherever needed. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201490

The 201490's control panel

Designed with a digital Intelligauge data center, the control panel of the 201490 grants you access to crucial data on the power output, voltage, frequency and lifetime run hours, ensuring practical monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, a light indicator allows you to instantly see if the oil level is too low.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.

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.

With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Champion 201490 also comes with several accessories, including: dual port USB adapter, oil 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).

  • Regarding its weight, the Champion 201490 only weighs in at 37.7 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter inverter generators in the 1500-2500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of only 34.2 lbs.
  • At a lowest noise rating of 53 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the quieter devices of similar type and power. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Honda EU2200i stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 48 dBA.
  • Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 11.5 hours at 25% load, the 201490 benefits from a higher run time than many inverter generators of a similar output. For those prioritizing autonomy, the DuroMax XP2300iH could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching up to 13 hours.
  • While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.09 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is among the more fuel-efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.08 GPH, the DuroMax XP2300iH is a device you could look out for.

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

STRENGTHS:
  • 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
WEAKNESSES:

The Champion 201490 doesn't have any notably low specs.

Do you own the Champion 201490 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine79 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts1,850 W
Starting watts2,500 W
Running amps15.4 amps
Peak amps20.8 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load11.5 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tankPlastic, 1.05 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight37.7 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 in
Noise (lower limit)53 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, and dual port USB adapter
Country of originChina
Other model numbers201153
UPC817198028347

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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 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?
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.
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
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.

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