Father’s Day
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)
Tractor Supply 
Amazon Price history for the Champion 201490
Page Content
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
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:
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
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.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 53 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU2200i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 48 dBA.
- As the 201490 features an autonomy of up to 11.5 hours at 25% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its type and power range. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the DuroMax XP2300iH, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting 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 0.09 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is a rather fuel-efficient one within its wattage category. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.08 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen2800c 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
- 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.
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
| 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 | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 1460 W | 2050 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.
