Labor Day
Champion 201561 - 4000/5500W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
The Champion 201561 is a compact dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201561
In summary, the Champion 201561 is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
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 201561
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Champion 201561 provides an output of 120V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 4,000W along with a peak wattage of 5,500W. While propane-powered, it provides 3,600 rated watts and 5,500 starting watts. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.
With a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a manual recoil starter system. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
Concerning its running time, the 201561, featuring a 2.03 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for up to 11 hours with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 0.18 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers up to 21 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.22 GPH) of runtime.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in the AC outlets safely, as the 201561 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy. Thanks to the included dual port USB adapter, you can conveniently use the DC receptacle to charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The Champion 201561 is an inverter generator and features an encased design with the following dimensions: L21.4 x W15.7 x H19.5 in. This design enhances aesthetics and helps minimize noise levels, distinguishing it from conventional, open frame products. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The 201561's dry weight of 76.3 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Additionally, its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its folding handle enable easy movement of the generator once it's in place.
Features
The 201561's control panel
Designed with a digital Intelligauge data center, the control panel of the 201561 grants you access to crucial data on the power output, frequency, lifetime run hours and voltage, ensuring practical monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if its oil levels are insufficient.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201561 also includes several accessories: propane hose, oil, dual port USB adapter, funnel and tool kit. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
The Champion 201561 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201561 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Regarding weight, the Champion 201561 comes in at only 76.3 pounds, positioning itself as one of the lighter options among inverter generators spanning from 3500 to 4500 in rated wattage. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the WEN 56432iX is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- This inverter generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 65 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
- As for its autonomy, the 201561, with an autonomy of up to 11 hours at a 25% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Champion 200977 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 22 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. This inverter generator provides better fuel efficiency than most others in its wattage range, consuming approximately 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Champion 201319, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.16 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Champion 201561 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
- Dual fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (76.3 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (65 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
Do you own the Champion 201561 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 | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 181 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W | 5,500 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 45.8 amps | 45.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 11 h | 21 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Plastic, 2.03 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 76.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.4 x 15.7 x 19.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 65 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, tool kit, propane hose, and dual port USB adapter |
| UPC | 817198029573 |
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 201561 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4192 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
