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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN1000i
In summary, the Sportsman GEN1000i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- 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, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Sportsman GEN1000i
The Sportsman GEN1000i houses a 40 cc (1.3 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 800W along with a peak wattage of 1,000W.
With a noise rating of 56 dBA (less noisy than rainfall), the inverter generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the GEN1000i can operate for around 6.3 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.1 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 0.6 gallon.
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlet, as the GEN1000i produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following AC outlet:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 5V USB port allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
Portability
The Sportsman GEN1000i's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L15.6 x W8 x H13.8 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
With a weight of only 20.3 lbs, the GEN1000i may be viewed as a lightweight and portable generator. The generator can be moved with ease by only one person and so it can be enjoyed on-the-go. Further convenience is provided by its handle (molded in the case), as it allows you to carry it effortlessly.
Good to know: This unit ranks 1st in our list of the 10 smallest portable generators.
Features
The GEN1000i's control panel
When the generator is on overload, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Sportsman GEN1000i's package also includes these accessories: battery charging cables, funnel and tool kit.
Emissions
The Sportsman GEN1000i is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Sportsman GEN1000i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN1000i compare to generators of similar power (between 500 and 1500 W).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Sportsman GEN1000i stands at only 20.3 lbs, meaning that is one of the one of the lightest devices of the 500-1500 rated wattage category
- With a lowest noise rating of 56 dBA, the inverter generator is one of the more quiet of the generators of similar power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU1000i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 42 dBA.
- The GEN1000i's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its power range, as it reaches only around 6.3 hours at 50% load on a full tank. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Sportsman GEN2000-SS, boasting with around 11 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this inverter generator is one of the most fuel efficient units within its wattage category.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 500-1500W inverter generators, the Sportsman GEN1000i 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
- Inexpensive
- Several accessories included
- Inverter
- Lightweight (20.3 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (56 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- No data center
- Only 1 AC outlet
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- 1-year warranty
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 40 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 800 W |
| Starting watts | 1,000 W |
| Running amps | 6.7 amps |
| Peak amps | 8.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 6.3 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 0.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 20.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 15.6 x 8 x 13.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 56 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and battery charging cables |
| Other model numbers | GEN1000iC |
| UPC | 027077802085 |
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.
About Sportsman Series
Sportsman Series is a small brand registered under the US based Buffalo corporation. Founded in 1964, the Buffalo Corporation is a small company, which sells tools and home products. Their brands include AmeriHome, Black Bull, Buffalo Tools and Sportsman Series – which offers a selection of generators and several other general products. The brand, and in fact, the corporation itself seemingly outsources all of its production overseas and acts only as a distributor, under its own brands.
Warranty Information
The Sportsman GEN1000i is covered under a warranty for up to 1 year. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Sportsman generators, please contact the Buffalo Tools Customer Support: 1-636-532-9888.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Printer | 600 | 600 |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 620 W | 620 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 575 W | 995 W | |
| For work | Drill | 600 | 900 |
| Total | 600 W | 900 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Got one of these about 2 years ago. First impression was good, nice workmanship.
First off – it never delivered the 800 running watts, not even close to it. Usually I got shy above 600 watts on a good day.
But then the power output diminished through time.
Now after two years and about 150h runtime, 3 oil changes, I only get about 400 watts out of it before the overload protection trips and shuts down the generator.
So I wouldn’t buy this generator again, it does not deliver at all.
Like many, I had been in the market for a small inverter generator. In my opinion, Honda is the benchmark for said type of generators, but with the 1000 watt unit (that would do everything I need) being around $800 it seemed foolish to not spend a couple hundred more and get the 2000 watt unit with twice the output. But it also weighs about twice as much and has higher fuel consumption. Decisions decisions. The weight generally would not be an issue for most, but I haul my camping gear on a trailer that I pull behind my motorcycle. So 20-30 pounds matters to me. So I thought it to death.
Ok, after doing some reading on this generator I picked up one of these from Sam’s Club in February for the super cheap price of $150. Even better, they offered a 3 year warranty for $15. On top of that, my credit card will give me an additional 2 years after that warranty expires. Hard to go wrong.
I was both impressed and concerned about how light this unit is. However, I knew that I would not be needing it for heavy loads when I camp and electric is not available.
After giving the unit a break in run of 8 hours and varying loads with 10W-30 conventional oil, I changed the oil and refilled it with the updated lower quantity (what used to be the low mark is now the full mark) of full synthetic 10W-30.
I ran the generator for a little over 60 hours this weekend. Other than shutdown for fueling and a couple of oil level checks (no loss noted) it ran non stop. My load was light, running two small fans, a dometic portable refrigerator, and at night a CPAP machine. According to my kill-a-watt, the load varies from 70 watts to 180 watts. Yes, it’s loafing but it’s doing everything that I need. The best part, I let it run for as long as 10 1/2 hours between fueling and it never ran out of fuel. I really wish I had tracked consumption more accurately, but I am confident that I used less than 1 gallon of fuel a day.
I could not be happier at this point. I plan to update my review as I put more run time on the unit.
This unit is well worth the price. It puts out decent power for its size and it is light weight.
The engine is a quality design with iron sleeve and a full roller crankshaft and roller connecting rod along with OHV
It is very quiet and I’m sure you would not get any complaints from the campsite, unless it was 3am