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Sportsman GEN3000iOF - 2850/3000W Open Frame Inverter Generator

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF is a compact open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,850 W and a starting wattage of 3,000 W.

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Price History
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Price history for the Sportsman GEN3000iOF
Latest updates:
  • $349.99 - September 6, 2023
  • $699.99 - September 2, 2023
  • $399.99 - August 29, 2023
  • $349.99 - July 25, 2023
  • $399.99 - June 14, 2023
  • $629.99 - June 13, 2023
  • $499.99 - June 5, 2023
  • $359.99 - May 10, 2023
Data source: tractorsupply.com
Since: April 15, 2023
  • Highest Price: $699.99 - May 2, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $349.99 - July 25, 2023

Description

Zoom on the Sportsman GEN3000iOF

In a nutshell, the Sportsman GEN3000iOF is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • RV travellers looking for even more independence

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.

Power & Run Time

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF in use

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF's core is the 208 cc (5.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 2,850W and a peak wattage of 3,000W. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.

Enjoying a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

The GEN3000iOF can operate for around 8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.39 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.1 gallons.

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the GEN3000iOF produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.

This Sportsman generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').

Portability

The design of the Sportsman GEN3000iOF is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L18 x W16.5 x H18 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

The GEN3000iOF's dry weight of 75 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.

Features

Panel of the Sportsman GEN3000iOF

The GEN3000iOF's control panel

When the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

The inverter generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Sportsman GEN3000iOF, the following accessories are also included: battery charging cables and tool kit.

Emissions

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.

Product Video

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN3000iOF compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).

  • Weight-wise, the Sportsman GEN3000iOF has only 75 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter inverter generators which produce 2500 to 3500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of just 46 pounds.
  • If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest emitted noise of 65 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. 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 EU3000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 50 dBA.
  • Offering around 8 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the GEN3000iOF is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Ryobi RYi4022X, boasting with around 12 hours.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.39 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.22 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the Sportsman GEN3000iOF 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (75 lbs)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • 1-year warranty
  • On the noisy side (65 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Sportsman GEN3000iOF 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 readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine208 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty1 year
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Running watts2,850 W
Starting watts3,000 W
Running amps23.8 amps
Peak amps25 amps
Run time @50% load8 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank3.1 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight75 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)18 x 16.5 x 18 in
Noise (lower limit)65 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
Accessories includedTool kit and battery charging cables
UPC027077805604

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.

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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 GEN3000iOF 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?
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 size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Slow cooker270270
Cell phone charger2020
Total1982 W2982 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Slow cooker270270
Total2260 W2850 W
For workGrinder14002500
Drain cleaner250250
Bug zapper8080
Total1730 W2830 W

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