WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY JB TOOLS ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

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. (Read full specs)

Compare ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 8
Sportsman GEN3000iOF
Price History
×
Price history for the Sportsman GEN3000iOF
Highest Price
$667.04
Lowest Price
$667.04
Current Price
$667.04

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 wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle

In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF in use

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF

The Sportsman GEN3000iOF houses a 208 cc (5.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 2,850W along with a peak wattage of 3,000W. Moreover, the parallel capability (parallel kit not included) enables doubling of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.

The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Its starting mechanism is based on a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.

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

With a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the GEN3000iOF delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel is equipped with the following 3 AC outlets:

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

Furthermore, it showcases 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports perfect for conveniently charging mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.

Equipped with a TT-30R receptacle (TT representing 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready, ensuring compatibility with recreational vehicles.

Portability

Measuring L18 x W16.5 x H18 in, the Sportsman GEN3000iOF showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

At 75 lbs, the GEN3000iOF is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. 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 the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator facilitates swift gas level checks.

From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Sportsman GEN3000iOF also comes with several accessories, including: tool kit and battery charging cables.

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).

  • As its weight is 75 pounds, the Sportsman GEN3000iOF falls in the expected weight range of the inverters in the 2500-3500 rated wattage category. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 46 pounds.
  • When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this inverter generator and its lowest emitted noise of 65 dBA is on the noisier side. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU3000iS. With just 50 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • Given that the GEN3000iOF reaches an autonomy of around 8 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Generac iQ3600DF, reaching around 13 hours.
  • While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. Compared to similar devices, this inverter generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.39 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the Sportsman GEN3000iOF 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
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (75 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • 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

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×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

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 sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Total1992 W2992 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Rice cooker650650
Radio100100
Pair of small speakers4545
Total2275 W2695 W
For workGrinder14002500
Drain cleaner250250
Bug zapper8080
Total1730 W2830 W

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

Ask a question

Your name and email address will not be publicly published. We only need them to be able to answer you directly

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0