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)
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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 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:
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
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
- In the expected price range
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Decent weight (75 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (65 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 208 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,850 W |
| Starting watts | 3,000 W |
| Running amps | 23.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 25 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 75 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 18 x 16.5 x 18 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 65 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Tool kit and battery charging cables |
| UPC | 027077805604 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Total | 1992 W | 2992 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 2275 W | 2695 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1730 W | 2830 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



