Sportsman GEN3500DFi - 3000/3500W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
The Sportsman GEN3500DFi is a compact dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,000 W and a starting wattage of 3,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Sportsman GEN3500DFi |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,286.99 Lowest Price $699.00 Current Price $699.00 |
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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN3500DFi
In a few words, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi is a compact portable inverter generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- 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
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
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 GEN3500DFi
The dual-fuel technology of the Sportsman GEN3500DFi allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3,000W and a starting wattage of 3,500W. If propane-powered, it gives 2,700 rated watts and 3,150 starting watts. Additionally, the parallel capability (parallel kit not included) facilitates doubling of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, offering enhanced energy capacity and reliability for diverse requirements.
Rated for 69 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator's starting mechanism relies on a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.
In terms of running time, the GEN3500DFi, equipped with a 3.2 gallons fuel tank, is capable of running continuously for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.32 gallons per hour). When utilizing propane, it provides around 12 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.39 GPH) of operation.
The GEN3500DFi produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features 3 AC outlets as follows:
Additionally, it offers 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease and a 5V USB port designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Since the Sportsman GEN3500DFi is an inverter generator, its closed design (L21.5 x W16.1 x H18.3 in) not only provides an aesthetic advantage but also contributes to reduced noise levels compared to conventional, open frame devices. The featured design follows the latest trends and is ideal for easy and recreational use.
At 83 lbs, the GEN3500DFi is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. In addition, its nifty double handle improves grip, ensuring easy transport of the GEN3500DFi from place to place.
Features
The GEN3500DFi's control panel
Light indicators on the device will signal if the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and the oil level is too low.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi also comes with several accessories, including: tool kit, funnel, battery charging cables and propane hose.
Product Video
The Sportsman GEN3500DFi versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Sportsman GEN3500DFi compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- As its weight is 83 pounds, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi falls in the expected weight range of the inverters in the 2500-3500 rated wattage category. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, weighing just 46 pounds.
- As this inverter generator has its lowest possible noise of 69 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU3000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 50 dBA.
- The GEN3500DFi provides a higher run time than similarly powerful inverters, reaching around 10 hours at 50% load. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Generac iQ3600DF, with around 13 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. 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 0.32 GPH at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.22 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- High run time
- Decent weight (83 lbs)
- No data center
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Sportsman GEN3500DFi 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 | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,000 W | 2,700 W |
| Starting watts | 3,500 W | 3,150 W |
| Running amps | 25 amps | 22.5 amps |
| Peak amps | 29.2 amps | 26.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle 1x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 83 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.5 x 16.1 x 18.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 69 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | No |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery charging cables |
| UPC | 027077803778 |
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 GEN3500DFi 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 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2392 W | 3392 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 2800 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
