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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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN3500DFi
In a nutshell, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- 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
Delivering 120V, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi is enhanced by dual-fuel technology, providing power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it boasts a running wattage of 3,000W and a starting wattage of 3,500W. Alternatively, when propane-powered, it delivers 2,700 running 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.
With a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by a simple traditional 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 generates a clean sine wave with <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease and a 5V USB port with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Sportsman generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
The Sportsman GEN3500DFi's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L21.5 x W16.1 x H18.3 in) provides an aesthetic advantage and contributes to quieter operation compared to any ordinary, open frame product. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Weighing 83 lbs, the GEN3500DFi is practical, ensuring it can follow you wherever power is required. Moreover, the double handle's convenience greatly improves grip, making it easy to transport the GEN3500DFi from place to place.
Features
Light indicators on the device will signal if the generator is ready, the oil level is too low and the generator is on overload.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi is bundled with additional accessories: battery charging cables, funnel, tool kit 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).
- Weighing in at 83 lbs, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi fits within the expected weight range for inverters producing 2500 to 3500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO with only 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 you value reduced noise levels, the Honda EU3000iS could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 50 dBA.
- In terms of run time, the GEN3500DFi surpasses similarly powerful inverters, boasting one of the higher run times at around 10 hours. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Ryobi RYi4022X could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching 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. With a fuel usage of about 0.32 GPH at a 50% load, this inverter generator falls within the typical gasoline consumption range observed in comparably powerful products. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH.
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 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
- Dual Fuel
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- High run time
- Decent weight (83 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- 1-year warranty
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
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 |
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 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 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.