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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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Sportsman GEN3500DFiSportsman GEN3500DFi
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Price history for the Sportsman GEN3500DFi
Highest Price
$1,149.99
Lowest Price
$499.99
Current Price
$699.99

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

The Sportsman GEN3500DFi in use

The Sportsman GEN3500DFi

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:

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

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

Panel of the Sportsman GEN3500DFi

The GEN3500DFi's control panel

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).

  • With a dry weight of 83 lbs, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi falls within the expected weight range for inverter generators in the 2500 to 3500 rated wattage. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
  • In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest emitted noise of 69 dBA can be considered noisy. 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.
  • With a run time of around 10 hours at 50% load, the GEN3500DFi has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Generac iQ3800DF, reaching around 13 hours.
  • Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This inverter generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.32 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Pulsar PGD40iSCO. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.22 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Dual Fuel
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (83 lbs)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • 1-year warranty
  • On the noisy side (69 dBA)

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

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyYes
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty1 year
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts3,000 W2,700 W
Starting watts3,500 W3,150 W
Running amps25 amps22.5 amps
Peak amps29.2 amps26.3 amps
Run time @50% load10 h12 h
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A receptacle
1x 5V USB port
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank3.2 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight83 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)21.5 x 16.1 x 18.3 in
Noise (lower limit)69 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorNo
Accessories includedFunnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery charging cables
UPC027077803778

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 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?
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
Blender400850
Total2392 W3392 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Radio100100
Total2380 W2800 W
For workGrinder14002500
Reciprocating saw730960
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total2380 W3480 W

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