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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Description
Zoom on the Sportsman GEN3500DFi
In short, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi is a compact portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Sportsman GEN3500DFi
Featuring dual-fuel technology, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi provides 120V, and offers both power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,000W and a starting wattage of 3,500W. When propane-powered, it offers 2,700 running watts and 3,150 starting watts. Furthermore, the parallel capability (parallel kit not included) offers the advantage of doubling power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, delivering expanded energy capacity and flexibility for various applications.
With a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than an office), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by a conventional 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 <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the GEN3500DFi ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 2 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease and a 5V USB port ensuring convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets, for connectivity on the go.
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Sportsman generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to 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. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
At 83 lbs, the GEN3500DFi is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. Moreover, the convenient double handle greatly enhances the grip, ensuring that carrying the GEN3500DFi from A to B is always an easy task.
Features
The GEN3500DFi's control panel
The generator's light indicators provide visual feedback when the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout operation.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Sportsman GEN3500DFi's package also includes these accessories: battery charging cables, tool kit, propane hose and funnel.
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 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 you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Honda EU3000iS is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 50 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- In terms of run time, the GEN3500DFi surpasses similarly powerful inverters, boasting one of the higher run times at around 10 hours. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Generac iQ3600DF, boasting with around 13 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. This inverter generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.32 GPH at a 50% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.22 gallons per hour.
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
- 1-year warranty
- No electric start
- 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1982 W | 3482 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Water heater (10 gallons) | 1000 | 2000 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 2390 W | 3390 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
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