The Ultimate Champion 100307 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review

Increasing uncertainty around power continuity has made it impossible to survive without an alternate power source. In addition, deteriorating infrastructure, increasing demand, and frequent weather-related emergencies have made power outages a common occurrence. As a result, you need an alternate reliable power source for your home, office, shop, or worksite to keep the bare minimum going. RV’ers, campers, and off-the-grid cabin dwellers also require a dependable power source to run their necessary appliances.

Investing in a generator will ensure you have electricity in the absence of utility power. Moreover, it is one of the most useful machines in the present world, considering how turbulent the power supply has become in modern times.

So, now that we know how vital a generator is to keep the proverbial power wheel rolling in our lives, it is time that we present and review one of the best machines in the generator industry: the Champion 100307 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator. It wasn’t easy for us to pick this generator as the best mid-range portable generator. We shortlisted many generators, inspected the specs and features, and analyzed user reviews. We evaluated output, features, price, portability, and ease of use and maintenance so that our readers can get the best value for their hard-earned money.

Champion 100307 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Google’s Rating 4.8

Champion describes this machine as an RV-ready dual-fuel generator with a powerful 224cc engine to give you a power burst when you need your machine to perform at its best.

Let’s check out its features and see how it fares against other machines in the same category.

Power Output and Usability

The 3500-watt dual fuel generator delivers 4375 peak and 3500 running watts on gasoline. The output for propane is 3950 peak watts and 3150 rated watts. This output is ideal for a small home, running a few appliances in your RV, some tools at a worksite, and your home DIY set up. You can also use this machine for campsites, BBQ, pool parties, and tailgates.

Please note that this machine is not for powering your entire home, RV, or worksite. You can power lights, a sump pump, well pump, mini-refrigerator, and even a mini AC on this generator. However, since it is not an inverter, it comes with a high THD (about 12%-20%); it is not recommended to power sensitive appliances like laptops, TVs, and chargers.

For an RV, you can use it for power appliances under the generator’s power output. The 120V 30A RV (TT-30R) outlet is best to plug in your RV. It can even support a 15,000 BTU AC on your RV. In addition, this generator is ideal for running mid-size tools such as power drills, table saws, grinders, and crushers at worksites.

The machine produces 120 volts with a frequency of 60Hz. The gasoline starting amps are 36.5A, and running amps are 29.2A. On propane, the starting amps are 32.9A, and running amps are 26.3A.

Gas Tank Capacity and Runtime

Champion 100307 dual-fuel gas tank capacity is 3.4 gallons, and the recommended size for a propane tank is 20 pounds. You can connect a larger tank for running the machine longer, but generator experts strongly recommend not running your machine for more than 8 hours continuously.

A full gasoline tank delivers up to 9 hours runtime on 50% load, and propane delivers 10.5 hours with the same load. It means that when you are running your machine on gasoline with 1750 watts load on it, a full tank will last for 8-9 hours. On propane, a 20-pound propane tank will last for 9-10 hours when the load applied to the generator is 1575 watts.

The runtime may vary from the manufacturer’s figures because it depends on factors like your generator’s age, engine performance, appliances’ age, wire, and fuel quality. Hence, you must expect a difference of 30-60 minutes from the stated runtime.

To enhance your machine’s runtime, make sure that you add appliances one by one and never overload your machine. You must also turn off appliances and tools that you no longer need and let your generator run lightly.

Engine Specifications

The 3500-watt dual fuel machine uses a 224cc 4-stroke Champion engine with a recoil starting mechanism. It comes with a 3600 RPM speed that makes sure you never feel underpowered when running either propane or gasoline.

The recoil starting mechanism is aided by cold start technology, making it easier to start the machine during cold weather. The machine is responsive and revs up with 1-2 pulls. The recommended engine oil type is 10W-30. Please note that engine oil for first-time use is not included in the initial purchase.

Overall, the engine is well-built and has a solid feel. In addition, it can withstand the test of weather and excessive use.     

Control Panel and Outlets

Champion 100307 3500-watt dual-fuel generator’s control panel is a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The outlets on this machine are one 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R) RV-ready outlet, one 120V 30A (TT-30R) outlet, and 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R) outlets. Please note that these outlets are not GFCI and are not covered with rubbers. Moreover, the circuit breakers are not covered as well. You will have to take special care to make sure that the outlets stay water and dust-free.

The control panel features Intelligauge, Champion’s trademark for the name data center on its machine. The data center displays runtime, volts, and frequency. In addition, you get an engine switch to turn the engine on/off. The fuel selector knob is also located near the control panel. The 3500-watt dual fuel generator has automatic voltage regulation and low oil shut-off, but it doesn’t feature a fuel gauge.

Noise Level

The machine operates at 68 dBA from 23 feet. It can get louder at times but not loud enough to disturb your peace. It is a good idea to make an enclosure for your machine if you don’t like it to make loud noises. Remember, it is not an inverter; inverters are less noisy. Champion’s 100302 4000-watt open frame inverter runs at only 64 dBA.

Dimensions and Weight

The unit measures 23.2 x 19.1 x 20 inches and weighs 104.9 pounds. The dimensions and weight are almost the same compared to other generators in this category.

Portability

Champion 100302 doesn’t come with a wheel kit. You will have to buy one to make your machine portable. Once installed, the unit is easy to drag like other machines. Most homeowners that plan to use the machine only in their homes use it without wheels. However, wheels are essential if you don’t have a designated installation space and drag out the machine every time the power goes out. Wheels are also required when you want to use the generator outdoors.

Installing a wheel kit is easy. Even the combined price of the generator and wheel kit is lower than many other models in the same category. You can read more about the wheel kit here and check the installation manual here.      

Warranty and Certification

Champion’s 3500-watt dual fuel portable generator comes with a 3-year residential and 2-year commercial use warranty. The warranty is valid for defects in material and workmanship for electric and mechanical components. The warranty is not applicable for paints, decals, and acts of God. Installing non-Champion parts also makes the warranty void. You must go through the user warranty manual before starting your machine for the first time.

All champion generators are CARB-compliant and EPA-certified. The 3500-watt dual fuel portable generator can be sold and purchased in all 50 states. Please note that this unit is not PGMA G300-2018 compliant.   

Value-Added Features

• Cold-Start Technology: Champion 100307 comes with cold start technology. It makes it easier to start the machine when the temperature gets below freezing point.
• RV-ready Outlet: The RV-ready outlet lets you plug and play the machine on your RV.   
• Included Parts: The package consists of a propane hose, oil funnel, and instructions to set up the machine. Oil and battery are not included.  
• Lifetime Customer Support: You get lifetime customer support from Champion.

Customer Reviews

Buyers mention that this machine is easy to start and never fails in icy weather. However, starting the unit on gasoline is dependent on the battery working effectively. You can start it on propane without a battery, but the machine will die if the battery fails when running on gasoline.

The other positive points users mention are its lightweight and how easy it is to move the machine around (provided you put in a wheel kit). Many buyers recommend this machine for running essentials in the home and powering some of your tools.

Many reviewers share a common concern (even with the positive ones) that the unit arrived with damaged and torn packaging, but the delivery expertise was overall satisfactory. Moreover, 92% of the users have given the machine top ratings.    

Summary

Champion 100307 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator vs. Competitors

The major competitors to this model are DuroStar DS4000s, WEN DF475T 4750 dual-fuel, Westinghouse WGEN 3600DF, and Champion 100302 4000-watt open frame inverter generator. Let’s see how 100307 3500-watt dual fuel generator fares against these models.

The DuroStar DS4000s offers 4000 starting and 3300 running watts. It is a single fuel machine, and like the Champion 100307, it doesn’t come with a wheel kit. However, it is best for people looking for a reliable generator under $400.

WEN DF475T is a dual fuel machine with 4750 surge watts and 3800 running watts on gasoline and 4350 surge and 3500 running watts on propane. WEN is cheaper than Champion and comes with a wheel kit too. Overall, it is more powerful than Champion 100307 and offers a good value for money.

Westinghouse’s WGEN 3600DF is more powerful than the Champion 100307 3500-watt generator. It delivers 3600 rated watts & 4650 peak watts on gasoline and 3240 rated watts and 4650 peak watts on propane. However, it has a low-powered engine compared to Champion, and many users complain about fluctuations.

Champion’s 100302 4000-watt open frame inverter is a wonderful machine. Compared to Champion’s 3500-watt dual fuel generator, it runs on single fuel and is slightly more costly. However, it is best for sensitive appliances and for people who prefer a quieter generator.    

Dual Fuel Portable Generators 

What Is a Dual-Fuel Generator and How Does It Work?

A dual-fuel generator uses two different types of fuel to run. Portable dual-fuel generators are mostly run on gasoline and propane. However, the basic working mechanism of a dual-fuel generator is the same when compared to a single fuel machine.

The mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy, which is then used to power your appliances. The fuel selection is made possible with the help of a fuel selector dial. However, dual-fuel generators are slightly larger and less portable than single fuel machines.  They also involve the hassle of storing and transporting two different types of fuels.

There may be a few limitations of using a dual-fuel machine, but the advantages outnumber them. First, a dual-fuel generator reduces dependability on one fuel and allows you to run your machine on another fuel during a crisis. Gasoline is hard to find during weather-related disasters, but stored propane can be used during such times.  Secondly, it allows the user to run the generators for a long time without refueling the gas tanks. Finally, propane is cheaper than gasoline which allows the user to reduce operational costs.  

Why Choose Champion Power Equipment?

We can safely say that the Champion Power Equipment brand is the “champion” in providing quality power solutions to its customers. Commonly known as Champion, the brand was founded in 2003 in Santa Fe Springs, California. Over the last 18 years, Champion has come a long way. It has sold more than 2.5 million generators in North America since its inception. Champion currently operates from facilities in Jackson, Tennessee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Toronto, Canada, in North America, with manufacturing hubs across the globe.

Champion has made the black and yellow colors synonymous with its name. Champion stands for reliability, durability, and affordability. Its generator product line includes portable generators (dual-fuel and single fuel), inverter generators, and standby machines. The brand also sells high-quality log splitters, chipper shredders, cultivators & tillers, pressure washers, water pumps, snowblowers, and gardening tools.

Champion has powered homes, RVs, campsites, worksites, tailgate parties, outdoor events, and commercial facilities for millions of users across the US. Aided with continuous innovation and improvement, Champion makes sure that its customers get the best value for their money when they purchase a tool.

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