I live off-grid on a ranch. My two story cabin is solar powered. I had a backup generator that I used for a number of years. It finally gave up the ghost so I ordered this Champion Power Equipment 200953 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter with remote start to replace it.
With six snowstorms back-to-back, we've had a few times that the batteries in the cabin got low and I needed to run this generator to run the cabin and recharge the batteries. Although rated at the same wattage of my previous generator, it handles starting surges much better and is much quieter. It can recharge my solar batteries in less time than the old generator.
Living at 6,500 ft. (1,981 meters), I needed a high altitude main jet so I called the factory to order one. They sent me the jet along with instructions for free. I had it in a few days. Changing out the jet was very easy. I had it done in 10 minutes. The generator purrs like a kitten.
PROS:
• It meets its published specifications on power output, even at high altitude.
• It is much quieter than a non-inverter generator.
• It uses significantly less fuel compared to my old non-inverter generator.
• It has a high current NEMA 30 Amp receptacle, which is ideal for the 30 Amp generator inlet for my cabin.
• It also has an 8 Amp 12VDC cigarette lighter receptacle. However, it does not provide two or three stage charging for recharging lead-acid batteries. It is mostly suited to running lights and 12VDC appliances.
• It has two 20 Amp 120VAC standard receptacles.
• Each power receptacle has its own breaker.
• It has a well filtered pure sine wave output, suitable to run sensitive equipment on.
• The voltage is well regulated as I would expect with an inverter generator.
• It starts up automatically even in temperatures below zero.
• The remote allows me to start the generator from inside the cabin (see also my CONs)
• It is smaller, lighter, and yet more powerful than my old generator of the same rating.
• It comes with a wheel and folding handle kit included, which I don't use.
• A synchronizing circuit allows it to be stacked with another generator of the same model for double the output.
CONS:
• If the generator has not been used for 12 hours, it will no longer respond to the remote. You have to go outside and press the start button on the generator once to wake it up so it can be started remotely. I wish there was some way to override this behavior. Since the generator is on my covered deck, this is not a deal killer for me.
• The instructions say that if the generator has stopped responding to the remote, press the start button on the remote twice. I wish that worked but it doesn't. Perhaps I'm not understanding the instructions.
• It does not come with a cover. That must be purchased separately. I think that is pretty standard fare for generators - not really a con but something to be aware of when purchasing.
CONCLUSION:
I really like this generator, despite its minor cons. It offers great power output in a small form factor. It is quiet comparatively, well regulated, and easy on gas. Product support is excellent. It offers good value for the price. I highly recommend it.
| Brand | Champion Power Equipment |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 4250 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Power Source | Gas Powered |
| Item Weight | 90 Pounds |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Output Wattage | 4250 Watts |
| Special Feature | Super Quiet, Fuel Effi, Remote Start |
| Included Components | Remote |
| Color | Black/Yellow |
| Product Dimensions | 27.9"L x 23.4"W x 21.7"H |
| Model Name | 4250-Watt |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke |
| Tank Volume | 4 Gallons |
| Engine Displacement | 224 Cubic Centimeters |
| Runtime | 22 hours |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Starting Wattage | 4250 Watts |
| Running Wattage | 3500 Watts |
| Manufacturer | Champion Power Equipment |
| Part Number | 200953 |
| Item Weight | 90 pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 200953 |
| Size | 224cc |
| Style | 4250-Watt + Gas + Remote Start |
| Pattern | Inverter |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Super Quiet, Fuel Effi, Remote Start |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Lead Acid |
| Warranty Description | 3 Year Limited Warranty |
