COOL PRODUCTS: CHAMPION 1200 WATT PORTABLE GENERATOR
- Mark Mitchell
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
A "just in case" power source that doesn’t break the bank
I’ve spent quite a bit of time with the Champion 1200-Watt generator (Model 201285) lately, and if you’re looking for a "just in case" power source that doesn’t break the bank or your back, this is it. It’s not going to run your whole house, but for specific "quality of life" needs, it’s a little tank.
Here’s my take on the features that make it very easy to use and a great value for your budget, and how they actually benefit you when the power goes out or you're off the grid.
First the unit has an optimized engine design meant to fire up even in very cold weather. TYhis 'Cold Start' technology has proven reliable when conditions are miserable. The 79cc single-cylinder OHV engine has never given us any problems at all and usually cranks up on the first or second pull.
Next, while most portable generators in this price range are fairly low tech this one features a neat digital screen that cycles through voltage, frequency, and total run hours. The run-hour meter is the real winner for me here. It tells me exactly when I need to change the oil (which is every 50 hours of use). No more guessing if I’ve run it for a "couple of days" or a "week."
For safety this Champion generator features 'CO Shield' technolog, an internal sensor that kills the engine if it detects a buildup of carbon monoxide gas. CO gas can be very dangerous and this feature provides you with total peace of mind when you run it overnight. If the wind shifts and starts blowing exhaust toward your tent or back door, the machine just stops. It has proven to be pretty sensitive, but I'd rather have a "false positive" than a safety risk.
The unit features a 1.46-gallon tank that runs for up to 10 hours at 50% load. This is perfect for overnight use. If I'm just running a few LED lights, a fan, and charging my phone, I can fill it up at 10:00 PM and it’s still humming when I wake up at 7:00 AM. You aren’t constantly babysitting it all night with a gas can.
The entire package weighs only 58 lbs so it is not a back breaking exwercise to carry it to a safe spot. The compact wrap around steel frame make the unit very easy to handle and move around and it is small enough to fit in the trunk of a sedan and takes up little room in the tool shed or garage. This exoskeleton like design makes it look and feel very rugged so I’m never worried about a bump in the road cracking a pretty plastic casing.
All things considered the Champion 1200 watt generator is a great choice for someone who needs a capable unit for camping and emergencies. For the very resonable price you get a unit packed with features that you will come to really appreciate the more you use it.
