Review of the Champion 100574 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

This is by all accounts an excellent generator for its quietness, versatility and power according to the majority of owners. There are a very few occasions where the generator has failed either on arrival or after a short period of use. But when customers have had problems Champion have in general been outstanding in reaching out to resolve them. 

It's always a good idea for you to make sure that the generator you choose can deliver the power you need. To help with this, Champion have an estimator for you to check on your power requirements. It's well worth a look.  You should also have a read about how a generator performs at altitude, which you can find here. This is because the altitude of where you live could have a significant impact on power outputs and hence your choice of generator.

Finally, if you do opt for this one, remember it's pretty heavy. So you may want to think about the optional wheel kit too.  

We explain in more detail below what this model offers.

This is another innovative, versatile and reasonably powerful dual fuel generator from Champion Power Equipment. They have managed to reduce noise levels by integrating Quiet Technology digital components normally used in more advanced inverters. In addition, Champion's engineers have introduced an efficient mechanical design to reduce the overall footprint and weight by a fifth.

It's aimed mainly at RV owners, jobsites, and short-term home backup of essential appliances during emergencies and blackouts.

The Quick Touch control panel is comprehensive and easy to manage. It includes a manual choke, a fuel selector, a switch for engine Start/Stop and another for Economy Mode. There are also circuit breakers and the usual grounding nut.

Three LEDs indicate generator readiness, overload condition, and low oil. If the sensor detects the oil level is too low, it automatically shuts the engine down to protect it from damage and prevents restarting until you add the right amount of oil.

The Start/Stop switch doesn't work when using propane. To shut the generator down you have to close off the propane supply at the tank.

The Economy Mode enables Quiet Technology and Extended Runtime, which adapts power output and engine speed according to the load. This helps to reduce noise and emissions, give better fuel economy, and extend engine life.

The covered receptacles in this inverter include a 120v 30A RV (TT-30R), 2x120v 20A household outlets (5-20R) and a 12v DC automotive-style socket for use with a separate dual USB adapter. Battery-charging cables are supplied as standard as well. While the 120v 30A connector is for direct connection to your RV, there is no automatic voltage regulation on the 12v outlet.

There are no fuel or hour gauges on the 100574.

Being CARB compliant and EPA Certified you can use this model in all 50 states.

The manual for this model can be found here. 

This generator does not have an electric start. Instead it has a manual easy-to-pull recoil starter. And as with all of Champion's generators, this model includes Cold Start Technology which makes starting easier in cold weather.

With a 224cc Champion engine this model delivers 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts on gasoline. It runs for up to 17 hours at 25% load on its 2.9 gallon fuel tank. On propane, it outputs 3600 starting watts and 3150 running watts and runs for up to 18 hours at 25% load.

Champion's use of inverter technology ensures the delivery of clean power, allowing you to connect sensitive electronics that might otherwise be damaged by fluctuations in power output associated with traditional generators.

You can increase the power by connecting another 2800 watt or higher Champion inverter. For such connections you will need the optional ParaLINK Parallel Kit, shown below.

At 82.2lbs it's not that heavy for an open frame. However, although a strong person could handle it, it's probably better for two people to share the load to avoid injury. Champion do offer an optional wheel kit.

With a sound level of 64dB at 23 feet, this model is quieter than many other similarly powered generators, such as the single fuel DuroMax 4400E, which has a noise rating of 69dB. However, the single fuel Westinghouse iGen4500 is quite a bit quieter at 52dB owing to its closed frame build. 

Our perception of noise is often subjective, and for some 64dB might be loud while for others it might be okay. In addition, for many people a dB rating may not mean much at all. 

The 100574 gets many 4 and 5-star reviews especially over its relatively light weight, dual fuel versatility, ease of use and affordability. It's a popular choice for buyers wanting a reliable product at a very good price. Most say they are happy because the company stand behind their products.  

It will run a 13500BTU A/C in an RV, but some owners say it won't stretch to 15000BTU. 

While buyers like the small size of this generator, it's too heavy for most people to handle on their own. They say the optional wheel kit is a necessity for moving the generator around, and should really come as a standard fitting. 

For some, the included supply of oil and funnel, and easy starting using the pull starter is a bonus. And free life time Technical support is a good selling point. 

Many owners, barring a very few, say Champion's after sales service is efficient and quick.

A few generators didn't work out of the box. Others failed after some time of use or had other minor problems. For these customers the support they received from Champion was unsatisfactory.

Quite a few customers think it is noisier than advertised. One blames this on the use of a cheap muffler. 

One owner doesn't like the mechanical clatter the engine makes, which they says is way louder than the exhaust.

A wheel kit should have been included with the generator as standard.