Review of the Champion 100402 Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

This is a good portable generator, so the clear answer is a yes. This is especially so if you want a versatile inverter to run basic essentials (even a low powered A/C). There are some shortcomings, but these may be overlooked for such a reasonably priced unit.

In general, owners accept that you may need to fiddle with generators that have small gasoline engines to get them working efficiently. But that shouldn't prevent you from at least considering this model for all its other qualities.

Below you can find more details about this generator.

We haven't seen many Dual Fuel portable inverters on the market from an established U.S. company. This one has been designed mainly for recreational activities like camping, travelling, and tailgating. It's a flexible and attractive alternative for many buyers who don't need a lot of power but want the versatility of dual fuel. 

An important and attractive feature of the control panel is the digital display. The benefit of this is that it gives owners information on total run time and remaining run time. 

Two other LED bar-type gauges show a percentage of how much power is being used and indicate the fuel level. Various other LEDs are used for low oil level, maintenance, and the readiness status of the receptacles. There is also an overload reset button, and an Economy Mode switch which automatically adapts engine speed according to the load. This ensures maximum fuel economy, fewer emissions, and a prolonged engine life.

If the oil level falls below a specific point the generator automatically cuts out to protect the engine from damage. You won't be able to restart it until you have topped up the oil.

There are two 120v 20 Amp household outlets together with one 12v DC socket for use with the separately supplied dual port USB adapter.

There is no electric start option. But an EZ Start Dial is located next to the manual pull cord to simplify the starting procedure. 

Like all Champion generators, the 100402 has Cold Start Technology for easy starting in all weathers.

It's CARB Compliant and EPA certified, so you can use this model in all 50 states.

You can find the manual for the 100402 here.

The generator is not fitted with a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor and should only be used outside away from any combustible material.

The unit is powered by a Champion 80cc engine. Using gasoline, it can deliver 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts. On propane, the numbers fall slightly to 1800 starting watts and 1440 running watts.

For more power, you can connect a second identical generator using a ParaLINK kit, which is sold separately. The link has an RV-Ready outlet for 30 amps of power, making it a good addition for your RV.

The power delivery is clean (less than 3% THD), so you can safely connect your sensitive electronic devices.

The unit operates for up to 11 hours at 25% load on its 1.1-gallon tank. On a 20lb tank of propane it runs for up to 11 hours. 

Weighing 47.6 lbs this generator is one of the lightest available at this power level, and it's easily transportable by most people.

There are no established standards by which generator manufacturers must reveal the noise levels of their products. This is why some manufacturers find it pointless to show the decibel levels emitted by their generators. However, for many potential buyers, noise levels may be an important factor in their decision-making process.

Manufacturers who do publish noise levels usually take the measurement at 23 feet.

The specifications rate the Champion 100402 as having a noise level of 53dB. This compares, for example, with the WEN 56203i SuperQuiet. However, this model is single fuel, operating only with gasoline.

Most buyers are happy with their purchase of this model. They say Champion make quality products at reasonable prices and offer free lifetime technical support. And being a dual fuel model, they find it much more versatile in locations where either gas or propane is unavailable. It has an excellent control panel with digital information displays, is well engineered and, as one notes, is built like a tank.

For most owners, customer service is good (but see also below).

Owners have varying views on how loud the unit is, but this is a very subjective area. One says it's only slightly louder than the Honda equivalent. But that's seen as acceptable for a unit that is so reasonably priced.

A common theme concerns inadequate instructions on how to start the unit on propane. One buyer says you need to set the dial between Choke and Run (not Run as in page 20 of the manual) "to find a sweet spot". Then it will start. This problem has led in a very few cases for dissatisfied buyers to return the unit. Another owner wishes there was a way to pre-purge the propane fuel line.

Other issues include the 12v outlet, which isn't regulated and can oscillate anywhere from 16-24v. According to one admittedly satisfied owner, this negates its use for anything other than mobile phone charging. And the odd way of draining the oil by turning the unit on its side could easily be fixed in a future model by adding a drain valve.

A few buyers say they found customer service lacked knowledge on, for example, how customers should use propane.