Champion 2500W Dual Fuel review
Champion 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Key specs
The maker's figures.
- Watts (as listed)
- 2,500 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Weight
- 43.2 lb
A quiet inverter generator that also runs on propane, which stores far longer than gasoline and is easy to buy before a storm. Good value.
- Best for
- Runs on propane too
- Skip it if
- You'll only ever use gasoline
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Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's specifications, owner reports and our own sizing.
What we like
- Dual fuel: gasoline or propane
- Propane hose included
Worth knowing
- Less output on propane than gasoline is typical
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Our review
Champion's 2,500-watt dual fuel inverter, model 201323, runs on gasoline or propane. Champion rates it at 2,500 starting watts and 1,850 running watts on gasoline, with a lower running figure on propane. It adds a carbon monoxide auto-shutoff, a 53 dBA noise rating and a weight of 43.2 pounds. Like any engine generator, it has to stay outdoors.
What it is and who it suits
Champion lists this as the 201323: an 80cc four-stroke inverter with recoil start and an EZ Start dial for switching between gasoline and propane. Add the included 10W-30 oil and it runs out of the box on either fuel. The box also holds an oil funnel, a propane hose and a spark plug wrench. Champion pitches it for camping and tailgating, and in an outage a unit this size suits a short list of essentials, not a whole house.
Starting watts, running watts and the second fuel
Champion states 2500 starting watts and 1850 running watts on gasoline, and 2500 starting watts and 1665 running watts on propane. In amps at 120V that is 15.4 running on gasoline and 13.9 on propane. The manual defines starting wattage as the surge needed to start some electric equipment, and tells you to total the running watts of what you plan to run together, then add the highest starting wattage of any one device.
Output is one covered 120V household duplex outlet (5-20R) plus a 12V DC automotive outlet, and Champion lists no GFCI receptacles. If the load is too high, the manual says to unplug items and press the AC overload reset button.
Run time, noise and weight as Champion states them
Champion says the 1.05 gallon tank runs up to 11.5 hours at one-quarter load, and a 20 pound propane tank up to 25 hours at the same load. The Amazon listing is inconsistent: its bullets repeat Champion's figures, but a comparison table on the same page gives 7.8 hours on gasoline and 22.7 hours on propane at 25% load. We quote Champion's own page, and both are 'up to' numbers. Noise is 53 dBA measured from 23 feet, which Champion likens to a dishwasher. The unit weighs 43.2 pounds and measures 17.6 by 12.8 by 18.1 inches.
An Economy Mode lowers engine speed at light loads, but the manual says to turn it off during high loads. The warranty is 3 years limited, with lifetime technical support. An optional parallel kit, sold separately, links two inverters.
Fuel and storage
The manual calls for unleaded gasoline of 87 octane or higher with 10% ethanol or less, and says not to use E15 or E85. Gasoline in the tank can last up to a year with a stabilizer in a cool, dry place, but fuel left in the carburetor may gum it up within 2 to 4 weeks if the engine is not run or drained. For propane, use a cylinder with an overfill-prevention valve, and disconnect the hose and shut off the tank for storage.
Carbon monoxide: CO Shield is not a substitute
CO Shield monitors carbon monoxide from the exhaust and shuts the engine off if it detects unsafe levels. Champion is explicit that it is not a substitute for an indoor carbon monoxide alarm or for safe operation. The manual says never to use the generator inside a home or garage, even with doors and windows open, and to keep it outdoors, far from occupied buildings, with the exhaust pointed away. CDC says never less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent, and Ready.gov adds attached garages. CPSC says never in a garage, basement, crawlspace or shed, or on a porch, and CDC adds carports. The manual asks for 3 feet of clearance on all sides for cooling and 5 feet from anything combustible.
It also says to install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home, and CPSC says to test alarms monthly. Our generator safety guide covers cords, wet weather, refueling and backfeeding, and our carbon monoxide alarms page compares alarms.
How it compares and who should skip it
On our generator comparison this is the propane-capable option, set against the Honda EU2200i, which Honda rates at 1,800 watts and runs on gasoline only. Skip the Champion if you only ever plan to buy gasoline, or if you need more than its running watts. Champion's manual says not to use it for life support equipment. Amazon's summary of customer reviews calls dual fuel performance mixed, with some customers reporting hard starting on propane, so try both fuels soon after it arrives.
A researched review, built from the maker's specs, manual and US listings; facts checked 22 Oct 2026. Sources: Champion: 201323 2500W dual fuel inverter product page; Champion: 201323 operator's manual; Honda: EU2200i product page and specifications; Ready.gov: Power Outages; Amazon: Champion 201323 listing; Honda: EU2200i owner's manual; CDC: What to Do to Protect Yourself During a Power Outage; CDC: Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning; CPSC: What to Know About Generators and Carbon Monoxide.
Who shouldn't buy this
Don't buy it if you'll only ever use gasoline.
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check every specification against at least two independent sources, re-check the US price on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.
If this isn’t the one
Best for The benchmark quiet inverter generator
Read the review →Best for Budget inverter that's light to carry
See the comparison →Best for More power without much more weight
See the comparison →Questions
What are the running watts on gasoline and on propane?
Champion states 1850 running watts on gasoline and 1665 running watts on propane, with 2500 starting watts on both. Size what you plug in against the running figure for the fuel you will actually use.
Does CO Shield replace a carbon monoxide alarm?
No. Champion says CO Shield is not a substitute for an indoor carbon monoxide alarm or for safe operation. Keep the generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents as CDC advises, and put battery-operated alarms on every level of the home.
Can I run medical equipment from it?
Champion's manual says not to use the generator for medical life support uses or to power life support devices. It also says to tell your electricity provider if anyone in the household depends on powered equipment to live.
Which gasoline should I use?
Champion's manual calls for unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 and an ethanol content of 10% or less. Do not use E15 or E85, and add a fuel stabilizer if you will store gasoline in the tank.