Head to head
Champion 201176 9000W Tri-Fuel Inverter vs Champion 8500W Dual Fuel Inverter
Champion · Inverter Generator
Champion 201176 9000W Tri-Fuel Inverter
~$1,499
7,250 W / 9,000 W surge · up to furnace blower, sump pump or a window AC
Champion · Inverter Generator
Champion 8500W Dual Fuel Inverter
~$1,779
7,000 W / 8,500 W surge · up to furnace blower, sump pump or a window AC
Quick takeThe Champion 201176 9000W Tri-Fuel Inverter lists about $280 lower; the Champion 201176 9000W Tri-Fuel Inverter puts out more sustained power (7,250 W); the Champion 8500W Dual Fuel Inverter is quieter at 61 dB.
| Spec | Champion 201176 9000W Tri-Fuel Inverter | Champion 8500W Dual Fuel Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$1,499 | ~$1,779 |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Fuel | Tri Fuel (Gas/LP/NG) | Dual Fuel (Gas/Propane) |
| Running / output watts | 7,250 W | 7,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 9,000 W | 8,500 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 72 dB | 61 dB |
| Runtime | 14 hrs @ 25% load (4.3 gal gas); ~12 hrs on 20-lb propane; unlimited on NG hookup | 14 hrs @ 25% load (gas); ~12 hrs on 20-lb propane |
| Outlets | 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R), 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 2x 120V 20A GFCI duplex | 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R), 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 2x 120V 20A GFCI duplex |
| Fuel tank | 4.3 gal | 5.3 gal |
| Weight | 157 lbs | 214 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3-year limited | 3-year limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Champion 201176 9000W Tri-Fuel Inverter
- +Only mainstream unit combining tri-fuel with <3% THD inverter power
- +Natural-gas hookup with included hoses — unlimited runtime
- +50A and 30A 240V outlets feed interlocks and transfer switches
- +20% lighter and smaller than conventional 9kW frames
- +Cold Start tech and electric start with battery included
- +Frequent street pricing well under the $1,499 MSRP
- −NG output drops to 5,875 running watts
- −72 dBA open-frame noise — not closed-case quiet
- −Thirsty on gasoline under heavy load
- −Start battery needs charging between storm seasons
Champion 8500W Dual Fuel Inverter
- +61 dBA claim holds at light load — dramatically quieter than open frames
- +50-amp 14-50R outlet feeds larger transfer switches
- +Propane option avoids stale-fuel problems for storm storage
- +Clean inverter power safe for HVAC boards and electronics
- +Massive value against the EU7000iS
- −214 lbs — moving it over any obstacle is a two-person job
- −Noise rises sharply under heavy load
- −Propane derates output roughly 10%
- −Warranty service on a unit this heavy is logistically painful