Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator review: our full analysis
Brand: Champion · Ranked 114th of 174 · Our methodology
6.8/10 Power9.7 Runtime8.1 Noise4.1 Features6.9 Portability5.5 Watts per dollar5.9 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: over $2,500 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: noise level, runtime, EPA compliance, CARB compliance.
Pros
- 12,000 running and 15,000 starting watts from a 717cc V-twin engine.
- 14-50R, L14-30R and L5-30R outlets plus four 120V 20A GFCI receptacles.
- 11-gallon tank, electric start with battery, CO Shield auto shutoff.
Cons
- 328.7 lb: needs the lift hook or two people to load.
- 78 dBA at 23 ft.
- Gasoline only.
Best for
- RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet
- Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit
- Running most of a house, well pump included
Specifications
| Type | Gas (open frame) |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 12,000 W gasoline |
| Starting watts | 15,000 W gasoline |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Fuel tank | 11 gal |
| Runtime | 9 hr at 50% load |
| Noise | 78 dB(A) (manufacturer figure) |
| Weight | 328.7 lb |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock · 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes |
| Start | Electric push-button + recoil |
| CO shutoff sensor | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| Emissions | Not stated |
| Engine | 717 cc |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator12,000 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500
Check price and availability
Who is it for?
The Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator is mostly suited to:
- RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet.
- Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.
- Running most of a house, well pump included.
Power output: running and starting watts
The Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator delivers 12,000 W continuously and up to 15,000 W for a few seconds to start motors. It handles 14 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor.
| Appliance | Running / starting watts | Will it run? |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router and modem | 20 W / 20 W | ✅ Yes |
| CPAP (no humidifier) | 50 W / 50 W | ✅ Yes |
| Laptop or TV | 150 W / 150 W | ✅ Yes |
| Full-size refrigerator | 700 W / 2,200 W | ✅ Yes |
| Chest freezer | 500 W / 1,500 W | ✅ Yes |
| Furnace blower (1/2 HP) | 800 W / 2,350 W | ✅ Yes |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W / 2,150 W | ✅ Yes |
| Microwave (1,000 W) | 1,000 W / 1,000 W | ✅ Yes |
| Space heater | 1,500 W / 1,500 W | ✅ Yes |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W / 3,600 W | ✅ Yes |
| RV roof AC (13,500 BTU) | 1,800 W / 2,800 W | ✅ Yes |
| Circular saw | 1,400 W / 2,300 W | ✅ Yes |
| Well pump (1 HP, 240 V) | 1,000 W / 4,000 W | ✅ Yes |
| Central AC (3-ton, soft start) | 3,800 W / 5,500 W | ✅ Yes |
Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.
Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator12,000 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500
Check best price
How long does it run on a tank?
The fuel tank holds 11 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 9 hr on a full tank. That is about 1.22 gallon per hour at half load, or 29 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.
78 dB(A): how loud is it?
The manufacturer rates the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator at 78 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is loud, like a lawn mower: place it as far from the house and the neighbors as the cords allow.
Outlets: home, RV and tools
Its panel offers 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock, L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V. The 14-50R outlet supplies 120/240 V, which is what a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box connects to, installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed the house through a wall outlet.
Start type, CO shutoff and warranty
It has electric push-button start, with a recoil cord as backup. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).
Typical price over $2,500: good value per watt?
Relative to its running watts, the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator scores 5.9/10 on value: a high price per watt, which its other strengths may justify. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.
Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator12,000 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500
Check best price
Our verdict on the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator
The Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator scores 6.8/10 and ranks 114th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 12,000 running and 15,000 starting watts from a 717cc V-twin engine; 14-50R, L14-30R and L5-30R outlets plus four 120V 20A GFCI receptacles. It is best suited to RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet and home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.
Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator12,000 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500
Check best price
Featured in our rankings
Sources
- Official Champion product page (specifications)
- Amazon.com listing (availability and typical price, November 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Will the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator run a refrigerator?
Yes: its 12,000 running watts and 15,000 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.
Can the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator power a house?
It can back up the essentials through a transfer switch or interlock kit connected to its 14-50R outlet. With this power, that includes most of a typical house.
How long does the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator run on a tank?
About 9 hr at half load according to the manufacturer.
Does the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator run on propane?
No, it runs on gasoline only.
Is the Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator quiet?
The manufacturer rates it at 78 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.
Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator12,000 running W · Gas · typical price over $2,500
Check best price
Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator6.8/10 · over $2,500
Check best price
Other Champion generators
Champion · Dual fuel
Champion 201302 9200-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator
9,200 W
74 dB(A)209 lbCO
$800–$1,200Read the review →
7.6
Whole-house power
Champion · Gas inverter
Champion 201407 11,000-Watt Wireless Start Inverter
9,000 W
64 dB(A)200 lbCO
$1,800–$2,500Read the review →
7.5
Tri fuel
Champion · Tri fuel inverter
Champion 201423 11,000-Watt Wireless Start Tri Fuel Inverter
9,000 W
64 dB(A)212 lbCO
$1,800–$2,500Read the review →
7.4
Whole-house power
Champion · Dual fuel inverter
Champion 201417 11,000-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter
9,000 W
64 dB(A)205 lbCO
$1,800–$2,500Read the review →
Same price range, other brands
Westinghouse · Tri fuel
Westinghouse WGen14500TFc
14,500 W
74 dB(A)348 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →
7.6
Whole-house power
Westinghouse · Dual fuel
Westinghouse WGen14500DFc
14,500 W
74 dB(A)352 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →
7.4
Tri fuel
AIVOLT · Tri fuel inverter
AIVOLT VS12000511 11500W Tri-Fuel Inverter
9,200 W
64 dB(A)216 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →