Champion 201169 6500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator review: our full analysis

What will a 8,125-watt generator run?

The Champion 201169 6500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator delivers 6,500 W continuously and up to 8,125 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 6,000 running watts (7,500 W starting), 8% less. On natural gas: 5,500 running watts (6,875 W starting). 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.

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

Champion 201169 6500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator6,500 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $800–$1,200 Check best price

Runtime and fuel

The fuel tank holds 8.5 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 12 hours on a full tank. That is about 0.71 gallon per hour at half load, or 17 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.

74 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Champion 201169 6500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator at 74 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 and home connection

Its panel offers 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock. The L14-30R 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.

Starting, safety 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. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

Typical price $800–$1,200: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Champion 201169 6500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator scores 7.9/10 on value: a good result. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

Champion 201169 6500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator6,500 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $800–$1,200 Check best price