Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator review: our full analysis
Brand: Champion · Ranked 168th of 174 · Our methodology
5.5/10 Power4.2 Runtime9.0 Noise6.3 Features4.6 Portability4.1 Watts per dollar5.1 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $300–$500 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: CARB compliance.
Pros
- 1,200 running and 1,500 starting watts from a 79cc engine, with up to 10 hours of run time at 50% load on a 1.46-gallon tank.
- CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff and a covered 120V 20A duplex outlet.
- 58 lb with a steel frame and carry handle.
Cons
- Only one 120V duplex outlet: no RV (TT-30R) or 30 A outlet.
- Recoil start only, no electric start or wheels.
- 65 dBA at 23 ft: noticeably louder than an inverter of similar size.
Best for
- Occasional backup power for a few appliances
Specifications
| Type | Gas (open frame) |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,200 W gasoline |
| Starting watts | 1,500 W gasoline |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Fuel tank | 1.46 gal |
| Runtime | 10 hours at 50% load |
| Noise | 65 dB(A) (manufacturer figure) |
| Weight | 58.0 lb |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) |
| Transfer switch ready | No (no 240 V outlet) |
| Start | Recoil (pull start) |
| CO shutoff sensor | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| Emissions | EPA compliant |
| Engine | 79 cc |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator1,200 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500
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Who is it for?
The Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator is mostly suited to:
- Occasional backup power for a few appliances.
Power output: running and starting watts
The Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator delivers 1,200 W continuously and up to 1,500 W for a few seconds to start motors. It handles 5 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 | ❌ No |
| Chest freezer | 500 W / 1,500 W | ✅ Yes |
| Furnace blower (1/2 HP) | 800 W / 2,350 W | ❌ No |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W / 2,150 W | ❌ No |
| Microwave (1,000 W) | 1,000 W / 1,000 W | ✅ Yes |
| Space heater | 1,500 W / 1,500 W | ❌ No |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W / 3,600 W | ❌ No |
| RV roof AC (13,500 BTU) | 1,800 W / 2,800 W | ❌ No |
| Circular saw | 1,400 W / 2,300 W | ❌ No |
| Well pump (1 HP, 240 V) | 1,000 W / 4,000 W | ❌ Needs 240 V |
| Central AC (3-ton, soft start) | 3,800 W / 5,500 W | ❌ Needs 240 V |
Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.
Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator1,200 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500
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How long does it run on a tank?
The fuel tank holds 1.5 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 10 hours on a full tank. That is about 0.15 gallon per hour at half load, or 4 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage.
65 dB(A): how loud is it?
The manufacturer rates the Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator at 65 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is a typical open-frame level, comparable to a vacuum cleaner: fine for home backup at 20 feet, loud for a campground.
Outlets: home, RV and tools
Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R). It has no 240 V outlet: it runs plug-in appliances through extension cords, not hardwired circuits or a 240 V well pump.
Safety features and warranty
It starts with a recoil (pull) cord. 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 $300–$500: good value per watt?
Relative to its running watts, the Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator scores 5.1/10 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 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator1,200 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500
Check best price
Our verdict on the Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator
The Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator scores 5.5/10 and ranks 168th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: 1,200 running and 1,500 starting watts from a 79cc engine, with up to 10 hours of run time at 50% load on a 1.46-gallon tank; CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff and a covered 120V 20A duplex outlet. It is best suited to occasional backup power for a few appliances.
Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator1,200 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500
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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 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator run a refrigerator?
Not reliably: a full-size fridge can need about 2,200 W for a moment when the compressor starts.
Can the Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator power a house?
Only plug-in appliances through extension cords: it has no 240 V outlet for a transfer switch.
How long does the Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator run on a tank?
About 10 hours at half load according to the manufacturer.
Does the Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator run on propane?
No, it runs on gasoline only.
Is the Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator quiet?
The manufacturer rates it at 65 dB(A), typical of an open-frame generator: not campground-quiet.
Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator1,200 running W · Gas · typical price $300–$500
Check best price
Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator5.5/10 · $300–$500
Check best price
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