The Champion 73536i Inverter Generator just may be the best value in this inverter power range.  The popularity based on consumer reviews rivals the royalty of the inverter generators market.  The Yamaha and Honda versions of this size inverter are universally acclaimed, but the Champion Power Equipment 73536i is as well liked AND at much less the cost.

The features and benefits are what you would expect.  At 2000 watts peak power and 1700 running watts, you will be able to power most devices and tools, as well as keep the necessities running during a power outage.

Of course this is not the one that you will rely on to power your house during those emergency power failures, but this unit, like other inverter generators are famous for their other benefits.  I think as you read on, you’ll agree with me that Champion was a winner here.  I wouldn’t expect anything less from this company.  All of their portable generators are quality.

Inverter generators are the choice for powering sensitive electronic equipment, including computers and medical equipment. They deliver AC power in the form of pure sine waves which are cleaner and more reliable than most generator power sources. For supplying power to emergency medical equipment, I would consider nothing else.  Add to that, inverter generators are lighter and the quietest generators, and you can see why this generator is so popular.

You can take a quick peek over at Amazon to compare the price of the Champion 2000 watt inverter generator and the price of the Yamaha and Honda.  You’ll be surprised.  You can take a look at the comparison chart on this site to see these units compared to each other and to other popular inverter generators in this power range.

When comparing prices, it’s interesting to know that the champion 75531i model is a nice consideration.  That model is also reviewed on this site.  It provides 3100 running watts and still costs much less than the higher priced inverters mentioned.

Table of Contents
(click a title to jump ahead!)
1. Power Considerations – Wattage
2. Engine Type and Fuel Considerations
3. Starting Mechanism
4. Oil Usage Considerations
5. Outlets and Meters
6. Noise Level – Portability
7. Warranty
8. What’s in the Box
9. Dimensions/ Weight
10. Pros and Cons
11. Consumer Reviews
12. Price
13. Summary

If inverter technology is unfamiliar to you, you might visit the article on this site that explains how inverter generators work. The main difference between inverter generators and standard generators is that these produce DC power that must be converted by an inverter to AC power.  It is AC power that is delivered by the unit for use in your electrical devices.

Because of this technology, inverters can deliver less than the 1700 watts if you don’t need it.  This results in the quiet reputation of inverter generators, as well as makes them more fuel efficient.  The engine doesn’t have to run at full speed if it isn’t required.

For light use, one or two at a time appliance applications, this inverter generator could be just right for you. Yes, this unit is CARB compliant meaning it is available for sale and use in California.
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The Review…

Power Considerations – Wattage

This Champion inverter provides 1700 running watts and 2000 maximum watts for starting some of your electrical devices (usually the ones with motors).  This is clean power, meaning that it has a low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).  Inverters produce clean sine waves of power which differentiates them from standard generators which produce block waves in unrefined power.  Clean power allows you to power devices with built-in microcomputers or microcomputer-controlled electric tools.

With only 1700 running watts, you’ll want to know precisely how you will be using this unit.  You should be able to keep your refrigerator running during a power outage, but running several devices will be out of the question.  There are not enough watts and certainly not the generator you would connect to your home’s wiring.

To decide if this is enough power for you, check out the article on this site under Portable Generators 101 called, What Size Portable Generator do I Need.  There you’ll be able to see the power needs of several household items.

When connecting electrical draw to this unit, connect the highest draw first, then the lesser one(s).  Consider the surge requirements, and time them accordingly and you can run at least a few devices at the same time.

This is a great unit with enough power for lower requirements such as camping, tailgating, or powering individual tools in remote locations.

The nice feature of most inverter generators like this one, is that they have an energy conserving switch.  This one, has the economy control switch which allows the unit to run only on idle when there is no current being drawn.  This helps fuel economy and lengthens the life of the engine.  When a surge will be required, be sure to turn the switch off.

A light on the power panel will glow when power is being supplied, and another when power draw is being exceeded.

As with all generators in the US you are getting 120Volts (240 in larger units) at 60 Hz.  You should not attempt to run 50Hz on this unit.  This Champion delivers just over 13 Amps shared between its two outlets.

If you are a “need to know” consumer like me, there is an article on this site which explains on an elementary level, what you need to know about electricity.

This unit comes with DC capability to supply 12 volts to charge car batteries.  Charging cable included.

Connect Two Units for Twice the Power

You can run two of these at the same time with an optional connector cable, giving you 3000 total running watts while doubling the number of outlets available.  Total electrical load should not exceed 3400 watts when running two of these in tandem.

You might hesitant to purchase two of these, doubling the expense, but remember, now you have two that can also be used separately, AND check out the prices.  You can essentially buy two of these for the cost of one similarly powered Honda inverter.

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Engine Type and Fuel Considerations

As mentioned, the Champion 73536i is CARB compliant, meaning that it meets even strict California Air Resources Board and Environmental Protection Agency standards for low emissions.

The 4 stroke engine has 80cc displacement in its OHV (overhead valve) design. Its OHV engine runs reliably and dissipates heat efficiently, allowing for both a long life and optimal fuel consumption.

It is unknown if the engine includes a steel camshaft and valve train components like the higher priced Yamaha ef2000is. The Yamaha unit has a cast iron cylinder liner which provides long life and excellent heat dissipation.  This may be the case in the Champion, but is not known by this reviewer.  You have to wonder, where the Champion is saving money to offer theirs at such a good price.

The recommended plug type for replacement is NGK BPR6HS.

The 1 gallons (4.2L) fuel tank is equipped with a fuel gauge for determining how much fuel remains. At a relatively small volume fuel tank, it can be difficult to “eye-ball” the fuel level which is where the fuel gauge comes in handy. When the gauge doesn’t indicate “full” you can tend to overfill.  You should leave a minimum of 1/4 inch space in the tank to allow the fuel to expand.

On a full tank, you can expect this unit to run for 9 hours at 1/4 load.

You can fill with minimum 85 octane gasoline with less than 10% ethanol.  This combination tends to attract moisture with can cause fuel and water separation over time.  With gravity fed fuel tanks, this water can collect in the carburetor and gum up the works.  You want to avoid this.  Save yourself a big headache and add fuel stabilizer to prevent this, especially when storing your fuel in or out of the generator for more than two month.

It’s a good idea to start and run this or any generator every few weeks for 15 minutes or so when you are not using it.

The fuel cap on the gas tank has an on/off air vent which must be on to allow fuel flow to the carburetor. This in combination with the fuel knob on the control panel are be used in combination when you are burning out the fuel for storage or emptying.

There is no fuel tank drain ability on this unit other than draining with a commercially available siphon, or the old fashion tipping of the unit on its side to drain from the fuel cap opening (not recommended).
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Starting Mechanism

This manual start Champion recoil start rope/handle. Most report that this unit starts easily with one or two pulls. Inverter generators with their smaller engines tend to be easier to start than their standard generator cousins.

Be careful of the pull-back of the starter rope.  Like all recoil start engines, pull the rope until you feel resistance before giving it a quick stern pull.

When following the easy procedure below, you should be happy with starting capability. Considering starting the generator is the most frequent thing you’ll do with ANY generator.

Starting

• Economy control switch off.
• Air vent on fuel cap on
• Fuel switch sent to on
• Engine switch on
• Pull choke fully out (not necessary when engine is warm)
• Pull recoil briskly.
• Under most conditions (cold start) let engine run for 3 minutes to equalize
• Push choke back in
• Can turn economy control switch on.

Stopping

• Economy control switch off
• Disconnect electrical devices
• Engine switch to STOP
• Fuel flow knob to OFF
• Air vent to OFF

Remember to always ground any portable generator before use using the grounding terminal – connect to earth line to prevent electric shock. This is recommended with all portable generators, standard and inverter types. However, it is rarely the case in practice as most have a neutral ground bonded to the frame.

It is important to know the safety considerations when operating a portable generator.  The enclosed manual has several pages of precautions.  Know that reckless use and unsafe use can result in injury and death. Check out the article of how to safely use your portable generator on this site.
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Oil Usage Considerations

Champion recommends 10W-30 oil for most ambient conditions. The oil that you’ll need is included in the box when you receive it, as is a handy funnel, so no need to make a quick trip to the auto parts store as long as you have your fuel. The oil reservoir hold .42 US Quarts (.4L).

You won’t have to worry about engine damage due to low oil levels. An oil-watch warning system constantly monitors oil levels and lets you know when you’re running low on oil.  A light will illuminate on the control panel and power will no longer be delivered to the outlets. This adds peace of mind, although you should always check the oil level with each use. You’ll want to avoid costly repairs and minimize down time by never running the unit without the required oil.

The oil fill cap is accessible only after removing the four screws allowing you to take off the back plastic panel which encases the generator. You’ll need a funnel (supplied in the box) to fill the oil reservoir. Be careful not to overfill with oil. The generator housing is nice for looks and noise, but cleaning up oil that ends up in the unit rather than through the open frame and onto the ground would be a chore.

There is no oil drain plug. To remove the spent oil, you must tip the generator and catch the oil in a pan. When new, you may want to change the oil after 5 hours of run time. It’s not that difficult and if there is some debri in the system, it’s better to get it out early on.
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Outlets and Meters

The power panel of this unit has the on/off switch, power saver switch, breaker, choke, fuel cock, indicator lights, starter cable and outlets.  All easily accessible.  This unit does NOT have a volt meter or an hour meter.

There are two AC receptacles providing 120V (NEMA 5-20R) and a circuit breaker.

It is here on the front panel that you find the receptacles for plugging in the optional cable (73500i) to operate two units in tandem.

You’ll also find the DC receptacle here.  It is 12V 8Amp and is only for charging car type batteries.  You should not run the car motor while charging as it may damage the unit.  There is no breaker for the DC outlet.

If you have a stand-alone battery charger, you might opt for that since this method does not automatically shut off or slow to a trickle.  It would be nice to have automatic shut off like with a standard battery charger. Why not just plug in your battery charger in to the AC receptacle?

The optional connector cable fits between two stacked units.  It is called the 73500i parallel power kit.

There are two receptacle outlets on this connector.  Both 120 volt, one is sometimes called a TT-30R.  TT means travel trailer, sometimes called RV-30.  This is a 30 Amp receptacle that you can plug directly into your RV.

The other is the standard 30 amp L5-30R.  It is a locking 30Amp receptacle with giving you more versatility in cords where a single cord with splitter will allow you to use the increased Amps available with two units together.  Notice this is NOT the L14-30R with two hot leads.

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Noise Level – Portability

This Champion 2000 watt inverter and inverters in general is a quiet generator.  Some have sound-blocking, noise absorbing glass wool to further dampen the noise production.  Even at full operation, this unit is much quieter than similar powered standard generators.  The All Power APG3014 for example is rated at 65 decibels with its 98cc engine.

The decibel rating for the Champion, however comes in at a very quiet 52 dBA at 1/4 load.  This decibel level is so quiet that you can have a conversation near one and may not realize it is running.  A full description of the decibel scale is explained on the quietest generator article on this site.

The noise level in inverters rises and falls due to its operation.  Consider a standard portable generator does not have economy mode.  It runs at a steady 3600 RPM regardless of the load put on it. Consider that the Decibel scale is exponential. That means that an increase in 10 decibels from 50 to 60 means that 60 is TWICE as loud.  52 vs 65?  That’s a BIG difference.

The muffler contains an USFS-approved spark arrester. Clean it once a year and your good for all the creature comforts while camping.

The 73536i has a compact, fully enclosed housing in a cube shape for stability. It weighs a mere 48 compact pounds, making it for most people, easy to transport without wheels and its well placed handle.  Its compact design makes it easy to store and transport.  When you decide to run two units, they are built to stack on their four corner columns.

It has an easily detachable side panel for oil change and spark plug access.  To get at the air filter and spark arrester is only slightly more screws on the end panel.  The panels help in keeping out the dust and dirt and away from the important components.

It is no wonder that inverter generators are so popular and a favorite among campers and light duty do-it-yourself-ers.
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Warranty

Champion Power Equipment warrants this unit by a limited two-year warranty that covers the entire generator for defects in parts and labor for two (2) years, and for parts for two (2) years.  The Warranty for commercial use is 18 months and 9 months respectively.

Warranty required proof of purchase invoice date.  Champion Power Equipment offers Tech Support after the warranty period 24/7.  Their customer service gets good reviews and their tech support is knowledgeable.

Recommended maintenance is pretty standard for portable generators. This inverter type generator has the inverter technology that would require authorized repair should your need it.

• First oil change after 5 hours
• At 50 hours or every season clean air filter and change oil
• At 100 hours or every season clean/adjust spark plug
• At 100 hours or every season clean spark arrestor
• AT 100 hours or every season clean fuel tank and filter
• See dealer for maintenance on cylinder head, valve clearance
• At 3 years replace fuel line

The maintenance instructions and general operating and safety instructions are very well explained with illustrations in the manual.

You can contact Champion Power Equipment at 10006 Santa Fe Springs Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670.  Or at www.championpowerequipment.com 1-877-338-0999

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What’s in the Box

• Champion 73536i Inverter Generator
• Instruction Manual
• DC Battery Charging Cord
• 1 Qt. oil
• Oil Funnel
• Spark Plug Wrench

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Dimensions/Weight of the Champion 73536i

Dimensions:

• 16.3 inches
• 13.2 inches
• 19.3 inches

Weight:

• 48.5 lbs. (20 Kg)

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Pros and Cons

PROS:

• fuel efficient – with economy mode switch
• CARB compliant
• quiet operation – 51 to 61 dBA
• dc capability to charge 12V
• expandable connectivity for hooking to another unit
• cube shaped construction for stability in transport
• DC charging cable included
• Spark arrestor

CONS:

• no gas drain – must siphon out
• no oil drain plug – must tip the unit
• no DC breaker
• some dis-assembly required for maintenance

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Consumer Reviews

The customer review are favorable for this Portable Inverter Generator. In fact in only 10% rated it 1 or 2 stars on Amazon.com, 70% rated it 5 stars. Add the 4 Star reviews and over 80% are more than satisfied by this inverter generator!

With the overwhelming popularity and high ratings of this unit, you can rest assured that you will not regret choosing this inverter generator. Just be sure you know your power needs. If the features and price combination match for you, you can’t go wrong. The fact that it remains a bestseller over the years shows that consumers are happy with this generator and are not afraid to tell others. Not only does it sell well, but the many users who don’t mind shelling out a good chunk of change for another one to use in tandem tells you something.

Users love the dependability and ease of use. Many reviews praised the generator as exceeding their expectations.

Read more consumer reviews directly from Amazon here: Champion 73536i Inverter Review

Average Rating 4.3 Stars

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Price

If this model makes sense for you, click the button below to see the current best price.

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Summary

This Champion inverter costs much less than the popular Yamaha and Honda inverter generators of the same power output.  The features are essentially identical as far as outlets, DC, dual unit connection, economy mode switch, etc.  I can only conclude that there must be savings in the materials.  You might expect that this generator would then not last as long or have a number of negative consumer reviews.  The reviews are good.  The durability is good.

I can confirm that this unit IS worth a look.  You can save quite a bit for the same benefit.  Remember the limitations of 1700 running watts.  Use it smartly and safely and you should be very pleased in your decision to purchase this unit.  Remember, if after you have a single unit for a while and you decide you need more power occasionally, you can add the second unit with the connection cord, and still end up paying about the same as for one of the expensive brands.

Of the reviews on Amazon, 80% rate it 5 stars out of 5.
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Filed under: $500 - $999 • Champion • Reviews