Unveiling the Best Generator: Champion 15000/12000 vs DuroStar DS13000E

Overview of Champion 15000/12000

The Champion Power Equipment 100111 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator is an ultra-powerful, reliable and easy-to-transport option for your power needs. It is equipped with an electric start and a lift hook, and is priced at $2,299.00.

  • Powerful Performance: This Champion generator offers a robust performance with 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts. It provides up to 9 hours of run time on a full tank of gasoline and operates at a noise level of 78 dBA from 23 feet.
  • Electric Start: The generator is equipped with a reliable 717cc V-Twin Champion engine. The engine features a battery-included electric start with a reliable toggle switch. It also has built-in Cold Start Technology for easy starts in cold weather.
  • Safe and Easy to Transport: The generator comes with a lift hook which is designed for safe and easy transport, loading and unloading.
  • Outlets and Volt Guard: It has covered outlets including one 120V 30A locking, a 120/240V 30A locking, a 120/240V 50A and four 120V 20A GFCI outlets. The built-in Volt Guard surge protector prevents overloads and keeps your appliances and equipment safe.
  • Intelligauge: The Intelligauge feature keeps track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours for easily monitoring power output and tracking maintenance intervals.
Attributes Details
Brand Champion Power Equipment
Wattage 12000 watts
Fuel Type Gasoline
Power Source Battery Powered
Item Weight 330 Pounds
Voltage 120 Volts
Output Wattage 12 Watts
Special Feature Electric
Included Components Engine Oil, Wheel Kit, Oil Funnel, Battery
Product Dimensions 33.9″L x 31.1″W x 33.1″H

In addition to these features, the Champion Power Equipment generator also comes with a 3-year limited warranty and FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts.

Overview of DuroStar DS13000E

The DuroStar DS13000E Gas Powered Portable Generator is a powerful, versatile and efficient solution for your power needs. This generator comes in a striking red and black color, can handle heavy loads and is priced at $999.00.

  • High Power Output: With 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, this generator can handle heavy loads, from household appliances to high amperage power tools.
  • Powerful Engine: The DuroStar 500cc OHV engine is a robust workhorse that can power high voltage appliances and heavy duty power tools.
  • Idle Control: This feature lowers the RPMs of the generator when not in use, saving fuel and reducing noise. This is extremely beneficial on job sites where power is used intermittently.
  • Low Oil Shutoff: This function protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low.
  • Fully Featured Power Panel: The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility. It has 2 120V household GFCI outlets, (1) 120V 30A twist lock outlet, (1) 240V 30A outlet, and (1) 240V 50A outlet. The panel also includes a digital voltmeter and a 12V automotive charging outlet.
Attributes Details
Brand DuroStar
Wattage 13000 watts
Fuel Type Gasoline
Power Source Gas Powered
Item Weight 234 Pounds
Voltage 12 Volts
Output Wattage 13000 Watts
Special Feature Electric
Included Components Generator
Color Red/Black
Related Posts

Summary Table of Champion 15000/12000 and DuroStar DS13000E Specifications

Attributes Champion 15000/12000 DuroStar DS13000E
Brand Champion Power Equipment DuroStar
Wattage 12000 watts 13000 watts
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Power Source Battery Powered Gas Powered
Item Weight 330 Pounds 234 Pounds
Voltage 120 Volts 12 Volts
Output Wattage 12 Watts 13000 Watts
Special Feature Electric Electric
Included Components Engine Oil, Wheel Kit, Oil Funnel, Battery Generator
Color N/A Red/Black
Price $2,299.00 $999.00

User reviews of Champion 15000/12000

Summary of Positive User Reviews for Champion 15000/12000

  • Users highly praised the powerful performance of the Champion 15000/12000 generator, stating it could comfortably run entire homes, central air conditioning, freezers, and even well pumps with plenty of room for additional load.
  • The generator is lauded for its exceptional quality and durability, with a few users noting their satisfaction with previous Champion generators, leading them to upgrade to the 15000/12000 model.
  • Multiple users were impressed with the value for money offered by the Champion generator, noting it provides features and power at a price significantly lower than other comparable generators.
  • Users found the setup process to be straightforward and easy, involving just the attachment of wheels and addition of oil.
  • Some users mentioned that the generator is heavy and quite loud, but these were expected traits given its power capacity.
  • Champion’s customer service was commended by several users. They were quick to respond to issues and provide replacement parts when needed.
  • One user noted that the generator was able to run for up to nine hours on a full tank, which they appreciated.
  • However, some users expressed disappointment over the lack of a fuel gauge and the small fuel filler hole, which made refilling a slow and potentially messy process.

Summary of Critical User Reviews of Champion 15000/12000

  • Many users found the generator heavy and noisy, making it difficult to move around and disruptive when in operation.
  • The generator lacks a fuel gauge and a 12V charging circuit for the battery, leading to user frustration when the battery is dead and unable to be charged.
  • Some users questioned the rated power of the generator, as it struggled to run certain appliances without tripping.
  • There were several instances of the generator arriving with damage or missing parts, including a dented gas tank, broken breather hose, and missing wheels and oil.
  • Users experienced various mechanical issues including a broken starter switch, malfunctioning choke cable, and inability to handle loads after the break-in period.
  • Several users reported oil leaks, even when the generator was not running.
  • Customer service and warranty support from Champion were generally deemed unsatisfactory, with users reporting long hold times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty getting through to the company.
  • Some users reported that their generators caught fire due to a malfunctioning starter, with no warranty or parts available to address the issue.
  • A few users experienced persistent issues requiring multiple repairs within a short ownership period, sometimes costing more than the purchase price of the generator.
  • Several users received defective units which either did not work upon arrival or stopped working shortly thereafter.

User reviews of DuroStar DS13000E

Positive User Reviews Summary of DuroStar DS13000E

  • Reliable performance even after long idle periods, though it may be a bit hard to start at first.
  • Capable of running an entire home, excluding certain high-power appliances such as central AC. Works well with multiple portable AC units.
  • Excellent for use in post-hurricane power outages, demonstrating robust and flawless operation over extended periods.
  • Equipped with a 50amp receptacle, allowing for easy backfeed to a breaker box.
  • Enables efficient energy management with a full 8 hours of runtime per tank of gas.
  • Quiet operation relative to its size, making it less disruptive in residential environments.
  • Safe to use with sensitive electronics, ensuring protection for valuable devices.
  • Useful for charging electric vehicles or running an entire house in power outage situations, making it ideal for locations prone to power disruptions.
  • Provides great value for the price, given its performance and versatility.
  • Some minor issues noted include a small grounding post, soft metal hardware, a sticking gas tank gauge, and slightly inwardly cambered wheels after use.

Summary of Critical User Reviews for DuroStar DS13000E

  • Many users have reported that the generator is not as durable as advertised, with several instances of it breaking down after only a few uses.
  • Another common complaint is about the noise level of the generator, which some users found excessively loud and disturbing.
  • Several users have criticised the fuel efficiency of the DS13000E, stating that it consumes more fuel than expected.
  • Some customers have had difficulties with customer service when trying to resolve issues or seek replacements for faulty parts, citing poor communication and long wait times.
  • A few users have also mentioned that the generator is quite heavy and difficult to move around, making it less portable than desired.
Related Posts

Pros and Cons of the compared products

Pros and Cons of Champion 15000/12000

Pros:

Pros
Powerful performance, can run entire homes, central air conditioning, freezers, and even well pumps with room for additional load.
Exceptional quality and durability with good user satisfaction.
Value for money, provides features and power at a lower price than comparable generators.
Easy setup process, involving just the attachment of wheels and addition of oil.
Champion’s customer service was commended by several users for their quick response to issues and provision of replacement parts when needed.
Capable of running for up to nine hours on a full tank.

Cons:

Cons
Heavy and noisy, making it difficult to move around and disruptive when in operation.
Lacks a fuel gauge and a 12V charging circuit for the battery, which can lead to frustration when the battery is dead and unable to be charged.
Some users questioned the rated power of the generator, as it struggled to run certain appliances without tripping.
Instances of the generator arriving with damage or missing parts, including a dented gas tank, broken breather hose, and missing wheels and oil.
Various mechanical issues including a broken starter switch, malfunctioning choke cable, and inability to handle loads after the break-in period.
Several users reported oil leaks, even when the generator was not running.
Unsatisfactory customer service and warranty support from Champion, with users reporting long hold times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty getting through to the company.
Generators catching fire due to a malfunctioning starter, with no warranty or parts available to address the issue.
Persistent issues requiring multiple repairs within a short ownership period, sometimes costing more than the purchase price of the generator.
Several users received defective units which either did not work upon arrival or stopped working shortly thereafter.

Pros and Cons of DuroStar DS13000E

Pros:

Pros
Reliable performance even after long idle periods.
Capable of running an entire home, excluding certain high-power appliances such as central AC and works well with multiple portable AC units.
Excellent for use in post-hurricane power outages, demonstrating robust and flawless operation over extended periods.
Equipped with a 50amp receptacle, allowing for easy backfeed to a breaker box.
Enables efficient energy management with a full 8 hours of runtime per tank of gas.
Quiet operation relative to its size, making it less disruptive in residential environments.
Safe to use with sensitive electronics, ensuring protection for valuable devices.
Useful for charging electric vehicles or running an entire house in power outage situations.
Provides great value for the price, given its performance and versatility.

Cons:

Cons
Not as durable as advertised, with several instances of it breaking down after only a few uses.
Excessively loud and disturbing noise level.
Consumes more fuel than expected.
Difficulties with customer service when trying to resolve issues or seek replacements for faulty parts, citing poor communication and long wait times.
Heavy and difficult to move around, making it less portable than desired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Champion 15000/12000 and DuroStar DS13000E generators offer robust performance and reliability. When choosing the right generator, consider factors like wattage, fuel type, power source, item weight, voltage, output wattage, special features, and price. Remember, the right product depends highly on your specific needs and requirements. Both generators come with their unique strengths; Champion offering a higher starting wattage and battery-powered source, while DuroStar is lighter and more budget-friendly.