Head-to-Head: Champion 15000/12000 vs Generac GP17500E Generators

Overview of Champion 15000/12000

The Champion Power Equipment 100111 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator is a high-powered, reliable solution for your power needs. With a peak output of 15,000 watts and running wattage of 12,000, this generator is capable of powering multiple appliances and tools at the same time.

Key features of the Champion 15000/12000 include:

  • Ultra-Powerful: Provides up to 9 hours of run time on a full tank of gasoline with a noise level of 78 dBA from 23 feet.
  • Electric Start: Equipped with a battery-included electric start and reliable toggle switch. It also features built-in Cold Start Technology for easy starts in cold weather.
  • Covered Outlets: The generator has a range of outlets including a 120V 30A locking, a 120/240V 30A locking, a 120/240V 50A and four 120V 20A GFCI outlets. It also has a Volt Guard built-in surge protector to keep your appliances and equipment safe.
  • Lift Hook: The design includes a lift hook for safe and easy transport, loading, and unloading. In addition, the Intelligauge keeps track of voltage, hertz, and run-time hours, enabling you to monitor power output and maintenance intervals easily.
  • Champion Support: The generator comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a lifetime of free technical support.

Other attributes of this generator include:

Attribute 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

The Champion 15000/12000 is priced at $2,299.00.

Overview of Generac GP17500E

The Generac 5735 GP17500E 17500-Watt Electric Start Gas-Powered Portable Generator is a powerhouse of a generator, providing reliable and consistent power for a variety of uses. With a massive 17500 watts of output, this generator is well-suited to handle heavy-duty power requirements.

Key features of the Generac GP17500E include:

  • Unmatched Power: It is equipped with a robust 992cc OHVI engine, delivering reliable and consistent power for all your needs.
  • Convenient Electric Start: The generator includes a battery for easy starting, and a plug-in battery charger jack ensures the battery is always charged and ready for use.
  • Enhanced Features for Efficiency: The generator features an hour meter for tracking usage, a low-oil level shutdown for engine protection, and idle control to reduce noise and conserve fuel.
  • Extended Run Time: With its 16-gallon fuel tank, the Generac GP17500E provides up to 10 hours of run time at 50% load, ensuring continuous operation and a reliable power supply.
  • Durable and Transportable: It is built to withstand tough conditions, with a hardened 1-1/4″ steel tube cradle for added durability and strength. The integrated lifting eye allows for easy transport and provides security on the jobsite or during camping trips.

Other attributes of this generator include:

Attribute Details
Brand Generac
Wattage 17500 watts
Fuel Type Gasoline
Power Source Gas-powered
Recommended Uses For Product Security
Item Weight 390 Pounds
Voltage 120 Volts
Output Wattage 17500 Watts
Special Feature Electric
Included Components Generator

The Generac GP17500E is priced at $3,649.00.

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Summary Table of Champion 15000/12000 and Generac GP17500E

Attribute Champion 15000/12000 Generac GP17500E
Brand Champion Power Equipment Generac
Wattage 12000 watts 17500 watts
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Power Source Battery Powered Gas-powered
Recommended Uses For Product N/A Security
Item Weight 330 Pounds 390 Pounds
Voltage 120 Volts 120 Volts
Output Wattage 12 Watts 17500 Watts
Special Feature Electric Electric
Included Components Engine Oil, Wheel Kit, Oil Funnel, Battery Generator
Price $2,299.00 $3,649.00

User reviews of Champion 15000/12000

Summary of Positive User Reviews of Champion 15000/12000

  • Users appreciate the product for its high power output, capable of supporting entire households, including central AC, electric water heaters, well pumps, and more. This makes it a reliable source of backup power during outages.
  • The Champion 15000/12000 is praised for its quality and durability, with some users having previous positive experiences with other Champion models.
  • The product’s value for money is frequently mentioned, with users finding it considerably cheaper than other 15kw portable generators while still offering a range of features.
  • The generator’s performance is consistently praised, with users highlighting its ability to handle heavy loads while only reaching halfway on the load indicator.
  • Users report that the generator is easy to set up, with clear instructions and straightforward assembly.
  • The customer service provided by Champion is well-regarded, with users reporting quick and helpful responses to issues.
  • While the generator is described as large and heavy (“a beast”), users note that it is manageable thanks to the included wheels and find the size appropriate given the output.
  • Despite some users mentioning the noise level of the generator, they generally accept it given the machine’s power capacity.
  • Although a few users encountered issues such as a defective battery and lack of a fuel gauge, these were generally seen as minor compared to the overall positive performance of the generator.

Critical User Reviews Summary for Champion 15000/12000

  • The generator is extremely heavy, making it difficult to move around, particularly on uneven terrain.
  • It operates at a high noise level, which can be disruptive.
  • It lacks a fuel gauge, making it challenging to monitor fuel levels.
  • The generator does not have a 12V charging circuit for the battery, leading to situations where it fails to start due to a flat battery.
  • Some users suspect a parasitic draw on the battery, causing it to drain quickly.
  • Its power generation capacity is questionable, with some users finding it unable to support devices requiring lower power than its rated capacity.
  • The product occasionally arrives damaged, with dents in the gas tank and frame.
  • It sometimes does not come with all the advertised accessories such as wheels or oil.
  • Some units have experienced mechanical failures, such as broken breather hoses and covers, choke cable issues, and inability to carry loads.
  • There have been instances of the generator becoming unreliable after a short period of use, with issues such as blown fuses and clunking sounds upon startup.
  • There are complaints about oil leaks, even when the generator is not in use.
  • The customer service is reported to be unsatisfactory, with unresponsive claim systems, long hold times, and unhelpful representatives.
  • Some users have experienced difficulty in starting the generator, and one user even reported a fire due to a starter malfunction.
  • There are instances of the generator needing expensive repairs within a short period after purchase.
  • Finally, there are complaints about the generator being a ‘dud’ or not working at all upon arrival.

User reviews of Generac GP17500E

Positive User Reviews Summary for Generac GP17500E

  • Users appreciate the generator’s advanced features such as the built-in elapsed-hours meter and the gas cap with a retainer string.
  • Despite its size and weight, users find the generator to be heavy duty and durable, comparing it to the robustness of an F350 pickup truck.
  • Many users are pleased with the generator’s ability to power their whole house during power outages, including running air conditioning units and heating systems.
  • Customers also appreciate the generator’s ability to function well even during extreme weather conditions.
  • The generator’s noise level is surprisingly manageable for such a powerful machine, with users noting that the muffler effectively quiets down the exhaust noise.
  • While the generator has a high fuel consumption rate, users find the trade-off acceptable for the power it provides.
  • Some users have even made modifications to the generator, such as adding a secondary muffler or replacing the tires, to further improve its performance.
  • Long-term reliability is another common praise, with some users reporting that the generator is still going strong even after several years of use.
  • Despite being heavy and not easy to move, users find the generator’s power to be sufficient for their needs, referring to it as a “monster” in a positive context.

Summary of Critical User Reviews for Generac GP17500E

  • Users have reported that the 17.5 Kw generator uses the same stator as the 15 Kw version, making the longevity of the product questionable.
  • Many users noted that the generator is exceptionally loud and starting it can be difficult due to an uncalibrated choke throttle.
  • Some customers had to deal with oil leaks from the sensor and oil cooler lines, which they attribute to a decrease in part quality in newer models.
  • Several reviews highlight issues with the fuel shut off leaking out of the box, dead batteries upon arrival, and problems with the generator running hot and spewing gas out of the exhaust.
  • One user reported that the generator could not run an air conditioning unit at full capacity, suggesting that it may not be suitable for home backup use.
  • Complaints about poor customer service from Generac were common, including a lack of assistance in resolving issues and dealing with warranty claims.
  • Several customers received defective units, with problems ranging from units covered in oil upon delivery, to cracked batteries leaking acid, to overall system failures after minimal use.
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Pros and Cons of the compared products

Pros and Cons of Champion 15000/12000

Pros:

  • High power output: The Champion 15000/12000 is capable of supporting entire households, including central AC, electric water heaters, well pumps, and more, making it a reliable source of backup power during outages.
  • Quality and durability: Users have praised the product for its quality and durability, and some have had previous positive experiences with other Champion models.
  • Value for money: This product offers good value for money, with users finding it considerably cheaper than other 15kw portable generators while still offering a range of features.
  • Performance: The generator’s performance is consistently praised, with users highlighting its ability to handle heavy loads while only reaching halfway on the load indicator.
  • Easy to set up: Users report that the generator is easy to set up, with clear instructions and straightforward assembly.
  • Customer service: The customer service provided by Champion is well-regarded, with users reporting quick and helpful responses to issues.
  • Manageable size: While the generator is described as large and heavy, users find it manageable thanks to the included wheels and consider the size appropriate given the output.
  • Acceptable noise level: Despite some users mentioning the noise level of the generator, it is generally accepted given the machine’s power capacity.
  • Minor flaws: Although a few users encountered issues such as a defective battery and lack of a fuel gauge, these were generally seen as minor compared to the overall positive performance of the generator.

Cons:

  • Heavy: The generator is extremely heavy, making it difficult to move around, particularly on uneven terrain.
  • Noisy: It operates at a high noise level, which can be disruptive.
  • Lacks a fuel gauge: Without a fuel gauge, it is challenging to monitor fuel levels.
  • No 12V charging circuit: The absence of a 12V charging circuit for the battery can lead to situations where the generator fails to start due to a flat battery.
  • Suspected parasitic draw: Some users suspect a parasitic draw on the battery, causing it to drain quickly.
  • Questionable power generation: Some users find that the generator’s power generation capacity does not meet their needs, even for devices requiring lower power than its rated capacity.
  • Product damage: The product occasionally arrives damaged, with dents in the gas tank and frame.
  • Missing accessories: It sometimes does not come with all the advertised accessories such as wheels or oil.
  • Mechanical failures: Some units have experienced mechanical failures, such as broken breather hoses and covers, choke cable issues, and inability to carry loads.
  • Reliability issues: There have been instances of the generator becoming unreliable after a short period of use, with issues such as blown fuses and clunking sounds upon startup.
  • Oil leaks: There are complaints about oil leaks, even when the generator is not in use.
  • Poor customer service: The customer service is reported to be unsatisfactory, with unresponsive claim systems, long hold times, and unhelpful representatives.
  • Starting issues: Some users have experienced difficulty in starting the generator, and one user even reported a fire due to a starter malfunction.
  • Expensive repairs: There have been instances of the generator needing expensive repairs within a short period after purchase.
  • ‘Dud’ units: Finally, there are complaints about the generator being a ‘dud’ or not working at all upon arrival.

Pros and Cons of Generac GP17500E

Pros:

  • Advanced features: Users appreciate features such as the built-in elapsed-hours meter and the gas cap with a retainer string.
  • Heavy duty and durable: Despite its size and weight, users find the generator to be robust and durable, comparing it to an F350 pickup truck.
  • Whole house power: The generator is praised for its ability to power entire homes during outages, including running air conditioning units and heating systems.
  • Performs well in extreme weather: Customers appreciate the generator’s ability to function well even during extreme weather conditions.
  • Manageable noise level: The generator’s noise level is surprisingly manageable for such a powerful machine, with users noting that the muffler effectively quiets down the exhaust noise.
  • Acceptable trade-off for power: While the generator has a high fuel consumption rate, users find the trade-off acceptable for the power it provides.
  • Modifiable: Some users have made modifications to the generator, such as adding a secondary muffler or replacing the tires, to further improve its performance.
  • Long-term reliability: Users have praised the generator’s long-term reliability, with reports that it is still going strong even after several years of use.
  • Powerful: Despite being heavy and not easy to move, users find the generator’s power to be sufficient for their needs, referring to it as a “monster” in a positive context.

Cons:

  • Questionable longevity: Users have reported that the 17.5 Kw generator uses the same stator as the 15 Kw version, making the longevity of the product questionable.
  • Loud and difficult to start: Many users noted that the generator is exceptionally loud and starting it can be difficult due to an uncalibrated choke throttle.
  • Oil leaks: Some customers had to deal with oil leaks from the sensor and oil cooler lines, which they attribute to a decrease in part quality in newer models.
  • Fuel shut off issues and hot running: Several reviews highlight issues with the fuel shut off leaking out of the box, dead batteries upon arrival, and problems with the generator running hot and spewing gas out of the exhaust.
  • May not run all appliances: One user reported that the generator could not run an air conditioning unit at full capacity, suggesting that it may not be suitable for home backup use.
  • Poor customer service: Complaints about poor customer service from Generac were common, including a lack of assistance in resolving issues and dealing with warranty claims.
  • Defective units: Several customers received defective units, with problems ranging from units covered in oil upon delivery, to cracked batteries leaking acid, to overall system failures after minimal use.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Champion 15000/12000 and the Generac GP17500E largely depends on your power needs. Both generators are robust and reliable, with unique features that cater to different needs. The Champion generator is a great choice for those looking for a more affordable solution with ample power output, while the Generac generator, with its higher wattage, is ideal for more heavy-duty requirements. Remember to consider your power usage, budget, and specific features you may need when making your decision.