Overview of WEN DF1100T

The WEN DF1100T is a versatile, dual fuel portable generator that provides a significant power output of 11,000 watts. This model is CARB compliant and features an electric start making it user-friendly and environmentally friendly.

Key features include the ability to switch between gasoline and propane fuel with a simple turn of the selection dial. When powered by gasoline, it can produce 11,000 surge watts and 8,300 running watts. On the other hand, when using propane, it can generate 9,500 surge watts and 7,500 running watts.

Another key feature of this generator is its voltage adaptability, easily transitioning between 120V to 240V. This makes it an ideal choice for transfer switches and emergency backup. The electric start powers the 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key.

The WEN DF1100T is also equipped with a 6.6-gallon tank, offering up to 8.5 hours of half load run time. It includes multiple outlets and accessories, such as four 120V GFCI outlets, a 120V 30A twist lock outlet, a 120V/240V 50A outlet, a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, a bottle of oil, a 47-inch LPG connection hose, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

Specifications

Attribute	Details
Brand	WEN
Wattage	11000 watts
Fuel Type	Electric
Power Source	Fuel Powered
Item Weight	214 Pounds
Voltage	120 Volts
Output Wattage	11000 Watts
Special Feature	Electric
Included Components	Dual-Fuel Generator
Color	Black

The WEN DF1100T is priced at $789.99, offering great value for its features and capabilities.

Overview of Champion 15000/12000

The Champion Power Equipment 100111 is a highly powerful portable generator, featuring 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts. This model is characterized by its electric start and lift hook, providing convenience and ease of use.

Main features include its impressive power capacity, delivering up to 9 hours of run time on a full tank of gasoline. It operates at a noise level of 78 dBA from 23 feet. The reliable 717cc V-Twin Champion engine is equipped with an electric start that includes a battery. This feature, coupled with the built-in Cold Start Technology, ensures easy starts in cold weather.

This Champion generator provides safety and protection for your appliances with its built-in Volt Guard surge protector which prevents overloads. It includes multiple outlets, such as a 120V 30A locking outlet, a 120/240V 30A locking, a 120/240V 50A outlet, and four 120V 20A GFCI outlets.

Designed for easy transport, loading, and unloading, the unit features a lift hook. The Intelligauge keeps track of voltage, hertz, and run-time hours enabling you to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support.

Specifications

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, reflecting its high power output and advanced features.

Summary of Specifications: WEN DF1100T vs Champion 15000/12000

Attribute	WEN DF1100T	Champion 15000/12000
Brand	WEN	Champion Power Equipment
Wattage	11000 watts	12000 watts
Fuel Type	Electric	Gasoline
Power Source	Fuel Powered	Battery Powered
Item Weight	214 Pounds	330 Pounds
Voltage	120 Volts	120 Volts
Output Wattage	11000 Watts	12 Watts
Special Feature	Electric	Electric
Included Components	Dual-Fuel Generator	Engine Oil, Wheel Kit, Oil Funnel, Battery
Color	Black	N/A
Product Dimensions	N/A	33.9″L x 31.1″W x 33.1″H
Price	$789.99	$2,299.00

User reviews of WEN DF1100T

Positive User Reviews of WEN DF1100T

• Users are impressed with the versatility of the generator, appreciating its dual fuel capability. It can run efficiently on both gasoline and propane, with some users commenting on the cleaner burn of propane.
• Many users have noted the reliability and power of the generator, expressing confidence in its ability to power entire homes and run heavy-duty appliances like heating and air conditioning systems.
• The generator’s operation is described as smooth and consistent. It starts up quickly, often on the first try, and runs without stalling or overheating.
• The product is praised for its high-quality build and design. Users have pointed out the easy access to engine parts for regular service, the clear labeling of components, and the overall sturdiness of the unit.
• Users have also commended the generator for its reasonable noise level. Although not silent, the noise it generates is described as tolerable and comparable to similar generators.
• The generator’s ease of assembly and use have been highlighted. The wheels and handles are easy to install, and the unit is straightforward to operate, even for those unfamiliar with generators.
• Several users have noted the generator’s excellent value for money. They mention the robust performance and high quality of the unit at a fraction of the cost of other brands.
• Users appreciate the detailed and helpful manual, as well as the availability of replacement parts for long-term maintenance.

Summary of Critical Reviews of WEN DF1100T

• Issues with dual fuel functionality, specifically with gasoline.
• Poor customer service experience, including a lack of helpful troubleshooting advice and warranty support.
• Problems with the voltage regulator and the battery, both of which had to be replaced. Difficulty in finding replacement parts.
• GFCI outlets consistently break after 5 minutes of use with specific appliances. Difficulty in contacting customer service.
• Product is heavy and there were issues with delivery and missing parts.
• Initial problems with starting the unit due to a carburetor internal float problem. Concerns about future reliability.
• Frequent technical issues, poor warranty support, and the suggestion to buy locally instead.
• Problems with the electric start and battery. The pull-start handle broke, causing injury.
• General dissatisfaction with the quality of the generator.

User reviews of Champion 15000/12000

Summary of Positive User Reviews of Champion 15000/12000

• Many users praised the generator’s power, mentioning that it comfortably supplied total backup power to their homes, running everything from lights and ACs to refrigerators and well pumps.
• Some users highlighted the generator’s durability and quality, noting that they had used smaller Champion generators for years without any issues.
• The affordable price point in comparison to other 15kw portable generators on the market was appreciated by several reviewers.
• Several users were impressed with the Champion’s customer service, stating that any issues they had were resolved quickly and efficiently.
• Some users were pleased with the straightforward and easy setup process.
• The generator’s performance was highly rated, with some users mentioning that it took the load like a champ and had plenty of room for extra load to spare.
• Many users were satisfied with the shipping and packaging, describing it as efficient and protective.
• Some users noted that, despite being a large generator, it was not much louder than their old smaller Champion units.
• One user was particularly impressed with the fact that a full tank can run for 9 hours.
• Several users mentioned that they would highly recommend this brand and their units to anyone looking to purchase a portable generator.

Summary of Critical User Reviews for Champion 15000/12000

• Several users complained about the generator being excessively heavy and noisy, making it difficult to move and a nuisance to use.
• There were complaints about the absence of a fuel gauge and a 12V charging circuit for the battery, which led to the battery draining out completely.
• Some users experienced issues with the generator not generating its rated power, causing problems when trying to operate heavy-duty appliances like air compressors.
• Multiple users reported receiving damaged units, with problems ranging from dents in the gas tank to broken breather hoses and covers.
• One of the main issues reported was the generator’s inability to carry a load, with it choking out or blowing fuses when attempting to start.
• There were several cases of the generator leaking oil, even when not in use, leading to messy cleanups.
• Many customers had negative experiences with Champion’s customer service, reporting long hold times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty accessing warranty repair services.
• Some users reported alarming incidents like the generator catching fire due to a malfunctioning starter, with no assistance from the seller or the manufacturer.
• Repair costs were another common complaint among users, with some even stating that the repairs cost more than the generator itself.
• Lastly, there were instances of the generator failing to start, with some users receiving replacements that also failed to function properly.

Pros and Cons of the compared products

Pros and Cons of WEN DF1100T

Pros:

Advantages	Details
Dual fuel capability	Users appreciate the flexibility of using either gasoline or propane, noting the cleaner burn of propane.
Reliability and power	Many users trust in the generator’s ability to power entire homes and heavy-duty appliances.
Smooth operation	The generator starts up quickly and runs without stalling or overheating.
High-quality build and design	The product is praised for its sturdiness, clear labeling of components, and easy access to engine parts for service.
Reasonable noise level	Users find the noise level tolerable and comparable to similar generators.
Easy assembly and use	The unit is straightforward to operate and assemble, with easy-to-install wheels and handles.
Good value for money	Users have noted that the generator offers robust performance and high quality at a fraction of the cost of other brands.
Helpful manual and available replacement parts	Users appreciate the detailed manual and the availability of parts for long-term maintenance.

Cons:

Disadvantages	Details
Issues with dual fuel functionality	Some users have had problems specifically with the gasoline functionality.
Poor customer service	Users have reported a lack of helpful troubleshooting advice and warranty support.
Problems with the voltage regulator and battery	These components had to be replaced, with users noting difficulty in finding replacement parts.
Issues with GFCI outlets	These outlets tend to break after 5 minutes of use with specific appliances.
Product is heavy with delivery issues	Users have reported problems with the delivery and missing parts due to product’s weight.
Initial problems with starting the unit	Issues have been reported with the carburetor’s internal float, raising concerns about future reliability.
Frequent technical issues	Users have experienced various technical problems and poor warranty support.
Problems with the electric start and battery	In addition to the electric start and battery issues, one user reported the pull-start handle broke, causing injury.
General dissatisfaction with the quality	Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the overall quality of the generator.

Pros and Cons of Champion 15000/12000

Pros:

Advantages	Details
Powerful	Users have reported that the generator can comfortably supply total backup power to their homes, running a variety of appliances.
Durable and high-quality	Many users have praised the generator’s durability and quality, noting the reliability of other Champion generators they have used.
Affordable	The generator’s affordable price point in comparison to other 15kw portable generators on the market was appreciated by many users.
Good customer service	Any issues were often resolved quickly and efficiently by Champion’s customer service, according to several users.
Easy setup process	Users have reported a straightforward and easy setup process.
High performance	The generator’s performance was highly rated, with users noting that it managed loads well and had plenty of room for extra load to spare.
Efficient shipping and packaging	Shipping and packaging were described as efficient and protective by many users.
Reasonable noise level	Despite being a large generator, it was not considered much louder than smaller Champion units.
Long running time	One user highlighted that a full tank can run for 9 hours.
Highly recommended	Several users mentioned that they would highly recommend this brand and their units to anyone looking to purchase a portable generator.

Cons:

Disadvantages	Details
Heavy and noisy	Users have complained about the generator being excessively heavy and noisy, making it difficult to move and use.
Absence of a fuel gauge and a 12V charging circuit	The lack of these features led to the battery draining out completely, according to some users.
Issues with rated power	Some users experienced issues with the generator not generating its rated power, causing problems when trying to operate heavy-duty appliances.
Receiving damaged units	Problems ranged from dents in the gas tank to broken breather hoses and covers.
Problems with carrying a load	The generator was reported to choke out or blow fuses when attempting to start.
Oil leaks	Several users reported oil leaks, even when the generator was not in use.
Poor customer service	Users reported long hold times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty accessing warranty repair services.
Alarming incidents	Some users reported incidents like the generator catching fire due to a malfunctioning starter.
High repair costs	Some users complained about high repair costs, with some stating that the repairs cost more than the generator itself.
Failure to start	There were instances of the generator failing to start, with some users receiving replacements that also failed to function properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing the right generator, it’s important to consider your specific needs. The WEN DF1100T offers a versatile, dual fuel option with a considerable power output at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Champion 15000/12000 provides immense power and advanced features, making it suitable for more heavy-duty needs. Your choice should depend on your intended use, budget, and preference for certain features.