For those wanting to skim this review, the good stuff is in the next to last paragraph. If you're looking for info like I was before buying this, the whole review may be a good read for you.
I researched generators tirelessly when I was in the market for one that would supply total backup power to my home. I knew I didn't want to spend the big dollars on a standby unit like a Generac, I wanted the biggest portable I could find, which led me to the 15kw portable bracket. Of the various offerings in this category I found this Champion, and was shocked when I saw all the features it had for the price, which is considerably less than other 15kw portables! I'm not the type to always grab the cheapest option, but I've had a smaller 3500 watt Champion for years and it's always been flawless, so I knew of the quality and durability of Champion machines and decided to buy it.
Shipping was through a local freight company and worked very well, I had it delivered to my dad's shop close to my home for access to a forklift for unloading, and boy was that a great idea! This unit is a BEAST and it's definitely not something you'll just toss in the back of a pickup without a few of your buddies to help, or a mechanical means of lifting. Setup is very straightforward and super easy, just involves putting the wheels on and dumping in the supplied oil with the nice supplied funnel.
Inspecting the machine before startup I found the engine air filter to be missing, but a quick call to Champion customer service and Juan helped me out with getting the generator registered for warranty and shipped a new filter out immediately. It was an error during assembly I'm certain, but it was refreshing to deal with a friendly and competent customer service department, makes me feel very good about any potential issues I may have in the future being resolved easily.
Now for the part that matters - how does it perform? It is a MONSTER! I installed a 50 amp generator inlet box to my house and wired it in so I can transfer from electric company power to generator power. Plugged in a heavy duty 50 amp cord and gave the generator a test run bringing the load on one thing at a time. I ran my 2300 square foot house with every light turned on, 2 car garage, 3 ton AC, fridge/freezer combo, and upright deep freeze, plus my well pump ALL on this generator on a 90 degree day keeping the house at 68 degrees inside. The generator took the load like a champ and I never saw the load indicator go out of the green area, in fact with all that running it only went to about halfway on the gauge. This generator runs my ENTIRE house WITH my central AC on with plenty of room for extra load to spare!
As for noise, its a honking big generator and it is loud, but really not much louder at all to my ear at least than my old smaller Champion was. More time and an actual power outage where the unit runs for hours or days at a time will tell more about everything, but for an initial test I am beyond happy with this BEAST of a generator!
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From the manufacturer
Since 2003 Champion Power Equipment has earned a reputation for designing and producing the finest power equipment. From our headquarters in California Champion has expanded its North American footprint to include facilities in Tennessee, Wisconsin and Canada.
Champion’s product line has expanded to include portable generators, home standby generators, inverter generators, engines, winches and more. With over 2.5 million generators sold, Champion is a leader in the power equipment field.
12,000-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start and Lift Hook
Power Your Life
Our powerful 12,000-watt generator provides up to 9 hours of run time on a full tank of gasoline. The reliable 717cc V-Twin Champion engine with electric start and included battery features Intelligauge and has all the power you need and more for home backup during an outage or your next project.
- Starting Wattage: 15,000W
- Running Wattage: 12,000W
- Engine: 4-stroke 717cc OHV
- Fuel Tank: 10.9 Gallon
- Run Time: Up To 9 Hours
- Assembly Required: Yes
- Product Dimensions: 33.9" x 31.1" x 33.1"
- Included Items: Battery, Wheel Kit, Oil Funnel, Engine Oil
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Champion SupportChampion Support and our nationwide network of service centers will back up your purchase with a 3-year limited and FREE lifetime help desk. |
Ultra-PowerfulFor projects, the massive 717cc V-Twin Champion OHV engine has what it takes to handle the multiple power tools and large equipment you need to get the job done. |
Cold Start TechnologyPower up with Champion’s reliable recoil start, plus Cold Start Technology ensures a quick start in cold weather. |
Volt GuardVolt Guard built-in surge protector prevents overloads and keeps your appliances and equipment safe |
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| 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator Remote Start | 5500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit | 8000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Natural Gas Generator | 9200-Watt Portable Generator with Electronic Fuel Injection | 12,000-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start | |
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| Price | $499.00 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Surge Wattage | 4,375W | 4,375W | 6,900W | 10,000W | 11,500W | 15,000W |
| Running Wattage | 3,500W | 3,500W | 5,500W | 8,000W | 9,200W | 12,000W |
| Start Type | Recoil | Recoil, Electric, Wireless Remote | Recoil | Recoil, Electric | Recoil, Electric | Recoil, Electric |
| Gasoline Capacity | 4.7 Gallon | 4.7 Gallon | 6 Gallon | 8.5 Gallon | 7.7 Gallon | 10.9 Gallon |
| Run Time at 25% Load | Up to 14 hr. (Gas), Up to 10.5 hr. (Propane) | Up to 12 hr. | Up to 9 hr. (Gas), Up to 6.5 hr. (Propane) | Up to 12.5 hr. (Gas), Up to 5 hr. (Propane) | Up to 11.5 hr. | Up to 9 hr. |
| Engine Displacement | 208cc | 208cc | 389cc | 459cc | 459cc | 717cc |
| Noise Level at 23 ft. | 68 dB(A) | 68 dB(A) | 74 dB(A) | 74 dB(A) | 74 dB(A) | 78 dB(A) |
| Engine Oil Included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Outlets | 120V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L5-30R), 120V 30A RV Outlet (TT-30R), Two 120V 20A Household Outlets (5-20R) | 120V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L5-30R), 120V 30A RV Outlet (TT-30R), Two 120V 20A Household Outlets (5-20R) | 120/240V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L14-30R), (2) Two GFCI 120V 20A Household Outlets (5-20R) | 120V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L5-30R), 120/240V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L14-30R), (2) Two GFCI 120V 20A Household Outlets (5-20R) | 120/240V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L14-30R), 120/240V 50A RV Outlet (14-50R), (2) Two 120V 20A Household Outlets (5-20R) | 120V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L5-30R), 120/240V 30A RV Locking Outlet (L14-30R), 120/240V 50A RV Outlet (14-50R), (2) Two GFCI 120V 20A Household Outlets (5-20R) |
| Item Weight | 108 lb. | 120.1 lb. | 162.5 lb. | 207 lb. | 219 lb. | 329.6 lb. |
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Customer Review: Great product, reliability and quality!
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Check out this light weight generator!
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Compare with similar items
This Item  Champion Power Equipment 100111 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start and Lift Hook | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -14% $1,249.00 List: $1,449.00 | -6% $1,699.00 List: $1,799.00 | -15% $1,799.00 List: $2,119.00 | -19% $1,053.17 List: $1,299.00 | -19% $4,399.95 Typical: $5,399.00 |
| Delivery | — | — | Get it Tuesday, Oct 8 | Get it Tuesday, Oct 8 | — | Get it Oct 24 - 25 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | D & K ENTERPRISES,USA INC. |
| fuel type | Gasoline | electric | GASOLINE / PROPANE | electric | Gasoline | electric |
| power source | Battery Powered | Fuel Powered | Gas | Fuel Powered | Gas Powered | gas powered |
| engine type | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke | — |
| runtime | 9 hours | 19 hours | — | 14 hours | 10 hours | 9 hours |
| tank volume | 10.9 gallons | 36 liters | 0.5 gallons | 5.33 gallons | 1.2 gallons | 5 gallons |
| power outlets | 1 | 5 | 4 | — | 5 | — |
| wattage | 12000 watts | 10500 watts | 13000 watts | 8500 watts | 9200 watts | 18000 watts |
| voltage | 120 volts | 240 volts | 240 volts | 12 volts | — | 120 volts of alternating current |
| engine displacement | 717 cubic centimeters | 500 cubic centimeters | 500 cubic centimeters | 420 cubic centimeters | 459 cubic centimeters | 816 cubic centimeters |
| ignition system type | electric start | electric start | electric start | electric start | electric start | electric start |
Great generator, and now with fuel gauge!
I’ve been pleased with Champion portable generators in the past and it was an easy choice when it came time to upsize from my 3500 watt unit. Like others have said, it’s a beast, but it’s expected due it’s 12kw capability. It’s louder than the smaller units, again expected. I’m very pleased with this unit thus far and would highly recommend this brand and any of their units to anyone looking to purchase a portable generator. I was pleasantly surprised to find my unit (model 100111) had a fuel gauge (as seen in the photo). The manufactured date is 1222, I’m guessing December 2022. My experience with Amazon and the shipping was very good.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2023
I’ve been pleased with Champion portable generators in the past and it was an easy choice when it came time to upsize from my 3500 watt unit. Like others have said, it’s a beast, but it’s expected due it’s 12kw capability. It’s louder than the smaller units, again expected. I’m very pleased with this unit thus far and would highly recommend this brand and any of their units to anyone looking to purchase a portable generator. I was pleasantly surprised to find my unit (model 100111) had a fuel gauge (as seen in the photo). The manufactured date is 1222, I’m guessing December 2022. My experience with Amazon and the shipping was very good.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022
