Champion 100520 Generator: Complete Buying Guide

Champion 100520 8750-Watt DH Series — Full Review

The Champion Dual-Fuel Open Frame Generator 8750 Starting Watts Electric Start is Champion Power Equipment's flagship open-frame portable generator in the mid-range segment.

Check the latest price for the Champion 8750-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator

With a peak output of 8,750 watts on gasoline (7,000 watts running) and 7,875 starting watts on propane (6,300 watts running), this machine can power most of a mid-sized home's critical circuits — refrigerator, water heater systems, window AC unit, or emergency water removal pumps (see our Ridgid SP-650C sump pump buying guide for basement protection), a Ridgid SP-650C sump pump, or a Wayne ESP25 battery backup sump pump (see our full review for storm performance) (essential for preventing basement floods), lights, and several small appliances — simultaneously. That makes it a genuine whole-home backup candidate for people who don't need to run central HVAC or a well pump simultaneously. (For those investing in home infrastructure, see our Culligan whole-house filtration guide).

At the heart of the 100520 is Champion's own 459cc single-cylinder, air-cooled OHV engine. Champion engines have earned a reputation for reliable starts and surprisingly long service intervals given the price bracket. The electric start system uses a rechargeable battery (included), and a recoil backup ensures you're never completely stuck if the battery dies. Cold-weather starts can occasionally require a couple of attempts, but the engine settles into a smooth, consistent idle quickly once running.

The dual-fuel feature is more than a marketing checkbox here. Propane burns cleaner, stores indefinitely without the fuel degradation issues gasoline faces after 30 days, and can be cheaper depending on your region. Switching between fuels is a straightforward process using the included propane hose and regulator: shut down the generator, connect your propane tank, flip the fuel selector, and restart. Champion rates propane output slightly lower than gasoline — a normal trade-off for the fuel type — but for most backup scenarios the difference is barely noticeable.

The outlet panel is genuinely well thought out for a generator at this price. You get a 50-amp RV-style outlet (TT-30R is not present; instead this is the 14-50R style), two 120V 20-amp duplex household outlets, a 120/240V 30-amp twist-lock, and a 120V 30-amp twist-lock — giving you the flexibility to run RV hookups, standard extension cords, and transfer switch connections all without adapters. Volt Guard surge protection is built in, which matters when you're running sensitive electronics or appliances with variable-speed motors.

Noise Level and Portability

At 74 dBA measured at 23 feet, the Champion 100520 is not a quiet generator — no open-frame unit at this wattage is. You'll want to position it at the edge of your property or use sound-dampening panels if neighbors are a concern. For those needing silent power for sensitive electronics, such as the Bluetti Portable Power Station, the Anker SOLIX Portable Power Station, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, or the compact EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station, is a cleaner, quieter alternative for smaller loads. The frame features never-flat tires and a folding handle system, making it manageable for one or two people across flat terrain. At 196 lbs dry weight, though, you won't be picking this up alone. A wheel kit is included, which is a nice touch Champion doesn't always bundle with similarly priced units.

Who Is the Champion 100520 Best For?

This generator hits the sweet spot for suburban homeowners who want genuine whole-home circuit backup without stepping into the $3,000+ standby generator territory (though those needing even more power might consider the high-output DuroMax Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000W Electric Start). (For those securing their entire property, we recommend pairing backup power with a Basement Watchdog system, a Ring Alarm Pro 14-Piece security system, and a high-capacity Wayne CDU980E sump pump to ensure total home protection during outages). It's equally at home on construction job sites where you need to run power tools, compressors, and lighting from a single source. RV owners with 50-amp shore power setups will appreciate the direct hookup capability. If you frequently camp in areas without hookups but still want appliance-level comfort, or if you run tailgate events or outdoor markets, the 100520's output headroom keeps you from ever feeling power-constrained.

What Can the Champion 100520 Power?

Understanding your wattage needs before buying a generator is critical—especially if you're comparing the best submersible utility pumps for flood prevention during a storm (for more on selection, see our Ridgid SP-650C guide and full performance review). The Champion 100520's 7,000 running watts on gasoline gives you a generous budget to work with. Here's a realistic picture of what you can run simultaneously during a typical power outage scenario.