Running off gas, the power plant is the ideal backup during emergencies.
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We are officially in hurricane season (if you live on the East Coast). And so, if you haven’t already, it might be time to invest in a little insurance. A portable generator can provide backup power to everything from lights to small appliances and medical devices, making it an essential tool in an emergency. Before the power goes down in your area, pick up this Champion 2,500-Watt Portable Generator, which is 45 percent off at Amazon right now.
For under $400, this gas-powered portable generator offers 2,500 watts of starting power and 1,850 watts of running power. Champion claims the 1.1-gallon tank will last nearly 12 hours—enough breathing room to get through an emergency if you’re not running the generator constantly. That’s also enough time to power what you need during less urgent times, like when you’re on a weekend camping trip or hosting a barbecue where you need many other appliances running.
The portable generator includes two 120-volt, 20-amp outlets; a 12-volt automotive outlet; and a dual-port USB adapter to connect smaller electronic devices. At 39 pounds, it’s light enough to carry via the sturdy handle. The model is also relatively quiet at 53 decibels (when you’re standing 23 feet away), roughly the equivalent of a normal conversation. That means it shouldn’t be annoying when using it at, say, a farmer’s market.
Champion’s 2,500-Watt Portable Generator works with the brand’s ParaLink Parallel Kit, allowing you to connect another 2,500-watt Champion inverter, giving you double the output power. It also broadens your connectivity options. The kit features a 120-volt, 30-amp RV outlet, giving you enough power to start and run a 15,000-BTU RV air conditioner.
While Champion’s gas-only 2,500-watt portable generator is 45 percent off, Amazon is also currently offering 51 percent off a similar model that runs off of gas and propane. A dual-fuel generator is a little more versatile than a gas-only model, offering a longer runtime, depending on which fuel you use.
Check out our recommendations for portable power stations if you don’t want to deal with a generator’s maintenance and safety concerns. The nice thing about a portable power station is you can use it inside and recharge the battery using a wall outlet or solar panel, making them perfect for camping during the summer.
Shop Champion 2,500-Watt Portable Generator
Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.
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