Champion Generator 3400W: Definitive Review (2024)

Champion Generator 3400 FI

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We’re here with our Ultimate TopNotch Review of the Champion Generator 3400W 2024.

The TopNotch team chose this product along with 9 of the other top generators on the market and passed them through our comprehensive series of tests.

In reality, even though this isn’t among our Award WInners in this category, the generator has enough great features to deserve a detailed review.

In this comprehensive review we’ll cover:

  • Top features
  • Noise levels
  • Weight and portability
  • Lots more…

If you’re looking for a portable generator that brings dependability and convenience to the table, you’ll love this guide.

Let’s get started.

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Noise Output
8
Power Output
7
Ease of use
8
Durability
7
Weight & Portability
5
Accessories
8
Overall Score
72
  • Manufacturer: Champion
  • Type: Portable Generator
  • Power Output: 3400W
  • Outlets: One 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household outlets and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
  • Fuel Type & Capacity: Propane/ Gasoline (1.6 Gallon)

Bottom Line : An affordable and quiet generator – ideal for RVs and campsites

Pros


  • Quiet performance
  • Comes with inverter technology
  • Operates on dual fuel
  • Both recoil and electric start
  • Easy to set up
  • EPA and CARB compliant

Cons


  • The weight is on the higher side
  • The gas tank could have been larger

Our Verdict: Champion Generator 3400W

If you’re regularly camping or tailgating then carrying along a dependable source of power is a must.

As you may know, Champion is a reliable brand in the market with some top-class generators to offer.

Actually, the Champion 3400-watt inverter generator combines some of the best features of the Champion 3800 Watt Generator (one of our top picks) with inverter technology.

The result: A quiet and lightweight generator that’s perfect for outdoor trips and also for tackling outages.

Obviously, the dual-fuel capability makes it more flexible than the regular generators.

On top of that, you get features like an RV outlet, push-button start, and Cold Start Technology.

However, the Champion Generator (3400W) is a bit more expensive than its older sibling and the weight to power ratio is on the lower side.

But on the whole, it’s a handy package that can hold its own really well if you overlook some minor downsides.

So the question is, how did it perform under our standard metrics?

It’s time to find out.

Related: 10 Best Camping Generators 

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

To tell you the truth, when we chose the top 10 products we were a bit hesitant to pick two products from the same manufacturer – Champion.

But then we realized that the Champion 3400 dual fuel generator has some distinct features that can appeal to a different audience.

For example, while its power output is less, it performs better on noise suppression.

We tested the Champion 3400 generator in the RV and also on the campsite during our multi-day testing phase.

The thing is, RV owners will love the fact that it’s ready to use out of the box and has a compact footprint.

What else did we find?

Noise Output

First of all, noise is a big no-no for us – anywhere really.

We prefer generators that are seen and not heard.

The Champion dual fuel inverter generator is supposed to run at 59 dBA from a distance of 23 feet.

At our campsite, we placed it around 30 feet away from the group and kept the load at 50%.

All we could hear was a quiet purr – well below 60 dBA.

Champion Generator 3400W

Noise Output Rating

Honda EU2200i
9
WEN Generator
9
Honda EU3000iS
8
Yamaha Generator
8
Westinghouse Generator
8
Champion 3400 Generator
7
Briggs & Stratton Generator
7
Pulsar PG1202S
6
Generac 7117 GP2200i
6
Champion 3800 Generator
5

The noise increased as the load went higher but it never became annoying.

Then again, when we shifted to the economy mode, the noise levels went down closer to 60 dBA.


At the end of the day, the Champion dual fuel inverter generator is a great choice while camping around people or in a National Park where there may be sound restrictions.

On the whole, the Champion Generator (3400W) keeps the noise within acceptable limits even while delivering a peak of 3400 Watts.

However, it didn’t get a standing ovation (figuratively speaking) from us like the Honda EU2200i, the top performer in this metric.

If you don’t want to compromise on power output, the Honda EU3000iS, the TopNotch Top Pick, is also a very quiet performer.

Power Output

When it comes to power output, the Champion 3400 inverter generator pushes out 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts.

Let me tell you, those numbers are good enough to run almost everything in your RV.

The specs say the generator can run for 7.5 hours at 25% load.

As usual, we tested it to check whether those figures live up to the hype.

Champion Generator 3400W

Power Output Rating

Champion 3800 Generator
10
Champion 3400 Generator
9
Honda EU3000iS
9
Honda EU2200i
8
Generac Generator
8
Westinghouse Generator
8
Briggs & Stratton Generator
8
Yamaha Generator
8
Pulsar Generator
7
Wen Generator
6

With the 1.6-gallon tank totally full, we used it to run the AC, the 20 inch TV, a microwave, and a few LED lights in the RV.

With the varying load, it lasted for slightly more than 5 hours.

And you know what?

You can easily connect it with a larger propane tank to get more running time out of it.

Moreover, with the large surge power, you’ll have no problem starting up appliances that need more juice.

Want even more power?

No problem.

You can connect two of these units with an easy to use parallel kit.

That’s sufficient power to run 15,000 BTU of RV air conditioners at once.

Lastly….

The Champion 3400 watt generator delivers clean power with less than 3% harmonic distortions. What does that mean? It’s perfectly safe for all your sensitive electronics.

With all these great features, the generator stood just below the Champion 3800 Watt generator in this metric.

Ease Of Use

Without a doubt, Champion deserves our credit for designing a product that pretty much anyone can operate easily.

First and foremost, the ability to use gasoline and propane makes it a very flexible choice.

The TopNotch team loved the push-button electric start.

It works like a charm.

In addition, the recoil start option is also there as a backup.

Champion Generator 3400W

Ease Of Use Rating

Champion 3400 Generator
9
Honda EU3000iS
9
Briggs & Stratton Generator
8
Generac Generator
8
WEN Generator
8
Champion 3800 Generator
8
Honda EU2200i
8
Yamaha Generator
7
Westinghouse Generator
7
Pulsar Generator
7

Moreover, the Cold Start technology ensures that low temperatures don’t interfere with the starting process.

Is the product EPA certified and CARB compliant?

Absolutely.

On top of that, there’s an automatic low oil shut-off.

Next, the centralized control panel is also easy to use and has light indicators to help users.

What about the outlets?

The Champion Generator (3400W) comes with one 120V 30A, two 120V 20A Duplex, and a 12V DC Automotive outlet.  Also, there’s another small but practical addition – a dual USB adapter.

Our experience with this generator was faultless.

In fact, we preferred it over the Champion 3800 Watt generator.

As a result, it tops our chart.

Durability

The point is, in order to reduce the overall weight, the Champion 3400-watt dual fuel has the minimum amount of metal in it.

That makes it lighter, but the robust vibe we got from the Champion 3800 Watt Generator is missing.

Champion Generator 3400W

Durability Rating

Honda EU3000iS
9
Champion 3800 Generator
9
Honda EU2200i
8
Westinghouse Generator
8
Yamaha Generator
8
Champion 3400 Generator
7
Briggs & Stratton Generator
7
Generac Generator
7
Pulsar Generator
7
WEN Generator
6

Well, some you win, some you lose.

But don’t get me wrong here.

It’s not going to fall apart easily.

In fact, during our tests, the generator had no issues handling a few knocks and bumps.

On the other hand, the 4-stroke 192cc Champion engine is a true workhorse that’ll run for years.

Here’s something else we loved…

…the rubber covers attached to the outlets that make it perfect for outdoor use.

All the outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected for better safety.

Quite simply, a great feature which will save you from accidental electric shocks.

Let’s not forget the Champion Generator (3400W) comes with a three-year warranty and lifelong technical support.

Strictly speaking, when we consider the overall construction, the Honda EU3000iS or the Champion 3800 Watt generator will be better choices for rugged environments.

Weight & Portability

The simple truth is, the Champion 3400 isn’t a lightweight option.

With a dry weight of 81 pounds, this isn’t a generator you’ll be moving around easily.

Thankfully, it comes with wheels to help you to pull it around.

But, that’s not the whole story.

Champion Generator 3400W

Weight & Portability Rating

WEN Generator
9
Pulsar Generator
8
Generac Generator
7
Westinghouse Generator
7
Briggs & Stratton Generator
7
Honda EU2200i
7
Yamaha Generator
7
Champion 3400 Generator
5
Champion 3800 Generator
5
Honda EU3000iS
5

Champion 3800 Watt generatorTo drag the generator smoothly, you need to hold it at an odd angle. Handling can be a bit uncomfortable.

With a length of 22.4 inches and the width coming to 17.3 inches, the Champion 3400 isn’t the most compact model either.

But to be fair, the dimensions are on par with most other generators of the same capacity.

The end result is, under this metric, the generator scored the same as the Champion 3800 Watt generator.

And that’s not so good at all.

Unfortunately, none of the generators that deliver high power output scored well for portability.

If you need a lightweight model, the WEN 56125i generator is definitely your best bet.

Accessories

None of the brands packed as wide a range of accessories with their generators as Champion.

This really makes the 3400w inverter generator stand out  – even from the Award Winners like the Honda EU3000iS.

So what do you get with this generator?

Let’s check it out.

Champion Generator 3400W

Accessories Rating

WEN Generator
9
Champion 3400 Generator
8
Champion 3800 Generator
8
Westinghouse Generator
7
Honda EU2200i
7
Yamaha Generator
6
Generac Generator
6
Briggs & Stratton Generator
6
Pulsar Generator
6
Honda EU3000iS
5

You get an oil funnel, a battery charging cable, and a 2.3-foot long propane hose.

Don’t forget the USB adapter I’ve already mentioned.

There’s also a battery that runs the ignition switch.

As you can see, you have almost everything, (with the exception of oil), to start running the generator right out of the box.

A final word…

…even at a lower price, the Champion 3800 Watt generator packs more in terms of accessories, occupying the top spot here.

Our Final Verdict: Champion Generator 3400W

Honda EU3000iS
77%
Champion 3800 Generator
76%
Yamaha Generator
75%
Westinghouse Generator
75%
Honda EU2200i
73%
Champion 3400 Generator
72%
WEN Generator
72%
Briggs & Stratton Generator
70%
Generac Generator
68%
Pulsar Generator
67%

Conclusion: Champion Generator (3400W)

So, let’s sum up.

Basically, the Champion 3400 generator balances a large power output with quiet performance.

I have to admit, this quiet runner took us by surprise with its silent performance.

It’s loaded with features to make it user-friendly and safe.

To top it off, there’s the dual-fuel engine – super practical.

Finally, you get the economy mode and one-touch power start mechanism (which we love).

Also, it comes with inverter technology that the cheaper, more powerful Champion 3800 Watt Generator lacks.

All in all, while it’s not exactly a chart-topper, the generator is a very capable all-rounder that makes a great choice for RV owners.

The moral of the story?

In case our top choices, the Honda EU3000iS and the Champion 3800 Watt generator are beyond your budget, our Champion dual fuel generator is a great option to check out.

So you now know everything there is to know about the Champion Generator (3400W).

Now, it’s down to you to make your choice.

Other Versions:

Champion 3800 Watt generator

 

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