The catch
Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
Weighing 156.6 pounds, it has to be wheeled and moved with care.
Side by side
Champion 201176 vs Westinghouse iGen12000TFc: Westinghouse supports larger natural-gas loads, and Champion weighs less
Quick verdict
Pick the lighter open-frame inverter, or pick the unit with the larger natural-gas running allowance.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A running load of 6,000W on natural gas
201176 shows -125W of nominal margin, against 1,200W for iGen12000TFc. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.
Where this comes from
The measured total running load is assumed to be 6000W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 6000. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.
The catch
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.
Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
- Why pick it
- On natural gas, your load stays under 5875W
- Electric start with a recoil backup is what you want
- The catch
- Weighing 156.6 pounds, it has to be wheeled and moved with care.
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Why pick it
- Natural gas has to give you 7200W running
- You want remote and electric start along with a recoil backup
- The catch
- A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.
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What this page compares
A look at 201176 and iGen12000TFc on fuel-specific power, starting demand, voltage and connection limits, so you can choose a generator.
Pick the lighter open-frame inverter, or pick the unit with the larger natural-gas running allowance.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A continuous natural gas load of 6,000W
That 9000W headline on the Champion is its starting output. On natural gas it runs at 5875W, which means a continuous 6000W plan is already beyond its rating.
- Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
- Not suitable
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
Moving the generator and starting it when the power is out
With an enclosed body and remote start, the Westinghouse delivers 7200W running on natural gas. Its weight is 191lb against 165.8lb for the Champion.
- Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
- Depends
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
Hooking up the specified appliances or the home inlet
Each is an inverter, and each needs a correctly sized fuel supply. Check natural-gas line capacity and regulator requirements at the installation itself, rather than inferring them from the generator’s peak number.
- Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
- Depends
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
The larger inverter is 25.2lb heavier dry
In exchange for 25.2lb of added weight, Westinghouse raises natural-gas running output by 1325W. Planning a rolling route and vehicle loading remains a separate issue.
- Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
- Depends
- Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
A running load of 6,000W on natural gas
201176 shows -125W of nominal margin, against 1,200W for iGen12000TFc. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.
How we worked this out
The measured total running load is assumed to be 6000W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 6000. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.
A total starting event of 8,500W
Measured against this separately specified total starting demand, 201176 has 500W of published peak margin and iGen12000TFc has 1,300W.
How we worked this out
Take the combined load during one motor start as 8500W, counting the appliances already running. Subtract 8500 from the natural gas starting rating. That shows nothing about surge duration or whether the motor starts successfully.
The larger inverter is 25.2lb heavier dry
In exchange for 25.2lb of added weight, Westinghouse raises natural-gas running output by 1325W. Planning a rolling route and vehicle loading remains a separate issue.
How we worked this out
191 minus 165.8 = 25.2lb. 7200 minus 5875 = 1325W. Mass gives no basis for any runtime or acoustic result.
Plug in your numbers
Can either generator run what you need?
This checks hard limits only. Personal preferences are left out of the math.
Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
Works with your numbersOn gasoline, it is rated for 7,250 running and 9,000 starting watts. With reserve, your load plan calls for 1,200 watts running and 2,900 watts starting.
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
Works with your numbersOn gasoline, it is rated for 9,000 running and 12,000 starting watts. With reserve, your load plan calls for 1,200 watts running and 2,900 watts starting.
The estimate adds up the running watts of everything on at once, the biggest single startup surge and 15% headroom. Check each appliance label before you rely on it. Never run a fuel-burning generator indoors, in a garage or near doors, windows or vents.
Option A
Champion, 201176
9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
On gasoline it delivers 7,250 running watts and 9,000 starting watts, and it also runs on propane and natural gas.
- Best for
- get a 240V well pump started and keep a window air conditioner running
Facts we checked
- On gasoline its ratings are 7,250 running watts and 9,000 starting watts.
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas can all fuel it.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
Option B
Westinghouse, iGen12000TFc
iGen12000TFc
This large enclosed tri-fuel inverter is rated 9000W running on gasoline with a 12000W peak. Both 14-50R and L14-30R connections are included, and continuous ratings are lower on gaseous fuels.
- Best for
- Bigger home loads you manage carefully, on inverter power
Facts we checked
- Gasoline output of 9000W running and 12000W starting
- Propane output of 8100W running and 11000W starting
- Natural gas output of 7200W running and 9800W starting
- Duplex 5-20R plus 120/240V 14-50R and L14-30R
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield | Westinghouse iGen12000TFc | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running and starting output on natural gas | 5,875W running / 9,000W starting | 7,200W running / 9,800W starting | Each of continuous load and brief starting demand has its own limit. |
| Starting system | Electric with recoil backup | Remote and electric with recoil backup | How easy it is to start is a separate matter from how the generator is carried. |
| Handling layout | 165.8lb wheeled open frame | 191lb wheeled enclosure | Look at the route out of storage and how it will get into a vehicle. |
| Connection panel | 120/240V L14-30R plus 120V household outlets | 120/240V 14-50R and L14-30R plus duplex 5-20R | Match the exact receptacle, breaker and cord to the system you intend. |
| Gasoline tank | 4.3 gallons | 7.9 gallons | Runtime at your load cannot be worked out from tank size alone. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
- On natural gas it runs 1,375 watts lower than on gasoline, so size your load plan using the figures for whichever fuel you pick.
With Westinghouse iGen12000TFc
- Ratings are lower on propane or natural gas. Look at the running load and the motor starting demand on their own.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
On natural gas, your load stays under 5875W
Go with Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield. That 9000W headline on the Champion is its starting output. On natural gas it runs at 5875W, which means a continuous 6000W plan is already beyond its rating.
You need 7200W of running power on natural gas
Go with Westinghouse iGen12000TFc. With an enclosed body and remote start, the Westinghouse delivers 7200W running on natural gas. Its weight is 191lb against 165.8lb for the Champion.
Decision guide
How to decide
Go light with the open-frame inverter, or go for the bigger natural-gas running allowance.
Anchor the load list to your fuel
That 9000W headline on the Champion is its starting output. On natural gas it runs at 5875W, which means a continuous 6000W plan is already beyond its rating.
What it is like to own each one
With an enclosed body and remote start, the Westinghouse delivers 7200W running on natural gas. Its weight is 191lb against 165.8lb for the Champion.
Installation and connection to verify
Each is an inverter, and each needs a correctly sized fuel supply. Check natural-gas line capacity and regulator requirements at the installation itself, rather than inferring them from the generator’s peak number.
What this page can’t tell you
- This is calculated from the specification sheets, with no measured generator or motor-start tests behind it.
- Your usable output may shrink under the effect of altitude, temperature, fuel supply and individual 120V leg limits.
- CO shutoff is not a safeguard that makes indoor, garage or enclosed-shelter use acceptable.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the generator sets we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 2 of the 24 models checked meet every need here: “Power a refrigerator and the essential lights” and “Tie in through a transfer switch at home”.
2 models fit, out of 24 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Power a refrigerator and the essential lights” and “Tie in through a transfer switch at home”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield |
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| Westinghouse iGen12000TFc |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
On natural gas, your load stays under 5875W
See price & reviews on AmazonWestinghouse iGen12000TFc
Natural gas has to give you 7200W running
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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