Side by side

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc vs Champion 201176: Remote starting, or a larger natural-gas surge allowance

Quick verdict

Pick the Westinghouse for enclosed remote start or the Champion for its higher natural-gas surge rating.

Before you buy

Why, and what it costs you

A running load of 5,200W on natural gas

iGen8200TFc shows 80W of nominal margin, against 675W for 201176. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.

Where this comes from

The measured total running load is assumed to be 5200W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 5200. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.

The catch

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Just because the outlet is 50A-shaped, do not assume the generator delivers 50A continuously at 240V.

The catch

Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield

Weighing 156.6 pounds, it has to be wheeled and moved with care.

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Why pick it
  • A lighter, enclosed generator with remote start is what you want
  • You want remote and electric start with a recoil backup
The catch
Just because the outlet is 50A-shaped, do not assume the generator delivers 50A continuously at 240V.
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Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield

Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield

Why pick it
  • The 9000W natural-gas rating is what your verified starting demand calls for
  • Electric start with a recoil backup suits you
The catch
Weighing 156.6 pounds, it has to be wheeled and moved with care.
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Comparison updated , Product data updated , Amazon.com / United States

What this page compares

A comparison of iGen8200TFc and 201176 on fuel-specific power, starting demand, voltage and connection limits, to help you choose a generator.

Pick the Westinghouse for enclosed remote start or the Champion for its higher natural-gas surge rating.

Which one fits

Pick the situations that sound like you

  • A continuous natural gas load of 5,200W

    On natural gas the Champion delivers 5875W running and 9000W starting, while the iGen8200TFc delivers 5280W and 6560W. For a load list heavy on motors, those are separate checks.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
    Depends
  • Moving the generator and starting it when the power is out

    The Champion’s open-frame inverter comes in at 165.8lb. The enclosed Westinghouse weighs 134.5lb and has remote start. Think through the route out of storage and where it can safely sit outdoors.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
    Depends
  • Hooking up the specified appliances or the home inlet

    Different cord ends are needed for the Champion L14-30R and the Westinghouse 14-50R. A properly installed transfer system also has to deal with neutral bonding and grounding requirements.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
    Depends
  • Choosing a different frame changes the dry lift by 31.3lb

    Before fuel and accessories, the Champion weighs 31.3lb more. That is about 23% of the Westinghouse dry weight.

    Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
    Depends
    Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
    Depends

In practice

Differences you will notice

A running load of 5,200W on natural gas

iGen8200TFc shows 80W of nominal margin, against 675W for 201176. A negative number means the continuous rating has been exceeded.

How we worked this out

The measured total running load is assumed to be 5200W on natural gas. Margin = fuel-specific running watts minus 5200. Starting transients, altitude, temperature, power factor and per-leg limits are left out.

A total starting event of 8,000W

Measured against this separately specified total starting demand, iGen8200TFc has -1,440W of published peak margin and 201176 has 1,000W.

How we worked this out

Take the combined load during one motor start as 8000W, counting the appliances already running. Subtract 8000 from the natural gas starting rating. That shows nothing about surge duration or whether the motor starts successfully.

Choosing a different frame changes the dry lift by 31.3lb

Before fuel and accessories, the Champion weighs 31.3lb more. That is about 23% of the Westinghouse dry weight.

How we worked this out

165.8 minus 134.5 = 31.3lb. 31.3 ÷ 134.5 × 100 = 23.3%. Dry mass says nothing about rolling resistance.

Plug in your numbers

Can either generator run what you need?

This checks hard limits only. Personal preferences are left out of the math.

What needs power when the grid goes down?

Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Works with your numbers

On gasoline, it is rated for 6,600 running and 8,200 starting watts. With reserve, your load plan calls for 1,200 watts running and 2,900 watts starting.

Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield

Works with your numbers

On 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.

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
Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

Westinghouse, iGen8200TFc

iGen8200TFc

This enclosed tri-fuel inverter offers 120/240V and remote start. Its 6600W gasoline rating drops to 5940W on propane and 5280W on natural gas, which is why the fuel you pick has to go into your load calculation.

Best for
A tri-fuel inverter on wheels that offers 240V output

Facts we checked

  • Gasoline output of 6600W running and 8200W starting
  • Propane output of 5940W running and 7380W starting
  • Natural gas output of 5280W running and 6560W starting
  • Duplex 5-20R, 120V TT-30R and 120/240V 14-50R
Option B
Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield

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.

Spec by spec

Where they really differ

Where Westinghouse iGen8200TFc and Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield differ
SpecWestinghouse iGen8200TFcChampion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO ShieldIn practice
Running and starting output on natural gas5,280W running / 6,560W starting5,875W running / 9,000W startingEach of continuous load and brief starting demand has its own limit.
Starting systemRemote and electric with recoil backupElectric with recoil backupHow easy it is to start is a separate matter from how the generator is carried.
Handling layout134.5lb wheeled enclosure165.8lb wheeled open frameLook at the route out of storage and how it will get into a vehicle.
Connection panel120/240V 14-50R plus 120V TT-30R and duplex 5-20R120/240V L14-30R plus 120V household outletsMatch the exact receptacle, breaker and cord to the system you intend.
Gasoline tank3.9 gallons4.3 gallonsRuntime at your load cannot be worked out from tank size alone.

Trade-offs

What each pick costs you

With Westinghouse iGen8200TFc

  • Propane and natural gas both rate lower than gasoline. Treat running load and motor starting demand as separate questions.

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.

Change of plan

When the answer changes

A lighter, enclosed generator with remote start is what you want

Go with Westinghouse iGen8200TFc. On natural gas the Champion delivers 5875W running and 9000W starting, while the iGen8200TFc delivers 5280W and 6560W. For a load list heavy on motors, those are separate checks.

The 9000W natural-gas rating is what your verified starting demand calls for

Go with Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield. The Champion’s open-frame inverter comes in at 165.8lb. The enclosed Westinghouse weighs 134.5lb and has remote start. Think through the route out of storage and where it can safely sit outdoors.

Decision guide

How to decide

Pick the enclosed remote-start Westinghouse, or the Champion if you need its higher natural-gas surge rating.

01

Size the load list for your fuel

On natural gas the Champion delivers 5875W running and 9000W starting, while the iGen8200TFc delivers 5280W and 6560W. For a load list heavy on motors, those are separate checks.

02

How each one is to own and handle

The Champion’s open-frame inverter comes in at 165.8lb. The enclosed Westinghouse weighs 134.5lb and has remote start. Think through the route out of storage and where it can safely sit outdoors.

03

Make sure the connection and install are right

Different cord ends are needed for the Champion L14-30R and the Westinghouse 14-50R. A properly installed transfer system also has to deal with neutral bonding and grounding requirements.

Check these before you buy

  • Note the real running watts and the biggest starting demand that could hit at once.
  • Get a qualified electrician to confirm fuel supply, voltage, receptacle, cord, neutral bonding and transfer equipment.
  • Run the unit outside at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, exhaust pointing away. Backfeeding a wall outlet is never okay.

What this page can’t tell you

  • The numbers rest on specification-based calculations. Measured generator or motor-start tests were not run.
  • Altitude, temperature, fuel supply and 120V leg limits can all reduce usable output.
  • A CO shutoff will not make a generator safe indoors, in a garage or under an enclosed shelter.

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 checked
Show the facts and the math
Models in the comparison
24 models
Sources
4 covering these models
Product data updated

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.

The facts and sources behind each product in this recommendation
ProductNeeds it meetsFacts we checkedSources
Westinghouse iGen8200TFc
  • Connect through a home transfer
  • Gasoline output of 6600W running and 8200W starting
  • Propane output of 5940W running and 7380W starting
  • Natural gas output of 5280W running and 6560W starting
Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
  • Keep a refrigerator and essential
  • Connect through a home transfer
  • 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.

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

Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield

The 9000W natural-gas rating is what your verified starting demand calls for

See price & reviews on Amazon

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We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money