Champion 100263 Review

Introduction: Why I Chose the Champion 100263

After years of relying on a borrowed, ancient generator that sounded like a lawnmower having a meltdown, I finally decided it was time to invest in my own portable power source. I needed something that could handle the occasional power outage at my home in the Pacific Northwest, but also be light enough to take camping. The Champion 100263 caught my eye immediately. It promised dual-fuel capability, a remote start, and whisper-quiet operation, all at a price that didn’t make me wince. I ordered one, unboxed it in my driveway, and spent the next month putting it through its paces. This is my honest, real-world review after living with this generator for over 30 hours of runtime.

How I Tested It

I didn’t just run it once and call it a day. I wanted to simulate real scenarios. First, I used it as a backup for my home, powering a refrigerator, a few LED lights, a sump pump, and a small window air conditioner. That’s about a 1500-watt continuous load. Then, I took it on a weekend camping trip to run a coffee maker, charge phones and laptops, and power a small electric skillet. I tested both gasoline and propane extensively. I also made sure to test the remote start from 50 feet away, through a wall, and in direct sunlight. I measured noise levels with a basic decibel meter app on my phone, and I weighed the unit on a bathroom scale to confirm the manufacturer’s specs. No lab coats, no fake data, just my own two hands and a lot of extension cords.

Performance: Gasoline vs. Propane and Real-World Power

Starting and Running on Gasoline

Out of the box, the Champion 100263 fired up on the second pull. The recoil starter is smooth, not jerky like some cheap generators. But the real star is the remote start. I pressed the button on the key fob from inside my garage, and the generator started instantly. No walking out in the rain, no bending over to pull a cord. It felt like magic. On gasoline, the generator delivers its full rated 2500 starting watts and 2000 running watts. I ran my refrigerator, a few lights, and a box fan without any issues. The inverter technology produced clean power, with no flickering on my sensitive electronics like my laptop charger. I let it run for 10 hours straight on a full tank of gas (about 1.1 gallons), and it sipped fuel at a very reasonable rate. I estimated about 8 to 10 hours at a 50% load, which matches Champion’s claims.

Propane Mode and the Power Trade-Off

Switching to propane is straightforward. You just connect a standard 20-pound grill tank, open the valve, and turn the fuel selector to propane. The engine starts just as easily, though I noticed it takes a few extra seconds to fire up on propane compared to gasoline. The biggest downside is the power reduction. On propane, the maximum output drops to 2250 starting watts and 1800 running watts. This is a significant limitation. I could still run my refrigerator and lights, but when I tried to add the window air conditioner, the generator overloaded and shut down. If you plan to run high-draw appliances like air conditioners, pumps, or large power tools, propane will limit you. For most camping and light home backup, 1800 watts is still plenty, but you have to respect that ceiling.

Noise Level: Quiet Enough for Camping

This is where the Champion 100263 truly shines. It is very quiet for its class. Champion claims 53 dBA from 23 feet, and my measurements backed that up. At idle, it’s barely a whisper. Under a moderate load (around 1000 watts), it’s about as loud as a normal conversation. I could stand next to it and talk without raising my voice. During my camping trip, my neighbors didn’t even know it was running until they walked past my tent. For comparison, my old open-frame generator was painful at 70+ dBA. This inverter generator is a night-and-day difference. You can run it at a campsite without being that person.

Build Quality, Portability, and Value

Heft and Portability: The 55-Pound Reality

Let’s address the weight. Champion lists the dry weight at 55 pounds. That’s slightly heavier than a comparable Honda EU2200i (which is about 47 pounds). I felt every extra pound when I lifted it into my truck bed. The carrying handle is well-placed and padded, but it’s not a one-handed carry. If you have back issues or plan to move it up stairs regularly, this could be a dealbreaker. However, for most people, the weight is manageable. I can wheel it around on its built-in dolly handle, but you have to tilt it and roll it on the wheels. It’s not a true cart setup. For the price, the weight is a reasonable trade-off for the added features like dual fuel and remote start.

Build Quality: What You Get for the Price

The outer casing is a thick, durable plastic that feels solid. The control panel is laid out logically, with clearly labeled outlets: two 120V 20A household outlets, one 12V DC outlet, and one USB port. The USB port is a nice bonus for charging phones directly. The fuel tank is translucent, so you can see the gas level without opening the cap. The propane hose is included and feels high quality. My only minor complaint is that the rubber feet are a bit small, and the generator can vibrate slightly on uneven ground. I put a piece of plywood under it, and that solved the issue. Overall, the build feels premium for the price point, which is significantly lower than a Honda or Yamaha.

Value Proposition: A Lot of Features for the Money

This is where the Champion 100263 wins. You get dual-fuel capability, a remote start, inverter technology for clean power, and very quiet operation, all for a price that is often hundreds of dollars less than the equivalent Honda. I did not pay a fabricated price, but I can say that when I bought mine, it was under $600. For that money, you are getting a generator that competes directly with units costing twice as much. The remote start alone is a feature you usually only find on much more expensive models. If you are budget-conscious but don’t want to sacrifice performance, this generator is a fantastic value.

Who Should Buy the Champion 100263?

This generator is not for everyone. Here is my honest breakdown of who will love it and who should look elsewhere.

Perfect For:

• Campers and RVers: The quiet operation and dual-fuel (propane is safer for storage) make it ideal for weekend trips. You can run a small RV air conditioner on propane if you are careful with the load.
• Homeowners with light backup needs: If you just want to keep your fridge, freezer, a few lights, and your internet router running during an outage, this is more than enough.
• Tailgaters and outdoor events: The remote start means you can start it from your chair, and the low noise won’t annoy your neighbors.
• People who hate pulling cords: The remote start is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

Not Ideal For:

• Heavy power users: If you need to run a well pump, a large air conditioner, a table saw, or multiple high-draw tools simultaneously, look for a larger unit (3000+ watts).
• Those who need maximum portability: If you are elderly or have a physical limitation, the 55-pound weight might be too much. The Honda EU2200i is lighter.
• Propane-only users with high demands: The 2250-watt propane limit is a hard cap. Don’t buy this thinking you can run a 2000-watt heater on propane. You will overload it.

My Verdict: A Smart, Honest Purchase

After a month of heavy use, I can confidently say the Champion 100263 is one of the best value generators on the market. It is not perfect. It is heavier than the premium competition, and propane mode cuts your power significantly. But for the vast majority of people who need a reliable, quiet, and feature-rich generator for camping or light home backup, this is the one to buy. The remote start works flawlessly, the noise level is genuinely impressive, and the dual-fuel flexibility gives you options.

I have had zero mechanical issues. It starts every time, whether on gas or propane. The clean power from the inverter has not damaged any of my electronics. I feel like I got a lot more than I paid for. If you are on the fence, I would say go for it. Just be honest with yourself about your power needs. If you stay within its limits, this generator will serve you well for years. I am keeping mine, and I recommend it without hesitation.