Top 10 Sportsman Generator Reviews – Should You Choose Sportsman!

Buffalo Tools Sportsman 1000 Inverter Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 1000 Watt / Running: 800 Watt
Noise Level	56dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	6.3 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size	0.55 Gallon
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	21lbs

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This is a budget option for those who don’t have the requirement for a big generator. It is a 1000 surge watt generator with excellent functionality and built quality. Unlike most of the generators on this list, it is an inverter. So, you will have a clean DC power generation.

There will be a 4-stroke engine inside the compact exterior. It has a low engine displacement of 40cc. But it makes that up with the 5000 RPM capability, which creates a total of 1.3 horsepower. With this engine, you will have a total production of 1000 watts of surge wattage and 800 watts of continuous wattage.

To distribute this power, it houses two outlets. They are –

• A 120-volt AC outlet
• A 12-volt DC outlet rated at 4 amps

All of these outlets are grounded. It uses unleaded gasoline as its fuel and has a 0.55 gallon fuel tank to store that. This fuel, along with the engine, will give you a runtime of 6.3 hours at 50% load. Like all other generators, it also has its oil requirements. It uses 10W-30 type oil and stores that in a 10 Oz tank.

There is an eco-throttle mode that reduces the RPM to decrease noise and fuel consumption.

Lastly, it is approved by the EPA and CARB. So, Californians can get this generator, although it is subjected to proposition 65. Also, it is not recommended for high altitude use above 3000 feet.

Sportsman GEN2000DF Dual Fuel Powered Portable Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 2000 Watt / Running: 1400 Watt
Noice Label	68dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	9 hours / 50% Load (Gas) 12 hours / 50% Load (Propane)
Fuel Tank Size	1.2 Gallon
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	54lbs

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This is another dual fuel generator from Sportsman. It is really compact for a 2000 watt generator. To create this power, the machine uses a 94cc OHV engine. This is a 3.5 horsepower 4-stroke dual-fuel engine. Hence, it uses both propane and 87+ gasoline. These different fuels give you a completely different set of numbers.

Gasoline gives you running wattage of 1400 watts while propane allows for 1200 watts. On the other hand, the runtime for gasoline will be 9 hours, and for propane, it will be 12 hours. A 1.2-gallon fuel tank for gasoline will support this runtime. You can also buy your own LPG tank separately.

A long hose will also be included to use the LPG. Along with that, there will also be spark plug wrench and DC cables in the package. This cable will go in the panel which will also host the following receptacles –

• Two duplex 5-20R 120-volt AC outlet rated at 20 amps
• One 120-volt DC outlet rated at 8 amps

Another interesting feature is the rubber mount of the engine. It is shaped in a way that absorbs most of the vibrations from the engine. The generator is moderately noisy, measuring to about 68 decibels. There is no eco-throttle, so you will only have the 3600 RMP in your engine. Lastly, it is certified by EPA.

Sportsman GEN2200DFI Dual Fuel Inverter Generator for Sensitive Electronics

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 2200 Watt / Running: 1800 Watt
Noice Label	53dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	7 hours / 50% Load (Gas) 18 hours / 50% Load (Propane)
Fuel Tank Size	1 Gallon
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	48lbs

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This is another inverter generator on our list. And, this might be the most interesting unit we have discussed yet. Because it is both an inverter and a dual fuel machine. Furthermore, it gives you both AC and DC, along with parallel capability. So, you have a lot going on here.

To produce the best clean and stable sine wave type of electricity, it uses a 79.7cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It is a 3 horsepower engine. Despite being a low power engine, it can create a power supply of 2200 watts.

Being a dual-fuel engine, it runs on both gasoline and propane. It has a gallon of fuel space for gas, and you have to buy the LPG cylinder separately. With a full tank of gas, it gives you a runtime of 7 hours at 50% load. And with 20 pounds of LPG, it gives you 18 hours of runtime at 50% load.

It also features an economy mode that reduces the engine RPM and decreases fuel consumption. In this process, the generator gets even quieter. The oil capacity is 12 Oz, and it is really convenient to refill the oil. It uses an SAE 10W-30 type oil.

You have a front panel that you will typically see in a heavy-duty generator. It has the following outlets –

• Two 120-volt AC outlets
• A 12-volt DC outlet rated at 8 amps

As we mentioned before, there will also be parallel receptacles that you can use to increase the generator’s power. Interestingly, you will also find a type-A USB port in the generator.

Another deal maker for the generator is the noise level. It is less than 60 decibels measured from 23 feet.

There is a regulator attached to the propane fuel hose. This hose is five feet long. Altogether, this generator is a versatile, low weight product. If you are looking for an inverter for the money, this is your answer.

Sportsman 2200-Watt Inverter Generator with Parallel Capability

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 2200 Watt / Running: 1800 Watt
Noice Label	53dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	7 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size	1 Gallon
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	50lbs

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This last one is another versatile piece from Sportsman. It is an inverter generator, giving you the best that this kind has to offer. You can use it for tailgating and camping. Its power can also be increased using its parallel capability.

It has a 2.6 horsepower 4-stroke engine, and this engine gives you a displacement of 79cc. Even with this low displacement rate, it can create 4650 RPM. With this power, the machine creates a surge power supply of 2200 watts and a continuous power supply of 1800 watts.

There is a 1 gallon or 3.8-liter fuel tank. With this fuel tank fully loaded, you will have a runtime of 7 hours at 50% load.

It has the receptacle configuration that most other top quality inverters hold. You will have –

• Two 120-volt AC outlet
• A 12-volt DC outlet rated at 8 amps

The propane hose is 5 feet long and equipped with a regulator. It is also thicker than most other regulator hoses that you will find in the market. The bright orange funnel is extended and angled in a way that facilitates the refilling process. It uses SAE 10W-30 type oil, and the oil tank capacity is 12 Oz.

Furthermore, it scores the best in quietness. From a distance of 23 feet, it is measured to about 53 decibels. This is even better than other Sportsman generators that provide similar or more power output.

Lastly, it is approved by EPA and CARB. Not many gasoline engines get past the stringent laws of the golden state. As this generator did, you can say for sure that it is safe for you and your family.

Sportsman GEN4000LPC 4000 Watt LP Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 4000 Watt / Running: 3250 Watt
Noice Label	68dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	10 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size	Propane
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	102lbs

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This is another conventional Sportsman generator with their typical look. But the different thing about the generator is that it runs on propane alone. So, you never have to worry about the gasoline going bad and fouling the carburetor.

Greenhouse gas emissions are 40% lower with propane. It also has a longer shelf life. Hence, you can store the fuel as much as you want. It is pretty handy in adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, it has a 4-stroke OHV engine, which efficiently creates 6.5 horsepower of energy. And with this engine, the generator can produce a surge power supply of 4000 watts and a continuous power supply of 3250 watts. With a 20-pound propane tank, it will give you a runtime of 10 hours at 50% load.

 You will have the following receptacles in your control panel –

• Two 120 volt AC outlets
• An RV ready 120-volts three-prong outlet
• A two-prong 12-volt DC outlet
• Another 12-volt DC outlet rated at 10 amps for battery charging only

A regular 4000-watt generator will be quite noisy. They are almost always more than 70 decibels. But this one never goes over 68 decibels. So, it is incredibly quiet. There is a 5 feet propane hose that comes with the machine. It also has a regulator attached to it.

It is certified by both EPA and CARB. So, Californians can get the machine easily. However, it is still subjected to proposition 65.

Sportsman GEN4000C Gas Powered Portable Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 4000 Watt / Running: 3500 Watt
Noice Label	69dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	10 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size	3.6 Gallon
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	91lbs

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The previous 4000-watt generator on our list, the GEN4000, was not approved by CARB. But we have the GEN4000C for the golden state, which complies with all their rules. And this is its primary difference from the previous 4000.

It is a single fuel machine. The unit boasts a 7 horsepower OHV engine inside its structure, which is a 212cc 4-stroke engine that gives you a total RPM of 3600. There is no eco-throttle, so you will not be able to change the RPM.

Also, you don’t need to buy a battery because the generator doesn’t have an electric starting capability.

With this engine, the generator produces a surge wattage of 4000 and a continuous wattage of 3500. You will be able to do all kinds of things with this power. It can be used for camping, in RVs, and for emergency power outages.

It runs on unleaded gasoline. And the 3.6-gallon fuel tank is gonna give you a runtime of 10 hours at 50% load. Although the efficiency is great here, the fuel tank could have been bigger.

To distribute the power, it has the following configuration of the receptacles –

• Four 120-volt AC outlets
• A 120-volt RV outlet rated at 30 amps
• A 12-volt DC outlet rated at 8 amps

It is also very quiet, measuring up to 69 decibels. Lastly, as I mentioned before, the generator is approved by both EPA and CARB.

Sportsman GEN7000LP Propane Powered Portable Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 7000 Watt / Running: 6000 Watt
Noice Label	80dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	8 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size	Propane
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	135lbs

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It is the second 7000-watt generator on our list. There is very little difference between the two. The primary difference is that the previous one (GEN7000) runs on gasoline, and the GEN7000LP runs on propane gas only.

Therefore, the maintenance of this generator is far cheaper and cleaner. As we have mentioned before, propane has a longer shelf life and will keep your engine in good shape. You will also be able to store it for more extended periods. Moreover, it also plays its part in reducing carbon emission.

The generator features a 13 horsepower 4-stroke OHV engine. This engine produces 7000 surge watts and a continuous power supply of 6000 watts. It is a 389cc engine, so you will have maximum efficiency with the machine. With a 20 pound LP fuel, the runtime will be 8 hours at 50% load.

To distribute this power, you will have the following outlet configuration –

• Four duplex 120-volt AC outlets
• A 120/240 volt AC outlet
• A 12-volt DC outlet rated at 10 amps

The DC outlet is for battery charging only. There are lots of attributes that make using this powerful machine safe. They are –

• Overload protection
• Circuit breakers
• Spark arrestor
• Low oil shutdown
• AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)

Using this generator is pretty convenient too. It has a full mobility kit along with a foldable handle. For the design of the machine, its parts also last longer. There is a 38 Oz oil tank that requires SAE 10W-30 type oil. You will have the convenience of both recoil and electric starting methods.

However, the battery needed for the electric start and the propane tank has to be bought separately. The generator is moderately noisy. And the noise rating is about 80 decibels. EPA approves it to be safe for general use.

Sportsman GEN7000 Gas Powered Portable Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 7000 Watt / Running: 6000 Watt
Noice Label	80dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	12 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size	7 Gallon
Starting Method	Electric, Recoil Pull Start
Weight	135lbs

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The GEN7000 is the perfect machine to start the reviews. Because it is balanced in every way and represents what Sportsman has to offer.

As the name suggests, it has a 7000-watt peak wattage. The continuous wattage is 6000. A 389cc 4-stroke engine generates this power. It is a 13 horsepower OHV engine that gives you maximum efficiency. Anyone with previous experience with generators knows that this is an above-average engine.

But this extraordinary engine runs on ordinary gasoline. There will be 7 gallons of storage space in the fuel tank, and this fuel will keep you running for about 12 hours at 50% load. That puts the fuel consumption around 0.58 GPH.

Moreover, this engine has both pull/recoil start and electric start mechanism. However, the battery for the electric start has to be bought separately. To distribute this power, the generator has the following receptacle configuration –

• Two duplex 5-20R 120-volt GFCI AC outlets rated at 20 amps
• An L14-30R 120/240 volt twist-lock AC outlet rated at 30 amps
• A 12 volt DC outlet rated at 8 amps

Ten-inch wheels are the main component of the mobility kit. This makes transporting the nearly 130-pound machine pretty easy. It is clearly a noisy piece. The sound measurements are about a maximum of 86 decibels. I guess we have to deal with that for a higher power.

Lastly, the generator is approved by EPA, and many other authorities recognize different components of this generator to be safe for public use. However, it doesn’t comply with the CARB. But that is not the case with other Sportsman generator.

Sportsman GEN7500DF Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 7500 Watt / Running: 6000 Watt
Noice Label	80dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	9 hours / 50% Load
Fuel Tank Size	6.2 Gallon
Starting Method	Recoil Pull Start
Weight	135lbs

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It is a 7500-watt generator, and the DF in the name refers to the dual-fuel capability of the generator. Yes, it runs on both propane and gasoline. While gasoline gives you a longer runtime, propane will be much cleaner and cheaper option.

All the fuel will be fed to a powerful 4-stroke 389cc OHV engine. This engine gives you 13 horsepowers. That is where all the 7500 watts of muscle come from. You will have both electric and recoil start mechanism. However, the battery needed for the electric start is not included in the package.

Although it has a surge wattage of 7500, the continuous wattage of the machine will be 6000. With 50% load, the generator will run for 9 hours at a stretch for both types of fuels. This runtime is possible for the 6.2-gallon fuel tank that also features a fuel gauge. A separate fuel tank can also be attached with the unit.

You will have the following receptacle configuration with the generator –

• Four, 120 volt  regular AC outlet rated at 20 amps
• One, 120 volt AC outlet for RVs rated at 30 amps
• One, 120/240 volt four-prong AC outlet rated at 30 amps
• One, 12 volt DC outlet rated at 8 amps

The generators weights about 135 pounds, which is far less than the average for a 7500-watt generator. Furthermore, you will find a smooth wheel kit and handlebars to increase mobility. The generator can be considered as a noisy piece. It has a noise reading of 75-78 dB.

All of these features make this generator excellent for almost every kind of operation. And a certification from EPA certifies its safety.

Sportsman GEN9000DF Dual Fuel Generator

Features	Value
Output Power	Starting: 9000 Watt / Running: 7500 Watt
Noice Label	80dB (From 23 Feet)
Operating Time	10 hours / 50% Load (Gas) 5 hours / 50% (Propane)
Fuel Tank Size	8 Gallon
Starting Method	Electric, Recoil Pull Start
Weight	200lbs

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This is the biggest beast on this list. You will have 9000 surge watts and 8000 continuous watts with this machine. Although a conventional generator, it doesn’t have a traditional look. The case is more open, which makes the engine cooler than the normal conditions.

For creating those 9000 watts, the engine produces a massive 15 horsepowers. It is a 420cc 3-stroke OHV engine. And, you can start this engine with both recoil and electric starting mechanisms. However, the battery for the electric start facility doesn’t come with the package.

As the name suggests, this is a dual-fuel engine. It uses unleaded gasoline and propane. However, the propane tank is not included in the bundle. The fuel tank capacity is 8 gallons. And as you can buy your own propane tank, you have unlimited options here.

Like every generator, it also needs an oil, and it uses the SAE 10W-30 type. The oil tank will have a capacity of 38 Oz. Gasoline will give you a 10-hour runtime on a 50% load with a full tank, and propane will provide you with a runtime of 5 hours on a 50% load with 20 pounds of fuel.

To distribute this power, the generator will have the following outlet configuration –

• Four 120-volt AC outlet
• A 120/240 volt AC outlet
• A 120-volt AC twist-lock RV outlet

This propane hose is high quality and has a regulator attached to it. And yes, it is a heavy unit weighing in about 200 pounds. But the mobility kit and foldable handles make transportation easier.

Like most other overly powerful generators, this one is also pretty noisy. The measurements go up to 79 decibels. But, if you want that much power, you need to deal with this.

It is suitable for all kinds of usage, both personal and commercial. You can also use this as a backup power supply. Although certified by EPA, it is not for sale in California.

How to Choose the Best Sportsman Generator?

There are lots of things that you need to keep an eye on before purchasing your unit. Here is a small checklist that you can follow –

Power Requirements

The first thing you need to find out is your power requirement. This is the primary factor that decides the price.

After you have figured out your total wattage requirements, look at the continuous wattage of the generator. Marketers generally show their surge wattage in the name. But you need the continuous wattage that the generator supplies. Also, see if the total output amps will allow you to run all the electronics you want to run simultaneously.

Conventional or Inverter

If your power requirements are less and you want a more convenient and portable tool, then inverters are the best for you. On the other hand, conventional generators are used as a backup power source and for running lots of heavy-duty electronics simultaneously. So, this is the first choice you have to make.

Runtime

The runtime of a generator is directly correlated with the fuel cost of the machine. There are a lot of factors that decide a machine’s runtime and whether it is efficient or not. Those are –

• Output wattage
• Generator type
• Fuel type
• Fuel capacity0
• Engine load

Generally, inverters are way more efficient than conventional generators. But they are also unable to produce a considerable amount of power. A 1000-2000 surge watt inverter should have around four to seven hours of runtime with 0.75 or fewer gallons of fuel at 50% load.

On the other hand, a generator that pushes out 7000 to 9000 surge watts should have a runtime of more than eight hours with less than 7 gallons of fuel at 50% load. But these can change quickly with the variation of those five factors listed above.

Safety

Safety is always a big concern for all generators. The following safety features are standard in a generator –

• Low oil alert
• Automatic low oil shutoff
• Overload protection/ circuit breakers
• Overload indicator
• Output indicator
• Low oil alert
• AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)
• Voltage indicator
• Spark arrestor
• Fuel gauge

Although you will not get all of them in a single unit, you should at least expect an overload indicator, output indicator, and a low oil indicator. By the way, don’t forget about these safety checklists.

Fuel

Generally, all generators are gasoline-powered. However, there are also dual fuel and propane-powered generators. Where gasoline gives you a longer runtime, propane is cheaper and readily available.

Propane also has a longer shelf life that helps to increase the engine’s longevity. If you are from the coastal region, propane is best for you.

Tools and Accessories

Adequate tools and accessories decrease your total cost of ownership. You should expect the following items in your package –

• Extended oil funnel
• Mobility kit
• Spark plug wrench
• Screwdriver
• Battery charging cables
• Propane hose (for propane-fueled engines)
• DC connector wire/ DC cable (if the generator has DC outlets)

If there is a propane hose, it should also come with a regulator.

Certification

The generator should at least be approved by EPA. But for California, it also has to have a clearance from CARB.

Who Makes Sportsman Generator Engines?

Sportsman might be an unfamiliar name to a lot of you guys because it operates under the name of Buffalo Tools. It is a brand of the Missouri based company, Huang Buffalo.

Although they design the product with US engineers, they make it in China so that you don’t have to pay extra for the same service. There is a possibility that they make their engines in cooperation with Honda. But that is not confirmed by Honda or Buffalo Corporation.

Despite having a lower marginal benefit, Honda and Yamaha’s generators are way overpriced. This might be the reason for not acknowledging the Sportsman engines as one of Honda’s ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that might pop up when you are studying for your purchase –

Q: Why is propane better?

A: Propane is much cleaner and cheaper. It reduces carbon emissions by up to 40%. This also has a longer shelf life, so you won’t have to worry about bad gas fouling the engine. The only drawback is it gives you less runtime than gasoline.

Q: Which oils should I use for generators?

A: According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 5W-30 is the best for your generator for cold temperatures. Please read your manual before using it as there could be different suggestions from the manufacturers.

Q: Can I merge three inverters with parallel capability?

A: Yes, you can. However, you should check what the manufacturers recommend.

Q: What is the distance the sound measurements are taken from?

A: If it is not specified, the measurements are generally taken from 23 feet or 7 meters.

Q: Can I buy generators directly from Sportsman?

A: No, you can’t buy directly from Sportsman. It is against their policy.

Q: Do propane tanks come with propane-fueled generators?

A: No, you have to buy them separately. However, you will have a propane hose with regulator attached to it.

Conclusion

Beyond doubt, Sportsman is one of the best generator brands in the market. We decided to give you all that is to say about the brand’s top generators in a single piece. Hopefully, our Sportsman generator reviews will surely provide you with what you were looking for.