Champion generators are made by Champion Power Equipment, a privately held American company founded in California in 2003. Champion designs and sells the generators, and they are built in China. A U.S. government recall notice for two Champion models lists them as manufactured in China, and that’s typical for portable generators at this price.
Who owns Champion Power Equipment?
Champion Power Equipment is its own company, not a brand of a bigger maker. It was started in 2003 by three founders, with its first location in Duarte, California, according to the company’s 20th anniversary announcement. That release describes longtime executive Dennis Trine as one of the company’s owners, and it’s datelined Las Vegas, Nevada.
Champion sells portable generators, inverter generators, dual fuel and tri fuel models, home standby generators, pressure washers and other outdoor power equipment.
Where are Champion generators made?
Champion generators are manufactured in China. When Champion recalled about 8,600 portable generators (models 41332 and 41532) sold at Costco in 2012 for a fuel leak at the carburetor, the CPSC listed them as manufactured in China.
That doesn’t make Champion unusual. Most portable generator brands, including Westinghouse, FIRMAN and DuroMax, are designed in the U.S. and built in Asia. For the few exceptions, see generators made in the USA.
What engine does a Champion generator use?
Champion generators use Champion-branded, 4-stroke overhead valve (OHV) gas engines, not Honda or Briggs & Stratton engines. The engine size in cc is listed on each model’s spec sheet and in its owner’s manual. For oil type and capacity, see our Champion generator oil guide.
Are Champion generators any good?
Champion is a mid-priced brand that competes with Westinghouse, DuroMax, FIRMAN and Generac’s portable line. It’s popular for dual fuel models that run on gas or propane, which helps during long outages when gas is hard to find. Like other brands, it has had recalls, so register your generator and check the CPSC recall list now and then.
How long a Champion lasts depends mostly on maintenance: regular oil changes, a proper break-in and storing it with stabilized fuel. Here’s how to break in a new generator and how long generators last.
How Champion compares to other brands
- Westinghouse: sold by MWE of Columbus, Ohio, built in China and Vietnam.
- FIRMAN: imported by FIRMAN Power Equipment of Peoria, Arizona, built in China.
- DuroMax: an Ontario, California, brand that designs its own engines and has them built overseas.
- Generac: a Wisconsin company that builds its larger standby engines in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Related guides: Who Makes Craftsman Generators, Who Makes Wen Generators and Who Makes Predator Generators.
FAQ
Is Champion a Chinese company?
No. Champion Power Equipment is an American company, founded in California. Its generators are manufactured in China.
Are Champion generators made in the USA?
No. CPSC recall records list Champion generators as manufactured in China.
Is Champion the same as Champion spark plugs?
No. Champion spark plugs are a separate brand with no connection to Champion Power Equipment.
Where can I check if my Champion generator was recalled?
Search for “Champion” on the CPSC recalls site and compare your model number.