A small, quiet dual-fuel inverter for campers and light outage backup who want the option of propane.
Amazon $575The Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter is the better inverter generator overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter leads on CO safety, fuel options and run time. The WEN 56235i wins on value. The WEN 56235i costs $146 less ($429 vs $575).
A cheap, light inverter for camping and charging electronics. Pay more for a model with CO shutoff if it will run near a house.
Amazon $429Prices were last checked October 22, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter for CO safety (shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up vs no CO shutoff), fuel options (gasoline or propane vs gasoline only) and run time (11.5 hours on a tank at 25% load vs 7.5 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%)).
- Choose the WEN 56235i for value ($0.23 per running watt vs $0.31 per running watt).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every small inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter | WEN 56235i |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 72 $0.31 per running watt | 94 $0.23 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 64 53 dBA at light load, maker rating | 79 51 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 75 11.5 hours on a tank at 25% load | 35 7.5 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) |
| Fuel options 10% | 70 gasoline or propane | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 0 no CO shutoff |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 0 pull start only | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter | WEN 56235i | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 1,850 W running, 2,500 W starting | 1,900 W running, 2,350 W starting |
| Propane | 1,665 W running, 2,500 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V | 2 × 120 V, USB |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 3% | under 1.2% |
| Price per watt | $0.31 | $0.23 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 1.1 gal | 1.1 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 11.5 hr at 25% load | 5.7 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 25 hr | - |
| Engine | 80 cc | 79 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | 53 dBA | 51 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Recoil (pull) | Recoil (pull) |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | No | No |
| Dimensions | 17.6 x 12.8 x 18.1 in | 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 in |
| Weight | 43.2 lb | 39 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
