Champion 7500-Watt CARB
#15 in Mid-sizeFull review
A mid-size gas generator for California homes that need a CARB-compliant unit to run essential circuits through a transfer switch.
Tractor Supply $929.99$929.99
The Champion 7500-Watt CARB is the better portable generator overall, rated 3.7 to 3.6. The Champion 7500-Watt CARB leads on value. The Generac GP5500E EFI wins on starting. The Champion 7500-Watt CARB costs $169.01 less ($929.99 vs $1,099).
Generac GP5500E EFI
#16 in Mid-sizeFull review
A mid-size gasoline generator with fuel injection for buyers who want an easy start after months in storage, and the pick for California. Others get more watts per dollar.
Amazon $1,099$1,099
Prices were last checked October 28, 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 7500-Watt CARB for value ($0.15 per running watt vs $0.20 per running watt).
- Choose the Generac GP5500E EFI for starting (push-button electric start vs pull start only).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Champion 7500-Watt CARB | Generac GP5500E EFI |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 69 $0.15 per running watt | 48 $0.20 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 70 11 hours on a tank at 50% load | 65 10.5 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 0 gasoline only | 0 gasoline only |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 0 pull start only | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Champion 7500-Watt CARB | Generac GP5500E EFI | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 6,000 W running, 7,500 W starting | 5,500 W running, 6,875 W starting |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L14-30 | 4 × 120 V, L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | No | No |
| Price per watt | $0.15 | $0.20 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Tank | 7.7 gal | 5.4 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 11 hr at 50% load | 10.5 hr at 50% load |
| Engine | 389 cc | 298 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 74 dBA | - |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Recoil (pull) | Electric and recoil |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 26.9 x 21.7 x 22.6 in | 27 x 27 x 25 in |
| Weight | 164 lb | 163 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2021-08 | 2025-08 |