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Rating: 4.6/5
When most people hear “inverter generator,” they picture a small, quiet unit built for camping. The Champion 9000 Electric Start Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator is in a different category. It’s designed for homeowners who want inverter-quality power with the ability to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas (with a plumber-installed connection).
I tested the Champion 9000 at home using power tools outdoors, running an extension cord into my workshop, and powering multiple household appliances at the same time. Ahead, find out what happened, what I liked best, and what you should be aware of before buying.
Best Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator
Photo: Amazon
Is the tri-fuel system practical for home backup power?
Yes, and its multi-fuel capability is one of the top features of this generator. Tri-fuel capability gives you real flexibility depending on what’s available during an outage. I tested the Champion on gasoline and propane, and it ran very well on both. Gasoline offers the strongest output, but propane is easier to store long-term and can be a smart backup fuel when gas stations are unavailable.
I didn’t test it on natural gas because I don’t have a natural gas line to my home. But the ability to connect to a home gas line is a major advantage for buyers who want a generator that can be ready to run without relying on stored fuel alone. Be aware that in most communities, a licensed plumber is required to connect a generator to a natural gas line.
Noise Level, Portability, and Setup Considerations
This is an open-frame inverter generator, and it’s louder than enclosed inverter models. Champion rates it at 72 decibels. I found the noise tolerable, but buyers expecting “whisper-quiet” inverter operation should know this won’t match the low noise level of smaller closed-frame units.
At 165.8 pounds, the Champion 9000 is heavy, but not as heavy as some higher-output generators I’ve tested. Still, it’s not something most people will want to move often, so plan ahead for storage and positioning.
I also liked that it offers both electric start and recoil start. The electric start worked flawlessly in my testing, but it’s reassuring to have recoil as a backup.
One important setup note: this generator ships with shipping bolts that must be removed before starting. If you skip that step, there’s a risk of damaging the unit.
Finally, the CO Shield adds an extra layer of safety for users concerned about exhaust exposure, especially when placing the generator outdoors near residential structures or occupied areas.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila 
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Who is the Champion 9000 best for—and who should skip it?
The Champion 9000 Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator is best for homeowners who want high-output inverter power with fuel flexibility for emergencies. Based on my testing, it’s a strong choice for running major appliances and powering tools when you need reliable performance without constant load babysitting.
If you want a lightweight, ultra-quiet inverter generator, this isn’t the right fit. But if you want a capable tri-fuel inverter that can handle real household loads, the Champion 9000 delivers.
Where to Buy
Photo: Amazon