Find out in this review whether the Sportsman GEN2200DFi is actually good so that you don’t invest your money and time in a bad generator.
Sportsman GEN2200DFi review in short
The Sportsman GEN2200DFi looks like a decent small dual fuel inverter generator at first.
However, with the rate of technical issues, the fun will likely not last that long.
Instead, you want to look into actually good 2200 watt generators.
The Pulsar PG2200BiS is slightly pricier but is a more reliable dual fuel inverter generator with longer run times.
If you don’t need the propane-compatibility, the Wen 56225i 2250 is a more budget-friendly, more reliable, and quieter alternative to Sportsman GEN2200DFi.
Pros
- Light weight is easy to carry
- Compact dimensions
- Dual fuel allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Relatively cheap generator
Cons
- Decent number of cases of early wear and tear
- A few reviews where it did not offer the rated watts
- Bad gasoline fuel efficiency
- Run time is relatively short
- Short warranties
Some of the best uses for the Sportsman GEN2200DFi include:
- Camping
- RV’s
- Tailgating
- Fishing
- Running certain power tools
- Boat trips
Sportsman GEN2200DFi performance in important categories
Before making your conclusion about the Sportsman GEN2200DFi you may want to know how this small dual fuel inverter generator performs in different areas.
| Performance Category | Sportsman GEN2200DFi Score* | Performance Category | Sportsman GEN2200DFi Score* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Capacity | 4.5 | Fuel Efficiency | 5.5 |
| Run Time | 5.5 | Ease Of Use | 7 |
| Quiet Operation | 9 | Portability | 9.5 |
| THD | Clean Inverter | Price Category | $ |
| Reliability Reputation | 7 | Overall Expert Rating | 6 |
| Current Price | Check Price |
Individual reviews compare the specific model to portable generators in general and sometimes scores are based on customer input
Sportsman GEN2200DFi review table of contents
Sportsman GEN2200DFi key features
You may still want to check the rest of the review to make sure you are not missing out on a bargain inverter generator.
In this table, you can find the Sportsman GEN2200DFi features that tend to be the most important when making a decision.
| Feature | Sportsman GEN2200DFi Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel (Gasoline & Propane) |
| Starting Watts | 2200 Starting Watts (Gasoline), 1980 Starting Watts (Propane) |
| Running Watts | 1800 Running Watts (Gasoline), 1620 Running Watts (Propane) |
| Run Time @25% Load | 7 Hours (Gasoline), 18 Hours (20-lb Propane Tank) |
| Noise Levels | 53 dB (No Load, 23 Feet Away) |
| Outlets | (1) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R Outlets, (1) 12V DC Outlet, (1) USB Port |
| THD | Clean Inverter Power |
| Warranty* | 1 Year Limited Residential And 30 Days Limited Commercial Warranties |
| Price Category** | $ |
| Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
What will the Sportsman GEN2200DFi run?
It is easy to see that this dual fuel inverter generator from Sportsman offers 2200 starting watts and 1800 continuous watts while running on gasoline.
However, you likely also want to know what devices 2200 watt generators can run with this power.
First of all, the Sportsman GEN2200DFi should be able to run combinations of smaller appliances and tools.
For example, an 11k BTU RV AC, an energy-friendly refrigerator, a TV, and a few light bulbs should be no problem for the Sportsman GEN2200DFi.
You could also run certain bigger devices like a 10k BTU window air conditioner, hair dryer, or electric grill separately.
Keep in mind that these examples assume you are running the Sportsman GEN2200DFi on gasoline.
When using propane, the inverter generator produces fewer watts. According to Sportsman, 10% fewer watts.
Additionally, your specific devices could potentially use more power than the general watt needs I used for the examples.
Sportsman GEN2200DFi customer reviews insights
When it comes to the features you get for the price, the Sportsman GEN2200DFi actually looks decent/good.
That being said, this generator is a good example of how important it is to check customer reviews too.
This is because the Sportsman GEN2200DFi seems to come with a somewhat high rate of technical issues in two main categories.
First of all, there are a decent number of cases where the Sportsman GEN2200DFi stops working entirely relatively soon.
Secondly, there are a few reviews where customers mention the generator is only able to produce a small number of watts compared to the rated numbers.
In short, the Sportsman GEN2200DFi does not look that reliable. This is a big downside for investments like a portable generator.
Sportsman GEN2200DFi alternatives
With the technical issues in reviews and suboptimal details in other areas, you likely want to know what Sportsman GEN2200DFi alternatives there are.
First of all, the Pulsar PG2200BiS tends to be the better choice for people who want a small dual fuel inverter generator.
This model may require a bigger initial investment than the Sportsman GEN2200DFi but the reliability, fuel efficiency, and longer run time should be enough to compensate for this.
Additionally, if you do not necessarily want to be able to use propane, the Wen 56225i 2250 is more budget-friendly, more reliable, and quieter than the Sportsman GEN2200DFi.
Lastly, you could also consider investing in the Honda EU2200i if you really need the reliability and durability.
Do keep in mind that this is an expensive inverter generator.
Is the Sportsman GEN2200DFi worth it?
Even if you plan to use your 2200 watt dual fuel inverter generator every once in a while in less risky situations, the Sportsman GEN2200DFi is likely not worth it.
This generator may be cheap initially but the rate of technical issues and lacking performance imply a high chance of trouble down the line.
Additionally, there are just many better alternatives that can satisfy your power needs in higher-quality ways.
Including if you want to generate power from propane.
Other Sportsman GEN2200DFi specifications
Your decision about the Sportsman GEN2200DFi is likely clear at this point in the review.
At the same time, you can still check out the remaining specifications in the table below.
The Sportsman 2200 watt inverter generator manual can offer even more information too.
| Specifciation | Sportsman GEN2200DFi Detail |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Portable | Yes |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1 Gallon (Gasoline) |
| Gasoline Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 3.150 |
| Outlet Covers | No |
| Engine Displacement | 79.7cc |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes |
| Electric Start | No |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Remote Start | No |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | No |
| Hour Meter | No |
| Fuel Gauge | No |
| Wattage Meter | No |
| Run Time Remaining | No |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke |
| Remote Generator Operation | No |
| Parallel Ready | Yes |
| Wheels | No |
| CO-Minder | No |
| Country Of Origin | Not Mentioned |
| Dimensions | 19″ L x 11″ W x 18″ H |
| Weight | 48 lbs (21.8 kg) |
| Check Current Price |
Sportsman GEN2200DFi FAQ
How long will a Sportsman GEN2200DFi run?
At 50% load, a Sportsman GEN2200DFi will run about 7 hours on a tank of gasoline and 18 hours on a 20-lb propane tank.
How much oil does a Sportsman GEN2200DFi take?
The Sportsman GEN2200DFi has an oil capacity of 12 fluid ounces which is about 0.36 liters.
