which Honda generator to get?

[87GN]

I looked up Honda generators yesterday and haven't really found a difference between the two I'm interested in. The only differences that I can find is one has gfci oulets one one doesn't. Is this an important feature? The other is (what appears to me) to gradually ramp up the rpm based on load or raise the rpm when a load is detected. The model numbers a EB2200i and EU2200i. Thanks.

 

[Wyoming09]

one size bigger than the one you think you need.

 

[akhappy]

The EU has a 12v DC outlet, the EB does not.

 

[87GN]

The EU has a 12v DC outlet, the EB does not.

Thanks.

 

[87GN]

one size bigger than the one you think you need.

This is only for the fridge. Next step for me would be a 15kw Generac.

 

[thooks]

You should be able to run a fridge on a EU1000i.

What I don't know is the run time on the EU1000i versus the EU2000i. I have the EU2000i and with a full tank of fuel (about 3 quarts), on eco mode, it will run a fairly new, efficient 20 cu ft fridge for about 10 hours.

I love my EU2000i. I use that thing all the time. Used it Saturday to run a Dremel out in the driveway to sharpen chainsaw chains for an hour.

 

[6PTsocket]

This is only for the fridge. Next step for me would be a 15kw Generac.

I have run the whole house on a 7000/9000 Champion, except for the central air. Two fridges, well, dish washer, microwave, toaster oven, etc. We had no power for days after Sandy.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[finn]

There are a lot of better values out there than the Honda.

 

[thooks]

Define "Value"

 

[Fbmoose48]

Define "Value"

Sounds like "saves a few hundred dollars but fails when you need it most/ has no spare parts available".

I sure hope the poster wasn't referring to a Predator...

 

[jshillin]

I use my EU2000i quite a bit, but mostly for lower power items. I work from home and was having frequent power outages here. I have it at the point where the UPS I have on my PCs and network equipment will keep me on-line until I can drag out the generator and fire it up. It's quiet and works well. Have used it for longer periods of time keeping the freezer cold and running TV's, etc.

 

[Finky198]

I love my EU2000i as well. It’s handy little thing. Quiet, efficient and super reliable.

 

[Old Man Roger]

I think my EU2000 is like 15 years old, 0 problems ever. I always drain the carb when putting it away and I change the oil frequently.

I usually run the fridge, tv, satelite, fan, microwave, and a few lights.

 

[shelbysguns]

Sounds like "saves a few hundred dollars but fails when you need it most/ has no spare parts available".

I sure hope the poster wasn't referring to a Predator...

We use a Eu2000 and the preddy clone of it side by side at work. Running a heat welder all day everyday. The pred likes the load less, but it has been just as reliable. Both have been run out of oil several times, low enough the switch shut it off. Filled it up and back in buisness. I was very impressed, will probably pick one up for off grid work.

 

[orangeblood]

"There are a lot of better values out there than the Honda."

My $0.02...I dont think so if reliability is considered part of "value."

 

[finn]

I would venture to opine that most modern generator problems are fuel related.

Honda has no patents or design features different from any other manufacturer to prevent or mitigate fuel related failures.

A backup generator runs perhaps ten hours per year.

Any generator should run 150 hours in a 15 year period.

Perhaps 10% of generators will run 100 hours in a year.

I understand the Honda fanboys love them.

I just think they aren’t a good value, at double the cost, or more, of other inverter generators.

 

[fos373]

i have a eu2000i and a 3500. use them both. they are quiet and they work. Take care of them and use them and you will sell them for not much less than you paid. Search the interwebs and you will find them cheaper shipped than you will at the store.

Only other generator i would buy would be a yamaha. one of the last things i want to not work when i need it is the generator. buy it once. buy it right.

 

[Strouty]

The 2000 series is awesome, you can even connect two together and have a 4000. I love mine as it is easy to carry and move around.

 

[mrjaw14]

Sure there are cheaper generators out there, but Honda works reliably. I tried to cheap out for my camper generator and almost torched an air conditioner when the Generac I got popped the AVR board and put 220vac into my camper first time I used it. . Wasn’t overloading it, it was at half power. Bought a Honda and never looked back. You won’t go wrong buying a Honda. Just my $0.02 forms someone who almost paid a premium for going cheap.

 

[ericb445]

I have the Harbor Fright branded Predator 2000 inverter gen. It has held up well for me, 449 plus 100 for the three year Warranty.
I Couldn't pass it up.
Great reviews on the youtubes

 

[jonesg]

I have the Harbor Fright branded Predator 2000 inverter gen. It has held up well for me, 449 plus 100 for the three year Warranty.
I Couldn't pass it up.
Great reviews on the youtubes

That can't be true.
You'll be sorry.
I watched youtube , they're liars, they're in cahoots, its a vast redneck conspiracy.
Anyone seen my meds?

 

[kctyphoon]

For the record - unless something has changed - don't be under the assumption that the rpms will "tune themselves" to the load.. no load = low rpms / any real draw = full running rpms.. it's either one or the other. - it's not gonna run in between, and seriously - a big enough light bulb will trigger full rpm.. it's just a setting that say if your "one appliance" you have plugged in shuts off, the gen will sense no load and idle at a low speed. Any real draw any it will run at its normal output speed.

 

[kctyphoon]

This is only for the fridge. Next step for me would be a 15kw Generac.

You meant to say "Kohler"

And for the record (not directed to the OP) - pull cords break and carbs gum up just as easy on a Honda as it will any other. Ask me how I know. the real bonus for the Bigger Honda's is they pull start easier (physically), and are quieter.. a lot of money is spent on R&D on everything from the intake to the muffler.. other units are available with Honda engines that are not "Honda" generators..

Op - I'll assume it's "87 Grand National"

 

[finn]

The 2000 series is awesome, you can even connect two together and have a 4000. I love mine as it is easy to carry and move around.

Many competitive small generators have that same capability.

One advantage the Honda does have is that it can be easily fit with an auxiliary fuel tank to extend the run time. Most competitors don't have a fuel lift pump, and gravity auxiliary pumps are comparatively unsafe.

Honda is supposed to be among the quietest among inverter generators, but all inverter generators are quiet compared to the open frame, non inverters.

 

[xin]

I would venture to opine that most modern generator problems are fuel related.

Honda has no patents or design features different from any other manufacturer to prevent or mitigate fuel related failures.

A backup generator runs perhaps ten hours per year.

Any generator should run 150 hours in a 15 year period.

Perhaps 10% of generators will run 100 hours in a year.

I understand the Honda fanboys love them.

I just think they aren’t a good value, at double the cost, or more, of other inverter generators.

When you NEED the generator to work, and if one needed a part (where it be a Honda or Yamaha). One can get the part for it and it will work.

Quality vs Quantity

 

[kctyphoon]

I was at the check out line after Sandy buying a 12 or 15kw whole house generator, and left the store without paying.. after weeks of reading, and researching - for me - and for most people, it's a waste of money unless you REALLY need one, or have the money to blow..

All too often, you can read hundreds of stories online, whole house gens will run enough to do their weekly/monthly tests, and do the few hours here and there when power goes out under normal circumstances.. but TONS of people spend up to 10 grand getting these installed, and when a major storm hits years down the road, and that gen needs to run for a week or two - they have failures.. then the homeowner is left with an out of warranty gen that requires service in the time of need, and you have to wait for a REALLY BUSY service guy to come, diagnose, then wait for parts, then wait to have them installed - and by the time that happens - youre handed a 2 thousand dollar repair bill after your power is already back on, and you scrambled to buy a HF or HD portable unit in the meantime..

It's your money, spend wisely - but I suggest a Kohler over a Generac. That said - your u can literally buy a bigger $500-$600 generator and leave it in the box unused for 5 years - use it for a week straight - throw it away, and still be ahead thousands.. it's all a matter of your personal needs, wants, and what the convenience is worth to you. For me - I just couldn't bring myself to spend that kinda money after much consideration.. I bought a $35 replacement carb for my 7200 watt ETQ generator instead.. 10 minutes and it'll run like new if I need it to.

 

[rexer]

I have a Honda EM3500SX bought it in 1995 for my enclosed trailer and I could say I have a lot of hours on it. Took it out of my trailer in 2003 and have it for my house now with a 6 circuit transfer switch and powers a least one third on my house during a outage..
Still runs like new..

 

[goodwrench]

the honda eu2000i is an awsome generator. if your load falls in it's capabilities it is hard to beat. the eu2000i is inverter based and does vary engine speed to load. the honda has the best surge and load handling capabilities. the honda will start motors other 2000 watt generators will not. there is an updated model coming out soon, the eu2200i. they run forever on a tank and very clean power. well worth the premium in price.

 

[American Locomotive]

For the record - unless something has changed - don't be under the assumption that the rpms will "tune themselves" to the load.. no load = low rpms / any real draw = full running rpms.. it's either one or the other. - it's not gonna run in between, and seriously - a big enough light bulb will trigger full rpm.. it's just a setting that say if your "one appliance" you have plugged in shuts off, the gen will sense no load and idle at a low speed. Any real draw any it will run at its normal output speed.

Have you actually ever used a Honda Inverter generator? It's not like the old-school generators that had a "quiet idle' mode, and then ramp up to governed speed when you turn something on.

The Honda (and most inverter generators), have a permanent magnet alternator, that gets rectified into DC, and then turned into AC by an inverter. The engine has an electronic governor that controls engine speed to maintain a constant voltage on the DC bus feeding the inverter. The higher the load, the faster the engine needs to spin. It's quite possible to have many things running on a Honda generator with the engine hardly idling up.

 

[Fuelboat]

I have a EU3000IS for a couple of years. Have only used it once when neighbor was on hospice and the power went out, took it over so he could use the bed and have fans and lights. It is a little expensive but low noise and electric start.

 

[xin]

Which model do you guys like the best and/or ability to run a house average around 1900 square feet?

 

[kctyphoon]

Have you actually ever used a Honda Inverter generator? It's not like the old-school generators that had a "quiet idle' mode, and then ramp up to governed speed when you turn something on.

The Honda (and most inverter generators), have a permanent magnet alternator, that gets rectified into DC, and then turned into AC by an inverter. The engine has an electronic governor that controls engine speed to maintain a constant voltage on the DC bus feeding the inverter. The higher the load, the faster the engine needs to spin. It's quite possible to have many things running on a Honda generator with the engine hardly idling up.

Eb6500 and 4500 Honda, and yea I just looked, neither an "inverter type" - it'll run small items on low idle, but for the most part it, something with any real draw is on - it run at its higher rpm.

I don't have in inverter type home - but how many things "realistically" is a 2000 watt generator gonna run while hardly idling up? I mean some lamps with led bulbs and a phone charger -by themselves - ok, I can see that. but if this is a gen set that will be dedicated to a refrigerator, will there really be any difference between using an Inverter or a small non inverter set? I think in the end both sets would behave the same for his particular use. One just being smaller , quieter, but more expensive also. Bigger units have longer runtimes though.

 

[kctyphoon]

Which model do you guys like the best and/or ability to run a house average around 1900 square feet?

For a portable or dedicated whole house? For most cases - portable like a 7,000 to 9,000 watt "with common sense sacrificing" "CAN" do a house... with central air is another story.. I have a friend that can plugs his 9,000 wattt directly into his panel and it'll do his house, family of 4, with his central air, making some common sense "don't turn everything in the house on and don't do 10 loads of laundry" sacrificing. The real thing is the AC - the gen has to be able to survive that power surge and stay running. Having something oversized is always better..

My UNPROFESSIONAL opinion - For a true whole house backup, lowest would prob be 12kw , 15 being more ideal, 20 being able to live like the power didn't even go out.

Again - not an expert - but not a salesman either.. my house is 1800 and I was gonna get a 12kw whole house - but honestly only wanting to be able to run my fridge, central air, and one room of led lights with tv and internet.. the 12 woulda been plenty for me.. if you have 5 rugrats running around, you'd need to consider that.

 

[xin]

For a portable or dedicated whole house? For most cases - portable like a 7,000 to 9,000 watt "with common sense sacrificing" "CAN" do a house... with central air is another story.. I have a friend that can plugs his 9,000 wattt directly into his panel and it'll do his house, family of 4, with his central air, making some common sense "don't turn everything in the house on and don't do 10 loads of laundry" sacrificing. The real thing is the AC - the gen has to be able to survive that power surge and stay running. Having something oversized is always better..

My UNPROFESSIONAL opinion - For a true whole house backup, lowest would prob be 12kw , 15 being more ideal, 20 being able to live like the power didn't even go out.

Again - not an expert - but not a salesman either.. my house is 1800 and I was gonna get a 12kw whole house - but honestly only wanting to be able to run my fridge, central air, and one room of led lights with tv and internet.. the 12 woulda been plenty for me.. if you have 5 rugrats running around, you'd need to consider that.

I think more to do the fridge and critical items. Which model Honda would be good for that?

 

[American Locomotive]

I don't have in inverter type home - but how many things "realistically" is a 2000 watt generator gonna run while hardly idling up? I mean some lamps with led bulbs and a phone charger -by themselves - ok, I can see that. but if this is a gen set that will be dedicated to a refrigerator, will there really be any difference between using an Inverter or a small non inverter set?.

The engine speed is dependent on load. It's not idle or full throttle. It's a gradual increase in engine speed as load increases. You can run a fridge, some lights, and other things without the generator screaming. A fridge only uses 200-300 watts while running.

For a portable or dedicated whole house? For most cases - portable like a 7,000 to 9,000 watt "with common sense sacrificing" "CAN" do a house...

I ran my whole house for 4 days on a 3500 watt generator. We didn't really sacrifice anything. We had plenty of lights on, used the microwave, had the furnace running, watched movies with the surround sound, ran the well pump and even ran the electric hot water heater. Really the only sacrifice we had to make, was that we couldn't run the well pump and the water heater at the same time. So we'd turn the water heater on, let it do its thing, turn it off, and then turn the well on and take a shower.

 

[cgrutt]

I have a Honda 2000 and it kept the fridge and some lights going for Hurricane Sandy. My buddy ran his camp off a 1000 for many years but replaced it with a Kawasaki. I think the real value in these generators are portability and clean signal for computers, etc. If it's just a fridge you want to run any box store generator will do...

 

[kctyphoon]

The engine speed is dependent on load. It's not idle or full throttle. It's a gradual increase in engine speed as load increases. You can run a fridge, some lights, and other things without the generator screaming. A fridge only uses 200-300 watts while running.

I ran my whole house for 4 days on a 3500 watt generator. We didn't really sacrifice anything. We had plenty of lights on, used the microwave, had the furnace running, watched movies with the surround sound, ran the well pump and even ran the electric hot water heater. Really the only sacrifice we had to make, was that we couldn't run the well pump and the water heater at the same time. So we'd turn the water heater on, let it do its thing, turn it off, and then turn the well on and take a shower.

The wintertime isnt a real issue (provided you don't have electric heat). The furnace isn't a big deal. If it's NG heat your just running a blower.. as stated - the air conditioner is the bigger factor. Summertime - 7000 you can run most of your house (everybody lives differently) and do a window unit or portable AC unit with everything you really wanna have on - on.. if you live in Florida and wanna get through the August heat waves in relative comfort - that needs to be considered.

everyone's comfort and acceptance level will differ. Family of 4 may not wanna have to prepare hot water after buying a generator. If you have electric hot water, electric stove, electric dryer - a smaller unit is gonna get in the way - not to mention you really don't wanna "push" a portable unit the entire time it's running.

People can survive on a 2000 watt and still enjoy a little luxury here and there, question is if your gonna buy a generator, how much inconvenience are you willing to deal with. Everyone has different wants/needs. Everyone's home is different. Me - I have all but 5 bulbs in my entire house that aren't LED. My father - still obsessed with track lighting and small bulbs, is using more wattage in his living room than I do for my entire house for lights.

 

[American Locomotive]

We hardly run the AC as is, and honestly during a major hurricane/blizzard/thunderstorm whatever that knocks power out for a number of days running the central AC is really the least of my concern. As is worrying about doing laundry and running an electric dryer.

It's an emergency generator to provide power during an emergency. Not to run my house for 3 weeks off-grid in full luxury. The longest our power has ever been out is 4 days, and that was just this fall that happened.

 

[White 99]

I have the EU2000 Honda and like it fine for when the power goes out. I start the refrigerator with no other loads but after it starts I can run it and most things. No resistance heat while trying to start the fridge. Even by itself, the fridge during start, draws about as much as as the generator puts out. I compared the start with the generator to power company and it is a slower start. But with the refrigerator running the computer, TV and a few lights are no problem.

Honda has been totally reliable over what must be close to 15 years.

 

[kctyphoon]

We hardly run the AC as is, and honestly during a major hurricane/blizzard/thunderstorm whatever that knocks power out for a number of days running the central AC is really the least of my concern. As is worrying about doing laundry and running an electric dryer.

It's an emergency generator to provide power during an emergency. Not to run my house for 3 weeks off-grid in full luxury. The longest our power has ever been out is 4 days, and that was just this fall that happened.

Yea well for me - AC is not a luxury.. summertime gets very hot, and VERY humid here.. I'm not spending a week with no AC in the middle of summer. I work outside everyday as it is.. I'd rather lose all the food in the fridge then be without AC. Lost power for 2 weeks once and thankfully the weather was bearable, you had to wait in line for gas, and I was working 16 hour days everyday.. I think I turned my generator on twice to watch tv.. I might get something small one of these days - just for that purpose instead of running the big one. But there are lots of things on my to do lists and they ain't getting any shorter these days..