No one wants to be in a situation without power. Imagine being stuck in a house in the middle of winter with no heat or lighting for days, or in a far-off cabin in the mountains with no electricity. These situations aren’t only extremely uncomfortable, but they’re also potentially dangerous.
Powerful, flexible, and durable, Honda portable generators let you keep the food in your fridge fresh, run your business, and do other important tasks when the power goes off. They also allow you to charge your phones and use appliances when you’re out camping.
The 5 Best Honda Generators for Home Use in 2022
Now that you know the different options Honda offers, let’s take a look at the five best Honda generators for home use in 2022:
1. Honda EU1000i 1000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Description and Specifications
The Honda EU1000i 1000W is a portable, quiet, and environmentally friendly generator. Lightweight yet powerful, the EU1000i can power your appliances wherever you go. This is a great choice if you’re looking to take it camping or to power an RV.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine Type | Honda GXH50 |
Engine Displacement | 49.4cc |
Amperage | 8.3A |
Running Watts | 900 |
Peak Watts | 1,000 |
Fuel Type | Gas |
Tank Capacity | 0.55 gal. |
Max. Runtime | 6.8 hours |
Dimensions | 17.8” x 9.5” x 14.9” |
Weight | 28.7 pounds |
Noise Level | 50 dBA |
Certifications | CARB-compliant |
Warranty | 2-years (consumer), 1-year (commercial) |
Why the Honda EU1000i 1000W Gas Portable Generator Is Great
The Honda EU1000i is made for travelers. Portable and lightweight, it weighs only 29 pounds, making it one of the lightest generators on the market. Don’t underestimate it, though — you can use this small Honda generator to operate a wide range of small appliances, such as coffee makers, lights, and RV fridges.
This model is also eco-friendly and safe — it comes with a CO-MINDER system that constantly monitors carbon monoxide (CO) levels. CO-MINDER will automatically shut the machine down before CO levels become dangerously high, so you won’t have to worry about CO poisoning.
Like all of the company’s models, the EU1000i is a super-quiet Honda generator. With a noise level of 42 to 50 A-weighted decibels at rated load, it makes as much noise as a normal conversation. Since it won’t go against noise ordinances, you can use it anywhere you want, even at night.
Pros and Cons of the Honda EU1000i 1000W Gas Portable Generator
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Super quiet
- Flexible
- Lightweight and portable
- Fuel efficient
- Carbon monoxide safety monitoring
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- No electric start
Honda EU1000i 1000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU1000i 1000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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2. Honda EU3000iS 3000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Description and Specifications
The Honda EU3000IS 2800W Gas Portable Inverter Generator is a top-notch machine that can give you the power you need. Although it’s an EU-i series generator, the EU3000IS is a lot heavier than the EU1000i and can power a larger range of appliances. That doesn’t mean it’s less quiet, though.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine Type | Honda GX200 |
Engine Displacement | 196cc |
Amperage | 23.3A |
Running Watts | 2,800 |
Peak Watts | 3,000 |
Fuel Type | Gas |
Tank Capacity | 3.4 gal. |
Max. Runtime | 10 hours |
Dimensions | 25.9″ x 17.6″ x 22.0″ |
Weight | 130.7 pounds |
Noise Level | 57dBA |
Certifications | EPA Approved |
Warranty | 3-years |
Why the Honda EU3000IS 2800W Gas Portable Inverter Generator Is Great
The Honda EU3000IS is a powerful recreational generator that you can use with many different appliances, including microwaves, TVs, furnaces, fridges, most 13,500-BTU RV AC units, and more. Unlike other models in the EU-i line, this generator can power sensitive equipment like computers. It uses advanced inverter technology to provide clean, stable power that you can use to send emails and do remote work from the comfort of your RV or camping tent.
Like other Honda power equipment products, the EU3000IS is durable and fuel-efficient. It comes with Honda’s Oil Alert feature, which protects the generator by shutting the engine off whenever the oil gets too low. It’s also a great source of overnight power since it can run from 6.9 to 19.6 hours on a single tank.
Pros and Cons of the Honda EU3000IS 2800W Gas Portable Inverter Generator
Pros
- Powerful
- Great for sensitive electronics
- Protected by Oil Alert
- Super quiet
- Flexible electric start
- Fuel efficient
- Decent fuel efficiency
- Parallel capable
Cons
- Lack of portability
- Sensitive to temperature
- Expensive
- No remote start
Honda EU3000iS 3000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU3000iS 3000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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3. Honda EU2200ic 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Description and Specifications
The Honda EU2200ic is a medium-duty recreational generator that you can use for outdoor excursions like RV travel and camping.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine Type | Honda GXR120 |
Engine Displacement | 121cc |
Amperage | 15A |
Running Watts | 1,800 |
Peak Watts | 2,200 |
Fuel Type | Gas |
Tank Capacity | 0.95 gal. |
Max. Runtime | 8.1 hours |
Dimensions | 20.0″ x 11.4″ x 16.7″ |
Weight | 47.4 pounds |
Noise Level | 57 dBA |
Certifications | EPA-Certified |
Warranty | 3-years |
Why the Honda EU2200ic 2200W Gas Portable Inverter Generator Is Great
As a medium-duty generator, it falls in between the EU1000i and the EU3000IS in terms of portability and power. Although it weighs only 47.4 pounds, it gives you a maximum of 2,200 watts. You can even get up to 4,400 watts of power if you connect it with a EU2200I Companion model.
The EU2200IC is also an extremely fuel-efficient generator. It uses an Eco Throttle system that boosts efficiency and enables it to run for 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single tank.
Pros and Cons of the Honda EU2200ic 2200W Gas Portable Inverter Generator
Pros
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Quiet
Cons
- No electric start
- Limited wattage
Honda EU2200ic 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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Honda EM6500SX 7000-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator
Honda EM6500SX 7000W Gas Portable Generator Product Description and Specifications
The Honda EM6500SX is a home generator that comes with a whopping 6,500 watts of output. It can provide 7,000 watts for 10 seconds to start larger equipment.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine Type | OHV |
Engine Displacement | 389cc |
Amperage | 54.2A @ 120V |
Running Watts | 6,500 |
Peak Watts | 7,000 |
Fuel Type | Gas |
Tank Capacity | 6.2 gal. |
Max. Runtime | 9.8 hours @ 50% load |
Dimensions | 41.4″ x 27.8″ x 28.3″ |
Weight | 231.7 lbs. |
Noise Level | 66 dBA |
Certifications | ANSI/PGMA G300-2018, EPA-certified |
Warranty | 3-years |
Why the Honda EM6500SX 7000W Gas Portable Generator Is Great
The EM6500SX is a great pick if you need a backup generator for your office or home. It provides enough power to start large equipment like furnaces, well pumps, fridges, and freezers and can run for up to 10 hours.
Although it weighs 231.7 pounds, the EM6500SX comes with a wheel kit, so you can move it between rooms as needed and you won’t need to buy extra generator accessories just to get started. You can also operate it from afar using the Honda My Generator App and Bluetooth.
Like many of Honda’s products, the EM6500SX comes with an advanced CO-MINDER system that detects CO and automatically shuts down the generator when CO levels get too high.
Pros and Cons of the Honda EM6500SX 7000W Gas Portable Generator
Pros
- Large power capacity
- Wheel kit included
- Electric start
- Honda My Generator app w/ Bluetooth compatibility
- Environmentally friendly
- Carbon monoxide safety monitoring
Cons
- Not as quiet as other models
- Heaviest model
- Most expensive model
- CO-MINDER not included
Honda EM6500SX 7000-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator
Honda EM6500SX 7000-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator
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5. Honda EU7000iS 7000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Description and Specifications
The sturdy Honda EU7000IAT1 is perfect for home backup power, outdoor events, and RVs. Like the Honda EM6500S, it comes with an advanced CO detection system plus Bluetooth and Honda My Generator app compatibility.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine Type | Honda GX390 EFI |
Engine Displacement | 389cc |
Amperage | 22.9A |
Running Watts | 5,500 |
Peak Watts | 7,000 |
Fuel Type | Gas |
Tank Capacity | 5.1 gal. |
Max. Runtime | 16 hours |
Dimensions | 33.4” x 27.6” x 28.4” |
Weight | 263.2 pounds |
Noise Level | 58dBA |
Certifications | N/A |
Warranty | 3-years |
Why the Honda EU7000IAT1 7000W Gas Portable Inverter Generator Is Great
Extremely fuel-efficient, this generator can run for up to 16 hours using 5.1 gallons of fuel. The EU7000IAT1 also comes with advanced inverter technology you can use to power sensitive appliances like laptops and computers whenever your electrical power goes out.
The Honda EU7000IAT1 is also quite portable. Despite weighing over 260 pounds, it comes with convenient handles that you can lower for storage and raise for transport. A wheel kit helps you to move the EU7000IAT1 between rooms. You can also use the Honda My Generator app and Bluetooth to control it from afar.
Pros and Cons of the Honda EU7000IAT1 7000W Gas Portable Inverter Generator
Pros
- Technology-sensitive power
- Diagnostic data via i-Monitor system
- Outlets that meet NEC and ETL standards
- Electric and recoil start
- Quiet
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- GFCI ports could be better
Honda EU7000iS 7000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU7000iS 7000-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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Honda Generators: Are They Worth It?
A high-quality generator like Honda’s can provide backup to help you cope with a short or long-term outage. These generators convert other forms of energy — like gas or propane — into electrical. Generators can be portable or permanently installed. Portable generators are a much more affordable option than standby generators, and setup is simpler, too.
Honda generators are durable, reliable, cost-effective, dependable, and designed to stand the test of time. They’re also compact and easy to carry around, so you can take them where you need them.
Advantages of Honda Generators
Honda generators are user-friendly, fairly quiet, and fuel-efficient. They’re also known for their portability and durability.
Safe and easy to use
These generators come with circuit breaker protection that prevents overload issues, reducing the risk of damage and injury. They’re designed with low-oil shutdown features. This means that when a Honda generator runs too low on oil, the machine automatically turns itself off.
Many Honda generators have both electric and recoil start, which makes them easier to start.
Great fuel efficiency
Honda is well-known for creating products with great fuel efficiency, and its generators are no exception. While most traditional generators need to run at 3,600 revolutions per minute (RPM) to produce 60-hertz electricity, Honda inverter generators can run at much slower RPM while maintaining power and frequency. This can cut fuel consumption up to 40% and reduce exhaust emissions.
Portable
Many Honda models are also extremely portable. Honda’s portable generators are fairly lightweight, small, and easy to carry. The smaller options are particularly easy to move around.
Durable
Honda generators are known for their durability, compared to other brands. You can expect your Honda to last at least seven or eight years without experiencing major issues. Most Honda generators also come with at least a year of the standard warranty. You may be eligible for a three- or four-year warranty depending on your model and location.
Quiet to use
Finally, Honda generators are known for being quiet. Honda offers a specific line of Super Quiet generators, which have totally enclosed bodies for noticeably quieter performances.
Choosing the Right Honda Generator for Your Home
With so many types of Honda generators to choose from, selecting the right one for you and your home can be a chore. We’ve put together this guide to help.
Read on to learn more about five of Honda’s top generator offerings so you can narrow down your options and make an informed purchase.
Residential Honda Generators: EM and EG Series
EM and EG series generators are home generators that have large gas tanks. These models are designed to run for several hours per fuel tank, making them perfect for extended home use. They also come with transfer switches that you can use to quickly power home appliances.
Most EM series generators also come with Auto Throttle, which automatically increases the generator’s RPM from idle when a load is applied and lowers the RPM to idle once the load is removed. This helps to reduce noise levels, increase fuel efficiency, and decrease wear and tear on the generator’s parts.
Portable Honda Generators: EU-i Series
EU-i series generators are recreational models that are made to be portable. You can carry them anywhere you want, making them perfect for camping trips. These generators are also extremely quiet since they use inverter technology and a totally enclosed body. They typically operate at between 49 and 60 decibels, which is the volume of normal speech.
Consider getting an EU-i series Honda model if you plan to use your generator in an area that has noise ordinances or if you prefer peace and quiet.
Industrial Honda Generators: EB Series
EB series generators are intended for construction and rental use. Designed with heavy use in mind, these tough generators come with GFCI outlets for ground fault protection.
Honda Generator Safety Tips
After you’ve picked out a Honda generator, it’s time to start learning how to use it safely. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Don’t use your generator in wet conditions.
Generators produce a lot of electrical power, and the risk of electrocution is high if you use it near water, including in snow or rain. As such, you need to keep your generator dry at all times.
If you connect your generator to a building, isolate generator power from utility lines and make sure you comply with all relevant electrical codes and local laws. If you connect your generator to a building improperly, electrical current can go back into utility lines, which can cause electrocution or shock.
2. Don’t run your generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space.
Don’t run a generator inside your house, basement, tent, or any other enclosed space. A generator’s exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can kill you within minutes. You can’t smell or see CO, so you need to be extremely careful when running your generator.
3. Keep flammable materials away from your generator.
Generators run on gasoline, which is extremely flammable. Never refuel your generator when the engine is running or hot, and never overfill the fuel tank. Keep flammable materials away from the device at all times and make sure that your generator is at least 3 feet away from buildings when you’re using it.
Honda Generator Pricing: The Best Time To Buy a Honda Generator
Since Honda generator prices don’t tend to change much, there’s no real peak season for buying one. You can get one whenever you see Honda generators for sale. However, it’s generally a good idea to buy generators ahead of severe weather seasons. Shopping in early spring or fall will help you avoid the long lines you typically see before and during winter.
How To Choose Which Honda Generator Is Best for You
To choose the best Honda generator for your needs, ask yourself the following questions:
1. How will you use the generator?
If you’re looking for an emergency power source, you should look into getting an EU or EM series generator. These are made for home use and come with transfer switches you can use to transfer power to home appliances.
If you’re looking for a generator to use on trips or with RVs, consider getting an EU-i series generator. These are portable, lightweight, and perfect for life on the go.
Finally, if you’re looking for an industrial use generator, look to an EB model. These tough tools come with GFCI and were designed specifically for construction workers.
2. How quiet should your generator be?
A generator’s noise level isn’t simply a matter of preference. Certain areas have noise ordinances that can impact how and when you can use your generator, particularly at night. The louder your generator, the less likely you can use it in certain applications, such as outdoor events, RVing, and camping.
Honda’s generators are known for being quiet, particularly their Super Quiet EU series models. These operate at between 49 and 60 decibels, which is just as quiet as normal speech.
3. What should your generator’s run time be?
Think about how long you’ll need to run your generator. If you plan to use it overnight, look for one with a large fuel tank size, such as Honda’s EB, EM, and EG generators. Consider generators that have Eco Throttle, which automatically adjusts the engine speed to allow for maximum fuel efficiency.
However, if you’re not looking to use your generator for long periods of time, you might consider getting one with a smaller fuel tank. This will be easier on your budget, since generators with large tanks tend to be more expensive.
Check Out More Of Our Honda Generator Reviews
Honda Power Generator Review: Brief History and Their Best 6 Generators
Buying Guide: Top Rated Portable Generators of 2021
Honda Generator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It depends on the model and the load, but generally, Honda generators can run anywhere from three to 20 hours on a single tank of fuel. The lifetime of a generator is between 10,000 and 30,000 hours. If you run yours about 100 hours a year, it should last 10 to 30 years. Lighter use may mean a longer engine life.
Honda generators cost anywhere from $200 to over $5,000. Certain lines, such as the compact EU-i series, tend to be less expensive.
Size doesn’t matter as much as power. Choose a generator that can power your home appliances, such as Honda’s EM and EG series. These models can run for up to 10 hours and power a wide range of appliances, such as fridges, TVs, coffee makers, and even computers.
Honda generator warranties usually last one to three years, depending on your model and location.