A portable generator like the Honda Power Equipment EU2200i model represents an investment, but the versatility of this unit makes it a solid choice. Are you set on an inverter generator that can provide significant power for most small appliances in a pinch? Do you want something that could be the ideal option for recreational travel or extended camping? The EU2200i from Honda might be just the ticket for you.
We’ll take you through our complete guide, including a little bit about inverter generators and Honda in general. We’ll also go through the main specifications the company put into the EU2200i, some of its additional features, the value you get for the price, and how it stacks up against a few similar products on the market today.
Want to skip the details? See a summary of the Honda EU2200i generator here.
Why Choose Honda?
Automobiles might be the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Honda. However, the company has been producing power equipment and related products for almost as long as it has vehicles. After its founding in 1946 and its incorporation in 1948, Soichiro Honda’s company produced its first motorcycle just one year later, in 1949. Further refinements to the brand would come over the years, and Honda’s first true automobile came in the form of a pickup in 1963.
By this time, Honda had already made some progress with power equipment. One of the first engines the corporation used for these units was the so-called H-Type, something Honda developed in 1953 as a precursor to its main motorcycle engine. We might be here to discuss generators, but Honda also has a hand in things such as welding power supply units, scooters, cultivators, pumps, motors, and more.
Over the years, Honda has built a trusted reputation for itself as a brand that can craft top products. Further, it stands behind much of this equipment thanks to warranties that provide users with coverage against defects for several years, and their line of inverter generators is no exception.
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Inverter vs Standard Generators
Generators are great for producing backup power, helping you on long trips or camp outings or providing the juice that might be necessary on a construction site. The possibilities are huge, but there are some differences between standard generators and those that use inverter generator technologies. Since the Honda Power Equipment EU2200i is an inverter generator, you might be interested in knowing what sets it apart from typical generators.
A conventional generator will give you the power you need, but its primary purpose is to produce an alternating current that is ready to meet your needs. These generators do this through the use of a mechanical alternator. Conversely, while inverter generators also make use of alternators to produce AC power, they will then convert that power into direct current energy. After making the switch to DC power, a special microprocessor will revert the current back to a cleaner form of AC power.
Inverter generators are useful for those times when you might need to power AC devices in a DC environment. They also tend to produce a more stable, cleaner form of energy that can run your devices consistently.
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator Review
Description and Specifications
You’ll find our in-depth guide on the Honda Power Equipment EU2000i inverter generator series below. Each section will provide you with information on different aspects of the equipment, how it operates, and what might set it apart from its competitors.
Engine and Power Output
The Honda EU2200i 2200-watt gas portable inverter generator boasts a GRX120 engine. This piece is a 4-stroke overhead camshaft engine with a single cylinder. It can provide the equivalent of 3.6 in horsepower, and it is air-cooled. Starting wattage is 2200, and the unit runs at 1800 once you get things started. The power generated by the 2200 inverter generator tops out at 120 volts for the AC current and comes in a single phase. Traditional technology merges with some newer stuff in this inverter generator as well. A flywheel works in tandem with a microprocessor to give you very stable, clean power with a low rate of harmonic distortion. In addition to the AC power capabilities of Honda’s EU2200i, the unit can also generate an unregulated 12 volts of DC power.
Tank Capacity, Fuel Economy, and Runtime
The Honda 2200 generator specs note that it runs on gas and can take 0.95 gallons of fuel. Although some users note that the gas tank seems to be on the small side, it’s important to note that many of them also feel that they get a solid amount of runtime out of the generator for its size. You should be able to run the generator for just over three hours at a full load capacity. If you only need to run it at a quarter of that, you’re looking at around eight full hours of power. Further, thanks to Honda’s Eco-Throttle technology, the inverter can adapt its engine rotation to meet the needs of the load you are running. This feature is meant to reduce fuel consumption and make the unit more economical to run.
Breakdown of the Control Panel and Outlets
The front face of your control panel on the Honda Power Equipment EU2200i includes your outlets, Eco-Throttle switch, parallel operation ports, indicator lights, and circuit protector. The indicator lights include an oil alert, overload alarm, and output signal.
There are three outlets in total, with two AC units sitting side by side. You’ll find the single DC outlet underneath these two. The rear side of the generator has a muffler accessory and spark arrestor as well. The output indicator is simple and effective, but some users wish it gave more accurate indications of the total used running time. It will blink in accordance with how much time your generator has been running.
Dimensions and Weight
With a length of 20 inches, a width of just over half that at 11.4 inches, and an overall height of 16.7 inches, one of the words consumers use most often to describe this generator is “compact.” The frame is plastic and done in the signature red color that comes with many Honda products. The components of the frame keep it to a relatively lightweight 46.5 pounds in weight. One of the nice aspects of the Honda 2200 inverter generator is that it remains a durable, robust piece of equipment without being too heavy, so you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Noise and Safety
In terms of noise levels, the Honda 2200 generator specs list the maximum dBA level to be 58. This means that it will be one of the quietest generators for its size that you are likely to find on the market today. If you don’t need to run the generator at its maximum capacity, you’ll be able to further reduce that noise level down to 48 dBA. Part of what makes this inverter generator so effective at dampening noise is the muffler attached to the rear of the unit. Other materials used in the construction of the unit also contribute to noise absorption.
Several of the features you’ll find on the EU2200i contribute to a good safety rating in various conditions. Along with the muffler we covered above, there is also a spark arrestor on the unit. This accessory is designed to lower the chances of setting very dry vegetation alight. Such a feature makes it a little easier and safer to use this generator in nature.
On the front of the control panel, you’ll find two important LED indicators that further contribute to safety features for this model. The oil alert indicator will activate if the amount of oil in the crankcase exceeds safe levels for the generator. When that happens, the unit should shut itself down automatically. Secondly, an overload alarm will activate and turn red should the EU2200i become overloaded. After this, approximately four seconds should pass before the current to your appliances shuts down.
Portability of the Honda EU2200i
The EU2200i is meant to pack as much power as possible into a frame that is easy to transport. At just 46.5 pounds, it is relatively easy for most users to pick it up with one hand and carry it short or medium distances. This job is made all the simpler thanks to the ergonomic briefcase handle molded to the top of the unit. Many users say that the size, weight, and easy-to-carry nature of this generator make it an ideal choice for their camping needs. You’ll also find four round feet at the bottom corners of the EU2200i unit. These will keep the generator sitting a bit off the ground when you place it down on a level surface. Some users do say that it might sink into soft ground a bit, however.
Certifications and Warranty
The EU2200i inverter generator gets the same guarantees for warranty protection that Honda will provide to all of its registered power equipment purchases. The length of the warranty begins from the original date of the purchase of your EU2200i. Honda’s warranty protections are divided into both commercial and residential use. In most cases, the protection times for both categories are the same, but there are a few exceptions noted in the warranty file on Honda’s website. For the EU2200i, the commercial and residential warranty period is 36 months from the date of purchase. This is a limited warranty that will repair or replace products or parts found to be defective under normal operation.
Honda also provides certifications for its power equipment. The EU2200i has certifications from both the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.
Additional Features
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, OHC |
| Engine Displacement | 121cc |
| Amperage | 18.3A @ 120V |
| Running Watts | 1,800 |
| Peak Watts | 2,200 |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Tank Capacity | .95 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 8.1 hours @ 25% load |
| Dimensions | 20″ x 11.4″ x 16.7″ |
| Weight | 47.4 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 57 dBA |
| Certifications | ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| Warranty | 3-years |
Price
Many users describe the Honda 2200 inverter generator as a high-end model in its class. The price does seem to reflect this, and it might be one of the few “disadvantages” to purchasing it for some consumers. However, you do get a lot for your money with the Honda Power Equipment EU2200i inverter generator.
While some users point out that there is nothing particularly unique in the Honda EU2200i, they also say that it is an extremely reliable model that is packed with features, all of which make it worth the price point. One of the key points we see in many reviews from users is that this model seems to have every feature they are looking for in a portable inverter generator. They tried other generators on the market, but most lacked at least one feature or spec that they wanted in power equipment such as this.
Overall, you get the reliability of a Honda, backed by a comprehensive warranty against defects, and a portable inverter generator that seems to be able to serve just about any basic function you could ever want in a product like this. The Honda 2200 generator specs here indicate that, typically, it is well worth the price.
How Does the Honda EU2200i Compare With Its Competitors?
Finding out everything there is to know about the Honda 2200 generator specs and components is our job. However, we know that some readers prefer to have different options to look at before they buy their products. That’s part of our ultimate guide as well. You can take a look below to find a table that compares the Honda 2200 generator specs with those of a few similar models on the market.
What Are Consumers Saying About the Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator?
It’s always helpful to get some advice or knowledge from people who have already used the EU2200i in the field. Almost all reviews or comments that we’ve come across about this particular model are positive. People enjoy the number of features they get and how easy it is to operate the machine. For your convenience, you can see some of the pros that consumers cite most frequently below. We will also note one or two minor issues that a few people encountered.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to transport and store
- Durable and quiet
- Low harmonic distortion
- Low fuel shutdown alert
- Overload electronic circuit breaker and spark arrestor
Cons
- Higher price
- Missing fuel gauge
- No USB outlet
Additional Resources
Is the Honda EU2200i for You?
Now that you have a wealth of information on the specs and performance of the Honda EU2200 inverter generator, it’s time to ask if it’s the best choice for your needs. We feel that this question can be answered easily by asking just a few more. Do you like stable power backed by a reliable company? Are fuel efficiency, an easy-to-use control panel, simple indicators, and quiet operation important to you? If so, we think that the EU2200i model from Honda represents a good choice for your needs. It is something of an investment, but the range of options you’ll get with your purchase will be hard to beat with any other generator. Most people who try this model seem very happy with it, and we think there is a lot here that you will enjoy, too.
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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FAQs
Most generators in the 2200-watt running range are able to power quite a few of the common appliances you probably use. A generator like this from Honda can run one large appliance or several smaller devices at once.
The noise levels from products like Honda 2200 generators are due partially to inverter technology. As a rule, inverters tend to minimize noise, and they may use additional accessories, such as mufflers, to further dampen sounds.
For storage, start by draining the carburetor float bowl. Once done, unplug the spark plug and turn the machine on, starting it a few times.
Yes, the 2200i inverter generator is a pure sine wave generator. A pure sine wave inverter uses technology to deliver the highest quality of electrical output possible for its power level.
Honda’s 2200i inverter generator uses a manual recoil start mechanism. Most users find that the unit starts easily after just one pull.