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With Honda already being so highly regarded in the automotive and appliance fields, you might have heard a few recommendations for their generators already. Portable inverter generators like the Honda EU2200 Companion model are packed with features that make them a great choice for various needs. If you want to see just how much the EU2200 Companion lives up to the sterling reputation of Honda, feel free to read on.
We know that generators can be a costly investment, and every customer wants to be sure that they get exactly the kind of equipment they need. That’s why we specialize in ultimate reviews for the EU2200ic and related items. We’ll pick apart its primary features and benefits in each section to help you make the best choice for your needs. Want to skip the details? See a summary of the Honda EU2200ic Generator here.
Why Choose Honda?
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that many people associate Honda with automobile manufacturing. However, the multinational corporation has branched out into industries such as power tools over the decades. A lot of time spent on research and development into these endeavors has allowed the company to bring you the Honda EU2200 Companion and other tools you can trust at home and on the job site.
Honda’s first foray into the world of power equipment started just a few years after the company was founded by Soichiro Honda in 1946. The H-type engine was underway by 1953, and it became one of the precursors to the Honda power equipment you know and trust today. Blowers, mowers, trimmers, and generators like the Honda EU2200ic 2200 watt portable gas inverter represent just some of the power equipment categories the company makes. Many satisfied customer reviews point out that it is the reliable name of Honda that helped encourage their purchase of the corporation’s effective products. Honda generators tend to come with performance guarantees that are backed by a company willing to do what it takes to ensure that their products work correctly for your needs.
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Inverter vs Standard Generators
Both generators and power equipment like the EU2200ic inverter are referred to often as simply “generators,” but there is some difference between the two products. As the name suggests, a generator can produce the electrical power you might need for your appliances or projects.
An inverter will convert one type of power to another. With this in mind, when might you need something like the Honda EU2200ic 2200 watt portable inverter? Experts say that inverters are good choices for when you need to make sure of some devices that run on one type of power in an environment where only the other current exists. For example, you may want to run AC-compatible devices in an area where you might only have access to a DC current. A portable inverter can solve this issue for you by taking in and changing the current to the type that you need.
Before we delve into the specifics of the Honda EU2200 Companion inverter, there are just a couple of other quick points to clear up here that may help you make your choice. Typically, an inverter will not make as much noise as your traditional generator. This could be an important consideration if you’re working in an area where you need quiet. Additionally, an inverter will usually produce quite stable power of very high quality for your needs. Inverters can be more expensive than standard generators, but we will cover that more in our review below.
Honda EU2200ic 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator Review
Description and Specifications
Engine and Power Output
The EU2200 Companion includes the Honda GXR120 engine for internal operations. This particular model is an upgrade over the GXR100 that some users might be familiar with in older Honda power equipment products. You can see the most notable power output data in the table below.
Although the running wattage is 1800, you can push the inverter up to 2200 when you need an extra boost.
Tank Capacity, Fuel Economy, and Runtime
The overall tank volume is listed at just under 1 full gallon, and it can hold 0.95 gallons of fuel at once. Although some users might consider this fuel tank a bit on the small side, it can offer plenty of power over extended periods. For example, if your average power load is just 25%, the EU2200 Companion should only burn about 0.12 gallons of fuel per hour. At this load, most users can experience around eight hours of power before needing to refill the tank. At a maximum load, many consumers say that the total runtime is cut down to about two hours. Fuel economy itself is helped along by using Honda’s “Eco-Throttle” option. Turning on this mode allows the portable inverter to adjust power output according to your needs at the time. This feature can help you only use the power you need without overdoing it.
Breakdown of the Control Panel and Outlets
The control panel on the front of the EU2200ic includes some simple descriptors that explain the various functions of the dials, nodes, and outlets you will find. Some of the specific functions may be described in greater detail in applicable areas of our review, but we’ve also provided a quick overview of what you’ll find on the control panel here.
- Eco-Throttle: Here you will find a switch to turn the eco-throttle function on or off as needed. More information on eco-throttle is listed above in our section that includes information on fuel economy.
- Parallel ports: You’ll find two ports that allow you to run this generator in conjunction with another generator for extra power needs. The second unit must be compatible, and you will need special cables for this function.
- Outlets: One side of the Honda EU2200 Companion boasts one 20-amp outlet for standard operations and one 30-amp outlet for parallel support.
- Indicators: Along the bottom row, you’ll find indicator lights for functions such as oil alerts, alarms in case of overloads, and power output.
- Circuit protection: The Honda EU2200 Companion comes with a circuit protection feature. You can activate it as necessary with just the push of a button.
Dimensions and Weight
The Honda EU2200ic 2200 watt gas portable inverter generator measures 21 x 13 x 20 inches for length, width, and height, respectively. It is small enough to fit in a corner of a workshop easily, or you can store it in a cabinet alongside other Honda power tools for your convenience. Like many portable generators, it has a boxy, uniform frame with a control panel on the front.
For weight, the Honda 2200ic Companion comes in at 46.5 pounds. Although it still has some heft to it, it is light enough to be carried with one hand over moderate distances with relative ease for most people. Further, the dimensions mean that you shouldn’t have any problems finding an area to set it up out of your way but close enough to supply your power needs.
Noise and Safety
One thing you’ll probably hear about pretty often regarding the Honda EU2200ic gas portable inverter is that it is as quiet as a whisper. While that might be a slight exaggeration, many users feel it is definitely on the quieter side among all the portable generators out there. Some users even note that it is the ideal choice for close-quarters camping in a recreational vehicle based on how quiet it is. They say that it is unlikely to disturb neighbors if you need to power some of your appliances at night.
In terms of safety, the Honda EU2200 Companion boasts a few features that are meant to make sure you can operate it without worry. Additionally, there are some convenience features that can double as safety precautions.
- Shutoff valve: This valve allows the inverter to run even in the “fuel off” position. If activated, the valve will continue to run the generator until most of the fuel in the carburetor is used up. This is good for avoiding stale fuel or storing the inverter.
- Good ventilation: A large cooling area over the surface of the EU2200ic Companion can keep it from overheating during hours of long use.
- Large filler opening: A wide opening for oil helps you clean the device easily and prevent possible hazardous spills.
- Carbon monoxide detector: This model can alert you if there is a high buildup of carbon monoxide within the unit after long use.
Portability of the Honda EU2200 Companion
The EU2200 Companion is indeed a portable generator. As we noted when we gave the rundown on its size, it weighs just under 47 pounds. While it still has some heft to it, many consumers consider it a very lightweight option for a generator, and the molded ergonomic handle makes it relatively easy to carry the product with you to meet your power needs. Some people even refer to the EU2200ic as a “suitcase inverter” that is so light you could pack it up and carry it anywhere you’d like with one hand.
Certifications and Warranty
Like all Honda products, the EU2200 Companion is backed by the company’s limited warranty as it applies to power equipment. The limited warranty is divided between residential and commercial products, but the coverage period for both is often the same. The Honda EU2200ic 2200 watt generator gets a three-year limited warranty for coverage. This means it is backed by Honda’s guarantee against defective or failing products. They will repair or replace your generator as long as it falls outside of the possible exclusions listed on the warranty.
In terms of certifications, the EU2200ic Companion meets the standards of both the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board for emissions controls.
Common Problems and Parts
Most consumers report very few issues with the Honda 2200 gas portable inverter generator. Some of the rare issues that surfaced among users were possible fuel leakage and the small chance of a short circuit within the unit. However, the issues related to the short circuit were most commonly found only when the unit was in operation around saltwater.
| 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 |
Price
A few users find the EU2200 Companion to be on the high side in terms of price. However, most reviews say that you get incredible value for your money here. While it is true that this portable inverter from Honda could be considered more expensive than many models on the market, it really shines as something of an investment. Those on a budget may want to consider a generator at a lower price point, but the EU2200ic Companion is an excellent choice for dedicated use in an RV or similar situation. This is a lightweight, compact model with plenty of power in its small frame, and it is easy enough to hook it up to a second generator for more juice. The EU2200ic is made by the reputable Honda company, backed by its guarantees, and includes a wide variety of extra features that make it one of the more useful and convenient models out there.
How Does the Honda EU2200ic Compare With Its Competitors?
You can take a look at how the Honda EU2200ic 2200 watt generator stacks up against competing generators with similar stats here.
What Are Consumers Saying About the Honda EU2200ic?
Most users of this Honda generator seem very pleased with its performance and the results they get from it. Both the ultra-quiet nature of this generator and its ability to be transported with ease tend to get high marks from many users in the field. People seem to appreciate the power that is packed within the small frame of the EU2200ic Companion model, and they like that Honda makes this a reliable, durable product with longevity in mind.
Of the very few concerns, they seem mostly to center around small issues such as a lack of a proper fuel gauge system or an hour meter, but there are functioning lights that will blink to indicate relative time remaining during operation.
For a concise list, we can sum up the major pros and cons of this inverter here.
Pros
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Quiet
Cons
- No electric start
- Limited wattage
Additional Resources
Is the Honda EU2200ic for You?
Our ultimate review on the EU2200 Companion does its best to give you in-depth information on its specifications, performance, and how it might compare to similar models on the market. In summation, it is somewhat more expensive than some of the similar models you might find, but that cost is offset by its specialty and features. Most users of this generator consider it an investment that is well worth the price, especially if you have a dedicated use for a portable inverter that can operate at this power level, such as one that needs to power all of the equipment in a recreational vehicle.
Honda EU2200ic 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
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FAQs
The listed range in dBA for the Honda EU2200ic 2200 watt inverter generator is between 47 and 56. While this might seem like a wide range at first, it is still quiet even on the louder end. For comparison, your average household vacuum cleaner will run at around 70 dBA.
The EU2200ic comes with four feet attached to the corners of the unit that allow it to stand on level, even surfaces without fear of it tipping over.
There is a list of acceptable ranges for older Honda generator models that are designed to be compatible with the EU2200 Companion. You can see if your desired parallel model is within the range.
The EU2200ic can run quite a few of the common appliances you may need to operate. Items like power tools, smaller appliances like mini-fridges or microwaves, and anything else you might take in a recreational vehicle or on a camping trip are good examples.
The Honda EU2200ic Companion model uses a manual start. However, an automatic decompressor makes it relatively easy to get the engine going.