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Honda 7000 EU7000is Generator Review

What we liked

Clean and Powerful

In most cases, inverter generators are less powerful than convention models. The EU7000iS offers a rare combination of sufficient power for large jobs, and the clean and stable reliability inverter loyalists have come to know and love.

On the inverter side, you have power that is stable enough to safely run electronics. With conventional generators, you’re more prone to surges and momentary lapses. When you use an inverter generator, you are paying a premium for power you can count on to run even your most delicate (and irreplacable) appliances.

Due to the price of inverter generators, the most common models you’ll see out there are only a few thousand watts. The EU7000iS comes with a full 7000 watts (as you might have guessed from the name). From a small fan in your living room and your morning coffee to window air conditioners and full-size refrigerators, this model generator has you covered.

Built-in Safety Features

There are three lights on the generator’s side. When all is right, none will be on.

Each light serves as an indicator for potential trouble, just like the lights on the dashboard of your car. They alert you to issues with output, overload and oil. Keeping track of these three things are essential to keeping your machine in pristine condition and keeping the onus off of you makes life easier.

When things get to be too much, there are electronic circuit breakers that turn your machine off when necessary. By automatically shutting off, just like the breakers in your home, the generator is protecting itself from sustaining serious damage. In turn, this protects your large investment—the tool which will provide you power in a time of need.

What we didn’t like

Honda EU7000iS Price

The Honda EU7000iS is powerful, but expensive. With a list price coming in at more than $4000, a generator that comes in a (relatively) small package, but with a large price tag must be properly taken care of.

Since it is used outside, it would be very easy to ignore every nick or scratch that appears on the outside. While the outside is mostly aesthetic (you definitely don’t want knobs breaking off or labels removed), it reflects how you treat your generator.

Likewise, the interior components must be protected, maintained and cleaned in order to ensure a long life, as well as proper function. When you invest the equivalent cash value of the car you buy your child to learn to drive, you need to take care of it.

In order to make up for the price that you’re paying, this should be the last generator you buy. This means that what you pay (plus gas, oil and any repairs) will be all you pay. No more going cheap on a generator only to realize you need a new one two years later. This is a generator that if you buy, you need to treat it right. Otherwise, it will be a waste of money (and a lot of it).

Weight

Wheels and handles are great for flat terrain. Where things start to get hairy is if you use your generator anywhere besides your home.

One of the most common professions where a generator is used is on a construction site. They’re great to run power tools off of and provide an easy solution to lack of power in a remote location. But, what happens when you need to get it upstairs in a home that is only framed out or even in and out of a truck?

Special considerations must be made. You’ll likely end up using long extension cords or battling the terrain to move it close to where you’re working. This issue also doubles on campsites as you do not want to let it out of your sight (thousands of dollars invested, remember?). Luckily, once it’s on the ground, you can move it freely and if you have a truck you can use planks to get it back in your bed, just like a lawnmower.

Is this the generator for you?

Right off the bat, one of the things that jumps out is that this is an inverter generator. While the price might not match the power of conventional generators, it more than makes up for it with stability and the variety of appliances that can be used with it.

If you plan on finding yourself in a remote location, but cannot go off the grid and still need Wi-Fi and your computer, using this generator will have you feeling like you’re right in the office. Now the generator might not be able to replicate your comfy desk chair or nice view, but it provides the essentials. With this generator, you can set up shop regardless of where you are, or what’s going on around you.

Another aspect that gets overlooked by many is how easily this generator starts. If you have a bad back, shoulder, or just aren’t strong enough to pull start a large generator, you need another way. By including a push start, Honda has made the EU7000iS accessible for nearly everyone.

The only drawback is the weight of the model, which without the wheels and handles would be impossible to move. By easing transportation and starting, Honda has made this an ideal option for those who do not want to, or are unable to exert major physical force to use a generator.

Do not buy this generator if your power goes out once a year. Do buy this generator if you lose power frequently, go camping a few times a year or are a mainstay at outdoor tailgates. Whether it’s for business, pleasure or something in-between, if you use a generator with some regularity, you need an efficient, reliable and long-lasting generator.

The EU7000iS is a model you can trust for years and run a variety of appliances off of. Additionally, it comes from Honda—a brand that has grown synonymous with high-quality machines and customer support.

Honda 5000 EM5000S Generator Review

What we liked

Duality of Start

With an engine as large as the one that comes with the Honda 5000 generator (EM5000S), starting it is not always so easy. For some people, pull starting an engine like this is entirely out of the realm of possibility.

In order to accommodate users of all comfort levels, Honda knew they had to be understanding. While it took a little extra effort, they were able to add an electric start feature. With the turn of a key, you start your engine and have enough power to run large appliances and machines for extended periods of time.

With an advanced electric start system, older or weaker individuals (even children too) will have no problem starting this generator. If this system fails, it does require immediate attention in order to function. As a failsafe, the ES5000S can be started using a recoil system. Admittedly, having to use this option will cut down on the number of people capable of starting the generator.

Plenty of Places to Plug In

The EM5000S has a lot of power. Nothing would be worse than not being able to take advantage of all that power.

Unless you’re using every bit of energy the machine can supply, you need multiple places to plug in. You know, for the multiple appliances you’re going to be powering. We know that extension cords and power strips are out there that increase your number of outlets, but any way you frame it, these are less safe than plugging directly into the generator.

To start, there are four plug outlets and a handful of other spots to hook various wires up to. If you want to run a single large appliance, no problem at all. If you need to power a half dozen smaller appliances, with most generators you won’t have the ability to. With the EM5000S, you will.

Consistency and Stability

When you turn on a generator, you want to know exactly what you’re getting. Not only is it essential to crafting plans and parties based on what you can power, consistency and stability translates to safety.

Honda EM5000S generators come with iAVR (Intelligent Automatic Voltage Regulation) technology. What this boils down to is being able to use sensitive electronics at the same time you need raw power to keep more demanding appliances on. If you want to do one or the other, this generator supports those demands as well.

Generators of lesser quality cannot be trusted to power electronics due to fear of shorting them out, and ultimately ruining them, that is not the case with the EM5000S. Honda was able to develop a superior combination of power and precision when compared to competitors, giving them a clear leg up on the competition.

What we didn’t like

Voltage Selector

Okay, we admit that for a lot of people this will be a plus. When we decided to put it on the “What we didn’t like” list, we were thinking of those with minimal experience in generators and similar technology. Advice for people that this applies to; learn your machine and what it can do. After all, it’s a pricy investment—we want you to get the most out of it you can.

On the EM5000S, you have the option to use a full 240 volts, or limit output to 120 volts. In many ways, this will help you increase efficiency and only use the power necessary to run appliances that are critical. If you stay on top of this, not a big deal. If you don’t know what you’re doing or are forgetful, it could lead to some confusion or trouble.

Size

In all fairness to Honda, it’s difficult to contain an extremely powerful generator in a small body. With dimensions of 41.1″ x 27.8″ x 28.3″, many people will have a hard time finding a good place for this around their property. Additionally, dry weight for this model is 232 lbs.

On the flip side, Honda protects the more delicate parts of the generator through the use of a sturdy metal frame. While the frame is essential to protecting the engine and other internal components, it only adds to the “bulkiness” of the generator. The frame doubles as an easy place to hold onto when lifting or moving the generator with multiple people—a silver lining if there is any.

Is this the generator for you?

Depending on the retailer, the Honda EM5000S will run you anywhere between $2500 and $3000. Based on price alone, we wouldn’t recommend this for any person who simply wants to have a generator in case of an emergency.

The EM5000S is tailored for those who regularly need power produced by a generator. Whether you’re a camping aficionado, live in an area where grid power is inconsistent or unavailable, or a person that finds themselves in regular need of supplemental power, this is for you.

While this is not an exhaustive or exclusive list of the types of people who should purchase this generator, it helps you recognize the intended market. The EM5000S is a generator for people who need a generator—not just want one for a rainy day.

One of the most important things to take under consideration when deciding if this is the generator for you is power. Due to the sheer amount of energy it can produce, the EM5000S will provide unnecessary power for many. If you’re in need of a generator that can power electronics, major appliances and other machinery, purchasing a powerful generator is about the only option you have.

Another major consideration is maintenance. On any machine, cutting corners leads to added costs later on. We aim to find product that limit those costs.

Things like spark plugs might wear out, but these are easy and affordable to replace. Where you (your wallet) can really get hurt, however, is with the engine. When it comes to engines, there are two things to consider. Is the engine constructed well and with quality materials? The other is, will a mechanic have any idea how it’s built when it inevitably needs repair or routine upkeep?

Honda iGX engines check both these boxes. When it comes to a Honda manufactured engine, you know that you are getting something that has been designed, built and later improved upon. With the reputation they have, it is easy to trust the product you’re going to be using to provide heat, air and power for your family in times of need.

Another major benefit of shopping Honda is that when things go wrong beyond control of the customer, they have a track record of standing behind their products. They’re willing to make necessary remedies available and, the most impressive, admit when they’ve made a mistake somewhere in the production process.

Information on Honda’s EM Series Generators

See additional information on Honda’s EM-series generators in this informational video from Honda.

Understanding Generator Safety

See the generator safety video from Honda.

How to Connect a Honda Generator to your Home

See Honda’s video on how to connect your new Honda generator to your home.