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Honda 3000 EU3000IH1A Handi Review

What we liked

Portability

One of the best parts about inverters is that they are lighter than conventional generators, making them portable. But, what happens when you want an engine large enough to power the biggest appliances around your home at once? Well, weight increases.

To keep the Honda 3000 EU3000i Handi portable, Honda had to get creative. Wheels built directly onto the body and a fold down handle are the perfect solution. Just as someone wheels the cooler to the tailgate, someone else can bring the generator along with ease.

While the wheels and handle certainly provide a clear benefit, they do not take away from function in any way. When not in use, the handle folds completely away, and unless you know it’s there, or are right in front of the generator, you wouldn’t even notice it. The wheels also keep a low profile, recessed in a way that the generator will sit completely flat.

With a dry weight just under 80 lbs., the EU3000iH1A could only be used by a select crowd without an effective transportation system. The body is an awkward shape to lift and carry, so even if weight is not a problem, it is still a difficult item to carry.

Wheeling the generator is only half the battle. The EU3000i has to get into your trunk or truck bed one way or another, and lifting from the bottom isn’t very appealing. To help you out, Honda built two offset handles into the sides of the generator, making it easy to lift. With wheels and handles, anyone can easily set up and put away this generator.

Parallel capability

When you need to add some power, you can use two Honda EU3000i generators together. Essentially, by connecting the two machines with the proper cables, you are doubling their output and the appliances they can power.

Rather than having to purchase an expensive and powerful generator, you can power up whenever the need arises. The best-case scenario is when you and a friend have the same generator—no additional purchases are necessary.

This is most common for camping trips and tailgates. Having double the power opens up an entirely new world of possibilities, taking your experience to the next level. If you’re at a football game, you can power a couple TV’s to watch pregame coverage on all the channels. If you’re out camping, you won’t have to power down the AC in order to run everything else. In these situations, it might feel like you have limitless power, just as if you were in the confines of your own home.

Safety features galore

I like safety. You like safety. Everyone likes safety. Most importantly however, Honda like safety (or keeping their customers safe)—whatever floats your boat.

The Honda EU3000i Handi comes chock full of features designed to ensure safe operation. When you’re moving the generator around, you can close the fuel vent to prevent any spilling. While running, a USDA-qualified spark arrestor ensures that no flames escape and cause damage to you or anything nearby.

We push the limits in all aspects of our lives, so why should a generator be any different. Lucky for us, Honda has included circuits as protection from being overloaded. Basically, if you try to power too much, the circuit will flip and the issue identified before any damage occurs.

Oil Alert System

Like gasoline, your oil levels will eventually need to be replenished. With any motor, running without oil could lead to damage, which eventually requires repair and money taken from your pockets. With Honda’s Oil Alert system, the generator constantly monitors itself and will automatically turn off when oil becomes critically low. Also, oil doesn’t need to be changed like in a vehicle, you just add more.

A Few Additional Helpful Videos From Honda

Maintenance

Storage

Honda 2000 EU2200i Generator Review

What we liked

Packing a Punch

The Honda 2000 EU2200i portable inverter generator is also called the . First off, it provides 10% more power, but the benefits do not stop there. While power is increased in the EU2200i, Honda was able to keep cost, size and weight almost completely the same.

EU2200i vs EB2200i

Since you’re able to get more power, without increasing price, choosing the EU2200i over the EB2000i is an easy decision to make. Realistically, this doesn’t relate to just generators, but every item we buy. Just because there are some fancy buzzwords on other product overviews, don’t let it block your common sense.

Recoil Area

With any machine that utilizes a pull cord to start, you need to pay attention to where it snaps back into. To help prevent any damage, Honda has included a stamped metal recoil rope insert so as to prevent damage to the body of the generator.

When you spend time starting an engine like this, and you finally hear it kick on, you just let go of the cord. As is the nature of a recoiling rope, it will snap back at the generator itself. Just like pressing the button on a tape measure, if it comes back slightly off line, it could bang against the body. Having this insert not only prepares you for this, but reduces the likelihood that any damage occurs, extending the life of this part and the generator itself.

Low Noise Level

Conventional generators are loud. Inverter generators are not. Honda inverter generators are even quieter. The EU2200i will run anywhere between 48 to 57 decibels. To put it bluntly, that’s so quiet you won’t even notice it.

To give a bit of context to these noise levels, a whisper will measure 25dBA and a quiet office is around 50dBA. Going up the scale, 60dBA is a normal conversation (already louder than your generator) and a noisy restaurant measures 80dBA. Compared to prior generation and generators with other technology, your ears will be happy with this purchase.

What we didn’t like

Recalled twice

Just what everyone wants to hear after spending more than a thousand dollars on a generator—recall.

The first recall came in March, 2019. 200,000 units were recalled due to an issue regarding the fuel valve. Gas was leaking from the valve, opening the door to fire and burn hazards. Thankfully, when you buy Honda, you’re also buying their service. The affected generators were able to be repaired—not replaced.

The second recall came a year later, in March, 2020. This time, more than 300,000 units were recalled. In this case, there were reports of short circuiting due to the presence of salt water. When exposed to salt water, the generator could catch fire or burn someone who touches it.

Not a big deal for those away from the ocean, but considering the amount of people who camp with a generator in proximity to this type of water body, it was concerning nonetheless. Again, Honda stood by their products and was able to remedy the situation via repair.

Based on the fact that this product remains on the market, and those recalled had an avenue for repair leaves us confident in the long-term viability of the EU2200i.

Regular attention required

Before we start, this is not a problem that is exclusive to the Honda 2000 EU2200i generator. This is a problem that plagues all generators—inverter, conventional, all generators.

In order to keep a generator in peak condition, you need to regularly run the machine. If it sits for too long, oil and gasoline could build up in areas where it is not supposed to. You’re going to want to make sure you keep all lines flushed and anything inside fresh. The easiest ways to do this are to run your generator until it’s empty, as well as making sure it runs every few weeks.

By keeping all systems fully operational, you ensure that when the time comes, your generator will be ready to go.

Honda EU2200i Generator Maintenance by Honda via YouTube

Is this the generator for you?

Switching to inverter

If you’ve had a generator, but never an inverter generator, you want to go with an established brand. Honda is a brand that is true and tested.

They have introduced several generations of inverter generators across different models, in the process finding their rhythm and perfecting the design. As we’ve seen with the recalls of this model, they also stand behind their products and can rectify any errors that they have made.

If you’ve had conventional generators all your life, and want to see what the inverter fuss is all about, the Honda EU2200i provides a great fit.

Need more power than smaller generators

Honda makes smaller generators and bigger generators than the EU2200i. Taking care of adding power is easy due to paralleling, but sometimes the baseline is too low. For a personal home with common appliances, you’re going to want something powerful enough to power your own stuff, but not too much that you are wasting fuel and resources.

If you know that you will need more power than offered by a 1000-watt generator, you need to size up. The EU2200i is the perfect mid-size generator for people who tailgate, camp or live in an area where power regularly goes out.

If you were to go any higher, you would be putting yourself into the industrial level. At that point, the price would be significantly higher and you would have more power than necessary on your hands.

Eco-friendly

Now more than ever, people want an eco-friendly option. The Honda EU2200i provides that. In general, inverter generators are friendlier for the environment than conventional generators. This is due to lower gas consumption and more efficient output.

Where the Honda 2000 generator (EU2200i) gets a leg up on the competition is its eco-throttle. In order to get to that 8-hour single-tank capacity, they need to conserve energy in some ways. By cutting consumption where it can, the rich get richer and despite your gasoline consumption, you are doing it in the most earth-friendly way.

Honda 2000 EU2200i Generator Unpacking and Setup by Honda via YouTube

Honda EU2200i Generator Questions Answered

If you are looking for a generator for your home or RV, Honda is one of the best brands you can get your hands on. Extremely efficient and quiet, the Honda EU2200i is a 2200-watt generator that gives a lot of value. Here are some of the most frequently asked question about the EU2200i to consider before your purchase:

What will a Honda EU2200i 2200-watt generator run?

The Honda EU2200i provides 2,200 watts of power. If you have a single 2200i, you can run:

• A refrigerator or a freezer
• Computer, Router, Printer
• Fans and Lights
• Microwave
• Window Air conditioner
• Small RV air conditioner
• Phone chargers

These will not be able to run at the same time, but you can pick and choose what you need.

How much does a Honda generator 2200 cost?

If you are looking for a new Honda EU200i generator, they are going to run you approximately $1,050 to $1,200 brand new. The price will depend on availability and goes up and down depending on the season.

How many hours will a Honda EU2000i last?

Depending on how much load you are using, the Honda EU2000i will last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours.

Can a Honda EU2200 run a refrigerator?

The Honda EU2200 can handle a refrigerator but may not be able to turn much else on at the same time. A refrigerator takes more watts to get started than it does to idle, so if a refrigerator is all you are starting up, you should have no problem with the EU2200.

What is the difference between Honda EU2200i and EB2200i?

The main difference between the EU2200i and the EB2200i is that one is designed for consumer use and the other is more industrial. The EU is a consumer-grade product that is extremely quiet while the EB2200i is part of their industrial line. The specs on the products are virtually identical.

How long will a Honda EU2200i run?

The run time of a Honda EU2200i depends on the amount of load you are using. If you are only running at 25% capacity (such as one small appliance, charging phones, or running a light), you can expect 8 or 9 hours. Running at full capacity will last about 3 hours from a full tank.

How many amps does a Honda 2000-watt generator produce?

A Honda 2000-watt generator will product 16.667 amps. If you have a new 2200i inverter model, it is able to deliver 18.33 amps.

Honda 1000 EU1000i Portable Inverter Generator Review

What we liked

Noise level

The Honda EU1000i portable inverter generator is quiet. With older and more traditional generators, this was not usually the case. In many instances, the noise emitted by the generator would drown out everything around you.

For example, if you were using your generator to power a radio for a nice, family sing-a-long, the radio would have to be on full blast. With this generator, you can keep it to a dull roar, with only your singing being the thing that drives your neighbors crazy—not just the generator. If you have a traditional generator, your best bet would be turning it off and going acoustic for the singing with the family around the campfire. Hey—for some people, that’s the ideal situation.

As an added plus, your quality of sleep will increase. Try sleeping with a 20-year old generator running and then try sleeping with a modern inverter generator running. The results will speak for themselves.

Low noise level and protection

All too frequently we’ve seen horror stories of generators being stolen. Whether you’re using it to supply your home with the bare amount of power needed to survive after a storm wipes out your electricity, or you’ve just brought it camping with you—your generator should be there the next morning.

As much as we’d like to live in a society without crime, there will always be people who see (or hear) an expensive appliance running and think of it as a quick payday. The low noise levels emitted by the Honda EU1000i acts as a protection plan of sorts. Without the excessive noise levels we associate with traditional generators, you will be able to run the generator without being detected by anyone passing by.

Power up

When you buy a generator, or any appliance for that matter, you usually have an idea of how you will use it. In many cases, plans change. Rather than to send you shopping again, Honda has made it easy to boost the power level of the generator you’ve already purchased.

This isn’t like a computer that you can boost memory or install additional hardware, but refers to the fact that two Honda generators can work together to supply more power wherever, or whenever, you might need it. This process is called “paralleling”.

User friendly – no experience necessary

Even without having used a generator before, you will have no problem operating the Honda EU1000i. Besides Honda’s concerted effort to include manuals that hold your hand as you walk step by step through running it, everything is labeled.

The feature that helps this all come together, the labels, will help you put into action the plans carried out by the instruction manual. Even on/off are labeled—there is no guesswork involved. With clear labels, you will never have to worry about making a misstep when operating a powerful machine.

What we didn’t like

Upkeep & Maintenance

Like all generators (or machine with an engine), the Honda EU1000i requires regular maintenance and upkeep. Despite the fact there is nothing you can do to avoid this, it is worth noting.  Without proper care, this generator will not last very long.

Whether is it maintenance due to frequent use, or upkeep from begin used so infrequently, plan to spend some time maintaining the condition of your Honda inverter generator. Should you be unable to do this on your own, you will also need to set aside some funds to pay someone for this service.

In a perfect world, your machinery would be able to clean and maintain itself. The truth is, while modern mechanics have surpassed many of our greatest expectations, we still have a long way to go. If you are not willing to put in the necessary hours and dollars to service your generator, you’re better off not buying one in the first place.

Fuel tank

You should never travel with a generator that is already fueled up. Once you get to where you’re going though, most people only want to fill it once. In an effort to reduce size and conserve weight, Honda utilizes a .6-gallon tank. On the bright side, this small tank can last up to 7 hours.

Unfortunately, most camping trips and severe power outages last longer than this. To keep your generator running and your appliances powered, you will have to keep a gas reserve nearby.

While some people are comfortable using extended gas tank setups, it could lead to danger. If this system is not set up properly, it could lead to leaking gasoline or damage to the machine.

Additionally, it means you will be leaving several gallons of gas unattended, and the smaller tank usually gives you an excuse to makes sure everything is running smoothly.

Is this the generator for you?

Pulling the trigger and buying a generator is a big decision. They are expensive and serve a very specific role. When you pick the right model, however, the quality of your life can greatly improve. Whether it’s for recreation or emergency use, you want a generator that you can rely on when the time comes.

Honda EU1000i users will agree with us that the best use for this generator is personal use. Due to power restrictions, the generator is not capable of handling heavy industrial use. Additionally, it is not powerful enough to be relied on for heavy personal appliances. Basically, if you want to run full-size refrigerators, ovens and things of that nature simultaneously, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Due to how easily this generator is operated, it is the perfect introductory model. Rather than relying on your own mechanical prowess, Honda takes all guessing out of the equation. If you’re someone who wants to have a machine like this, but has only a small amount of experience operating them, Honda is the brand for you.

Honda knows their customers, and knows that needs evolve over time. Thankfully, you can purchase an additional generator at a later date that can be used to supplement power.

This helps you get into the world over generators, without overspending or buying a model that is far too powerful for what you need. Since you can upgrade power later on, the Honda EU1000i makes a ton of sense for people who know they need a generator, but are not sure what kind is best for them.

Terms you need to know

Inverter generator (vs. traditional generators)

Inverter generators differ from traditional generators in three main areas: current, power and portability.

Inverter generators produce AC currents, convert it to DC and then back to AC before emitting it and passing it along into your appliances. On the contrary, traditional generators only produce AC currents.

On average, inverter generators are less powerful than conventional generators. They have smaller engines and fuel tanks, but are more efficient. Additionally, inverter generators tend to be lighter as a result. What they lack in power, they certainly make up for with stability. Not a bad trade off when looking at this big picture.

Continuing on with weight, smaller engines and fuel tanks make inverter generators lighter. While some of each kind might billed as “portable”, the Honda EU1000i weighs under 30 lbs. For traditional generators, it is not out of the ordinary for a portable unit to be double that weight.

Paralleled

We talk a little about this in the “What we like” section, but figured we’d provide a little more context here. “Paralleled” is when you take two generators and connect them to work together. Once connected, you will be able to run the generators together as one at their cumulative levels of power.

For example if you use two 1000-watt generators together, you will have 2000 watts of power at your disposal. This means you can run appliances and other things that require more power than supplied by a single unit. Alternatively, you can run more smaller appliances and machines off of the two generators.

Specifications

• Engine—Honda GXH50
• Displacement—49.4 cc
• AC Output—120V 1000W max. (8.3A) 900W rated (7.5A)
• Receptacles—15A 125V Duplex
• DC Output—12V, 96W (8A)
• Starting System—Recoil
• Fuel Tank Capacity—0.6 gal.
• Run Time per Tankful—3.2 hours @ rated load, 7.1 hours @ 1/4 load
• Dimensions (L x W x H)—17.7″ x 9.4″ x 15.0″
• Noise Level—50 dB(A) @ rated load 42 dB(A) @ 1/4 load
• Dry Weight—28.7 lb.

Storage