This is our exclusive Honda EU1000i review.
I have researched user reviews and recalls to find out that Honda generators have served them well.
I have personally loved the reliability and durability of Honda generators. Their noise level is lowest compared to other brand generators in the same power range.
I have reviewed Honda EU1000i portable inverter generator to help you decide whether this is the best choice for you.
Honda EU1000i is a super quiet inverter generator with excellent durability. It might be on the lower scale of the power level but it is still capable of running a wide variety of appliances.
Unlike any conventional generator, this Honda generator generates clean power. It has good fuel efficiency and safety features such as CO Minder.
A lower noise level makes it ideal for your camping trips. It can also power your essentials, travel trailers, etc.
It does not have an electric starter or dual fuel feature. This lightweight inverter generator weighs just 28.7 lbs.
To find out answers to your question such as
What Will a Honda EU1000i Power?
Is Honda EU1000i a Better Option?
What is the Honda EU1000i fuel capacity?
Did I Find Anything Bad About the Honda EU10001?
I have reviewed key features and must-haves for Honda EU1000i. I have also added a few alternatives and our verdict at the end of this Honda EU1000i generator review.
Keep reading…
Honda EU1000i Generator Overview
Since 1953, Honda Power Equipment has catered to millions of customers worldwide. Their power products are fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, durable, and have low emissions.
Honda EU1000i is a portable inverter generator featuring a 49.4cc 4-stroke Honda GXH50 engine.
This Honda generator uses inverter technology and produces clean power (stable power). Clean power is ideal for sensitive equipment.
This generator is not that powerful to run all your home appliances or heavy amperage tools together.
But, Honda EU1000i can power a wide variety of small appliances. You can power TV, fans, coffee maker, and other small power tools with this 1000-watt generator.
Let’s check out Honda EU1000i specs.
Power Output and Tank Size
When I was looking for a portable generator, I had a rough idea of power requirements. This was a mistake as there is a wide selection of power ratings available for portable generators.
You won’t like ending up with a portable generator with less power or one with too much power.
So, calculate the correct power needed before you jump in to find the best portable generator for yourself.
Honda EU1000i generates 1000 watts of surge power and then 900 watts of running wattage on gasoline.
A bigger tank means more runtime hours in a single tank of fuel. But, it has no effect on the fuel economy of the generator.
A bigger tank comes with extra weight and size which decreases the overall portability of the generator. So, tank size should be optimum.
Honda EU1000i comes with a fuel tank capacity of 0.55 gallons of gasoline.
Efficiency and Fuel Type
The efficiency of a portable generator is directly proportional to power output, and runtime hours. It is inversely proportional to fuel consumption.
A portable generator with better efficiency has a longer lifespan and saves you bucks in the long run.
The Honda EU1000i generator features an exclusive eco-throttle system. This eco-throttle feature allows the engine to regulate engine speed based on the applied load.
This reduces fuel consumption by saving fuel that could have been burnt unnecessarily. This increases the overall efficiency of this Honda EU1000i generator.
The Honda EU1000i inverter generator runs up to 6.8 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of gas. When operating at rated load i.e. 900 watts, it can run for 3 hours.
The alternate fuel type option comes with portable inverter generators with dual-fuel technology. They use propane and gasoline as fuel.
Propane is cheaper and burns cleaner. Extra fuel option comes in handy when either of the fuel option supply gets disrupted.
Honda EU1000i is a gas-powered portable generator and does not support propane as a fuel. Honda Power Equipment does not have a lot of dual-fuel portable generators.
Safety Features
We often ignore the importance of safety measures when operating a portable generator. Along with electrical power, all portable generators produce harmful gases and particles.
When we try to use a generator at a place with a low supply of fresh air, CO (Carbon Monoxide) gets produced by the combustion.
CO is a deadly gas and is also known as a Silent Killer 🔪. CO got this name because of its ability to bond with the hemoglobin and block oxygen supply to the body 🤤.
EPA and CARB regulate emission guidelines for portable generators. These guidelines ensure environmental protection and user safety.
EPA is Environmental Protection Agency and CARB is California Air Resource Board. A portable generator has to be EPA and CARB-compliant to sell in all 50 states.
Honda EU1000i is an EPA and CARB-compliant generator. It also features Honda’s exclusive CO Minder technology.
CO Minder is an advanced Carbon Monoxide detection system. It detects high levels of Carbon Monoxide and shuts down the engine.
This Honda 1000-watt generator features a USDA-qualified spark arrestor/muffler. It ensures added safety when operating the generator in a park or a forest area.
Noise Level
All portable generators produce some operation noise while running. An absolutely quiet generator remains a fantasy.
You have to choose the one that has a lower noise level. A loud generator is invasive and can steal your peace of mind.
During a power outage, most people use a portable generator. You wouldn’t love to have the loudest of them all.
Honda EU1000i is a quiet generator and produces just 42 DB of the noise level. This noise level is much lower compared to a normal conversation.
Low noise level makes this generator ideal for camping, supplemental RV power, and any other recreational activity.
Additional Features
There are additional features that add to the user’s convenience and generator performance.
Parallel Compatibility
Honda EU1000i has the parallel capability. You can connect two Honda EU1000i or any identical model using parallel cords.
Using two generators in parallel, you will get the power of two generators combined. This feature comes in handy in cases where you need extra power for a short time.
Control Panel
Honda EU1000i’s power panel features a CO Minder panel, Eco-Throttle switch, Power outlet, and LED indicators.
LED indicators show updates for output, overload, and oil level. These help in monitoring and scheduling maintenance for the generator.
It also has a parallel port and a 15A 125V Duplex outlet.
Advanced Inverter Technology
Honda EU1000i uses advanced inverter technology to generate clean power or stable power. Clean power has low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).
Low THD means fewer voltage spikes. This power is safe for sensitive electronics such as computers, laptops, etc.
Durability & Portability
Durability is the ability of a portable generator to work and perform under extreme conditions. It includes physical build and engine lifespan.
Honda EU1000i comes with features that add to the durability of a portable generator by protecting it.
Automatic low oil level shutdown or oil alert detects low oil level and shuts down the engine. This protects the engine from incurring any damage from running on low oil levels.
Honda EU1000i is circuit protected. It comes with a circuit breaker that protects the engine from overload. Overload is one of the major causes of damage in portable generators.
This generator is super light and compact in size. It has a briefcase design with built-in handles for easy relocation.
Product Weight: 28.7 lbs
Product Dimensions: 17.8” x 9.5” x 14.9” (L X W X H)
Honda Power Equipment covers this generator from top to bottom with a 2-year residential warranty. They offer a 1-year commercial warranty.
Alternatives
Your use case and power requirement can be completely different as compared to mine or anyone else.
I have included a few alternatives with different features and power ratings for you to look for.
If you need even more power, you might want to check our roundup review of the best 2000-watt portable generator.
Westinghouse IGen1200- Efficient and Powerful
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment has been around for more than a century. They have a wide variety of power tools in their product line.
Westinghouse portable generators are reliable and durable. They also come in an affordable price range.
Westinghouse IGen1200 has a bit of extra power as compared to the Honda EU1000i. This generator produces 1200 watts of peak power and 1000 watts of running power on gasoline.
This portable inverter generator has 0.74 gallons of fuel tank capacity. It can run up to 9 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of gasoline.
It has the same 2 years warranty with a nationwide network of service centers. This is a bit heavier than Honda EU1000i.
Product Weight: 33 lbs
Product Dimensions: 18” x 8.5” x 15.5” (L X W X H)
This generator produces a noise level of 52 DB. This noise level is like moderate rainfall.
This generator is cheaper than Honda EU1000i. But, it lacks the CO Minder feature.
Westinghouse IGen1200 can be an excellent solution for anyone looking for a reliable generator at an affordable price.
It will serve well as an additional power source and can run more appliances with an extra power rating.
PowerSmart PS50A 1000 Watts – Cheapest
PowerSmart generators get distributed by Amerisun Inc. Their parts and engine get built in China or any other Asian country.
Their generators are good for the price. PowerSmart PS50A features a 63cc 2-stroke engine.
It produces 1000- watts of surge power and 900 watts rated power on gasoline. It comes with a fuel tank capacity of 1.1 gallons.
This PowerSmart generator runs for 5 hours when operated at half load. This generator uses oil/gas mix fuel so there’s no need for oil changes.
This generator is a bit heavier and bigger for this power output. This has the cheapest price of all the generators on this list.
Product Weight: 38.3 lbs
Product Dimensions: 16” x 16.42” x 14.45” (L X W X H)
This generator might not impress you with fancy features and technologies. But, with its cost, I think it could be a cheap solution for this range of power requirements.
This PowerSmart PS50A can power your camping, and charge your mobiles, and laptops without any concerns.
Powermate PM1200i – Best Warranty
This is a portable inverter generator with 1200 peak power from Powermate. This portable generator features a 54cc OHV Powermate engine.
This generator produces 1200 surge watts and 1000 running watts on gasoline. It comes with a fuel capacity of 0.8 gallons.
It is also equipped with a fuel shutoff feature. This feature allows the engine to cut off fuel while running to remorse any stagnant fuel from the carburetor.
This feature comes in handy when you plan to store this generator for a brief period of time. It also has an RPMPlus feature which is similar to Honda’s Eco-throttle.
This generator can run up to 7 hours at quarter load and 5.5 hours when used at half load.
Product Weight: 33 lbs
Product Dimensions: 19.4” x 11.8” x 16.3” (L X W X H)
This generator is quieter but not like our Honda EU1000i generator. It comes with a 3-year residential warranty.
This can be an affordable and powerful solution compared to the Honda EU100i generator.
But, if you just compare features and performance, Honda EU1000i is the winner here.
Conclusion – Is Honda EU1000i Worth Buying
Honda Power Equipment is one of the most trusted and reliable brands in the power tools market.
They have served more than 100 million customers worldwide. Their products are better at durability, and fuel efficiency, and are super quiet.
Honda EU1000i is an excellent generator with a noise level as low as 42 DB. It is also lightweight and compact.
CO Minder feature gives you added safety. This Honda generator is EPA and CARB-compliant.
The low noise and exclusive features of this generator make it ideal for camping. It can also power essentials during a power outage or any other emergency.
Honda EU1000i is also an excellent choice as additional power for your travel trailer.
This Honda 1000-watt inverter generator will cost you a bit extra as compared to others on the list. But, with all the features and reliability it is worth every buck.
At this point in our review, I usually suggest possible use cases and alternatives. But, for Honda EU1000i I won’t. As this is the best option for you.
When things go south with the portable generators of another brand, I have seen people giving a thought that
“I should have gone for the Honda one”
I have experienced that a few generators get delivered a bit late. So, if you plan to use it on a coming date, then do check the delivery date once.
