This is our comparison of Honda EG2800i vs EU3000is portable inverter generators.
I have compared both Honda generators on various aspects and features to help you decide which one is best for you.
Honda Power Equipment has been around for decades. They have created a name for the most trusted and reliable power products.
Honda EU3000is is the winner of most of our compared aspects. This Honda inverter generator features a powerful commercial engine for better durability.
Honda EU3000is has CO Minder (Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Technology). Its power capacity is more than Honda EG2800i.
This generator produces clean power for computers, laptops, and other sensitive electrical appliances. It has an outstanding fuel efficiency of nearly 20 hours at a quarter load.
Honda EU3000is can run a variety of appliances including home essentials and power tools during any power outage.
But, you might need a portable generator for a completely different purpose.
So,
When to choose the Honda EU3000iS?
Is the Honda EU3000is easy to operate?
How is its Power Output?
Keep reading…
Honda EG2800i vs EU3000is: Comparison
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Honda EU3000is
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Honda EG2800i
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| Power Output |
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| Generator Efficiency |
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| Fuel Types |
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| Tank Capacity |
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| Safety Features |
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| Digital Controls |
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| Power Outlets |
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| Portability |
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| Quiet Operation |
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| Parallel Capability |
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| Electric Starter |
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| Common Features |
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| Durability & Warranty |
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| Price |
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Honda Power Equipment is one of the most trusted portable generator brands. They have a bit expensive but feature-packed and reliable generator models.
Both generator models EG2800i and EU3000is have similar specs and features. So, tough competition is afoot for the best.
But, the portable generator that suits your power requirements and needs is the best option for you.
I have compared both generators based on important aspects and features.
Honda EG2800i vs EU3000is: Power Output and Efficiency
Portable generators come with a wide variety of power output. Without a clear idea of power output, you are going to get lost.
So, calculate the power rating needed for your ideal generator. This will ensure that you won’t end up with a generator too powerful or less powerful than you need.
And, efficiency is the sum-up of power output, runtime hours, and fuel consumption. An efficient generator has more power output, more runtime hours, and less fuel consumption.
Power Output Comparision
Honda EG2800i uses a 186cc 4-stroke Honda GC190LA engine. It produces 2800 starting wattage and 2500 running wattage on gasoline.
You can run a refrigerator, microwave, furnace, dryer, and other household appliances with a Honda EG2800i.
Honda EU3000is comes with a 196cc 4-stroke Honda GX200 quiet engine. This honda generator produces 3000 peak watts and 2800 rated watts on gasoline.
It has plenty of power to run your recreational vehicle’s air conditioning unit, furnace, fridge, and other power tools.
If you need a portable generator with more power, do check our review for the best 3500-watt generator.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Generator Efficiency Comparision
Honda’s exclusive Eco-Throttle (also called Eco-Mode) system ensures maximum fuel efficiency.
This feature allows the engine to adjust power output depending on the load and saves unnecessary usage of fuel.
Honda EG2800i can run for up to 11.9 hours at a quarter load using its 2.1 gallons single tank of fuel. This Honda 2800-watt generator can run for 5.2 hours when used at full load.
Honda EU3000is runs for 19.6 hours at a quarter load on its single tank of gas i.e. 3.4 gallons. At rated load, it can run for 6.9 hours.
As both generators have different fuel tank capacities and power output, you cannot say directly which one is the winner here.
Comparing averages and considering power output, Honda EU3000is has better fuel efficiency.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Honda EG2800i vs EU3000is: Fuel Types and Tank Capacity
A portable generator with a dual fuel feature supports an alternate fuel type. It supports two fuel options i.e. gasoline and propane.
Propane is cheaper and burns cleaner. You can connect the generator to the propane hose directly and enjoy continuous power.
This extra fuel option comes in handy when either of the fuel option supply gets disrupted during a power outage. Gasoline supply can get disrupted during the time of natural disasters.
A bigger tank means more runtime hours but it also increases the overall size and weight of the generator.
So, bigger isn’t always better here. Tank size should be optimum and efficient.
Fuel Types Comparision
Both portable generators are gas-powered and do not support an alternate fuel option.
Winner: Draw
Tank Capacity Comparision
Honda EG2800i comes with a fuel tank of 2.1 gallons of gasoline capacity.
Honda EU3000is has a fuel tank capacity of 3.4 gallons of gas.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Honda EG2800i vs EU3000is: Convenience and Safety Features
There are many features that add to the user’s safety and convenience. These features add to the user’s ease but are not mandatory.
So, select features based on your portable power need.
Safety Features Comparision
All generators produce harmful gases and particles along with power. When the air is scarce, the generator starts producing carbon monoxide (CO) gas instead of carbon dioxide (CO2).
CO gas is deadly and called a silent killer 🔪. It accounts for hundreds of death every year alone.
Both Honda Generators feature Honda’s exclusive CO Minder. CO Minder detects the excess level of CO and shuts down the engine immediately.
All portable generators have to be compliant with EPA and CARB regulations to sell in 50 states.
Both Honda EG2800i and Honda EU3000is are EPA and CARB-compliant generators.
Both generators from Honda Power Equipment come with a USDA-qualified spark arrestor/muffler. This spark plug ensures safety when these generators are being operated in a park or forest area.
Honda EG2800i and Honda EU3000is use advanced inverter technology to produce clean power.
Clean power is essential for sensitive equipment and electronics. It protects your valuable appliances or electronics from damage.
Both generators perform equally well on safety feature aspects.
Winner: Draw
Digital controls Comparision
Both portable inverter generators have LED indicators for power output, overload, and oil alerts.
The overload indicator protects the engine from any possible damage. Overload is one of the major causes of generator damage.
Both generators do not have a digital control center and Volt Meter.
Winner: Draw
Outlets Comparision
A wide selection of power outlets enables maximum support.
The Honda EG2800i comes with a built-in 30A outlet that’s easy to connect with a transfer switch powering your home.
It has a 20A 125V Duplex & 30A 125V Locking Plug. An individual circuit breaker and rubber covers for respective receptacles add to safety.
Honda EU3000is has a 20A 125V Duplex & 30A 125V Locking Plug with individual circuit breakers and rubber covers. Additionally, this 3000-watt Honda generator has parallel connection ports.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Portability Comparision
Without better portability, these generators will be like any conventional generator.
The portability specs for both generators are below.
Honda EG2800i – Honda Power Equipment
Product Weight: 67.5 lbs
Product Dimensions: 16.9” x 17.6” x 18.9” (L X W X H)
Honda EU3000is – Honda Power Equipment
Product Weight: 144 lbs
Product Dimensions: 26” x 22” x 17.6” (L X W X H)
Honda EU3000is is heavier and bigger in size compared to Honda EG2800i.
But, it comes with a wheel kit. These built-in wheels add to the overall portability and make moving this generator easy.
Also, this weight is not too much considering the power output this generator offers. Anyways Honda EG2800i is lightweight and has a compact design.
Winner: Honda EG2800i
Quiet Operation Comparison
Noisy generators can steal your peace of mind. They are not neighbor-friendly and can be invasive.
We have not achieved an absolutely quiet generator yet. So, you got to choose from the options available.
Honda EG2800i portable inverter generator has an operation noise rating of 62 DB at quarter load. This noise level is like a dishwasher running.
Honda EU3000is has an operating noise level of 50 DB at quarter load. This noise level is like a normal conversation or a moderate rainfall.
Clearly, Honda EU3000is wins this comparison as it has more power and a lower noise rating.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Advanced Features Comparison
I have also compared both Honda Generators over the advanced features below.
Parallel Capability
You can connect two Honda EU3000is in parallel using a parallel connection kit. This will give you double power i.e. 6000 surge watts and 5600 running watts.
Honda EG2800i does not support a parallel connection feature.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Electric Starter
Electric start removes any hassle involved in recoil start.
I never like pulling recoil to start the generator. And, with time it gets worse as the number of pulls required keeps increasing.
Honda EG2800i does not have an electric start feature. It depends completely on the recoil start starting.
Honda EU3000is comes with an electric start. It also has a recoil start as a backup for any case of emergencies.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Common Features
Both Honda EG2800i and Honda EU3000is have the following common features. So, this is definitely going to be a draw.
Inverter Technology – Both generators use advanced inverter technology to produce clean & stable power. Clean power is ideal for sensitive equipment.
Low Oil Shutdown – This feature shuts down the engine automatically when the oil level goes below the minimum level.
Eco-Throttle Mode- Honda’s Exclusive Eco-Throttle System decreases engine speed when the load on the inverter generator is less.
Lower engine speed consumes less fuel and saves unnecessary gasoline usage.
Fuel gauge and fuel valve – Both generator comes with a fuel gauge and fuel valve. The fuel gauge shows your oil level so you can plan accordingly.
Winner: Draw
Honda EG2800i vs EU3000is: Other Features
There are features that are essential to an efficient generator. I have done a short and crisp comparison of these features below.
Durability & Warranty Comparison
Durability is the ability of a generator to work under tough conditions. A durable engine has a longer lifespan.
Honda EG2800i has rugged full-frame protection and a commercial engine. It also comes with a 3-year warranty for residential use and a 1-year commercial warranty.
Honda EU3000is also has a rugged build. It comes with a 3-year warranty for both commercial and residential.
Winner: Honda EU3000is
Price Comparison
Honda Power Equipment has expensive product lines compared to other brands. But, the reliability and durability make it worth every buck.
Honda EU3000is is a few hundred bucks expensive as compared to the Honda EG2800i.
Winner: Honda EG2800i
Honda EG2800i vs EU3000is: The Winner
Honda Power Equipment is one of the most trusted and reliable manufacturers of portable generators. Their commercial engines make generators durable and ensure a longer lifespan.
Honda EG2800i and Honda EU3000is portable inverter generators are from Honda Power Equipment. This eliminates most of the competition as they have similar features.
Honda EU3000is portable inverter generator wins this Honda 2800 vs 3000 generator comparison.
Honda EU3000is has more power output and a better warranty. This Honda generator is more fuel-efficient and has a lower noise rating.
The parallel capability enables you to connect two Honda EU3000is generators to get double power. It produces clean power essential for sensitive equipment.
But, it is heavier and larger in size compared to the Honda EG2800i portable generator. It is also more expensive than Honda EG2800i.
Honda EG2800i has similar power output and bit difference in fuel efficiency. And, it is lighter, has a compact design, and is cheaper compared to the Honda EU3000is.
So, if you are not planning on expanding power output and Honda EG2800i can suffice your power requirement. Then, Honda EG2800i can also be an excellent solution for home, work, and play. It can power all your home essentials, campsite, and job site tools.
Both generators are worth every buck and are the best option for you if it serves your purpose well.
So, choosing the one that suits your backup power supply need will be equally good.
Also, I have experienced that a few generators get delivered a bit late. So, if you are planning to use one on a coming date then do check the delivery date once.
