Honda EU2000i vs. Yamaha EF2000iS

There is fierce debate amongst tailgaters, campers, boaters and other recreational enthusiasts over who is king of the 2000 watt inverter generator, the Honda EU2000i or Yamaha EF2000is.  While either will get you one of the best rated portable generators on the market, there are some subtle differences that may sway your decision.

Honda EU2000i

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the features found on the Honda EU2000i and the Yamaha EF2000is inverter generators.  They both have the capability to run up to 1600 watts continuously, but are rated up to 2000 surge watts to start certain appliances.  Both have low oil alerts, 3 year warranties, and idle controls to reduce fuel consumption based on the load being powered.  They both produce very clean power that can safely run sensitive electronics, and both are capable of parallel operation to increase available wattage.

Some of the specs between the models will differ slightly.  The Yamaha model claims a slightly lower decibel rating ranges (51.5-61) versus the Honda unit (53-59).  In addition to noise dampening systems, the engine on the Yamaha is slightly smaller than the Honda, which probably lends to the quieter running noise.  Differences in engine age & running environment will impact this rating over time, but the difference is nearly negligible, both run at about the sound of a normal conversation.  Either way, this is a much reduced sound level over a conventional generator, which average somewhere around 90 decibels, about equivalent to the noise produced by a lawn mower.

Yamaha EF2000iS

So, how are they different?  Feature-wise, the Yamaha EF2000is includes a fuel gauge and battery charging cables that the Honda does not.  While the fuel gauge may seem like a small deal, it comes in very handy when you’re trying to avoid overfilling the gas tank.  Yamaha also has an “extended” engine life rating at 500 hours vs Honda's 250 hour rating.  This means that you won't see internal engine components wear as soon.  Yamaha also has a slightly large fuel tank and gets nearly an hour longer run time on a 1/4 load.  See the graphic below for a full comparison of generator specifications.

While they have their differences, they really have a lot in common.  Customer ratings put them neck & neck, the Honda EU2000i receiving the slight edge with an “A+” rating over the Yamaha EF2000iS “A” rating.  Electric Generators Direct recommends both units for inverter generators in the 2000 watt range, but gave Honda the “better” designation through customer feedback and expert ratings.

Honda EU2000i vs Yamaha EF200iS

Winter Storm Preparation

Winter is around the corner, and while the hurricane season is passing by without too many storms, there is still plenty to prepare for.

Early snow falls typically result in very wet & heavy snow, which can be a tremendous burden on whatever it lands on.  Heavy snow means falling limbs and trees, knocked over power lines, and roof & property damage; this doesn’t even include the fun part of clearing all that snow.

Winter Storm Damage

One thing that differentiates early winter storms from storms in January or February is how heavy the snow is.  When the temperatures are warmer, snow will melt a little, adding moisture and weight to the flakes.  Colder temperatures produce dryer snow, making it lighter and easier to move.  This was very apparent during the large winter storm that hit the Northeast around Halloween of 2011, which knocked out power to millions.  Not only was there a run on snow blowers, but people had to find backup power during the long & cold cleanup process.

There are a few things you can to to protect your home from early winter storms.  Inspect trees on your property for any potential hazards, such as drooping, dead, or dying trees and limbs.  Use a chainsaw or pole saw to remove any limbs that may pose a threat to your home, garage, shed, etc.  If there are overhead power lines running near or through your property, contact your local utility provider and let them know about anything that could potentially impact the power lines in the event of a storm.  Do not attempt to cut anything near or touching a power line, leave that up to the professional utility crews.

In the short term, many in the midst of a blackout will turn to portable generators.  Since water and electricity don’t mix, using a portable generator in the middle of a storm is an extremely bad idea.  Wait for the storm to pass, then fire that generator up (don’t run it in your garage!)  Conversely, with some planning, you can get an automatic standby generator for your home.  Standby generators are fully enclosed and can be operated in nearly any weather condition.  They will start up automatically within a few seconds of sensing a power outage and run until the utility power is restored.

Choosing a Portable Generator Style

Choosing a portable generator depends on your application.  There are 3 main styles of portable generators - inverter, professional and emergency.  While they can be used interchangeably, it’s best to stick with the style that matches your needs.

Honda EU2000i

Inverter generators are typically quieter than other styles of portable generators due to a unique alternator that produces clean AC power.  This alternator also reduces the size and weight of the generator, and makes them well-suited for recreational use in camping and tailgating settings.  However, they won’t power much during an outage.  They also run at a higher price tag than portable generators with comparable wattage.  The top seller in this category is the Honda EU2000i.

Generac XG8000E

Professional generators are assembled with commercial quality components and are designed to consistently run throughout the workday.  Due to the nature of their use, professional generators feature GFCI outlets to meet OSHA standards, hour meters, and lifting eyes.  These features are not typically found on emergency generators and raise the price tag.  The top seller in this category is the Generac XG8000E.

Generac GP7500E

Emergency or backup generators are designed to be used occasionally during power outages.   They will not hold up to everyday use, but are affordable and durable if used a couple times a year in the event of a blackout.  These generators range from 3000 to 17,500 watts and the price starts at about $300, the most affordable of these three styles.  At the low end of wattage, you’ll be able to power a few household appliances, like a refrigerator or sump pump, as well as keep on a few lights or a TV.  At the high end, you can achieve coverage on most if not all of your home, and the largest ones can even turn over a central A/C unit.  The best seller in this category is the Generac GP7500E.

Can I Run My Portable Generator in the Rain?

Portable generators can be used for a number of reasons. You may use one for a tailgate party, or perhaps to run tools on a job site. But the most common reason people power up their portable generator is to soften the blow of a power outage.

Power outages often happen due to storms, whether it be a winter storm, a thunderstorm, a tornado, or a hurricane. One thing these storms tend to have in common is precipitation. Snow and rain may pose a challenge when you're trying to power your home with a generator, but it doesn't mean you can't do it.

Something worth noting is that the power a portable generator creates can be dangerous if you're not careful. Operating your generator in the rain may increase your likelihood of electrocution, and you probably don't want your generator getting stormed on anyways.

While portable generators are usually designed to withstand the beatings of a strong storm, it's always in your better interest to shield it from the elements. One thing you definitely do not want to do is run your generator in your garage, shed, or home. Doing so is deadly, even with the garage door open for ventilation. The CO fumes will build up and seep into your home. Always, always, always run your generator outdoors more than 15 feet from any windows or doors.

"So how can I shelter my generator if I have to keep it 15 feet from my house?"

There's an innovative product on the market called a GenTent that will actually attach to the frame of your generator. They shelter the electrical components and gas tank, but have easy access that will allow you to operate and refuel your generator without compromising the unit or your safety.

This is the best way to protect your generator and yourself without compromising your family's safety.

GenTents are a must-have for storm-related power outages. Plus, they keep your generator clean while it's in storage. The best part is that unlike a makeshift shelter, this one moves with the generator. Since it's attached and doesn't touch the ground, you can move the generator without restriction and without having to remove the GenTent.

What's the Best Recreational Camping Generator?

A lot of people want to know which recreational camping generator is "the best."

While they all have their own benefits, I can think of one that is an all-around great recreational generator.

If you ask most camping fanatics, you'll often be told that Honda is the best. There is a reason for that. Honda utilizes innovative technology in their inverter generators to significantly reduce noise, cut down on weight, and enhance fuel efficiency.

One of the best Honda models for camping is the Honda EU2000i. It has an Eco Throttle system, enabling the engine to only run as fast as needed for the given load.

The fuel tank holds 1.1 gallons of fuel, and will run for 9.6 hours when using Eco Throttle, so you can clearly tell how fuel efficient it is.

There is also a lot to be said about Yamaha generators, and they can arguably be better, but the Honda EU2000i has been consistently popular among camping enthusiasts.

Connecting Two Parallel Portable Generators

Sometimes you need a lot of power, like when you have to power an air conditioner. However, portable generators that are strong enough to run an A/C unit also tend to be large enough to require multiple people to move them.

Imagine if you could separate your portable generator in half and move half at a time. With tandem generators, you're able to do that. 

Tandem generators are smaller generators that connect together to generate the power of a much larger generator that you may not be able to move.

If you currently have an inverter generator, you can get yourself another compatible portable generator and tether it to the existing one with a set of parallel cables to effectively double the power.

If you don't already have an inverter generator, you can get companion kits that feature two portable inverter generators and the necessary parallel cables for connecting them together.

This kind of a setup is great for RV trips, camping trips, tailgating, and any other situation where you'll have to move your generator by hand to power a large appliance or multiple appliances.

To help you understand the importance of decibels, and to explain why some manufacturers don’t measure them for their generators, we put together a chart and an article that are easy to follow.

For more information about decibels and how they relate to generator noise levels, visit our article: Not Measured by MFG – Why Some Generators Don’t List Decibel Ratings.