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Description
Zoom on the ECHO EGi-1200
In a nutshell, the ECHO EGi-1200 is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The ECHO EGi-1200
The ECHO EGi-1200's engine, 60 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 1,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 1,200W. In addition, the device is parallel capable (parallel kit not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
At a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator is started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
With a fuel capacity of 0.69 gallon, the EGi-1200 may run for around 5.2 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.13 GPH).
The EGi-1200 produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 2 AC outlets:
It also sports 3 DC outlets: there's a 12V 5A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease and two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
Portability
Since the ECHO EGi-1200 is an inverter generator, its closed design (L16 x W11 x H16 in) has an esthetical advantage over conventional, open frame devices. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The EGi-1200 is a lightweight, portable generator, as it only weighs 30 lbs. The generator can be moved with ease by only one person and so it can be enjoyed on-the-go. In addition, a handle (molded in the case) lets you carry it easily and further increases its convenience.
Good to know: This unit ranks 8th in our list of the 10 smallest portable generators.
Features
The EGi-1200's control panel
The device’s light indicators will display if the generator is on overload, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the ECHO EGi-1200 is packaged with the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helping you start the device right away.
Emissions
The ECHO EGi-1200 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
The ECHO EGi-1200 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the ECHO EGi-1200 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1000 and 2000 W).
- As for its weight, the ECHO EGi-1200 weighs only 30 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 1000-2000 rated wattage category. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, with a dry weight of only 24 lbs.
- As this inverter generator has its lowest possible noise of 64 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU2200i with only 48 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 5.2 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the EGi-1200 falls into the low end in comparison with other inverters of a comparable power output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse iGen2200, as it provides around 10 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This inverter generator can be considered as fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.09 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 1000-2000W inverter generators, the ECHO EGi-1200 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (30 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- No data center
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (64 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 60 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,000 W |
| Starting watts | 1,200 W |
| Running amps | 8.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 10 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 5.2 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 5A receptacle 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 0.69 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 30 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 16 x 11 x 16 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| UPC | 743184017555 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About ECHO
ECHO Incorporated was founded in 1972 in Northbrook, IL as the Kioritz Corporation of America. In 1978, the name was changed to its current form. While it is the largest subsidiary of the Yamabiko Corporation of Japan, its US headquarters is located in Lake Zurich, IL, near Chicago. ECHO manufactures most of its products in the US, with parts from both domestic and foreign suppliers. Its wide range of outdoor power products includes portable generators, pressure washers, trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws. The company prides itself on a pro-environmental approach including the three segments of technology, conservation, and sustainability.
Warranty Information
The ECHO EGi-1200 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of ECHO generators, please consult ECHO's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-432-ECHO (3246).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Total | 192 W | 1192 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 730 W | 1180 W | |
| For work | Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 |
| Total | 730 W | 960 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Good for keeping fridge running.
Also my deep freeze.