WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY HOME DEPOT ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Honda EB2800i - 2500/2800W Open Frame Inverter Generator

The Honda EB2800i is a compact and lightweight open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,500 W and a starting wattage of 2,800 W. (Read full specs)

Compare ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 33
Honda EB2800i
⚠️

Get this unit while retailer inventory lasts, as Honda no longer produces this model.

Price history for the Honda EB2800i

Lowest price $1,235
Highest price $1,235
Current price $1,235
Add Generator Bible as a preferred source on Google

Description

Zoom on the Honda EB2800i

In a nutshell, the Honda EB2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.

Power & Run Time

The Honda EB2800i in use

The Honda EB2800i

Honda EB2800i is equipped with a 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120V, boasting a running wattage of 2,500W alongside a starting wattage of 2,800W.

With a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator features a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 2.1 gallons, the EB2800i can operate for up to 11.9 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).

Thanks to its low <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the EB2800i produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI

Portability

At L16.9 x W17.6 x H18.9 in, the standard open frame design of the Honda EB2800i delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Weighing 67.7 lbs, the EB2800i is practical, ensuring it can follow you wherever power is required. Moreover, the open frame design of the generator simplifies grabbing and relocating it.

If you wish to transport the EB2800i more easily, you may also consider purchasing the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).

Features

Panel of the Honda EB2800i

The EB2800i's control panel

When the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), providing peace of mind during operation.

Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the Honda EB2800i's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start it right off the bat. An official storage cover is available, as a separate purchase.

CO Minder

CO Minder of the Honda EB2800i

CO Minder monitors the ambient CO concentration

Honda's CO Minder is a system that monitors the ambient carbon monoxide concentration, and automatically stops the engine if the sensor detects a CO level of or exceeding 800 parts per million (ppm) at a given time, or an average of 400 ppm for 10 minutes.

A CO alarm indicator will flash for about five minutes, during which it will be impossible to restart the engine.

Product Videos

The Honda EB2800i versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EB2800i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2000 and 3000 W).

  • At 67.7 lbs in dry weight, the Honda EB2800i fits well within the typical weight bracket for inverter generators producing 2000 to 3000 rated watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN 56280iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 41.9 pounds.
  • When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest possible noise rating of 62 dBA places it in the louder category. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU3000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 50 dBA.
  • Given that the EB2800i reaches an autonomy of up to 11.9 hours with a full tank and at 25% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Honda EU3000iS, boasting with up to 20 hours.
  • Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this inverter generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.18 GPH at a 25% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen2800c, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.08 GPH, could be an option to consider.

Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2000-3000W inverter generators, the Honda EB2800i 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Inverter
  • CO Minder
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (67.7 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports
  • On the noisy side (62 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Honda EB2800i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts2,500 W
Starting watts2,800 W
Running amps20.8 amps
Peak amps23.3 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load11.9 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
DC outletsNo
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank2.1 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight67.7 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)16.9 x 17.6 x 18.9 in
Noise (lower limit)62 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedNo
SeriesIndustrial
Other model numbersEB2800iAN, EB2800iAG
UPC786102007351

We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.

Spec Improvement×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

About Honda

Founded in 1948, the Japanese Honda Motor Company has gained notoriety for consistently producing top quality engines, motor-powered vehicles and devices. Over the years, the company has gained a strong reputation in the motorcycle, automobile, but also power tool industry. Honda’s power tool division has been producing power tools since 1953, including tillers, mowers, blowers, sprayers and of course, power generators. While the company has expanded globally and moved a majority of its production out of Japan into other Asian countries, Honda is to this day known as a legend among the generator manufacturers.

Warranty Information

The Honda EB2800i 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 Honda generators, please consult Honda's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-770-497-6400.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Electric fry pan 1500 1500
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
Radio 100 100
Total 1792 W 2792 W
For camping RV AC (11,000 BTU) 1010 1600
RV refrigerator 180 600
Toaster oven 800 800
Total 1990 W 2580 W
For work Grinder 1400 2500
Electric fence (25 miles) 250 250
Total 1650 W 2750 W
What is the difference between the EB2800i, the EB2800iAN and the EB2800iAG?

The final "G" in "EB2800iAG" indicates that the unit is CARB-compliant. The final "N" in "EB2800iAN" indicates that the unit cannot be sold in California. Regarding the rest of the model names, as a rule of thumb, they refer to the unit itself, but simply include more or less information regarding its specs, production batch, etc. Read how Honda name their generators.

What is the hour life expectancy (Asked August 15, 2023)

The life expectancy of any generator depends on the care it receives, conditions under which it operates, and adherence to maintenance schedules.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

Ask a question

Your name and email address will not be publicly published. We only need them to be able to answer you directly

Leave a review

Your total score

0/5
Uploading photos, please wait...
Allowed file formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .webp - Max file size: 3mb

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0