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)
Get this unit while retailer inventory lasts, as Honda no longer produces this model.
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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
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:
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
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 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
- In the expected price range
- GFCI Outlets
- Inverter
- CO Minder
- Decent weight (67.7 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- On the noisy side (62 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,500 W |
| Starting watts | 2,800 W |
| Running amps | 20.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 23.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 11.9 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI |
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 2.1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 67.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 16.9 x 17.6 x 18.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 62 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | No |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EB2800iAN, EB2800iAG |
| UPC | 786102007351 |
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.
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?
| 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.



