Honda EG2800i - 2500/2800W Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Honda EG2800i 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 stocks last, because Honda discontinued its production.
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG2800i
In short, the Honda EG2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EG2800i
The Honda EG2800i's core is the 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 2,500W and a peak wattage of 2,800W.
With a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
Featuring a 2.1 gallons fuel tank, the EG2800i can provide power for up to 11.9 hours on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.18 gallons per hour).
The EG2800i generates a clean sine wave with <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
While this Honda generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
At L16.9 x W17.6 x H18.9 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Honda EG2800i ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
With a dry weight of 67.5 lbs, the EG2800i is manageable, ensuring it can accompany you wherever you need power. Additionally, the open frame design of the generator ensures easy grabbing and shifting for relocation.
Additionally, you can acquire the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) to simplify the transportation of the EG2800i.
Features
The EG2800i's control panel
The device’s light indicators will display if the oil level is too low, the generator is ready and the generator is on overload.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Honda EG2800i also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away. 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 EG2800i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EG2800i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2000 and 3000 W).
- With a dry weight of 67.5 lbs, the Honda EG2800i falls within the expected weight range for inverter generators in the 2000 to 3000 rated wattage. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN 56280iX, with a dry weight of only 41.9 lbs.
- When compared to other units producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator and its lowest emitted noise of 62 dBA stand out for being on the louder side. If you value reduced noise levels, the Honda EU3000iS could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 50 dBA.
- Given that the EG2800i 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 run time is one of your main concerns, the Honda EU3000iS could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 20 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This inverter generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.18 GPH at a 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen2800c is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.08 gallons per hour.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
The bottom line
- Inverter
- CO Minder
- Decent weight (67.5 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- On the noisy side (62 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Honda EG2800i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
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 | 8.7 h |
| Run time @25% load | 11.9 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 2.1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 67.5 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 | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| Series | Economy |
| Other model numbers | EG2800iAN, EG2800iAG |
| UPC | 786102007399 |
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 EG2800i 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 1792 W | 2792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 1980 W | 2430 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 1650 W | 2750 W |
What is the difference between the EG2800i, the EG2800iAN and the EG2800iAG?
The final "G" in "EG2800iAG" indicates that the unit is CARB-compliant. The final "N" in "EG2800iAN" 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.
You state that the generator "is not quite RV ready". What would be necessary to make it ready? (Asked March 22, 2021)
You may read our definition of RV-Ready. But basically, for a unit to be considered "RV-Ready", it needs to feature a TT-30R outlet. For the EG2800i, an L5-30P to TT-30R adapter could do the trick!
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
