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Description
Zoom on the Honda EG2800i
In a nutshell, the Honda EG2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EG2800i
The Honda EG2800i is powered by a 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 2500W as well as a peak wattage of 2800W.
At a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator is started via a conventional pull-start mechanism.
The EG2800i can operate for up to 11.9 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 2.1 gallons.
The EG2800i generates a clean sine wave: providing <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 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
The Honda EG2800i has the following dimensions: L16.9 x W17.6 x H18.9 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
With a dry weight of 67.5 lbs, the EG2800i can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.
It is also possible to purchase the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) to help you transport the EG2800i more easily.
Features
The EG2800i's control panel
The light indicators show you if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is overloaded.
The inverter generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
Regarding its accessories, besides the aforementioned features, the Honda EG2800i'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.
While it’s a welcomed additional security feature, remember to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Emissions
The Honda EG2800i 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 and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
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 generators of similar power (between 2000 and 3000 W).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Honda EG2800i stands at only 67.5 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter devices of the 2000-3000 rated wattage category In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Ford FG2300iS, standing at just 46.3 lbs.
- Because this inverter generator emits noise as low as 62 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU3000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 50 dBA.
- Offering up to 11.9 hours of running time on a full tank at 25% load, the EG2800i is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Westinghouse WGen2000, with up to 26 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse iGen2500. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.1 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2000-3000W generators, the Honda EG2800i 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
- Inverter
- CO Minder
- Lightweight (67.5 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (62 dBA)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2500 W |
| Starting watts | 2800 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% |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Series | Economy |
| Other model numbers | EG2800iAN, EG2800iAG |
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 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.
