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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)

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Honda EG2800i

Get this unit while stocks last, because Honda discontinued its production.

Description

Zoom on the Honda EG2800i

To sum up, the Honda EG2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator tailored for:

  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
  • Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.

Power & Run Time

The Honda EG2800i in use

The Honda EG2800i

The Honda EG2800i's engine, 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 2,500W and reaches a peak wattage of 2,800W.

With a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by a conventional pull-start mechanism.

With a fuel capacity of 2.1 gallons, the EG2800i can run for up to 11.9 hours when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.18 gallons per hour).

The EG2800i ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel is equipped with the following 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

Even though this Honda generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

With a size of L16.9 x W17.6 x H18.9 in, the Honda EG2800i features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

As the EG2800i's weight is only 67.5 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.

Additionally, you can acquire the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) to simplify the transportation of the EG2800i.

Features

Panel of the Honda EG2800i

The EG2800i's control panel

Light indicators on the device will signal if the generator is ready, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is on overload.

Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.

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.

Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the Honda EG2800i is packaged with the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helping you start the device right away. An official storage cover is available, as a separate purchase.

CO Minder

CO Minder of the Honda EG2800i

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).

  • At 67.5 lbs in dry weight, the Honda EG2800i fits well within the typical weight bracket for inverter generators producing 2000 to 3000 rated watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the WEN 56280iX is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 41.9 pounds.
  • If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest emitted noise of 62 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. 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.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. In fact, this inverter generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 25% load is around 0.18 GPH. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen2800, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.08 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Inverter
  • CO Minder
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (67.5 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 EG2800i 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% load8.7 h
Run time @25% load11.9 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank2.1 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight67.5 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)16.9 x 17.6 x 18.9 in
Noise (lower limit)62 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedNo
SeriesEconomy
Other model numbersEG2800iAN, EG2800iAG
UPC786102007399

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×

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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?
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 wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Radio100100
Total1792 W2792 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Blender400850
Radio100100
Total1980 W2430 W
For workGrinder14002500
Drain cleaner250250
Total1650 W2750 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!

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