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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.

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Honda EG2800iHonda EG2800iHonda EG2800iHonda EG2800i

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

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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 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 looking for even more independence

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 in use

The Honda EG2800i

The Honda EG2800i houses a 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 2,500W along with a peak wattage of 2,800W.

The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional 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.

As the EG2800i produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:

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

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

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 featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

The 67.5 lbs of the EG2800i's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grab the frame in order to change its location.

The official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) can be bought separately, if you need additional help in transporting the EG2800i.

Features

Panel of the Honda EG2800i

The EG2800i's control panel

The device’s light indicators will display if the generator is ready, the generator is on overload and the oil level is too low.

The inverter generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), 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 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.

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, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.

The unit also meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.

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).

  • As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Honda EG2800i weighs just 67.5 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 2000 to 3000 rated wattage inverter generators. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN 56360i with only 46.3 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 noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU3000iS with only 50 dBA.
  • As the EG2800i offers up to 11.9 hours run time on a full tank at a 25% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Honda EU3000iS, reaching up to 20 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 average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Cummins Onan P2500i, with a fuel consumption of 0.1 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2000-3000W inverter 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Inverter
  • CO Minder
  • Lightweight (67.5 lbs)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports
  • On the noisy side (62 dBA)

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 G300-2018
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedNo
SeriesEconomy
Other model numbersEG2800iAN, EG2800iAG
UPC786102007399

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.

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 generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeMicrowave (1000 watts)15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Radio100100
Total1792 W2792 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Total1990 W2580 W
For workGrinder14002500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
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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