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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 summary, the Honda EG2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator especially useful for:

  • Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
  • 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

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'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.

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

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

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:

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

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 design of the Honda EG2800i is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L16.9 x W17.6 x H18.9 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it 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. Furthermore, the open frame of the generator further helps when holding and moving it to a different place.

If you wish to transport the EG2800i more easily, you may also consider purchasing the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).

Features

Panel of the Honda EG2800i

The EG2800i's control panel

Some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.

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

Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

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 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 and therefore, can be used 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).

  • In terms of its dry weight, the Honda EG2800i stands at only 67.5 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter inverters of the 2000-3000 rated wattage category In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN 56360i, standing at just 46.3 lbs.
  • As this inverter generator has its lowest possible noise of 62 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU3000iS. With just 50 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • 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 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 Honda EU3000iS, with up to 20 hours.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. 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 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.

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
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 G300-2018
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.

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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 homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
AC (10,000 BTU)15002200
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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