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

Description

Zoom on the Honda EG2800i

In a few words, the Honda EG2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator perfectly suited for:

  • Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • 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 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 in use

The Honda EG2800i

Honda EG2800i runs on gasoline, powered by a 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 2,500W alongside a starting wattage of 2,800W.

With a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by a simple traditional pull-start 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).

Thanks to its low <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the EG2800i produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

This Honda generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready.

Portability

With dimensions of L16.9 x W17.6 x H18.9 in, the traditional open frame design of the Honda EG2800i ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

With a dry weight of 67.5 lbs, the EG2800i is convenient, ensuring it can be taken wherever power is needed. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.

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

The generator's light indicators provide visual feedback when the generator is on overload, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready.

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.

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.

Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Honda EG2800i's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which will help you start your generator promptly. 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 a weight of 67.5 pounds, the Honda EG2800i places in the expected weight range of the inverter generators in the 2000-3000 rated wattage range. if you wish to prioritize weight, the WEN 56280iX is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 41.9 pounds.
  • When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this inverter generator and its lowest emitted noise of 62 dBA is on the noisier side. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Honda EU3000iS appealing. It's rated at 50 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
  • The EG2800i, falls within the average autonomy range compared to inverter generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 11.9 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Honda EU3000iS, which is able to run for up to 20 hours.
  • Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this inverter generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.18 GPH at a 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen2800 is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.08 gallons per hour.

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 generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
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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