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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:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- 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
The Honda EG2800i's core is the 186 cc Honda GC190LA 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 2,500W and a peak wattage of 2,800W.
At a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator is started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The fuel capacity of 2.1 gallons allows the EG2800i to operate for up to 11.9 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).
The EG2800i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
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
The dimensions of the Honda EG2800i, which are L16.9 x W17.6 x H18.9 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables 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, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grab the frame in order to change its location.
If you wish to transport the EG2800i more easily, you may also consider purchasing the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).
Features
The EG2800i's control panel
Some light indicators allow you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is on overload.
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 automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
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. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may 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).
- As for its weight, the Honda EG2800i weighs only 67.5 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 2000-3000 rated wattage category. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Westinghouse iGen2500, standing at just 46.3 lbs.
- This inverter generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 62 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. 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 inverter generators. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Honda EU3000iS, boasting with up to 20 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. As this inverter generator uses an estimated 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Cummins Onan P2500i, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.1 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
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 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
- In the expected price range
- Inverter
- CO Minder
- Lightweight (67.5 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- On the noisy side (62 dBA)
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 | 2,500 W |
| Starting watts | 2,800 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% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| 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 |
| UPC | 786102007399 |
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 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| 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.
