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Honda EU3000i Handi (Discontinued)

The Honda EU3000i Handi is a quiet and compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,600 W and a starting wattage of 3,000 W.

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Honda EU3000i HandiHonda EU3000i HandiHonda EU3000i HandiHonda EU3000i Handi

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
If you were looking to purchase it, you may want to have a look at the Honda EU3000iS, which has similar specs.
You can also try to find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.

Description

Zoom on the Honda EU3000i Handi

In a nutshell, the Honda EU3000i Handi is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle

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 EU3000i Handi in use

The Honda EU3000i Handi

The Honda EU3000i Handi's core is the 163 cc Honda GX160 OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 2,600W and a peak wattage of 3,000W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (Honda parallel cables (opens in a new tab) not included), this power can be doubled when linked to another similar or compatible unit.

The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than rainfall). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

The EU3000i Handi can operate for up to 7.7 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.21 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 1.6 gallon.

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the EU3000i Handi produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.

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 Honda EU3000i Handi's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L24.5 x W14.9 x H19.3 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.

The EU3000i Handi's dry weight of 78 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Additionally, it can be easily moved with the help of its set of 2 wheels and its folding handle, once it is on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Honda EU3000i Handi

The EU3000i Handi's control panel

From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Honda EU3000i Handi 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.

Emissions

The Honda EU3000i Handi 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, making it usable in forested areas.

Product Videos

The Honda EU3000i Handi versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EU3000i Handi compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).

  • In terms of its dry weight, the Honda EU3000i Handi stands at only 78 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter inverters of the 2500-3500 rated wattage category If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of just 46 pounds.
  • With a lowest noise rating of 52 dBA, the inverter generator is one of the more quiet of the generators of similar type and power. 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.
  • As far as autonomy is concerned, providing up to 7.7 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 25% load, the EU3000i Handi falls into the low end in comparison with other inverters of a comparable power output. 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 Champion 200914, with up to 22 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. Compared to its peers, this inverter generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.21 GPH at a 25% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Energizer eZV3500P, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Honda EU3000i Handi vs Honda EU3000iS.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (78 lbs)
  • Quiet for its power (52 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Honda EU3000i Handi and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine163 cc Honda GX160 OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts2,600 W
Starting watts3,000 W
Running amps21.7 amps
Peak amps25 amps
Run time @50% load5 h
Run time @25% load7.7 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A
Data centerNo
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank1.6 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight78 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.5 x 14.9 x 19.3 in
Noise (lower limit)52 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedNo
SeriesSuper Quiet
Other model numbersEU3000iH1A
UPC786102003551

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 EU3000i Handi 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 homeElectric fry pan15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Slow cooker270270
Cell phone charger2020
Total1982 W2982 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Bug zapper8080
Total2070 W2660 W
For workGrinder14002500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Bug zapper8080
Total1730 W2830 W
What is the difference between the EU3000i Handi and the EU3000iH1A?

These model numbers refer to the same unit, but simply include more or less information regarding its specs, production batch, etc. Read how Honda name their generators.

will this generator power a 15000 RV ac unit? (Asked March 04, 2021)

The approximate wattage required for starting a 15K BTU RV air conditioner is 3500 watts and the approximate wattage for running it is 1500. If your AC unit matches these wattages, the 3000i Handi will not be able to start it. You should determine the actual running and starting wattages of your appliance.

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