Honda EU3000iS - 2800/3000W Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Honda EU3000iS is a quiet inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,800 W and a starting wattage of 3,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Honda EU3000iS
In summary, the Honda EU3000iS is a quiet portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- 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 looking for even more independence
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Honda EU3000iS
The Honda EU3000iS's core is the 196 cc Honda GX200 OHV 4-stroke engine with cast iron sleeve, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 2,800W and a peak wattage of 3,000W. Moreover, the parallel capability (Honda parallel cables (opens in a new tab) not included) enables doubling of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
The inverter generator has a low noise rating of 50 dBA (just as noisy as a quiet suburb), which earned it a place in our 10 quietest portable generators. Its starting mechanisms include a manual recoil starter system and an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons, the EU3000iS may run for up to 20 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.17 GPH).
The EU3000iS ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with 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 Honda EU3000iS is distinguished by its enclosed inverter generator design (L25.9 x W17.6 x H22 in), providing improved aesthetics and quieter performance compared to traditional, open frame units. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Even at 130.7 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight may impede its portability. Thus, you may also want to consider purchasing its official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).
Features
The EU3000iS's control panel
Light indicators on the device will signal if the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Alert®) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during use.
Besides the features previously mentioned, accessory-wise, the Honda EU3000iS comes with the usual documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) needed to get you promptly started. 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.
Product Videos
The Honda EU3000iS versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Honda EU3000iS compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- At 130.7 lbs, the Honda EU3000iS stands out as one of the heavier inverter generators rated from 2500 to 3500 watts. 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 possible noise of 50 dBA, this inverter generator places itself amongst the most quiet of the products delivering similar power.
- At 25% load, the EU3000iS boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 20 hours. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Champion 200977, as it provides up to 22 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. This inverter generator provides better fuel efficiency than most others in its wattage range, consuming approximately 0.17 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Honda EU3200i, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.14 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
- Honda EU3000iS vs Cummins Onan P4500i
- Honda EU3000iS vs Generac GP3000i
- Honda EU3000iS vs Generac GP3300i
- Honda EU3000iS vs Generac iQ3500
- Honda EU3000iS vs Honda EB2800i
- Honda EU3000iS vs Honda EG2800i
- Honda EU3000iS vs Honda EU2200i
- Honda EU3000iS vs Honda EU3000i Handi
- Honda EU3000iS vs Honda EU3200i
- Honda EU3000iS vs Honda EU7000iS
- Honda EU3000iS vs Predator 3500
- Honda EU3000iS vs Predator 5000
- Honda EU3000iS vs Yamaha EF3000iS
- Honda EU3000iS vs Yamaha EF3000iSEB
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the Honda EU3000iS is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- CO Minder
- Quiet for its power (50 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Made in Japan
- On the expensive side
- No data center
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (130.7 lbs)
Do you own the Honda EU3000iS and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 196 cc Honda GX200 OHV 4-stroke, cast iron sleeve |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,800 W |
| Starting watts | 3,000 W |
| Running amps | 23.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 25 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | 20 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 | 3.4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 130.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 25.9 x 17.6 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 50 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Battery |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Series | Super Quiet |
| Other model numbers | EU3000iS1AN |
| UPC | 786102010016 |
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.
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 EU3000iS 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1982 W | 2982 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 2235 W | 2825 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1730 W | 2830 W |
What is the difference between the EU3000iS and the EU3000iS1AN?
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.
Is there a wheel kit for the EU3000iS? (Asked June 15, 2020)
The unit does not come with a wheel kit. However, a third party all terrain wheel kit does exist. See it on Amazon (opens in a new tab).
How much oil does it hold? (Asked July 07, 2020)
Maximum oil capacity is 18 oz.
What is the difference between a 3000iS and a 3000iSC3 (Asked October 23, 2020)
No significant difference. The final characters are usually just production codes (e.g. country of manufacture), or references to the target market (US, CA). You can read more about it in this article. In this case, the "C" only means "For the canadian market". The 3 is highly likely just an internal code referring to a county of manufacture.
What’s the major differences between the EU3000iS generator and the EU3000 (no “iS”) (Asked February 09, 2021)
None. EU3000 is not an existing model. It's nothing more than a short name for EU3000iS.
Is this unit a bonded or floating neutral? (Asked February 22, 2021)
Neutral is floating.
What is eco throttle (Asked March 26, 2021)
The Eco Throttle system automatically reduces engine speed when loads are turned off or disconnected. When appliances are turned on or reconnected, the engine returns to the proper speed to power the electrical load.
What type oil should use when changing (Asked September 22, 2021)
For general, all-temperature use, SAE 10W-30 is recommended.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I own a Honda EU3000is. I’ve had several previous generators and also currently own an Onan 12.5k in our motorhome.
The Honda is a great generator. But like the others said you cannot leave cheap gas sitting in it for any length of time. It has a gas on/off switch and I usually turn the gas off and let it run until it runs out of gas. With this procedure it will start first time every time.
The small start battery doesn’t last more than a year or two.
My largest problem is loading it. It weighs 130# and I have to use a hoist to load it.
Also, it has a hard time starting my small DeWalt 120V portable air compressor. I’ve tried connecting it with the 30a RV twist lock as well as with a 120v 10-gauge extension cord. It just doesn’t like it. The compressor sounds like it’s struggling at a very low rpm until either circuit breaker pops. I have to release all the air from the tank and then it will start the compressor and run fine until it needs to restart.
Another plus for the Honda EU3000is is one tank of gas will run up to 20 hours!
I just wish it didn’t weigh so much and had a higher surge rating!
All around great generator that produces clean quiet energy at a low fuel consumption rate. Its very reliable and starts on 2 pulls of the recoil almost every time. The only problem that i have ever had mechanically is having to adjust the valve clearance. But the dealership was very helpful and walked me right through it. And will also provide the service if your not a do it your selfer.