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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 EU1000i, which has similar specs.
You can also try to find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.
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Description
Zoom on the Yamaha EF1000iS
In a nutshell, the Yamaha EF1000iS is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Amateur DIY lovers
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Yamaha EF1000iS
The Yamaha EF1000iS is powered by a 50 cc Yamaha MZ50 OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 900W as well as a peak wattage of 1,000W.
The inverter generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 47 dBA (less noisy than bird calls).
This generator features Yamaha's Smart Throttle™. This load-sensing feature automatically adjusts engine speed to match its load in order to offer greater fuel efficiency and noise reduction.
With a fuel capacity of 0.66 gallon, the EF1000iS may run for up to 11.9 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.06 GPH).
The EF1000iS generates a clean sine wave: providing <2.5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L17.7 x W9.4 x H14.9 in), the Yamaha EF1000iS, is more esthetical than a typical, open frame generator. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
Labeled a lightweight portable generator, the EF1000iS weighs just 27.9 lbs. The device can be easily moved by just one person and thus, its power may be enjoyed on-the-go. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.
Features
The EF1000iS's control panel
Some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is overloaded, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
Yamaha's Oil Watch warning system gives you an extra peace of mind. This feature enhances long-term durability by preventing engine damage and costly repairs. Once the oil begins to run low, the generator automatically shuts off and cannot be re-started until oil is added.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Yamaha EF1000iS also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away.
Emissions
The Yamaha EF1000iS 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, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Yamaha EF1000iS versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Yamaha EF1000iS compare to generators of similar power (between 500 and 1500 W).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Yamaha EF1000iS stands at only 27.9 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter devices of the 500-1500 rated wattage category If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Sportsman GEN1000i, with a dry weight of just 20.3 pounds.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 47 dBA, this inverter generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU1000i with only 42 dBA.
- Since the EF1000iS boasts with a run time of up to 11.9 hours at 25% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Powermate PM2000, which is able to run for up to 14 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.06 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the most fuel efficient units within its wattage category.
The bottom line
- Inverter
- Lightweight (27.9 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (47 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Made in Japan
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 50 cc Yamaha MZ50 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 900 W |
| Starting watts | 1,000 W |
| Running amps | 7.5 amps |
| Peak amps | 8.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 11.9 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 15A (5-15R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 0.66 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 27.9 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.7 x 9.4 x 14.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 47 dBA |
| THD | < 2.5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | No |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| UPC | 827624825396 |
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 Yamaha
With a rich history of over 130 years, the Japanese based Yamaha Corporation, founded in 1887, has tipped its fingers in every industry imaginable, most notably motorcycles, musical instruments and electronics. The company boasts with a wide range of products, including many of the top rated portable generators. However, many of their models are made in China, rather than Japan.
Warranty Information
The Yamaha EF1000iS is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Yamaha generators, please consult Yamaha's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-962-7926.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Rice cooker | 650 | 650 |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 705 W | 705 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 575 W | 995 W | |
| For work | Drill | 600 | 900 |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 680 W | 980 W |
User Reviews
Garbage buy a honda stay away crap
My Adventures with my Yamaha EF1000IS 2016 Generator.
I own the Yamaha EF1000IS that I bought in October 2016. When it was not in the shop, it was a very nice generator. But I have had 2 stators replaced. Carburetor Stepper motor was replaced, as it would not idle to full throttle well, and the carburetor was cleaned, this was out of the box. Engine Crankshaft, and connecting rod replaced because the mechanic wrongly diagnosed it, instead of a bad stator. Valve oil seals were replaced as it was burning oil. The last problem was a rod knock noise. I had bought the extended warranty. Yamaha covered all the parts and labor up to the rod knock. This generator has only 400 hours, and has been given an oil change every 100 hours. I have owned this Generator for 5 years. Stators went bad as I was running a 750 Watt heater for a long time. I did not cool down the generator before turning it off. The stator windings are not high temperature rating , so do not like to be heat soaked, melted the insulation enough to kind of fail. Then when I started the generator some time later, the generator started, but went full throttle as the windings completely failed and there was no voltage to run the stepper motor. On the next restart, you can try an pull, and pull the starter rope. There is too much drag on the engine due to shorted windings, and you can not get the generator to start. You can try drill start, spray starting fluid down the carburetor and it will still not start. It has too much load. YOU NOW HAVE A FAILED ALTERNATOR WINDINGS!
Read you warranty it says to change oil every 6 months, whether or not it has 100 hours. Document all oil changes or you will get warranty denied. Adjust your valves and document that. Last Dealer said that the valve push rods were bent. Maybe using it in -40 Deg F, made valves stick, and then they got hammered with piston. Or valves floated when Stater failed and it went to maximum RPM.
When the generator is shut off, the Throttle Butterfly valve is fully open. When you start the generator, there are 3 windings on the Alternator. 1 winding for DC charging, 1-3 phase winding for Inverter control voltage, 1-3 phase winding for Inverter output 120VAC. So when my heat soaked generator was started, there was no power for 3 phase Inverter control voltage, so no voltage for Stepper motor to close the throttle. So you have a runaway engine. Yamaha does have an ignition high RPM limit switch, but it will turn off ignition when above that rpm, and turn back on ignition back on. This is a separate control module from the inverter control module.
I am still waiting for parts to be returned for the Last Rod Knock teardown. First Dealer that worked on engine disabled compression release, trying to figure out how to get the engine to run. So I ran the generator 4 1/2 years without the compression release. You always had to make sure that engine was near TDC before giving a good pull. If not then you would get a good yank backwards on the start rope. The Good thing about not having a compression release, is that your engine will always pump air/fuel through it.
Some time the start rope wore out. Needed a new starter case, as where rope was guided through the case it had worn and fraying the rope. Not covered under warranty. Dealer on the second stator replacement broke the choke cable. They tried to jury rig it, but again it was not covered under warranty.
In Canada, the Yamaha EF1000IS has off switches for both DC outlet and 120VAC outlet. These are also breakers. These breakers will not always close in cold weather. So the 120VAC breaker was changed out, again not under warranty. Yamaha said that I was exceeding the rating and it went out of calibration.
What was nice was the Yamaha was quiet. It had all controls on one side, It had a fuel pump so one could suck from an extended run fuel tank. Was it worth the $1000 Canadian, I spent, No. Did I get my use out of the extended warranty, Yes, but Yamaha still let me down. Other options I got for the Yamaha EF1000IS: The Blue Yamaha EF1000IS case. The case is not the best designed. Hour/RPM meter. Extended run time fuel cap, a magnetic dipstick, an extended oil drain/fill tube. and a 120 Volt crankcase heater hose.
I always run Mobil Synthetic 10W30 in the Engine. Looking back, I would just use Yamaha Oil, same as what they use in 4 stroke snowmobiles.
Where the Generator shined, was when it was charging my camper/ or batteries for my CPAP machine. This load was about 25% to 50%. But the generator was not made to run continuously 800 watts or more. It is not designed to run in severe cold weather.
This engine is tuned for sea level, it needs jets changed to run correctly at 1000 feet elevation. I wish it had Electric Start. I wish that I could replace the Cylinder Sleeve, but it does not have a removable head, so you can not remove the cylinder sleeve. Internet web pages show that one should have got about 1500 hours on the engine, not 400 hours as I have got. Last Dealer (for Rod Knock) says I need new pushrods, new valves, new cylinder, new piston, new connecting rod, new crankshaft. Those parts are more than the cost of a new generator.
This generator sat on a receiver hitch basket. Running with a 13 liter external fuel tank. Full load would be about 9-11 hours. Just enough time to stop for the night and sleep a full 8 hours. Then during the day, it was asked to heat my car, (cars are only designed operate to -16 Deg C, car are designed to start at -40 Deg C, but car heat will start to decline when driving at 100KPH and it is colder than -16 Deg C.) during the winter travels that I did.