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Description
Zoom on the Yamaha EF2800i
In summary, the Yamaha EF2800i 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 who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
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 EF2800i
The Yamaha EF2800i's design includes a gasoline-fueled 171 cc (5.5 hp) Yamaha MZ175 OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 2500W and also a peak wattage of 2800W.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office). Its starting mechanism is based on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
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 full tank, the EF2800i can operate for up to 14.7 hours (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons.
The EF2800i generates a clean sine wave: providing <2.5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Even though this Yamaha generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
The Yamaha EF2800i has the following dimensions: L19.2 x W15.6 x H16.7 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
With a dry weight of 68 lbs, the EF2800i can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.
Features
The EF2800i's control panel
Several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is overloaded, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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.
Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the Yamaha EF2800i is packaged with the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helping you start the device right away.
Emissions
The Yamaha EF2800i is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Yamaha EF2800i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Yamaha EF2800i compare to generators of similar power (between 2000 and 3000 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Yamaha EF2800i weighs just 68 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 2000 to 3000 rated wattage generators. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Ford FG2300iS, weighing just 46.3 pounds.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest emitted noise of 65 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. 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.
- The EF2800i, offering a run time of up to 14.7 hours with a full tank at a 25% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse WGen2000, as it provides up to 26 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. Standing at an estimated 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Cummins Onan P2500i, with a fuel consumption of 0.1 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2000-3000W generators, the Yamaha EF2800i 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Inverter
- Lightweight (68 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the noisy side (65 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 171 cc Yamaha MZ175 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2500 W |
| Starting watts | 2800 W |
| Running amps | 20.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 23.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 14.7 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 10A receptacle |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 2.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 68 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 19.2 x 15.6 x 16.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 65 dBA |
| THD | < 2.5% |
| Emissions | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | No |
| Warranty | 3 years |
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, it has been reported that many of the newer models are made in China, rather than Japan.
Warranty Information
The Yamaha EF2800i 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 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 1792 W | 2792 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 1990 W | 2580 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 1650 W | 2750 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
