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Yamaha EF2800i (Discontinued)

The Yamaha EF2800i is a compact and lightweight open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 2,500 W and a starting wattage of 2,800 W. (Read full specs)

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Yamaha EF2800i
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This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.

Description

SMART POWER. 2800 maximum watts of output in a compact 66‑lb package equals exceptional power output to weight ratio.

Zoom on the Yamaha EF2800i

In a few words, the Yamaha EF2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator perfectly suited for:

  • Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • 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 looking for even more independence

In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.

Power & Run Time

The Yamaha EF2800i in use

The Yamaha EF2800i

The Yamaha EF2800i's engine, 171 cc (5.5 hp) Yamaha MZ175 OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 2,500W and reaches a peak wattage of 2,800W.

With a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a simple traditional 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.

The EF2800i's fuel tank, boasting 2.6 gallons, allows it to operate for up to 14.7 hours with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.18 GPH).

As the EF2800i produces a clean sine wave, with a <2.5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:

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

In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities.

While not classified as 'RV Ready,' this Yamaha generator can still provides the advantage of RV connection via its L5-30R receptacle, ensuring power supply to your RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

At L19.2 x W15.6 x H16.7 in, the standard open frame design of the Yamaha EF2800i delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

As the EF2800i's weight is only 68 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Furthermore, thanks to its open frame, the generator is easily grabbed and moved to a new location.

Features

Panel of the Yamaha EF2800i

The EF2800i's control panel

The light indicators show you if the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.

Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

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.

Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Yamaha EF2800i's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which will help you start your generator promptly.

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 inverter generators of similar power (between 2000 and 3000 W).

  • Having a dry weight of 68 lbs, the Yamaha EF2800i belongs in the expected weight range for inverter generators which produce 2000 to 3000 rated watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the WEN 56280iX is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 41.9 pounds.
  • As this inverter generator has its lowest possible noise of 65 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. 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.
  • With up to 14.7 hours of runtime at 25% load, the EF2800i provides a higher run time when compared to similarly powerful inverters. 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 Honda EU3000iS, with up to 20 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. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this inverter generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.18 GPH at a 25% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse iGen2800. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.08 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Yamaha EF2800i vs Honda EG2800i.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Inverter
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (68 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports
  • On the noisy side (65 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Yamaha EF2800i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine171 cc Yamaha MZ175 OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts2,500 W
Starting watts2,800 W
Running amps20.8 amps
Peak amps23.3 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load14.7 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 10A receptacle
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tankMetal, 2.6 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight68 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%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
Accessories includedNo
UPC799530396645

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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 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?
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 generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
AC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Radio100100
Total1792 W2792 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Blender400850
Radio100100
Total1980 W2430 W
For workGrinder14002500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total1650 W2750 W

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