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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

To sum up, the Yamaha EF2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator tailored for:

  • Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
  • Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
  • 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.

Power & Run Time

The Yamaha EF2800i in use

The Yamaha EF2800i

With a 171 cc (5.5 hp) Yamaha MZ175 OHV 4-stroke engine, the Yamaha EF2800i operates on gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 2,500W and a starting wattage of 2,800W.

Operating at a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator starts up with a classic hand-operated recoil starting 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 boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 2.6 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for up to 14.7 hours (with fuel usage averaging around 0.18 gallons per hour).

Thanks to its low <2.5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the EF2800i produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.

This Yamaha 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

Measuring L19.2 x W15.6 x H16.7 in, the Yamaha EF2800i showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

The 68 lbs of the EF2800i's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.

Features

Panel of the Yamaha EF2800i

The EF2800i's control panel

The device’s light indicators will display if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is overloaded.

The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.

As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system), providing peace of mind during use.

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).

  • At 68 lbs in dry weight, the Yamaha EF2800i fits well within the typical weight bracket for inverter generators producing 2000 to 3000 rated watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN 56280iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 41.9 pounds.
  • This inverter generator, with its lowest noise level at 65 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU3000iS with only 50 dBA.
  • In terms of run time, the EF2800i surpasses similarly powerful inverters, boasting one of the higher run times at up to 14.7 hours. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Honda EU3000iS could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching up to 20 hours.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This inverter generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.18 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen2800c, with a fuel consumption of 0.08 GPH could be in your good books.
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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