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)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
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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 hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
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.
With a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by 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.
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).
Featuring a <2.5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the EF2800i delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Yamaha generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
At L19.2 x W15.6 x H16.7 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Yamaha EF2800i ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.
As the EF2800i's weight is only 68 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Moreover, the open frame structure of this generator makes it easy to grab and relocate.
Features
The EF2800i's control panel
When the oil level is too low, the generator is on overload and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its 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).
- As its weight is 68 pounds, the Yamaha EF2800i falls in the expected weight range of the inverters in the 2000-3000 rated wattage category. 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.
- When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest possible noise rating of 65 dBA places it in the louder category. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Honda EU3000iS stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 50 dBA.
- 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 run time is one of your main concerns, the Honda EU3000iS could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 20 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. 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 fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen2800DFc, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.09 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- Inverter
- High run time
- Decent weight (68 lbs)
- 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
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 171 cc Yamaha MZ175 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,500 W |
| Starting watts | 2,800 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% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | No |
| UPC | 799530396645 |
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 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 were made in China, rather than Japan. In 2023, Yamaha transfered its Power Products business to Willbe Co., Ltd. Yamaha generators are now no longer manufactured, with sales limited to existing stock.
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 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 1650 W | 2750 W |
