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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.

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Yamaha EF2800iYamaha EF2800iYamaha EF2800i

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
You might still find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.

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 nutshell, the Yamaha EF2800i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
  • RV travellers looking for even more independence

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 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.

The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Its starting mechanism is based on 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.

With a fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons, the EF2800i may run for up to 14.7 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).

The EF2800i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <2.5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.

Even if this Yamaha generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.

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. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

The EF2800i can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 68 lbs. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.

Features

Panel of the Yamaha EF2800i

The EF2800i's control panel

Some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.

Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.

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 EF2800i 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 EF2800i is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used 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 inverter generators of similar power (between 2000 and 3000 W).

  • In terms of its dry weight, the Yamaha EF2800i stands at only 68 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter inverters of the 2000-3000 rated wattage category If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN 56360i with only 46.3 pounds.
  • This inverter generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 65 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU3000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 50 dBA.
  • Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 14.7 hours at 25% load, the EF2800i benefits from a higher run time than many inverter generators of a similar output. 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.
  • While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider 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 fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Cummins Onan P2500i, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.1 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Yamaha EF2800i vs Honda EG2800i.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight (68 lbs)
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the noisy side (65 dBA)

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

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.

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 homeMicrowave (1000 watts)15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Radio100100
Total1792 W2792 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Total1990 W2580 W
For workGrinder14002500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total1650 W2750 W
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