Father’s Day
Yamaha EF4500iSE - 4000/4500W Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Yamaha EF4500iSE is a quiet inverter generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
Get this unit while retailer inventory lasts, as Yamaha no longer produces this model.
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Description
MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY ‑ MINIMUM NOISE. The powerful engine allows this inverter to run at very low engine speed, reducing fuel consumption, noise, vibration and wear.
Zoom on the Yamaha EF4500iSE
In short, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is a quiet portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Yamaha EF4500iSE
The Yamaha EF4500iSE's design includes a gasoline-fueled 357 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 4,000W and also a peak wattage of 4,500W.
The inverter generator features a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 58 dBA (less noisy than a conversation at home).
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 EF4500iSE's fuel tank, with a capacity of 4.5 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for up to 15.2 hours when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.3 gallons per hour).
As the EF4500iSE produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:
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 EF4500iSE is distinguished by its enclosed inverter generator design (L30.7 x W24.3 x H27.2 in), providing improved aesthetics and quieter performance compared to traditional, open frame units. The featured design follows the latest trends and is ideal for easy and recreational use.
Even at 209 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight may impede its portability. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its set of 4 wheels and its double handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The EF4500iSE's control panel
Included in the control panel of the EF4500iSE, a digital data center assists in tracking its status and activity by providing details on the power output and lifetime run hours.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and its oil levels are insufficient.
The inverter generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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.
It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
Accessory-wise, along with the previously mentioned features, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is packaged with the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helping you start the device right away. An official storage cover is available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The Yamaha EF4500iSE versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Yamaha EF4500iSE compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weighing in at 209 lbs, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is one of the heaviest inverter generators available in the 3500-4500 rated wattage segment. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN 56432iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- Rated at a lowest possible noise level of 58 dBA, this inverter generator positions itself amongst the more quiet of the products of similar type and power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF with only 52 dBA.
- The EF4500iSE, offering a run time of up to 15.2 hours with a full tank at a 25% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If runtime is a priority for you, the Champion 200977 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 22 hours of continuous use.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this inverter generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.3 GPH at a 25% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Champion 201319, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.16 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- CO sensor
- Electric start
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (58 dBA)
- Made in Japan
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- On the heavy side (209 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Yamaha EF4500iSE 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 | 357 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 15.2 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Power output and lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Plastic, 4.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 209 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 30.7 x 24.3 x 27.2 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 58 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Battery |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Other model numbers | EF45ISEZ |
| UPC | 765053833196 |
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 EF4500iSE 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 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4192 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 3160 W | 4260 W |
Is it made in China? (Asked November 10, 2020)
The EF4500 is made in Japan.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
