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)
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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 a nutshell, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is a quiet portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- 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
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
Yamaha EF4500iSE is equipped with a 357 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120V, boasting a running wattage of 4,000W alongside a starting wattage of 4,500W.
Rated for 58 dBA (less noisy than a quiet suburb), the inverter generator's starting mechanism relies on a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
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.
Equipped with a 4.5 gallons fuel tank, the EF4500iSE ensures continuous operation for up to 15.2 hours with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.3 gallons per hour).
The EF4500iSE ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Yamaha generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
Since the Yamaha EF4500iSE is an inverter generator, its closed design (L30.7 x W24.3 x H27.2 in) not only provides an aesthetic advantage but also contributes to reduced noise levels compared to conventional, open frame devices. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
Since the generator weighs 209 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, thanks to its set of 4 wheels and its double handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The control panel of the EF4500iSE includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours and power output.
In addition to this info, when the generator is on overload, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.
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.
Besides the features previously mentioned, accessory-wise, the Yamaha EF4500iSE comes with the usual documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) needed to get you promptly started. 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).
- With a weight of 209 lbs, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is notably on the heaviest side among inverter generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of only 52.9 lbs.
- At a lowest noise rating of 58 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the quieter devices of similar type and power. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Westinghouse iGen5000DF appealing. It's rated at 52 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- In terms of autonomy, the EF4500iSE offers up to 15.2 hours at a 25% load, placing it at the lower range within its type and power range. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Firman WH03662OF could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching up to 25 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. Compared to similar devices, this inverter generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.3 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 25% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Champion 201319, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.16 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- On the heavy side (209 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
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 are made in China, rather than Japan.
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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 3187 W | 4187 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 3185 W | 3605 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.
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