Honda EU2000i Generator: Definitive Review
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TopNotch Outdoor is independent – we research, test, and rate the top products to help you make the right buying choice. We sometimes use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on your purchase. Learn more…
UPDATE: The EU200i Generator has been UPGRADED to the new Honda EU2200i Generator
Read Our Full Review: Honda EU2200 Generator.
This is the Ultimate TopNotch Honda EU2000i Generator Review…
It’s time to present the undisputed top-of-the-charts in our review of the Best Small Generators.
In this comprehensive review we’ll cover:
- Power output
- Reliability
- Value it offers
- Lots more…
Obviously, for a model to hit the top among all the other excellent TopNotch competitors, it has to be super special.
I mean really special!
Let’s find out what makes this generator so good.
- Manufacturer: Honda
- Weight: 45.60 lbs
- Dimensions: 16.70 x 20.10 x 11.40 in
- Load Run Time: 8.1 hrs
- Wattage: 2000 Watts
Bottom Line : A top-class product packed with features and offering the usual Honda reliability
Pros
- Consistent power delivery
- Highly fuel-efficient
- Excellent portability
- Low noise levels
- Extremely versatile
- Comes with a 3year warranty
Cons
EUSome may find the lack of a fuel gauge an issue
- The power output could have been higher
Our Verdict: Honda EU2000i Generator
Let me start with a simple fact.
The EU2000i is a classic feat of engineering from the Honda R&D team.
Just look at how this design has stood the test of time through the years and sailed easily past a whole range of competing products to gain our Top Pick Award.
One thing’s for sure…
This wouldn’t have been possible without the superb quality and reliability from Honda.
It’s designed as a lightweight and simple generator that’s perfect for a campsite or home power outage.
The top-class portability is an added advantage.
Next, the EU2000i is highly fuel-efficient and has almost become legendary when it comes to noise level reduction.
On top of that, you get inverter technology.
That means clean power right at your fingertips.
Honda also ensures all-round safety with features like the automatic voltage regulator and overload protection.
Now, you need to know it’s pretty harsh on the pocket.
But when you compare price versus performance, the EU2000i offers exactly the right bang for your buck.
Also, you have the option of using two of these inverter generators in parallel for more power.
To top it off…
You get complete peace of mind for 3 years with the Honda warranty.
Want to learn more?
Let’s get to work and take a closer look at this prince of portable generators
Related: 10 Best Small Generators
Analysis Comparisons and Test Results
Seriously, how do you review a generator that’s been one of the all-time favorite products in this category?
Almost everything and anything has been already said about it.
It’s been on the market for some time now. In fact, one of the TopNotch team has been the proud owner of his Honda EU2000i Generator for more than a year.
And it ended up in our RV, joining the other competitors for a week-long review trip.
Quite simply the overall user experience was class-leading.
Honestly, even some of the relatively modern generators like the Yamaha ef4500ise fell short of our Honda when it came to overall performance.
In the end, it ticked all the right boxes to emerge as our TopNotch Top Pick.
Value For Money
When you want a generator for camping or tailgating, the eu22000i is the most dependable choice in this class.
Period.
It can easily run for 8 hours at a 25% load providing an all-night supply of power. The superb performance of the Honda GX100 engine means it’s extremely fuel efficient.
Value For Money Rating
Add to that the excellent Eco-Throttle system that smartly optimizes the engine speed.
The result?
Even more fuel saving.
The inverter technology keeps the output power stable. Use it for all your sensitive electronics without worrying about power surges.
There are plenty of safety features to safeguard the engine.
Then again, with the sound levels between 53 to 59 decibels, Honda proves that a traditional generator can actually be whisper-quiet.
Frankly, heavyweight portable generators aren’t our favorite choice on the campsite.
This Honda-generator is easy to carry around.
The reason?
A dry weight of just 45.6 pounds.
So the question is this…
Is the eu2000i worth the money?
And the answer is a definite yes.
Considering the superb quality and performance, you won’t find another generator that matches this.
Still, price is a factor we can’t ignore.
In case you’re on a tight budget, we have two other great options for you.
The Wen 56200i generator and the Durostar ds4000s are excellent choices for budget buyers.
Output Power
Let’s start with the details.
The EU2000i offers 1600 running Watts and 2000 Watts of peak power.
The best part is even when you demand a lot from it, the generator never lets up.
So, you can easily push it closer to its peak output (and for longer stretches) than other products in this category.
Output Power Rating
For example, even if you want 1900 Watts, the Honda eu2000i Generator won’t miss a beat.
Here’s the interesting part.
The generator comes with a 0.95-gallon fuel tank capacity which does seem rather low on paper.
But don’t be deceived.
The superb fuel efficiency ensures a run time of 3.4hrs on full load.
We ran the EU2000i at 30% load with a full tank – it ran for 7 hours without any issues.
That’s TopNotch fuel efficiency.
Now, what’s the secret behind this superb performance – far ahead of most other generators we tested?
We think the high displacement of 98 cubic centimeters from the superb GX100 Honda engine plays an important role here.
Just add an external fuel tank and you can easily stretch the running hours to double digits.
In case you want more power, you can use the parallel capability to connect two Honda EU2000i generators together.
Just keep in mind you’ll need to buy a parallel connector kit separately.
In reality, the EU2000i can easily run most essential appliances like TV sets, small refrigerators, ovens, and blenders.
Also, it’s perfect in an emergency situation.
However, if you want a device that delivers more power, there are generators like the Yamaha ef4500ise on our list to look at.
Durability and Workmanship
This is one metric where the Honda EU2000i Generator truly shines.
To start with, the build quality is TopNotch.
The design is simple and practical.
The EU2000i comes with an old fashioned recoil start. The good news is, in our tests, it always started up with just one single pull.
Durability and Workmanship Rating
It offers a stable power supply that’s perfect for all your electronics.
A big advantage of inverter generators.
Actually, a lot’s been said about the superb GX100 engine.
Frankly, it’s the best engine that you’ll find amongst this range of inverter generators.
The truth is…
It’s probably the best engine Honda has manufactured to date.
The high compression ratio and the precise design of the camshafts in the engine ensure a smooth power transfer.
In addition, there’s also an eco-throttle that reduces noise level and optimizes fuel consumption.
You get twin 125V AC outlets and one 12V DC outlet for connectivity.
In addition, there are the ports for parallel capability.
Now, excellent portability is something we can’t overlook.
With a dry weight of just 45.6 pounds, the EU2000i is perfect for campsites.
What about the dimensions?
It measures just 16.7 x 11.4 x 20.1 inches.
In fact, it was one of the easiest units to store in our RV.
The only thing we missed was a fuel gauge.
But considering the excellent overall package, we can easily forgive that.
Dependability and Reliability
One thing that really makes the Honda EU2000i Generator such a popular generator is the excellent reliability.
Not only does it minimize the total harmonic distortion in the output, but it’ll also deliver steady power for years without fail.
Dependability and Reliability Rating
Another important thing – the minimal maintenance required.
If you like DIY projects, you’ll manage it easily.
Let’s check out the safety aspects.
The circuit breakers ensure the engine trips in case of any overload.
In addition to that, there are also overload alarm lights for failsafe operation.
As expected, Honda has also provided a choke lever to enrich the fuel/oil mixture – very useful in colder weather.
Next, you have an oil alert indicator light to prevent engine damage.
Warning: The TopNotch recommendation is not to run the Honda EU2000i Generator at peak loads for more than 30 minutes.
There’s more good news.
The engine is CARB and EPA compliant. In addition, it also has a USDA-certified spark arrestor.
One more thing…
The 3-year warranty gives you total peace of mind.
At the final tally, the EU2000i stood at the top of the list for Dependability and Reliability.
Noise
A noisy generator on a campsite can really ruin the fun of camping in the quiet and wild outdoors.
Thankfully, the Honda EU2000i Generator has top-class noise insulation.
In fact it’s one aspect of the generator that long-term users we spoke to loved.
Noise Rating
So did the TopNotch team.
The device is rated at 53 dBA at 25% load and 59 dBA at the rated output.
That’s good enough to carry on a conversation without an issue.
It’s perfect for operating in any location – even those with noise regulations.
We ran the Honda generator at its peak output for 15 minutes and the noise level was slightly above the 60dB mark.
Strictly speaking, at 25% load, it’s quiet enough to make you forget that you even have a generator running.
One reason behind this TopNotch performance is the GX100 engine which is constructed using noise-reducing materials.
In addition, there’s the superior exhaust and intake system that keeps it super quiet.
Another thing…
Even at peak output levels, the vibration levels are very low.
Quite simply, this generator – which Honda launched as a flagship performer – was designed with the highest level of attention to detail.
In the end, we had no choice but to place it at Top Spot for Noise.
However, if you want a super quiet generator at a lower price point, we do have the Wen 56200i generator.
It’s not a premium product like the WU2000i generator Honda has designed.
But, it does have equally good noise level reduction features.
Our Final Verdict: Honda EU2000i Generator
Our Final verdict Rating
Conclusion: Honda EU2000i Generator
So, it’s sadly time to close this chapter on the Honda EU2000i Generator.
To sum up, the overall performance of the generator more than lives up to its impressive reputation.
Honda has crafted this as a true all-rounder with almost no room for criticism.
There’s hardly any other product in this category that’ll offer such TopNotch performance – even at peak power levels.
Honestly, none of the other competitors could beat this power-packed veteran when it comes to performance.
We can keep talking about the excellent fuel economy and the super quiet performance but you have already heard all of that.
Of course, it’s easy-to-use and maintenance is pretty simple.
Finally, it’s versatile.
You can use it for multi-day camping trips, tailgating or household use.
The lightweight design coupled with the built-in handle provides superb portability.
Admittedly it’s pricey, but make no mistake about it…
The Honda EU2000i Generator is one of the best small generators you can buy.
As a bonus, you get TopNotch Honda reliability that’ll serve you for years to come.
Picking it out as the TopNotch Top Pick was really a no-brainer for us.
Should you pick it for your next camping trip?
If your power demands are within 2000 Watts, then this is definitely the perfect choice as a small generator.
So it’s your turn to make your choice and give it a go.
Other Versions: Honda Generators
The Honda EU2000i Generator is the successor of the EU2000i.
While Honda has kept the basic features mostly the same, there are quite a few more advanced features which give it a modern touch.
Firstly, you get 20% more peak power output.
In terms of design, it has better ventilation of critical components and it’s easier to change the engine oil.
Another interesting addition is the fuel shut off valve that prevents any damage from stale fuel.
Also, it has the GXR120 engine that’s an extremely reliable and quiet performer.
On the whole, it’s another excellent package from Honda generators.
However, it does come with a slightly higher price tag.
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