The name Honda is synonymous with reliability and performance. With many years of experience building quality portable generators, Honda has been trusted around the world to deliver on their promise.
So when they set out to build their new range of inverter generators, you can be sure that they came up with a product worthy of recognition. After receiving amazing reviews from thousands of customers, we set out to see why. With quite a hefty price tag, many might question the value that they’re getting for their money. The popularity of the Honda EU1000i inverter generator seems to suggest that it’s worth paying a little extra for.
Why would you want to buy an inverter generator?
One reason why the Honda EU1000i is more expensive than many other small portable generators is the inverter technology that it uses. While an inverter will push up the price of any portable generator, there are several advantages to using an inverter generator. For those who are not yet aware of these benefits, I’ll give a brief overview of what the inverter does.
Instead of running directly off the generator’s alternator, an inverter generator uses a rectifier to convert the AC current to DC. The inverter then changes it back to AC power to run all normal appliances. The reason for this is that the electronics used in the inverter is able to control the sine wave of the AC current. A microprocessor controls transistors and capacitors, monitoring the sine wave more than a thousand times per second. It is, therefore, able to remove any imperfections in the AC sine wave. As the load changes on the generator supply (appliances switching on and off), there are slight dips and peaks in the output voltage and frequency. This causes a phenomenon known as Harmonic Distortion (HD), in other words, a distortion of the AC sine wave.
Electronic components, found in most modern appliances, are damaged by continuous exposure to HD. An inverter generator will generally produce less than 1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at low loads and less than 3% THD at full load capacity. This means that they are safe when supplying power to any appliance that makes use of a microprocessor, LCD screen, and electronic touch controls – this is almost every appliance in the modern home.
Another benefit of inverter technology is that the throttle can be controlled electronically, allowing the engine to run at a lower RPM when the power demand is less. This amounts to substantial fuel savings and longer run times on a tank of gas. It also prolongs the life of the engine and reduces service costs.
So, if you’re looking for a portable generator that’s economical to run, has very low carbon emissions, and provides clean safe power for all your appliances, then the Honda EU1000i is, without a doubt, one of your best options. After reading this review of the Honda EU1000i, I’m sure most of you will agree.
Honda EU1000i 1000W Portable Inverter Generator
Okay, so we’ve already seen why the inverter technology used in the Honda EU1000i is such a great advantage. So what else are you getting for your money?
A big reason why so many prefer the Honda EU1000i over most other generators in this class is its incredibly low noise levels. When running at around 50% capacity, the Honda EU1000i produces a noise level of only 53dBA, climbing to 59dBA at full power. This means that even when the little Honda is running flat out, its noise level is lower than that of a normal conversation. This is great news for people who use the generator in campsites and residential areas.
So what about power? The Honda GHX50 4-stroke 49cc engine is a robust little workhorse and is CARB compliant. It will give you years of reliable service and is extremely economical. The 0.6-gallon gas tank will give you about 3.8 hours run time at full capacity. At an average 25%-50% load, you could easily get 8-hours or more. The AC power output is 900W for continuous load and it has a peak load capacity of 1000W. This is great for keeping your TV, computers, sound system and other small appliances powered up with safe inverter-supplied electricity. Unless you have a very efficient refrigerator with a low start up current, don’t expect to run refrigeration equipment or air conditioners of this generator. At best, you’ll be able to run a small (650W) microwave, but you won’t be able to run
anything else at the same time. The Honda EU1000i is designed to provide you with the basic home comforts when camping or during a power outage and is also great for running a few power tools if you’re a contractor or farmer.
Another great benefit in the design of the Honda EU1000i is that you’re not limited to the 900W/1000W power output of the generator. This is thanks to parallel connection ports, enabling you to connect one or more Honda inverter generators that have parallel functioning. In doing so, you increase your power output to that of the combined output from all the generators connected in parallel.
Then there’s the portability factor. I’m sure most people will be using the Honda EU1000i for camping/RV trips. In this case, it’s probably important to have something that’s easy to carry and transport. The Honda EU1000i weighs only 29 LBS and measures 22.3” X 13.2” X 19.8”. So no matter where you want to use this little generator, it won’t be any hassle to take with you.
In addition to two standard 120V power outlets, the Honda EU1000i also has an 8A 12V DC outlet for charging batteries. It doesn’t have an electric starter, so you have to use a recoil (pull) starter to get it going. An engine this small, it isn’t really that difficult to start and it’s very rare to find an electric starter on a small generator.
The only complaint I’ve been able to find regarding the Honda EU1000i is its price. Though, I think that for an exceptionally quiet, fuel efficient, inverter generator with parallel connectivity, this is an incredible product – well worth its price. You also have the reassurance of Honda’s legendary reliability, extensive dealership network (worldwide) and excellent after sales service.
Mimi says
March 16, 2018 at 1:30 amI agree 100% with everything you have said about the Honda gen-inv. We use ours for everything. It usually starts with 1 or 2 pulls and is so portable. I sit it in the bed of my yard wagon and power all my lawn and landscaping tools, power tools, and of course it goes camping a lot. Oh yes. I am a woman and I can lift it with no problem. Well worth the price.