Reviews/Shopping Inverter Generators

I'll be following this as well...
I've been looking at Honda's line up. When we lose power it here, it's gone for quite some time like most of the guys here I imagine.

I posted my own impromptu review of the Champion 2000 inverter generator a little while back.
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/84546/
I see it in Cabelas "bargin cave" flyer for $600 plus shipping, regularly $700 to $800 in the store.
So far so good. I only have 20 hours or so on it, 8 for the first owner and 12 for me. I looked at some of the reviews on the store sites before I bought it, the only complaint I saw was it wouldn't run some folks air conditioners where the Hondas did.
Since I don't intend to max it out like that I didn't care. I did have it up to 1500 watts of resistance load with no problem, and I really like the economy feature.
I ran it 10 hours on one gallon of gas while testing it. Its enough to run my TARM and circ pumps over night when I would't want to run the big generator.

I run the hondas. Have two 2000, run one for sump and one for other stuff. Then also use the generac parallel kit to run things with higher draw. Honeywell models not too bad. Have them at costco pretty cheap. Parallel capable. Never had an issue with the hondas. Lots of other gennys have left me stranded. If possible get the 3000hang with remote electric start feature. You will like it once you have it, and wonder how you lived without it.

my generac ix2000 is still sucking, but its in at the shop. They have a 2 year warranty, and the shop tech (this one is competent) said that they have a few problems with the main circuit board but they are rare (just my luck) . But it will either work right away, or suck and you will have to take it in for service. The tech said that generac was owned by briggs and stratton for a few years, now that they are on their own the machines are really solid. I haven't seen that, but i can tell you that it will start right away and on high runs decent. I will give you a full report when they are done.

The tech said, and i agree, Hondas are very good, but way over priced. There is no need to pay triple for them. Most of the other ones are great, the hondas might be a tiny bit quieter, again, no one has seen unbiased reviews that follow any sort of testing standard.

I expect my generac to get running and have no problems soon. According to the tech, the generac is a good buy. BUT if I was buying one now, I would get the champion inverter. It gets awesome reviews.

EDIT: oh, I would be careful buying a used generator. Do you trust that the guy before you didnt abuse it and changed the oil appropriately? Be careful.

Hondas seem to be the Apple Computer of generators. You never fine one better, but you probably be able to find some as good at a lower cost, but you need to look around.

Apple computer? Ha! You mean rare, eccentric, and obscure? Uncommon? I see Hondas everywhere because they are top notch.

I just picked up the Honda 2000 during their Thanksgiving sale - $899, which is a heck of a price. I could have gotten a much cheaper unit, but I had good experience with a Honda 1000 years ago. All in all, it's cheap insurance.

BrotherBart - couldnt agree more!

used stuff, at the right price is great! Just be cautious and beaware that something may not be perfect... its used.... Know what you are getting into and you are good, going in expecting perfection might be silly.

I, too, recently picked up an eu2000i for 899.
Alas, when I was fooling around with a power monitor (TED 1001), it was indeed the Harbor Freight 800 generator I used.
The motors seemed to work okay this time.
It can power the insert fan, TV, a couple of lights, and either the oil boiler or fridge; at least I'm pretty sure it can - the TV might have to go.
Sick, I know.

I bought the 800W HF genny as a temp solution to run the insert blower, worth the $90 gamble. I think after i save up, i am going with the yamaha 2000w inverter. Yamaha or Honda, i don't think you can go wrong, you'll find fans of both. You can always find the yamaha at a cheaper price once they send you a $50 off coupon on their site, free shipping.

Highbeam said:

Apple computer? Ha! You mean rare, eccentric, and obscure? Uncommon? I see Hondas everywhere because they are top notch.

Click to expand...

High quality with a nearly cult following.