If you’re looking for a portable generator to run a small crew, or for home backup power, the Honda 2800 watt inverter generator might be for you.
Power
The Honda 2800 puts out 2800 starting watts, 2500 running watts, and comes in two versions: the black panel EG2800i and the silver panel EB2800i.
Both are inverter generators that are safe for sensitive electronics like computers.
The silver unit has four GFCI protected outlets, the GFCI making it OSHA job site compliant. The black unit has two outlets and a 30 amp plug, none of which are GFCI protected.
Inline GFCI
The black model has a floating neutral. So, if you want to use it with an inline GFCI switch, without getting a false positive when you hit the test button, you’ll need to bond the neutral to ground at the panel. This can be done by plugging a neutral-ground bonding plug into any free receptacle.
The silver model has a bonded neutral. So if you want to power a building through a transfer switch, without tripping breakers, there are a couple of caveats: either the transfer switch needs to be GFCI compatible or you need to un-bond the neutral from the generator frame.
So how much power do you need?
A 2000 watt generator that puts out 1600 running watts can run one 15 amp tool, or one tool plus depending on the amps. The 2800 can usually run two tools plus.
Here is a link to a wattage estimator from Honda covering home, work, and recreation. Some of the starting watt estimates are over what is needed for modern tools, but it gets you in the ballpark.
Weight
The Honda 2800 watt generator weighs 67 lbs. Filling up the 2.1 gallon gas tank brings the weight up to around 80 lbs. For me, this is a portable weight. But the cube shape of the generator does make it an awkward lift.
Wheel Kit
Honda’s 2800 wheel kit (link below) adds weight, but gets the generator up off the ground making it easier to load and unload. Unlike Honda’s other wheel kits the arms on this one do not lock open. Thus, they offer no leverage to walk the generator over obstacles.
Moreover, the wheel kit comes with rear legs that catch on everything you try to pull it over. Eventually, I just cut the rear legs off and it pulls much better now.
Honda 2800 Features
The black model has a fuel gauge, which I use all the time. The silver unit has no gauge.
Both have an output indicator on that doubles as a blink hour meter registering 100 hour blocks up to 500 hours. And there’s a low oil indicator light that shuts the engine off if the oil gets too low.
The last difference is only the black model accepts Honda’s heater kit, which installs into the crank case breather tube. The heater is a coil that prevents icing and restriction of the generator’s air supply in “certain cold weather conditions.”
Update 3-19-2021
Honda has updated these units with a carbon monoxide detector as reflected in the links below. Nice!
Run Time
This generator is rated at 5.1 hrs per tank running at full load and 12.1 hrs at 1/4 load, which is in line with my experience. I’m averaging 6 -10 hours per tank running in echo mode. Echo mode lets the generator idle down to 1/4 speed until power is called for, which saves gas.
Noise
At full throttle the generator pumps out 67 dbs making it Honda’s loudest inverter generator. Running in echo mode reduces the noise level down to 62 dbs, which is relatively quiet for a jobsite but pretty loud for camping or an RV park.
Here is a link to an old Honda video comparing the sound of different generators. It’s from before the 2800s came out but I found it helpful – https://youtu.be/Uae4l1lNuYc
Generator Maintenance
The 2800’s maintenance schedule calls for an oil change after the initial five hours and then every 25-50 hours depending on how hard you run the generator and how hot it is outside.
All of the other Honda generators I looked at call for an oil change after the initial 20hrs and then every 100hrs, or every 6 months, regardless of how hard you run them or the weather.
One reason for the difference is all of Honda’s generators run GX series commercial grade engines except for the 2800s, which use GC series residential grade engines that require more maintenance.
Both the silver and black unit run the GC190LA – 186cc engine.
Warranty
GX series engines have a cast iron bore and come with a 3yr commercial/residential use warranty. The 2800’s GC series engine has an aluminum bore and comes with a 3 year residential and 1 year commercial use warranty.
Bottom Line
The lesser engine, warranty, and tougher maintenance schedule are a few reasons for the price parity between the 2200 and 2800. Also, most of Honda’s inverter generators are parallel capable, where the 2800s are not. That said, I like the 2800 because it provides all the power I need in one portable package.
I should also say the GC series engines have a good reputation for their use in lawn mowers, industrial fans, and power washers. And, aside from a recall for a leaking carburetor float bowl, mine is running great after 500ish hours of use.
And, between us, I’ve only changed the oil one time at around 300 hours.
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See the Honda 2800 watt generator in action here:
