Honda EU1000i Review: Quiet Generator For Camping Or Computers

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Our review of the Honda EU1000i portable inverter generator kicks off with a summary of its blessings and drawbacks. We attempt to answer questions about its AC and DC power, starting system, fuel tank size, loudness, weight and what appliances it can power. We provide a detailed overview of its controls and AC parallel operation before ending our Honda EU1000i review with a short verdict.

Honda EU1000i: Summary

The biggest blessing of the Honda EU1000i might be its noise level. It operates at under 60 dBA which makes it a quiet camping companion. It will not make your ears ring or your eyes water if you stand next to it. The Honda EU1000i is one of quietest and most reliable 1000-watt portable inverter generators on the market.

Another blessing is its inverter system which provides clean power for sensitive electronics such as computers or televisions.

The biggest drawback of the Honda EU1000i inverter generator is its price tag. It is on the expensive side, but its quality is very good (check price on Amazon).

How much AC current does the Honda EU1000i produce?

It has 120-volt AC outlets. It produces a maximum surge power of 1000 watts (8.3 amps). However, its rated running power is 900 watts (7.5 amps).

Does it have DC power output?

The generator produces a 12-volt, 96-watt, 8-amp DC current at its DC receptacle. You can charge a 12-volt automotive battery if you buy and use the optional Honda charging cords.

Does the Honda EU1000i have an electric starter?

No, it does not have an internal battery or an electric starter. It only has a recoil pull-start system. Starting the engine by pulling the starter grip is not a problem if the engine is well maintained.

Is the Honda EU1000i generator CARB-compliant?

Yes, it is CARB-compliant. It has a Honda GXH50 4-stroke gasoline engine with a displacement of 49cc.

What size is the fuel tank?

The Honda EU1000i inverter generator has a fuel tank capacity of 0.6 gallons. It has an estimated run time of 3.8 hours at its rated load (900 watts). The Eco-Throttle system really helps to reduce fuel consumption as well as noise levels when you are not using it at full rated power.

How loud is the Honda EU1000i when running?

Its loudness is about 59 dBA when producing electricity at its rated load of 900 watts. This is supposed to be similar to the sound level of a normal conversation or an air conditioner.

How much does this inverter generator weigh?

It has a dry weight of about 29 pounds. This makes it pretty portable for a 1000-watt inverter generator.

What appliances can the Honda EU1000i run?

The Honda EU1000i is an inverter generator which provides clean power for running a television, DVD player or computer. It is able to power small kitchen appliances such as a 650-watt microwave oven (1000W starting wattage) or a 4-cup coffee maker. The small size of the Honda EU1000i makes it ideal for camping or for powering sensitive electronics.

Can a Honda 1000-watt generator run a refrigerator?

It might not provide enough surge wattage to start the electric motor of a household refrigerator. You should use a bigger Honda inverter generator such as the EU3000iS (or the EU3000i Handi) if you want to start and run a normal size refrigerator or freezer. Nevertheless, the Honda EU1000i inverter generator might have enough surge and rated wattage to run a small RV refrigerator or a 12V DC refrigerator.

Can the Honda EU1000i start and run an air conditioner?

No, most air conditioners (including RV air conditioners) have a starting wattage greater than 1000 watts. You will need a bigger generator if you want to power an air conditioner.

How long can the Honda EU1000i keep running?

That depends on the current loads that it has to power. It will probably run for between three and six hours on a single tank. The Eco Throttle system helps to improve the overall fuel efficiency of this inverter generator.

Can you connect this inverter generator to your house?

It is really much too small to act as a backup generator for home standby power. Furthermore, home electrical system connections are best left to a qualified electrician, since improper connections to the electrical system of a building might cause electrical current feedback from the generator into the utility lines. You would need to install a transfer isolation switch to isolate the generator power and the utility power from each other.

Can it operate at high altitudes?

It can operate at higher altitudes, but the gasoline/air mixture might be too rich above 5000 feet. It might be a good idea to let a Honda service dealership modify the carburetor for high altitude operation if you regularly use it at high altitudes. Also, remember that the engine horsepower decreases by around 3.5% for each 1000-foot increase in altitude. The generator engine will be slightly less powerful at 5000 feet than at 1000 feet.

How To Use The Engine Switch

It has two positions: ON and OFF. Turn the engine switch to the ON position to start and run the engine. Turn it to the OFF position to stop the engine.

When To Use The Choke Lever

The choke lever has two positions. Push the choke lever to the CLOSED position when starting the engine to slightly decrease the volume of air that is mixed with the fuel in the carburetor. This enriches the fuel/air mixture, which might help the engine to start easier. Remember to return the choke lever to the OPEN position after the engine is running smoothly.

How To Use The Starter Grip

Grip and pull the starter grip towards you, but do not let it snap back against the generator housing. Keep a grip on it and let it retract naturally. Keep pulling and retracting the pull start handle until the generator engine starts up. It probably starts on the first pull since it is a Honda engine. You do not have to beg a Honda engine to start.

When To Use The Fuel Tank Cap Vent Lever

Turn the vent lever on top of the fuel tank cap to the ON position when the engine is running. After stopping the engine, remember to turn the vent lever to the OFF position to prevent fuel leaking out of the top.

Output Indicator Light

Take a look at the control panel. If the output indicator light is green, then the generator is producing electrical current.

What happens if it overloads?

Keep an eye on the overload indicator light. If the appliances currently starting or running is drawing more than 1000 VA, then the red overload indicator light will shine. This might also happen if there is a short circuit in an appliance connected to the generator. If the generator is overloaded for more than four seconds, then the generator will cut off current to the appliances and the green output indicator light will turn off. The engine will continue running, so stop it and troubleshoot the overload problem.

Oil Alert Indicator Light

The engine will stop automatically and the oil indicator light will shine red if the oil level in the crankcase is too low. Turn the engine switch to the OFF position and check the oil level.

What is the purpose of the Eco-Throttle switch?

The Eco-Throttle makes the engine run slower when there are no connections or when only a small amount of power being used by the connected appliances. Therefore, the Eco-Throttle reduces fuel consumption and noise levels because the engine does not always run at its maximum revolutions. You keep it off when you need to start an appliance with an electric motor or when you want to connect a car battery to the DC output.

DC Power Outlet

The DC outlet is made for charging automotive batteries only. It has a DC circuit protector which protects the DC charging circuit from overload. The circuit protector turns off if there is a problem. The DC receptacle does not prevent the battery from overcharging, therefore you need to monitor the battery yourself and disconnect it when it is fully charged.

AC Parallel Operation

You may connect two Honda EU1000i inverter generators together by using a Honda parallel operation kit. The parallel connection kit is not included with the generator, but it is available for purchase. You plug the parallel operation kit into the parallel operation outlets of the two Honda generators.

You can only connect two generators of the same model and type. Two Honda EU1000i generators connected in parallel can produce 1800 VA running power and 2000 VA surge power.

Honda EU1000i Portable Inverter Generator: Verdict

The Honda EU1000i generator is reliable, portable and quiet. It is one of the best 1000-watt inverter generators for powering the lights, a television or mobile computer. It is a quiet inverter generator for providing clean power at campsites.

This Honda generator is rather expensive for its 1000-watt size, but it is worth every penny (buy it on Amazon).