The Ryobi RYi2200 portable inverter generator can provide 1800 running watts for a few hours as well as 2200 starting watts for a few seconds. Our review provides a short summary before answering a few nagging questions. We conclude with our verdict of the Ryobi RYi2200 inverter generator.

Ryobi RYi2200 Inverter Generator: Summary

The Ryobi RYi2200 generator has a built-in inverter that provides stable electricity for sensitive electronics such as televisions or tablets. Two 120V receptacles and one 12V receptacle are available. You can even connect two Ryobi RYi2200 generators together with a parallel kit for double the power.

It has two carrying handles for lifting and loading. Its two wheels and extendable handle is a quite handy feature. You can pull the generator along behind you like a piece of heavy luggage.

This Ryobi generator has a 4-cycle gasoline engine with automatic idle technology. The auto-idle system can increase fuel economy and decrease noise levels when it is turned on. However, it might be better to turn the auto idle switch off when you want to power a small air conditioner, circular saw or microwave. This way the engine does not have to increase its revolutions to meet the increase in load.

Its engine is unfortunately not as reliable in the long term as a Honda or Yamaha engine. It is also a few decibels louder than those more expensive inverter generators. The Ryobi RYi2200 has a noise level of about 63 decibels.

The Ryobi RYi2200 is a good size generator for camping and tailgating, but it is not powerful enough for large recreational vehicles.

The best thing about this Ryobi inverter generator is its affordable price. The Ryobi RYi2200 portable inverter generator is cheaper than a 2000-watt Honda or Yamaha generator.

What is the difference between the green and gray Ryobi generators?

There is no mechanical difference between the generators. The only difference is the color (and sometimes the price). The model number of the green Ryobi generator is RYI2200, while the model number of the gray Ryobi generator is RYI2200G. The green or gray color makes no difference to performance.

What appliances can the RYi2200 generator run?

Well, it depends on the surge and running watts required by the appliances. For example, it will be able to run a 1000-watt microwave. It can start and run a refrigerator that needs about 1350 watts of surge power. It can run a 1300W heater.

However, the Ryobi RYi2200 will not run all these things at the same time. You need to calculate the surge and running wattage of all the appliances you want to run and see if it is less than the maximum that the Ryobi inverter generator can power safely.

Does the RYi2200 have an electric starter?

No, it does not have an electric starter. You have to start it with the recoil start. It takes a few pulls to prime the engine with fuel. Even so, it starts easily once it is primed.

How often do you need to change the engine oil?

You need to change the engine oil after the first month or after 20 hours of operation, whichever limit is reached first. Then you do an oil change every 6 months or after 100 hours of operation.

Use SAE 10W-30, 4-stroke motor oil for general use and temperate climates. The oil pan has an oil capacity of 13.5 oz. You might need a long oil funnel to make adding oil easier, but this is true of most inverter generators.

What type of gasoline does it use?

You can put regular unleaded gasoline into the tank. Gasoline that contains no more than 10% ethanol (E10) might also be used. Do not use fuel that contains more than 10% ethanol (E15 and E85 are not acceptable).

How long can it run on a single tank of gasoline?

Its fuel tank capacity is 1 gallon and its operation limit on one tank of fuel depends on how many appliances it has to power. It has an auto idle system which, when it is turned on, controls the speed of the engine to increase fuel efficiency. The engine idles when no load is connected. The engine speed increases when an appliance is connected.

Now, its specifications say that it will run about 4 hours per tank with a 50% load (900 watts) or about 8 hours with a 25% load (450 watts). People who own the Ryobi RYi2200 generator say that it runs for 4 to 5 hours on a single tank when they power small appliances.

Can the RYi2200 run on propane?

No, this Ryobi generator cannot run on propane. Converting it to run on propane with a propane fuel kit is not recommended.

How much does the generator weigh?

The generator weighs 51 pounds (shipping weight seems to be 57 pounds) and it has two carrying handles, so one person might be able to carry it. It also has two wheels and an extendable handle for dragging it behind you over hard surfaces.

Can two RYi2200 inverters generators be connected together?

Yes, you can connect two RYi2200 generators together with a parallel kit. You need to buy the kit separately. The two generators working in parallel can produce 3600 running watts and up to 4400 surge watts. Please note that you cannot connect two different models or different brand generators together, only the exact same models can work in parallel.

Can I use a 30-amp RV connection and plug with the Ryobi RYi2200?

The Ryobi RYi2200 has two 120V, 20-amp AC outlets. If any appliance draws more than 20 amps it might melt a plug or cause an overload. We do not recommend using the AC receptacles of this Ryobi inverter generator for 30-amp RV connections.

The only way to get 30 amps is to buy two Ryobi RYi2200 inverters generators as well as a parallel kit. Connect the two generators together for double the power and then use the 120V 30A receptacle of the parallel kit.

Can it start and run a small 6000 BTU air conditioner?

Yes, it might do so, but you would not be able to start and run anything else while the air conditioner is working. However, it does not produce enough surge wattage to start a typical 13500 BTU air conditioner that needs almost 3000 surge watts to start. The RYi2200 falls far short of this number with a maximum of only 2200 watts.

What is included in the box with the Ryobi RYi2200 generator?

The generator seems to come packaged with a battery charging cable, a bottle of SAE 10W-30 engine oil, paper funnel, screwdriver and operator’s manual.

How loud is the Ryobi RYi2200 when compared to a Honda generator?

The Ryobi inverter generator has an operational volume of 63 decibels. In comparison, the Honda EU2000i puts out 59 decibels when running at its rated load of 1600 watts. The Ryobi inverter generator is probably a few decibels louder than a Honda inverter generator.

Ryobi RYi2200 Inverter Generator: Verdict

You might do better in the long run if you save your money for a Honda EU2200i, if you have the time to wait that long. The Honda inverter generator costs almost twice as much as the Ryobi, but it will last twice as long and be twice as reliable.

To conclude, you could buy the Ryobi RYi2200 inverter generator if you are short on time and cash. The RYi2200 is definitely the less reliable, but more affordable option when it comes to 2000-watt inverter generators.

We recommend that you also consider other affordable 2200-watt inverter generators such as the Westinghouse iGen2200, the Generac GP2200i or the Briggs & Stratton P2200. They might be easier to find and purchase online when compared to the Ryobi inverter generators.