Having a portable inverter generator at home comes in handy very quickly during power outages, but they’re also perfect to bring while camping and going on picnics. RV owners also prefer this stable and compact generator since they’re light enough to tug while being powerful enough for extended use. Here’s a comparison between two popular inverters, the Honda EU3000iS and Yamaha EF3000iS, for those looking to have backup power at home.
Honda vs Yamaha Generator Comparison Chart
| Model | Honda EU3000iS | Yamaha EF3000iS |
| Amazon product | Amazon product | |
| Price | Amazon product | Amazon product |
| Rating | Amazon product Amazon product | Amazon product Amazon product |
| Type | Inverter | Inverter |
| Engine | Honda GX200 | OHV 4-Stroke |
| Displacement | 196cc / 6 hp | 171cc / 5.5 hp |
| Starting System | Recoil, electric | Recoil with Auto Decompressor |
| Max AC Output | 3,000 W | 3,000 W |
| Rated AC Output | 2,800 W | 2,800 W |
| Voltage | 120V | 120V |
| Max AC Current | 25 amps | 25 amps |
| Rated AC Current | 23.3 amps | 23.3 amps |
| DC Output | 12 amps @ 12V | 12 amps @ 12V |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.4 gal | 3.4 gal |
| Run Time (Full load) | 7.1 hrs | n/a |
| Run Time (1/4 load) | 20 hrs | 19 hrs |
| Noise (Full load) | 57 dBA | 60 dBA |
| Noise (1/4 load) | 50 dBA | 53 dBA |
| Low Oil Shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Parallel Capability | Yes | No |
| Smart Throttle | No | Yes |
| Wheels | 2 or 4 Wheel Kit | Built-in (4) |
| Dimensions | 25.9″ x 17.6″ x 22″ | 26.8″ x 17.5″ x 21.9″ |
| Weight | 131 lbs | 136 lbs |
| Warranty | 3-Year | 3-Year Limited |
Engine and Power
The Honda EU3000iS and Yamaha EF3000iS generators produce similar reliable power.
While the Honda EU3000iS’s GX200 engine has a slightly higher displacement of 196cc to the Yamaha EF3000iS’s 171cc, both generators produce the same rated and max output of 2,800 watts and 3,000 watts, respectively. In fact, these inverter generators are identical in overall power, producing max and rated currents of 25 amps and 23.3 amps at 120V, as well as 12 amps at 12V for DC receptacles. As such, you can rely on either to be able to power home appliances, from blenders to AC units, with ease.
Honda and Yamaha’s generators vary a bit in fuel consumption and run time, though. They’re both equipped with 3.4-gallon tanks but the Honda EU3000iS can manage to run up to 20 hours at a quarter load on a full tank while the Yamaha EF3000iS can last up to 19 hours. Yamaha does have a fuel-saving feature that can extend run time when it’s not operating on a full load, so expect pretty much similar longevity with either inverter.
As inverter generators, you can rely on both Honda and Yamaha generators to provide stable power to machines with sensitive components, like computers. Both engines have low oil alerts that warn you when the generators need maintenance. They will automatically shut off once oil levels reach a critical minimum in order to prevent damage and costly repairs to the engines.
Convenience
The Honda EU3000iS generator has an electric start and is quieter than the Yamaha EF3000iS generator.
One advantage of the Honda EU3000iS inverter over the Yamaha EF3000iS is that it has an electric start in addition to the standard recoil system. You’ll be able to run it with the flip of a switch, reducing the hassle of traditional pull-cord engines. Still, you won’t have much difficulties starting the Yamaha generator thanks to its automatic decompression, which ensures engine start on the first pull.
Another area where the Honda EU3000iS gets a slight advantage is in its quiet operation. At 1/4 load it produces noise levels of only 50 dBA, which goes up to 57 dBA on a full load. For the Yamaha EF3000iS, these sound levels are 53 dBA and 60 dBA, respectively. Either way, these inverters should prove to be not a disturbance to neighbors and the family, especially when placed a sufficient distance away.
Both generators also come with wheels and handle bars to make these heavy machines easier to move around. The Honda EU3000is includes a 2/4 wheel kit while the Yamaha EF3000iS has its wheels already built in.
Features
The Honda EU3000iS generator has parallel capability while the Yamaha EF3000iS generator has smart throttle.
Yamaha integrated Smart Throttle technology into the EF3000iS to allow it to adjust its engine speed based on the current load. With it turned on, you can enjoy better fuel efficiency as well as reduced noise levels whenever the Yamaha inverter isn’t running on full capacity.
Meanwhile, Honda made the EU3000iS able to play with identical models to provide you even more power through parallel capability. Using an optional cable to connect two Honda generators of the same model, you’ll be able to get double the output without opting for a larger, heavier machine, thus keeping its portability.
Verdict
The Honda EU3000iS generator is slightly ahead of the Yamaha EF3000iS generator.
Amazon productAll things considered, these Honda and Yamaha generators are pretty much well-matched in terms of power output and fuel efficiency. The Honda EU3000iS gets the slight edge, however, in being a bit more quiet and more convenient to start than the Yamaha EF3000iS. Still, you can expect similar performance from either inverter, along with comparable run times and fuel consumption.