Honda EU22i Generator Alternatives: Affordable Options Compared

steve says:

16 February 2018

I have a dometic b3200 air conditioner in my motorhome and I want to run it using a generator. Reading online some people say that their a/c works fine with the honda 2000i or the yamaha equivalent - but that doesn't seem to make sense when you look at the specs! Anyway, the other day I was parked next to some people with a 2000i and they let me use it to test the a/c out and it worked. Ì had it run for about 30mins without a problem. So was I just lucky or should I expect this performance from all 2000i generators and, if so, could I expect the same from a Cromtech.

My Generator Response
Hi Steve, great question. We tend to err on the conservative side and suggest a minimum size generator of 2400 watts to run a caravan air conditioner. This is the same as the technical departments for the aircon manufacturers such as Dometic / Aircommand, Truma etc. - they will recommend a 2400 to 2800 watt inverter generator for their RV air con models. To your point; yes, a 2000 watt generator will run some aircon models, but we (and the aircon brands) recommend a 2400 watt to ensure you have enough power up your sleeve in all situations...we get lots of caravan owners contacting us saying that their 2000w generator (such as the Honda eu2000i) won't run their air conditioner in their van. Often other factors such as hotter ambient temperatures (any generator's capacity is de-rated in hotter temps) and the length of extension lead (also a power de-rating effect) results in 2000 watts not being enough power. These are just two common examples, but there other instances whereby it can be very useful to have that extra power. So, to ensure you don't get caught short, we suggest the prudent approach of opting for a 2400w inverter generator or 2800w inverter generator model for running your caravan air con. The exception to the rule is if your aircon model is the Dometic Harrier Rooftop A/C - this is the only caravan air con model on the market that has inverter technology, which significantly reduces start up power requirements when running from a generator. If you have a Dometic Harrier Air Con model, you can easily start and run it from a 2000w inverter generator, without being concerned that external factors will put you at risk of not having enough power. Many thanks

Ian says:

17 January 2017

I originally bought a Generac 2600 generator from you. After a few hours operation over a few months the recoil starter mechanism failed. Icontacted you and you referred me to Allpower for warranty service. When I contacted Allpower they initially were unable to provide details of more than one service agent in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. I contacted this agent and their first question was "did you buy the generator from us?". They then went on to say that they were busy and would not be able to even look at the generator for five weeks. I shopped around and found another nearby dealer who was willing to look at the unit. They also asked "did you buy the generator from us?". They looked at the generator and eventually fixed it under warranty in under a week. However, they warned me against trying to get warranty service from anyone other than the original sellers as they get more than enough business servicing things they originally sold. Overall I got the impression they were doing me a favour (and I am glad they did) rather than performing what should have been a straightforward legitimate warranty repair. I can appreciate their attitude towards retailers who are not also service agents. I realise the industry is going through a transition between bricks and mortar shops vs online retailers, but this is a major issue that needs to be addressed by online sellers.

Derek says:

14 January 2017

I investigated the Supaswift and both emailed and phoned Allpower. They could not reliably find either a South Australia retailers or Service agent for me. All the places in Adelaide that were listed as Supaswift sellers stocked a different brand of generator. This was telling. They may be distributed by Allpower but I rather buy a product from a shop willing their back their product.

My Generator Response
Hi Derek, thanks for your interest. Please see the following comment from All Power regarding their network backing their products: "We (All Power) have a national service dealer network of more than 450 dealers. Not all service dealers are stockists and some may not carry specific brands or products, but most should offer back up service for our various brands. There are exceptions to this, and in the event of a remote location where there is no service dealer we would make arrangements with a local small engine repairer through our contacts to carry out any required service / warranty procedures." Thank you.

Greig says:

18 July 2016

Hi Steve, I am looking for a generator for my yacht. The intended use is as a backup to charging the house batteries, alternative to the generator attached to the diesel, by plugging into the shore power system. Also I wish to run a 1000W microwave occasionally. We use the boat every 2-3 weeks over the weekend, but I only expect to use the generator 2-3 times a year max. I want it to be reasonably quiet. Also, I have limited storage space. I am looking at the Cromtech, seems to have the right specs. 2.4kW , 59dB at 7m, small dimensions. I find it hard to justify paying over twice the price for the Yamaha. Am I thinking correctly, is my logic sound? Greig

My Generator Response
Hi Greig, the Cromtech Outback 2400w inverter generator is very popular for charging batteries (via a battery charger) and for small household appliances like you have in mind – just check your microwave doesn’t peak at more than 2400 watts as the 1000 watt rating is its running power, not start up peak power. For your level of intended use, the Cromtech is perfect – designed for recreational, infrequent use and you can use it knowing you have the backing of a national service support network, so if it needs servicing, spare parts or work under warranty then you are covered. The Yamaha inverter generator range is also extremely popular – yes, they are more expensive, but you get a longer warranty (4 years), slightly better specs and they are built for more intensive use if you need your generator more regularly. Yamaha is of course also backed by a large national service agent support network. In summary, you are on the right track with the Cromtech 2400w model for your type of intended application – its the recommended budget recreational/occasional use inverter generator. One last thing - just remember that all of these portable inverter generators are not marinised. For boating, fishing, yachting applications many people use inverter generators exactly like the ones you are considering - but excessive exposure to sea water/air can cause corrosion which is not covered under warranty, so best to cover up your generator wherever you can in a marine environment. Thanks

Ian says:

13 May 2016

I have a backyard woodwork shed that I use maximum 3-4 days per week. I need to run things like power table saw, drill press, bandsaw, router, hand power tools etc, dust extractor but usually one thing at a time plus fluro or LED lighting. Maximum draw is less than 2000W ( usually 2 x 750w)for short periods, few minutes on then off. Would you recommend a Honda or Yamaha 2000W or one of the cheaper Chinese generators. What are the pros and cons of buying a used Or demo Honda or Yamaha to save a few dollars on a more reliable unit.

My Generator Response
Hi Ian, all very good questions! It's good that you know your maximum power draw requirements - in terms of either the Yamaha or Honda 2000w models, they are both great units and you can't really go wrong with either. You can read in more detail this article here which compares the two: Yamaha vs. Honda 2kVA Inverter Generator Showdown: Yamaha EF2000iS vs. Honda EU20i. In terms of a cheaper Chinese made option versus a Premium Brand option (like Yamaha or Honda), I would caution against most of them. The main reason being the lack of after sales support, warranty support and spare parts availability - most of the cheaper brands don't offer these. For infrequent use, you may get a good run from a cheaper unit for a while, but ultimately you'll likely need a spare part or the generator inspected by a qualified service agent - this is where you're often left high and dry with a cheaper Chinese 'budget' generator. One of the few exceptions is a brand called Cromtech - it has a newly released 2400w inverter generator which is supported by a national service agent network with hundreds of accredited agents backing the product. Lastly, in terms of a used/second hand generators - we don't really encourage this. We've seen too many customers burned by purchasing a used generator and just inheriting issues from the previous owner's neglect. Here is another article which looks at the pros and cons of used generators in more detail: Don’t buy a used generator until you read this. Thanks.

darryl gatfield says:

19 February 2016

Great questions asked and very honestly answered....it speaks volumes for your company and i really appreciate the articles. ..im also deciding between cheap or premium brand....its for use when brownouts happen at night just to run the lights and fridge at my house in the Philippines. ..generators are very very expensive there....thanks again..

My Generator Response
You're welcome Darryl. As mentioned, there are some budget brand generators that serve the purpose of occasional use such as your application. For more regular use or for multi-purpose applications, a premium brand is recommended. Premium brand generators are built to a higher standard and come with comprehensive service and warranty support, which the budget brands do not have. All the best - cheers, Steve

Bridgit says:

23 May 2015

Hi, am off grid with a 12v solar system that runs my fridge, lights, mobile charger, water pump etc. just want to be able to vacuum with a Dyson dc23 (1400watts) and a 800 watt microwave and a toaster - not all at the same time of course. Would be used every 2nd weekend, vacuuming would take say 90 mins, microwave and toast would be 30 mins per weekend maximum. I am in Nooroo so if item fails I guess I have to take it back to Sydney. Your thoughts on best options. Most of the forums say stick with Honda or Yamaha. Hmmm...

My Generator Response
Hi Bridgit, thanks for your question. In your case, I would recommend you opt for a premium brand like Yamaha or Honda. Given you will be using it somewhat regularly going forward, then it makes sense to go with a brand that will a) withstand your fortnightly demands for many years to come, and b) have a national service network in case you need to get the generator serviced or inspected under warranty by an accredited service agent - for example I know Yamaha have agents in Cessnock, Newcastle and Maitland which are close to your location. Budget cheaper brands really best for infrequent use, i.e. having one in the garage on standby in case of a blackout so you can keep the fridges running and some lights on, or light recreational use. For your intended application, it is better to outlay a bit more money from the outset to get a premium brand that will run your appliances every 2 weeks for a long time coming. Last word of advice would be to just check the starting wattages of your vacuum, microwave and toaster - anything with an electric motor or heating element can draw 3 to 4 times the running wattage, so just be sure to double check these exact starting wattage numbers to ensure you get the right sized generator. Cheers, Steve.

Grant Colliver says:

3 December 2014

Will a 2000 watt sized generator be enough to run my camping gear?

My Generator Response
Hi Grant - a 2000 watt inverter generator is a very popular size for camping. They are great for running fridges, lights, laptops etc, as well as recharging your battery packs. However just to be sure 2000 watts is enough to run everything you want to when camping, it is best to first determine the exact wattage amounts your appliances will draw. This wattage info can be found on the data plate or within the product manual. We have a simple step by step guide to take you through what size generator you need right here: Generator Buyers Guide Take a look at the guide just to be certain that 2000 watts will be enough to run all your camping appliances. You don't want to be left short! Thanks.

Helen Duggan says:

24 November 2014

Hello Sean, My husband and I are interested in the 3500 watt generator and we wanted to ask you what is the difference between these Lectron Chinese made generators and the many other Chinese brands out there? The price for the Chinese brands are appealing, but we are unsure which brand to trust, as most of them are not known to us. Thanks and regards, Helen and Rob.

My Generator Response
Hi Helen - great question! Chinese manufacturing has come a long way in many cases – in fact even some premium brands are using parts manufactured in China and Taiwan nowadays. However, not all Chinese Generators are made equal - there are some reliable brands and some not so reliable. Lectron is a Chinese manufactured brand that we have tested and our customers have good experience with...we like two main things about them: Firstly they actually deliver the power output as stated (many Chinese brands on eBay claim they produce 4000 watts, when they actually struggle to put out 3000 watts!), and Secondly they come with a 2 year warranty, which is better than most other Chinese brands which are only 12 months (or less). Our most popular Lectron Generator for Caravans is the Lectron EC3500 as it produces a peak of 3500 watts: enough to run your caravan A/C. Overall, when it comes to choosing between a 'value for money brand' like Lectron or a premium brand like Yamaha, there are a few important questions to ask yourself, which are outlined in this article here: http://blog.mygenerator.com.au/premium-brand-or-value-for-money-generator/ This will help you decide whether a Lectron is right for you or not. Thanks!

Con Malceski says:

20 November 2014

Hi, For recreational uses, is the Honda or Yamaha better? - Con

My Generator Response
Howdy Con; we get this question quite often. Both Honda and Yamaha produce 2000w inverter generators that are the best recreational generators available; terrific for camping, 4x4 adventures, fishing, small DIY jobs, market stall, small outdoor events etc. Honda have the EU20i and Yamaha has the EF2000iS: both come with a four year warranty and national networks of accredited service agents. But, when it comes to comparing the details of the specifications between the two, the Yamaha just wins. It is slightly lighter, quieter and more fuel efficient, and also includes a few extra features which the Honda doesn't. To find out more and see a comparison of the two models, check out this article: Yamaha vs Honda 2000w generator.

Chris Vandenberg says:

20 November 2014

I'm interested as to why these are so much cheaper than the Honda or Yamahas if they basically have the same specs and power output? Will these Lectron's just pack it in after 6 months? Any help providing customer confidence would be much appreciated. Thank you, Chris.

My Generator Response
Hi Chris - good question. Chinese manufacturing has come a long way in many cases – in fact that even some premium brands are using parts manufactured in China and Taiwan nowadays. However, not all Chinese Generators are made equal - there are some reliable brands and some not so reliable. Lectron is a Chinese manufactured brand that we have tested and our customers have good experiences with...we like two main things about them: Firstly they actually deliver the power output as stated (many Chinese brands on eBay claim they produce 4000 watts, when they actually struggle to put out 3000 watts!), and Secondly they come with a 2 year warranty, which is better than most other Chinese brands which are only 12 months (or less). They do not have a national service network, and just provide parts support from their facility in Sydney...this is one of the benefits of paying for the premium brands such as Yamaha; they have over 200 accredited service agents nationwide. Essentially, we recommend the Lectrons as a good value for money option for infrequent use and for back up if required. If you plan to use the generator fairly often and for longer periods, then go for a premium brand like Yamaha.

Ben Macarthy says:

20 November 2014

Interesting read Sean. What is the go with service agents for these units? ...where can you get it serviced or repaired? Thanks, Ben

My Generator Response
Hi Ben, if you require the unit to be inspected under warranty then it will need to be looked at in Lectron's servicing facility in Sydney. They do not have a national service newtork...this is one of the benefits of paying for the premium brands such as Yamaha; they have over 200 accredited service agents nationwide. However, if you just want the Lectron serviced (not inspected under warranty), then you can take it to your local mower or small engines shop and ask them to quote for a service like any other piece of power equipment. Cheers!