Generator Review: Honda EU22i vs Honda EU20i

Honda just added a new generator to its line-up: the Honda EU22i. Here's how it compares to the legacy model Honda EU20i.

If you're planning to upgrade your generator, or are in the market for something new, Honda has just made the decision even harder with its new Honda EU22i.

So, what's new? Here, we compare it to the ever-popular Honda EU20i to see how they match up:

Size:

Physically, both the Honda EU22i and EU20i appear to be the same size. But look closer and there are some noteworthy differences. The Honda EU22i actually has a larger 4-Stroke GXR120 engine for a maximum output of 2200 watts. That's 10% more power than the EU20i - enough for an extra bar fridge.

By comparison, the Honda EU20i uses Honda's 4-stroke GX100 engine for a maximum power output of 2,000 watts and rated output of 1,600 watts.

The Parallel Connection is a favourite feature of the Honda generators, so you'll be happy to hear that they haven't done away with it for the Honda EU22i. You can still use a cable to link two EU22i models and get close to double your output.

Honda knows how to pack maximum power into compact machines

Fuel economy:

Both generator models have a built-in Eco Throttle which adjusts the engine speed to meet the load demand. As a bonus, this feature also reduces generator noise, as the engine doesn't run at full capacity unless needed.

This means, with a 4-litre fuel tank, the Honda EU22i can run for up to 8 hours continuously if the Eco-Throttle is switched on at 1/4 output.

If you're looking for a similiar generator with better fuel efficiency, check out the Yamaha EF2200IS 2200W Inverter Generator. This generator runs for an impressive 10.5 hours at ¼ load and has a fuel tank capacity of just 3.6 litres! This is a whole two hours extra run time compared to the Honda EU22i.

Start-up power:

At 2200 watts, the Honda EU22i has a higher start up output than its predecessor - great if you need to start up power-hungry caravan air-con units (although note that some Caravan A/C units will still need a little more start up power in hot conditions - consequently we often recommend a 2400w inverter generator to many Caravan owners).

Inverter:

No changes here. Both the Honda EU22i and the EU20i feature a microcomputer-controlled sinewave inverter. This guarantees commercial-quality electricity, so you can confidently use the generator to power frequency sensitive electrical equipment, such as computers.

Weight:

When it comes to portable generators, Honda knows how to pack maximum power into compact machines. By using their own high-speed multi-point alternator integrated into the engine, Honda reduces the overall weight and size by as much as 50% compared to similarly classed models. As a result, despite the extra features on the new model, both the Honda EU20i and EU22i weigh in at 21kg.

Safety:

Honda has added a few handy details to the new design, which make the EU22i more user friendly. The Honda EU22i features a vented cap which is a different colour to the rest of the unit. This small detail makes it easier to remember to vent the cap to the "on" position when you're running the generator.

It also has special "run dry switch" that lets you run the generator out of fuel before you put your Honda EU22i into storage for a while.

In both models, the engine is protected via low oil alert system. But the new Honda EU22i has a larger oil filler for improved draining and catching of oil.

Honda EU22i has a higher start up output than its predecessor

Longevity:

Another handy detail in the Honda EU22i, which is lacking on the EU20i, is the metal reinforcement around the recoil starter handle. This is designed so that even the most heavy-handed users won't damage the unit when pulling the cord.

Price:

Now lets be honest, price does effect our purchasing choices - especially when we are dropping a few thousand on a generator! So lets compared the price of the two Honda models:

Honda EU20i: $1,899

Honda EU22i: $2,099

Now we have an insider tip:

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative then check out the Briggs & Stratton 2400W Inverter Generator. This generator is as high quality as the Honda EU22i and has as many features but will save you almost $800!

Check out our full comparison of the Honda 2200w Generator VS Briggs & Stratton 2200w Generator here (Please note, the Briggs & Stratton 2200W generator is now superseded by the 2400W above).

Verdict:

The Honda EU20i has held long been one of the world's best-selling recreational generators, and it's easy to see why. But with the smart user-friendly design and extra 10% power, the Honda EU22i will likely take its place at the top.

Any downfalls?: The Honda EU22i is a great generator but is up there in price. Alternatively checkout the Cromtech outback 2400w inverter generator for a budget friendly option if you're not interested in spending circa $1,800. The Cromtech option well set you back less than half of that.

Compare the Yamaha EF2200IS vs Honda EU2200i Generator here!

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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.


8 thoughts on Generator Review: Honda EU22i vs Honda EU20i

says:
11 September 2018
Hi Im looking to purchase a generator for my caravan. Which in your opinion is better the Honda EU22i or the Yamaha 2400. Ill be going off grid so looking to run aircon fridges etc. Cheers Simon

My Generator Response
Hi Simon, In my opinion, the Yamaha EF2400iS is the pick of the small inverter generators, especially when considering the start up requirements of a roof top Air Conditioner. We always recommend a good quality 2400W Inverter generator for an A/C. Another handy tip when starting your a/c from a generator is to check your caravan's battery charger is switched off. This is sometimes trips the generator into overload. Cheers Paul

says:
28 August 2018
Hi just wondering the best generator for my oyster lease. Possibly running it 4 hrs a day for 1week straight then might sit dormant for 8 weeks. Used for charging, possible circular saw, possible Engle fridge . It will be kept indoors in the shed that is on a large timber deck over water.

says:
5 July 2018
Hi, what is the EU22i's fuel consumption at 90% of continuous load, ie 1650W load? Thanks.

My Generator Response
Hi Gerban, Honda rate the EU22i model as having a run time of approx 8 hours at quarter load. Thus applying a 90% load you could expect a run time of approx 2-3 hours. Thank you.

says:
28 June 2018
Really generators are becoming a mandatory thing in all kinds of businessess. The need for the generator is increasing more and more. But the capacity of the generator will vary according to the big and small scale industries, firms, etc., Sacs Gen is also providing all kinds of Generators for business and personal needs

says:
27 May 2018
Hi, can u set up a Honda 20i and a Honda 10i on parrellel. As I have recently purchased a Jayco outback camper with aircon and was going to upgrade my generators to a 3kva generator as recommended to run the Aircon as it requires 2200 watts.

My Generator Response
Hi Mick, Unfortunately you can only connect the same model with the parallel cable, you cant interconnect different models. If you need 2200 watts or greater (which is often the case for many RV Air-Con models), I would suggest you look at the below two inverter generators which are the most popular for running Caravan / Motorhome air conditioners: Cromtech 2400w Inverter Generator Yamaha 2400w Inverter Generator Briggs & Stratton 2200w Inverter Generator Many thanks

says:
27 March 2018
further to the above "This information would be at normal conditions. In extreme and harsh conditions, the amps increase, which lead to their max ratings." Maybe the safe option would be to opt for the full load of 20Amp.

My Generator Response
Thanks Moses, given 20 amps (single phase power) is approx 4800 watts, I would therefore recommend you consider this generator here: Yamaha EF6300iSE 6300watt Inverter Generator. It produces a continuous power output of 5500 watts. This model is especially popular for food trucks, coffee vans, mobile catering etc. It is is extremely quiet, produces clean power output and weighs 25 kilograms less than the Honda inverter equivalent. Please feel free to call our team on 1300 400 122 if you would like to chat to a product expert further about your generator requirements. Thanks again.

says:
27 March 2018
Hi Adam, appreciate your input, the max draw is 13Amps per machine,

says:
24 March 2018
I am building my Slurupee van, here the specs my for my unit,ELECTRICAL RATINGS 230V /- 15V 60Hz, 20a, single phase230V /- 15V 50HZ, 20a, single phase(includes 8ft. power cord NEMAL6-20P molded plug connection. I am running 2 units. plus a small fridge not sure the about the electric specs yet and the standard lightning. how much power do I need ? what type of of generator, prefer invert-er.

My Generator Response
Hi Moses, the best way to approach this is to contact the manufacturer of the slurpee unit and ask what the peak (or maximum) power that your particular model draws. This power measure can be in Watts or Amps. From the specs you have listed, the '20a' refers to 20 Amps (approx 4800 watts for your single phase unit), but you would need to check if this is the max power draw or the continuous running draw. Once you have that information, you can size your generator requirements correctly. We have sold generators to countless customers to run slurpee machines, ice cream machines, coffee makers etc. There are some fantastic quiet, efficient and reliable inverter generator models for this type of application - all you need to know is the peak draw of your appliance(s) and we can recommend the best generator model for you. Thank you.

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