Yamaha vs. Honda 1kVA Inverter Generator Showdown: Yamaha EF1000iS vs. Honda EU10i

YAMAHA vs. HONDA 1000 watt Generator

Yamaha and Honda: these big boys lead the way in inverter generators. But despite appearances, Yamaha and Honda generators are not made exactly equal. The challenge for buyers is delving deep into the features to work out which provides the best value for your needs.

The good news is we've done the hard work for you. Starting with the smallest of their inverter ranges - Yamaha EF1000iS and Honda EU10i - we've drilled down into the details to give you the ultimate comparison in one place.

On the surface, it's easy to pass off these two inverter generators as the same. Both the Yamaha and Honda 1000W generators comprise inverter technology making them ideal for use with sensitive electrical equipment, such as computers and mobile phones. They're both lightweight and compact - in fact their dimensions are exactly the same. They are both quiet and have a recoil start. And because of all this, they are extremely popular generators for the camping and recreational market. But their similarities end there.

Let's look at the details:

 

Light Weight: In the battle of weight, the Yamaha EF1000iS wins hands down. Weighing a feathery 12.7 kilograms, it is the lightest 1000W portable inverter generator you can buy. The Honda EU10i weighs in at 13.2 kilograms. While half a kilo might not sound like much, but when you're moving a generator back and forth on the campsite, you'll want the lighter option!

Yamaha EF1000iS Inverter: best small camping generator?

Silent Operation: Let's be honest, you can choose either of these models, switch them on and pretty much forget they're even running. But thanks to the patented Yamaha Noise Block Sound Reduction System the Yamaha EF1000iS boasts super silent operation with only 47 decibels of noise at a quarter load, as measured at seven metres. That's quieter than a normal conversation! The Honda is slightly louder at 52 decibels.

Yamaha Noise Block Sound Reduction System allows for super quiet operation

Fuel Efficiency: Don't be fooled by the compact size of these 1000W models, the Yamaha EF1000iS can run for up to 11.9 hours at a quarter load before needing a fuel top-up. By comparison, the Honda EU10i lasts for 8.7 hours - three hours less than its Yamaha counterpart. The Yamaha 1000W generator features a smart throttle, which automatically adjusts the engine speed to match the required output. This maximises fuel efficiency so you get more power when you need it. Similarly, the EU10i has an Eco-throttle. The Yamaha 1000W generator also has a larger fuel capacity with a 2.5-litre fuel tank over the Honda's 2.3-litre fuel tank.

Top Features: The Yamaha 1000 watt unit comes with features you would usually only see on larger generators, such as a low oil alert, an AC plug and DC charging cord, and a spark arrestor. The Honda 1000 watt model does have something the Yamaha doesn't - a Parallel Connection feature. This means that if you have two Honda EU10i generators, you can link them with a cable and double your output to 2000W.

The Yamaha EF1000iS is especially popular for caravan, camping and boating trips.

Warranty: With either of these inverter generators, you're getting the peace of mind that comes with the strong Yamaha and Honda brands. Both manufacturers are famous for engineering the best power equipment in the world. That said, it's still wise to choose a generator with a good warranty period in case the worse happens. Luckily, both the Yamaha EF1000iS and Honda EU10i come with a four-year domestic warranty, backed by a national service network.

The Winner

Looking at the comparison, Yamaha EF1000iS . It is lighter, quieter and more fuel-efficient that the Honda 1000W model. The only added advantage the Honda has is the Parallel Connection, but that's a feature you can only enjoy if you have two of the same generators.

Yamaha EF1000iS vs. Honda EU10i Comparison Table:

  Yamaha EF1000iS Honda EU10i
Maximum Output: 1000 Watts 1000 Watts
Rated (Continuous) Output: 900 Watts 900 Watts
Operating Hours (1/4 Load): 11.9 hrs 8.7 hrs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 2.5 L 2.3 L
Size (LxWxH): 450x240x380 mm 450x240x380 mm
Dry Weight: 12.7kg 13.2kg
Noise Level (1/4 Load / 7m): 47 dBA 52 dBA
Starting System: Recoil Recoil

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 Yamaha vs. Honda 1kVA Inverter Generator Showdown: Yamaha EF1000iS vs. Honda EU10i

says:
18 October 2017
I have a Red Arc Manager 30 installed in my camper to power 2 x 120ahr Full Rivers. Will a Yamaha 1Kv run this okay ?

My Generator Response
Hi David, just checking the specifications for that Redarc Manager 30 reveals that: Input Voltage Range (nominal) for 220-240VAC 50Hz Power Rating is 520 Watts. Therefore, the Yamaha EF1000iS Inverter Generator would be more than suitable. Many thanks.

says:
24 June 2017
I have a Yamaha EF1000iS generator. When solar and no driving available I tried connecting gen AC output to 15 amp AC input of RV. RV has 25 amp multistage battery charger in place. Overload on generator immediately lights and no charging. Any clues? tks Barb

My Generator Response
Hi Barb, great question - It is likely that your 25Amp charger draws more than 1000W. The user manual of your charger will state the max power consumption. If it draws more than 1000W, it will overlaod the generator and the generator will go into overload protection mode. Note that many quality RV multi stage battery systems will come with a dial to lower down how much power it draws (less than 1000 watts) - this may be an option for you. Alternatively, you could use a separate AC Battery Charger to recharge your batteries via your 1000W generator...note this would be less preferable as you would likely need to disconnect your batteries from your existing RV system. Many thanks.

says:
16 May 2017
Just wondering what the 240v output in amps would be if charging my camper trailer batteries. I have an epower 60amp charger already installed and my batteries (315ah total) are capable of taking 60 amps, would the Yamaha 1kva model be able to output at 60 amps or is the 2kva model better suited?

My Generator Response
Hi Michael, great question - we actually also stock the ePOWER 60Amp charger which has Current Control, which allows the user to adjust the current output (e.g. Dial the 60amp unit back to run off a 1000W generator). But if you would like to get the full power out of your charger, you would need to go to a 2000W generator. The ePOWER 60Amp charger will draw 1050W at max power. Many thanks.

says:
17 February 2017
I need to power an IP-camera and an internet router, so the power from the generator needs to be completely reliable and continuous. Would either of these be suitable for this use, and would I still need something in between of my devices and the generator? Thanks so much, Mark

My Generator Response
Hi Mark, a quality inverter generator from the likes of Honda or Yamaha will deliver pure sine wave power. These inverter units provide power as clean or cleaner than the power output from your home wall socket and therefore they are suitable to run your sensitive electronic equipment. One of our more popular units for your type of application such as running camera equipment and other small electronic appliances is the Yamaha EF1000iS - you can actually see a video on the product page of a customer using this generator for that exact purpose :) Many thanks

says:
6 June 2016
I have a caravan with 2 solar panels (135w each), 2 batteries (120w each) these work fine, until no sun. Is it possible to use a generator to top up my batteries by plugging a lead from the generator into the 240v, 15amp inlet on the van. What else will I need? Thanking you Annie

My Generator Response
Hi Annie - thanks for your question. You will need a battery charger to connect between the generator and your batteries. This will ensure the charge is regulated and the charge is done properly, without any risk of damaging any of your equipment. Using a Yamaha EF1000iS and a battery charger is a very popular way of charging camping/auxiliary batteries, especially when solar is not an option. Many thanks.

says:
9 October 2015
I know what you are saying, but I am having trouble calculating what an ARMS is in usage? It quotes a 100-240 v 2.9ARMS input?

says:
8 October 2015
I have a C Tek25 watt battery charger that quotes a requirement of 2.9 ARMS. If I used this on the Yamaha 1Kva how much would I have left to use? Sometimes I would also need to plug in a 12 volt 7 Amp charge to charge two batteries at once. I presently have a Honda 2.0 and it does it easily but the weight is too much.

My Generator Response
Hi David, we'd recommend you find out the peak wattage draw for your particular battery equipment. Typically the Yamaha EF1000iS is a very popular choice for charging camping deep cycle battery packs (via a battery charger), but just to be sure it can handle all your charging requirements for your specific batteries, its important you first find the exact wattage draw. Thanks, Steve

says:
29 June 2015
Hi would either one of these charge a set of three deep cycle batteries in a camping trailer?

My Generator Response
Hi Lars, The short answer is yes. The 1kVA inverter generators are very popular for charging your auxiliary camping batteries. Just be sure to use a battery charger between the generator and your batteries, as this will ensure the power is properly regulated and will not damage your batteries. Most inverter generators do have a DC charging capability, however this is not suited for charging for prolonged periods, and that is why we recommend using a battery charger between the generator and the batteries. Thanks, Steve.

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