Honda EU2200i Review
The quietest, most reliable small generator ever made. You pay for it, and it's worth it.
The verdict
Twenty years of the EU-series have built a reputation no other small engine enjoys: the EU2200i starts on the first or second pull after years of neglect, runs at conversation volume, and outlives its owners' patience for anything else. If the budget allows and 1,800 running watts covers your loads, buy it once and stop thinking about it.
Typical price: ~$1,099 (typical street price — current price shown on Amazon)
Buy on AmazonWhat we like
- +48–57 dBA — the benchmark everyone else measures against
- +Legendary starting and longevity; GX120-derived engine
- +47 lb, one-hand carry
- +Clean sine-wave power, fuel-sipping Eco Throttle
- +CO-Minder shutoff standard on current models
What to know
- −Roughly double the cost per watt of very good competitors
- −1,800 running watts won't run an RV air conditioner alone
- −No electric start, no fuel gauge
- −Parallel kit for more power is a separate purchase
Full review
Every review of every inverter generator eventually references Honda, because the EU-series is the standard. Campground noise disputes end when it's a Honda running. Ours-start-when-others-don't stories are so common they're boring. That reliability premium is real and priced in.
The practical question is whether 1,800 running watts is enough. For camping, tailgating, food trucks, and outage duty limited to a fridge plus small loads, yes. For a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner, no — you need the 4,500 class or a second EU2200i and a parallel kit, at which point the Westinghouse iGen4500 costs less than one Honda.
If the Honda premium isn't in the budget, nothing below will disappoint you. But no other machine in this guide gets bought twice by the same family as often as this one.
Best for: Campers, tailgaters, and anyone who values quiet and it-just-starts reliability over price.
Specifications
| Running watts | 1,800 |
|---|---|
| Peak watts | 2,200 |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Tank / runtime | 0.95 gal — 4–8 hr depending on load |
| Noise | 48–57 dBA |
| Outlets | 2× 5-20R (30A parallel outlet on Companion model) |
| Start | Recoil |
| Weight | 47 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Ready to get one?
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~$1,099 typical price
Buy on AmazonHead-to-head comparisons
Alternatives in Inverter Generators
Best Overall
Westinghouse iGen4500
4,500 peak watts, 52 dBA, remote start, RV-ready — the most complete midsize inverter.
Most Power
Westinghouse iGen12000TFc Tri-Fuel Inverter
9,000 clean running watts on gas, propane, or natural gas at 64 dBA — whole-home inverter power.
Best Value
Champion 100889 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter
The iGen4500 formula plus propane capability, typically at a lower price.