Honda Generators are one of the largest names for portable generators. It has a reputation for making insanely expensive high-quality and long-lasting generators. Many consumers struggle with the massive price tag. For this reason, many consider other options while shopping. While Honda may make a great generator, some quality alternatives cost a lot less.
Today, we’re sharing why we think you should reconsider buying a Honda generator. We’ll even share a few budget-friendly options that provide almost the same results.
What Is a Honda Generator?
Honda has made portable generators since 1965. Most have gasoline engines, and you often see them outside homes after a storm, at construction sites, or at campsites. They produce a tremendous amount of power anywhere you need it.
Honda makes generators of various sizes, and choosing which generator will work best for you depends on what you plan to do with it. The more power you need, the larger the generator you’ll need. It’s better to have more power than not enough in most circumstances.
How Much Do Honda Generators Cost?
Honda generators will cost you a pretty penny if you want one. The more wattage you need, the more expensive it becomes. The smallest generator from Honda is the EU1000I, which typically costs $900 to $950.
On the other hand, the Honda EB10000AG can generate over 10,000W of power and costs $5,500. However, cranking up the EB10000AG in a campground isn’t good. It’s insanely loud and should likely stay at a noisy construction site.
Are Honda Generators Best?
Honda generators are reliable and consistent and have received multiple awards. However, many other options produce substantially more power and create more noise. However, other options don’t typically have the hefty price tag. Many consider them the best, and you get what you pay for.
What Are the Benefits of Honda Generators?
Consumers choose Honda generators for several reasons. For decades, the company has made small engines and has continually improved its generators with each new release. Buying a Honda can provide assurance that the company will stand behind its product.
Two additional benefits of Honda generators include the light weight and low noise. These two characteristics make them ideal for anyone looking for a portable power solution. They hum along quietly while getting some of the best fuel economies of any generator on the market.
Pro Tip: Unsure if a Honda generator is worth the investment? Check out these 5 Reasons Not To Overlook The Honda EU2200i Generator.
What Are the Disadvantages of Honda Generators?
The only disadvantage of Honda generators is the price tag. You can expect to pay 20% to 30% more for a Honda generator than many competitors. For many people, paying hundreds of dollars more for a Honda generator just isn’t an option, especially if they won’t use it regularly.
Is There a Generator as Good as a Honda?
Several generators give Honda a run for its money when creating power. You can get more bang for your buck from several other generators. If the cost of a Honda makes your eyes nearly pop out of their sockets, don’t worry. You can still find a high-quality generator that won’t hit your bank account nearly as hard. We’ll list the best options below.
What Other Generators Are on the Market?
Honda isn’t the only one manufacturing quality generators; some alternatives may cost less than you think. Let’s take a look.
Champion Power Equipment 200986 4500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, RV Ready
About: Champion’s 4500W portable inverter generator is a beast. You get far more bang for your buck than anything Honda offers. You’ll get up to 14 hours of run time from this workhorse’s 2.3-gallon gas tank. If 4500W isn’t enough, you can purchase a parallel kit to double the available wattage. Champion is a familiar name for small engines. This is a great choice for those looking to camp, tailgate, or keep power after a storm.
Price: $810-$830
Generac G0071540 GP3300i Portable Inverter Generator
About: Generac is a popular whole-home generator manufacturer, but they also make portable inverter generators. This GP3300i is an example of their fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. It offers everything you could need in a portable generator.
The Generac weighs only 59.5 lbs and can deliver 3300 starting watts and 2500 running watts. It has enough plugins to charge electronics or even plug a 30-amp RV directly into it. This is a fantastic option for those RVers who enjoy off-grid camping.
Price: $825-$850
WEN GN400i RV-Ready 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator
About: The WEN GN400i is a high-powered open frame inverter generator. It has a budget-friendly cost and delivers 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts. You’ll find two USB ports, two standard 120V electrical connections, and a 30-amp plug to connect to your RV.
You can count on the WEN GN400i to run for over seven hours on a single gas tank while running a half-load of power. The eco-mode switch allows the generator to adjust fuel consumption based on the demand. This helps conserve fuel and avoids the generator running louder and harder than necessary.
Price: $375-$400
Pro Tip: Unsure if you can Run an RV Generator While You’re Sleeping? We uncovered the rules of generator use.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
The size generator you need will depend on what you want to run. If you hope to run an air conditioner or other high-powered electronics, you’ll likely need a generator with at least 3500 starting watts. The more things you want to run, the larger generator you’ll need. Many generators can connect to a similar generator to double the power. This can allow you to purchase a smaller generator that is easier to move and takes up much less space.
So will you go with the expensive Honda or another cheaper and just as powerful option? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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