We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
One of the most widely used and reliable portable inverter generators on the market this 2024 is the Honda EU3000iS. It is the ideal option for a range of uses, such as camping, tailgating, and powering your RV, thanks to its quiet operation, strong power output, and efficient fuel use.
In this review, we will take a look at the features, performance, and overall value of the Honda EU3000iS.
Honda EU3000iS
TL;DR
Pros
- Cranks up quickly and easily with an electric start.
- Super quiet, no noise, best for camping
- Has a HONDA GX200 engine which is super powerful and durable.
- By far the most fuel-efficient inverter generator.
- Long run time.
- Parallel capabilities.
- The latest innovation in inverter technology.
- Compact design in spite of having a huge engine and additional battery.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a factory-installed hour meter.
- No in-line fuel filter.
- No remote starter.
- Heavier than other Honda models. Need to install extra wheel kits to increase portability.
- Eco-Throttle limits the power that can be used.
- No USB outlets. There is no external connection to charge up external batteries.
Honda Eu3000is Generator at a Glance
When it comes to a good generator, the name ‘Honda’ pops into our minds at first. Honda generators are so much in demand in the current market.
This Japanese company owns our heart with its quality. And their inverter generators have quite a reputation on the market. Although they come at a premium price, the generators are said to be the best thing that money can buy.
The Honda eu3000is is easily the most beloved 3000 watt generator. It is arguably the best generator and it has become the customer’s favorite for its top-notch quality.
Now, is this generator actually worth the hype? Does it perform the way it claims to do? Is it well worth the price? Well, I am here to give you my honest opinion about this generator! Read on to find out all the answers to your questions before spending the fistfuls of cash.
I am going to give you a tour of the generator, talk about the specifications and how I use it for my home backup power, how it performs in real-world Pacific Gas and Electric Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Technical Specs of Honda Eu3000is
| Technical Specifications | Honda Eu3000is |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 2,800 Running / 3,000 Maximum |
| Outlets | 2 x 120V 20A AC |
| Noise Level | 59 dBA |
| Weight | 131 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Dimensions | 20.1″L x 11.4″W x 16.7″H |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.4 Gallons |
| Engine | OHV GX200 |
| Run Time | Up to 20 hrs |
| Starting Method | Recoil |
Power & Run Time
The Honda EU3000iS inverter generator is powered by a 196 cc Honda GX200 OHV (overhead valve) 4-stroke engine. The Honda eu3000is has a large engine with a higher running load capacity, yet it’s a quiet generator.
It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline. It produces 3000 starting watts of peak power and 28000 watts of running power. This ability makes this inverter generator versatile. You will get more than enough power to run all essential appliances at home.
With a fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons, the EU3000iS may run for up to 20 hours (with a full tank- fuel consumption around 0.17 GPH) at a quarter load and 7.1 hours at a rated load.
It has a compact design and a solid amount of power. It is very easy to start and reliable like any other Honda generator.
As the generator is parallel capable, it is possible to double the power output by linking it to another similar unit or compatible unit. This is one of the best things about the Honda EU3000iS. Cause it can run multiple appliances at the same time.
I personally feel the Honda eu3000is is the most practical portable inverter generator for an RV and for basic home backup power like an air conditioner (up to 13500 BTU).
The generator also has a pre-installed overload alarm. So there is nothing to worry about overloading!
Outlets
The front panel has a 30 Amp (round) locking plug, two 20 Amp (household) plugs, a DC outlet with12V 12A receptacle that makes charging your automotive batteries easy, circuit breakers and outlets for connecting a second generator.
It features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
For a lightweight generator, the eu3000is certainly is a perfectly portable generator. It has the inverter generator design (L25.9 x W17.6 x H22 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product.
Although it’s technically considered ‘portable’ but the generator’s weight is 131 pounds. So, manually moving it or transporting it can be pretty challenging.
I personally suggest going for different customization that you can make within this generator.
You can add a wheel kit to the Honda EU3000is to gain a lot in portability. This should solve your portability problems.
Features That Got Us Hooked
Electric Start
The Honda EU3000iS features an electric start button. It also has a backup recoil start. Some may install a remote starter, but this may void the warranty.
Extremely Quiet
So quiet, your neighbors will thank you! The HondaEU3000is runs very quietly compared to other inverter generators. It is an exceptionally quiet portable generator even when compared to smaller inverter generators with less power.
At a quarter load, the power generator produces only 50 decibels of noise and at the rated load it produces 57 decibels of noise. With this noise, you won’t even notice the 3000 watt inverter generator working, which makes it great for camping.
I can stand next to and carry on a comfortable conversation, even with eco mode turned off and while powering the 13,500 BTU rooftop AC unit on my camper.
During peak use, this generator is super quiet. Therefore you can leave it running in the background when you go to sleep.
And if you turn the eco mode on then I would say the sound is similar to a car standing still! This feature alone makes it the best generator for camping.
A Reliable Source of Power
One of the best things about the Honda EU3000iS is it’s sturdy build and original, highly reliable Honda engine that can simultaneously run multiple appliances.
It puts out enough amp to cover 120V circuits in my home. That means I can run my lights, fan, refrigerator, freezer, gas hot water, gas furnace, washer, TV, Satellite, router, portable AC for the bedroom everything at once.
I also used it during a 3 days power outage and it performed flawlessly. If you own an RV, you can use your air conditioner, microwave, laptops for your RV without any problem.
Top-Notch Fuel Efficiency
The EU3000iS gives you maximum fuel efficiency as it comes with an Eco-Throttle feature.
The tank takes approximately 3.4 gallons to fill, and you could get 7-20 hours of use (Of-course the hour might vary depending on the load you carry).
But it’s safe to say you can use this generator day and night without any worries. When boon-dock camping at our hunting club, it has to be by far the most fuel-efficient generator I’ve ever used.
This generator is CARB-compliant. Residents of California can use it without any worries.
Parallel Connection
Need more power? You can add a second EU3000iS inverter generator for additional power. You can connect both the generators with an optional cable and it will be able to produce 6,000 watts of power.
It’s the coolest feature of this Honda model. But keep in mind this is possible only with another EU3000is.
You cannot connect the generator with another Honda model or other inverter generator.
Advanced Inverter Technology
The Honda EU3000iS’s advanced inverter technology makes it reliable for computers, C-Pap machines, small appliances, and other sensitive equipment.
It has a clean and stable source of power as reliable as the power you get at your home outlets.
Oil Alert
The EU3000is comes with an Oil Alert system. It is designed to prevent engine damage. An insufficient amount of oil in the crankcase can heavily damage generator engines.
If your oil pressure drop below the optimal level, the engine will shut off when low oil pressure is detected.
That’s when the Oil Alert indicator (red) comes on and the Oil Alert system automatically will stop the engine to prevent any damage.
Safety Features
Honda EU3000is prioritize safety before anything. The generator can automatically protect itself. It has an alert light that activates when the generator is running over its capacity. That’s when the engine automatically shuts down.
It is not possible to run EU3000is above it’s maximum load level. So the generator is very safe and theirs is no risk of any unfavorable incident.
Honda Eu3000is Control Panel
- Start/Stop Button – This button is round and colored green.
- Fuel Valve – This switch is located on the left side of the control panel and is shaped like a toggle.
- Oil Level/Condition Meter – This is a gauge that shows the oil level and condition of the engine.
- Choke Lever – This lever is located near the fuel valve and is used to start the generator.
- Voltage Selector Switch – This switch is used to select the voltage output from the generator.
- Hour Meter – This is a digital display that shows the total number of hours the generator has been running.
- AC Outlets – These are the outlets used to plug in devices to the generator.
- DC Outlets – These are the outlets used to plug in DC devices to the generator.
- Circuit Breaker – This is a safety switch that automatically shuts off the generator if it gets overloaded.
Emissions
The Honda EU3000iS is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. So, it is safe to buy and sell this generator in all 50 states including California. The generator also meets all USDA standards.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas, meaning it is safe and eco-friendly to take on an RV adventure or camping trip.
Price
Personally, I absolutely love this generator. Honda EU3000is generator is very well made, reliable, quiet, can last for decades. Also, there are service centers everywhere and parts are easy to get which is a plus point.
With all its design features which make it stand above its competitors, I would say, IT IS WORTH THE PRICE!!!
Even though I had to spend some extra money to customize my generator to set it up as I wanted, I’m 3 years in and very happy with my EU3000is. Plus, in 10 years I might even be able to sell it for 3/4 of what I paid for it.
It’s quiet, economical, and easy to operate and has proved to be reliable and simple to maintain. Yes, you will find other generators with a much lesser price per kW and you can purchase them. I can’t speak for those generators but I wouldn’t trade mine for any other generators that I’ve seen.
Warranty Information
Honda EU3000iS comes with a 3 years commercial and residential warranty. After paying the premium price the users can still stay stress free knowing that their generator will be protected for 3 years.
Download Honda EU3000is Manual
Honda 3000i vs 3000is
As both of the Honda generators have very similar model numbers, people get confused and think they are almost the same. Both are the best 3000 watts generator you can get your hands on.
Though it might seem that the differences are not that prominent, but these two generators are definitely not the same.
The Honda EU3000is has a larger engine and has a 200 cc motor. And EU300i has a 160 cc motor.
With a running wattage of 2800 W, the Honda EU3000iS has a higher running capacity than the 2600 running watts of the Honda EU3000i.
Now you would think, the larger the engine the noisier the generator. But it’s totally the opposite. EU3000is is remarkably super quiet and EU3000i is very loud.
Again, EU3000is is very much heavier than EU3000i cause of having a larger engine, steel housing, and 12V honda battery.
And eu3000i comes with a built-in wheel kit, so it is more portable. EU3000is has a large gas tank and it provides better runtime or full tank.
In terms of fuel efficiency EU3000is wins! EU3000is has an electric start and recoil starter for backup purposes if the battery fails. So, it is easier to start.
On the other hand, eu3000i only has a recoil starter. Ironically, there aren’t many price differences between these two Honda models.
The price might vary depending on the retailer though. To sum up, EU3000is has twice the run time, twice the fuel capacity, much heavier, has electric start, significantly higher peak amps, running amps.
EU3000i is louder, lighter, comes with wheels, less peak, and less rated power. I think, it’s safe to say, other than portability EU3000is a great generator and it outshines the very basic EU3000i on each and every level.
Westinghouse Igen4500 Vs Honda Eu3000
Compared to the Honda EU3000, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is an inferior choice. The Honda EU3000 offers a longer run-time, with up to 20 hours on a single tank of gas. It also offers a quieter operation, with a noise level of only 48 decibels. The Honda has a higher wattage rating, with a maximum output of 3,000 watts, while the Westinghouse iGen4500 provides a maximum of only 4,500 watts. The Honda is a more reliable choice, as it comes with a 3-year warranty, compared to only a 2-year warranty for the Westinghouse. In conclusion, the Honda EU3000 is the better option for those looking for a reliable and powerful generator.
FAQ
What will a Honda EU3000iS run?
The Honda EU3000is is easily the most powerful generator. With 3000 watts peak power and 2800 watts continuous power this inverter generator can simultaneously run an RV air conditioner (up to 13500 BTU), refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, freezer, gas hot water, gas furnace, washer, computers, and stoves.
Does a Honda EU3000iS have an hour meter? How long can I run it for?
No Honda EU3000is doesn’t come with a factory installed hour meter. With a gasoline consumption at 25%, you can run the generator 13 hours straight. If you install Eco-Throttle System Honda EU3000is runs from 7.2 to 20 hours on a single tank.
Will a Honda 3000 run a 15k AC?
Yes, the eu3000is can run a 15k AC. It needs 1800 running watts to run a 15k AC. Honda 3000is has 2800 running watts. But for the betterment of your AC, installing a hard start kit would be wise. Then it can easily handle all your needs.
Is Honda 3000is heavy?
Honda 3000is weighs 131 lbs. It’s much heavier than other Honda models cause of having a larger engine, steel housing, and 12V battery.
Is Honda 3000is quiet?
So quiet, your neighbors will thank you! The HondaEU3000is is remarkably super quiet compared to other inverter generators. It is an exceptionally quiet portable generator even when compared to smaller inverter generators with less power. At a quarter load, the power generator produces only 50 decibels of noise and at the rated load it produces 57 decibels of noise. With this noise, you won’t even notice the inverter generator working, which makes it great for camping
Can I use it in parallel with a 2000-watt inverter generator?
As the Honda EU3000is is parallel capable, it is possible to double the power by linking it to another similar unit or compatible unit. You can link two EU1000i, two EU2000i, two EU3000i, or two EU3000is generators together using the special cable and double the output But keep this in mind you can only parallel two identical units together.
I’ve heard that 200,000 Honda generators were recalled this year in the US? Was it one of the models involved?
Honda has recalled 200000 inverter generators and the recall involved three variations of similar Honda models– the Honda EU2200i, the EU2200i Companion, and the EB2200i. EU3000is was not involved in the recall. As safety is the first priority of Honda Company, they recalled those generator models as soon as they received 19 negative reports of gasoline leakage from the fuel valve causing a fire hazard.
Feel The Power
Do you own a Honda eu3000is generator and agree or disagree with these Pros and Cons? Let us know, and write your own review.