I Tested And Reviewed The Honda EU3000is
This review is based on the tests our experts in our lab based on noise, load tests, fuel efficiency, frequency, and other tests. We also asked 17 Honda EU3000is users to share their views to finalize the data.
Honda EU3000is Review
The very first thing I noticed was the electric start which was absent in the Honda EU2200is. Finally, Honda has smartened up and given us bang for our buck.
It is a pretty compact generator with no wheels attached to it, but make no mistake, it is a bit heavy. Don’t even think about picking it up. You would probably need a pair of wheels.
We tested the frequency and harmonic distortion, and the sine wave it generates is super clean.
The overall harmonic distortion is definitely lower than 3%. I was surprised that it was almost as clean as the utility electricity.
It also has a parallel connection option. We tested that.
We were thoroughly satisfied with the results, but I don’t think people are going to couple two very expensive machines together. It is my expert view.
Moreover, the control panel has an overload alarm, an output indicator, an eco-throttle that comes in handy if you want to save fuel, and an oil alert. Nothing too fancy, just simple working features that normal users love.
Let’s check the results of my other tests
Noise Test (RATINGS: 9.8)
- On no load, the noise levels were between 66 to 67dB.
- From 20 feet on zero load, 57 to 60dB which is also good.
- From 31 feet away, between 55 to 57dB
- From 42 feet away, between 54 to 55dB
Again, from 40 feet away, after giving it a load equivalent to a 15,000 BTU AC, the noise was around 55 to 56.5 decibels.
I saw on the internet a website comparing Honda EU3000is noise levels with Generac 5000Ws noise levels. Our team did the same in our lab. We got the following results:
| Generator | 10 ft. Distance | 20 ft. Distance | 31 ft. Distance | 42 ft. Distance | 42 ft. Distance (15,000 LOAD) |
| Honda EU3000is | 66 to 67dB. | 57 to 60dB | 55 to 57dB | 54 to 55dB | 55 to 56.5dB |
| Generac 5000W | 83 to 85dB | 77 to 78dB | 73.5dB | 71dB | 73dB |
There you go, the Honda EU3000is is quieter than the Generac 5000W based on tests of our mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering experts.
Load Test (RATINGS: 9.7)
In our lab, I gave it a total load of 2690 watts including a microwave, a small AC, some lights, and other things.
It ran everything like a champ without even triggering the overload alarm.
Honda EU3000is was able to generate a maximum of 2789 running watts before the overload was triggered.
Unless you want to run heavy-duty machines, it is better to use this generator in ECO-throttle mode to save fuel.
Runtime/Fuel Efficiency Test (RATINGS: 9.7)
Honda manufacturers are very smart; they are using a smaller motor in the EU3000is to increase efficiency.
One of my mechanical engineer friends gave it a load equivalent to 95% of its running water capacity using non-ethanol fuel.
EU3000is was able to run for 7 hours and 35 minutes on a full tank.
On the next try, we gave it a total of 25% standard load. It ran for 20 hours and 31 minutes in total.
We turn it off after every 7 hours and let it rest for at least 30 minutes for each break.
FEATURES & SPECS
What Can Honda EU3000is Run?
- Ac unit small – 1050 to 1250 watts
- Fridge – 550 to 710 watts
- Small Well pump– ½ HP 1000 watts
- Standard Washing machine – 1100 to 1250 watts
- Microwave oven – 850 to 1000 watts
- Pressure cooker – 650 to 810 watts
- dishwasher – 1350 to 1500 watts
- A Regular Toaster – 500 to 850 watts
- Ceiling fan – 35 to 60 watts
- Small Heating system– 550 to 600 watts
- Power tools – 850 to 1000 watts
- Steam iron – 1700 to 2200 watts
Why and Who Should Buy a Honda EU3000is
For anyone who is looking for a 3000W backup power source that is not quiet but fuel-efficient, durable, and reliable for outdoor and home usage, the Honda EU3000is is recommended.
It is especially recommended for outdoor enthusiasts, RV campers, and trailer guys.
The Honda EU3000is is the larger and more powerful version of the Honda EU22000i inverter generator.
My overall view of this generator is very positive. It is a very reliable and durable generator with minimal harmonic distortion and power as clean as utility electricity. It also generates little noise.
So, it is in our lab, my team has conducted many tests on Honda EU3000is, and I will share my views with you.
Comparing Honda EU3000is With Other Popular Generators
| Feature | Honda EU3000is | Generac GP3500iO | Champion 100263 | Westinghouse WGen3600DF | Yamaha EF3000iSEB |
| Running Watts | 2800 | 3000 | 3400 | 3600 (Gas) / 3240 (Propane) | 2800 |
| Starting Watts | 3000 | 3500 | 3100 | 4650 (Gas) / 4180 (Propane) | 3000 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline / Propane | Gasoline |
| Run Time at 25% Load | 20 hours and 31 minutes | 11 hours | 14 hours | 18 hours (Gas) / 20 hours (Propane) | 18 hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.4 gallons | 2.6 gallons | 1.6 gallons | 4 gallons (Gas) / 20 lbs (Propane) | 3.4 gallons |
| Noise Level (at 25% Load) | 50 dB | 57 dB | 59 dB | 69 dB (Gas) / 64 dB (Propane) | 53 dB |
| Weight | 144 lbs | 98.7 lbs | 95.7 lbs | 109 lbs (Gas) / 119 lbs (Propane) | 154 lbs |
| Fuel Efficiency | Excellent | Good | Good | V. Good | Good |
| Price (Approx.) | Check | Check | Check | Check | Check |
Fareed, the highly skilled electrical expert, boasts 5 years of extensive experience in proficiently maintaining, repairing, diagnosing, and installing a diverse range of electrical systems.