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There are currently 7 Honda generators in the EB line. I’ll take a brief look here at the similarities and differences among them, so you can see which one might work best in your business.
After comparing them side by side in two tables, I’ll go over some of the features you’ll want to take note of that make certain models stand apart from the rest.
If you are in a hurry and just want to check the pricing and availability of the Honda EB series generators at Amazon, you can click any of the links below.
Update: Sadly, many of these generators are currently unavailable at Amazon. You can still click a link and search for something similar.
If you want to skip ahead to a certain section of this review, click a link in the box below. Otherwise, just keep scrolling and reading.
Comparing the Honda EB Generators Side by Side
Below are 2 tables that compare each of the seven models in the EB line. (One table would have been too crowded.) You can find similar information in each table.
As you scan the rows, note especially the decibel levels. Per Honda, even the noisiest is only as loud as a vacuum cleaner (at 23 feet).
2000 to 3000 Watt Generators
| Model | EB2000i | EB2800i |
| Engine | GX100 | GC190LA |
| Displacement (cc) | 98.5 | 186 |
| AC Output* | 120V; 1600W | 120V; 2500W |
| Receptacles | 20A 125V Duplex | 20A 125V Duplex (2) |
| Starter | Recoil | Recoil |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal.) | 0.95 | 2.1 |
| Runtime (hrs.)* | 3.4 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions (in.) | 20.2 x 11.4 x 16.7 | 16.9 x 17.6 x 18.9 |
| Decibels | 59 | 69 |
| Weight (lbs.)** | 46 | 66.8 |
| Warranty (yrs.) | 3 | 3*** |
*Rated
**Dry weight
***Commercial warranty is 1 year long.
4000 to 10,000 Watt Generators
| Model | EB4000 | EB5000 | EB6500 | EB10000 |
| Engine | iGX270 | iGX390 | iGX390 | GX630 |
| Displacement (cc) | 270 | 389 | 389 | 630 |
| AC Output* | 120/240V; 4000W | 120/240V; 4500W | 120/240V; 5500W | 120/240V; 9000W |
| Receptacles | See below | See below | See below | 50A 125/250V Locking Plug |
| Starter | Electric, Recoil | Electric, Recoil | Electric, Recoil | Electric |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal.) | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 8.1 |
| Runtime (hrs.)* | 10.1 | 8.1 | 6.9 | 4.6 |
| Dimensions (in.) | 41.9 x 27.2 x 29.2 | 41.9 x 27.2 x 29.2 | 41.9 x 27.2 x 29.2 | 55.9 x 26.7 x 35.1 |
| Decibels | 71 | 72 | 75 | 76 |
| Weight (lbs.)** | 185 | 214 | 220 | 403 |
| Warranty (yrs.) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Receptacles: All units in the table above have the outlets in the list just below. The EB10000 additionally has what is shown above.
- 20A 125V GFCI Duplex (x2)
- 30A 125V Locking Plug
- 20A 125/250V Locking Plug
Special Features of the Honda EB Generator Line
All these generators are OSHA worksite compliant machines and have full GFCI protection to prevent accidental shocks. As such, they should be quite safe for all the workers at your jobsite to be around.
The EB3000c has something Honda calls CycloConverter technology. According to Honda…
“CycloConverter technology uses a special CPU to create stable, high quality power with less weight, compared to a traditional generator.”
Three of the larger generators provide a boost in power for 10 seconds after ignition to make it easier to start larger equipment. The EB4000 gives 5000 watts. The EB5000 and the EB6500 each give you 7000 watts. Very nice!
From the EB4000 on up, you get an electric start and a built in lift hook to keep it safe aloft when not in use. This is common – and often necessary – among larger generators. You’ll appreciate these features the more you use the machines.
Conclusions about Honda’s EB Portable Generators
All of these are sturdy, reliable machines. You really can’t go wrong, no matter which one you choose.
One owner says this of the EB2000i.
“I have two friends that own this same design and I was very impressed when I got to see theirs in action. It is so portable and compact even us women can carry it easily. I was also able to start it all by myself, and I have a torn rotator cuff, so I usually can’t pull a cord to get a motor started.”
What it probably will come down to is how much power you will need at maximum draw and how big your budget is for this piece of equipment.
Here again is the list of links to Amazon. Click (or tap) a link to check the pricing and availability of each.
If you don’t think any of these EB series models are for you (or you couldn’t find one), check out the EU series, EG series, or EM series for one that suits you better.