Question 1

What is the meaning of inverter. how is that different from a generator that does not say inverter?

Accepted Answer

To expand on an earlier answer, this particular inverter generator outputs 120 volts AC only.  There are inverter generators, including one larger model from Honda (EU7000iS), which will output both 120 and 240 volts.

Question 2

Will this generator run 2 full size refrigerators and a small freezer? I have a fortune in frozen organic meat and I need to save it.

Accepted Answer

Jeannie,

First, the EU2200i is a really great inverter/generator, even though I've only had mine for about 4 months.  I had an extended power outage in July and it fired right up, no gas to mess with because I installed propane kit--worked flawlessly(see below). If you get this inverter/generator, if nothing else, get a magnetic dipstick--this will greatly extend the life of the engine by removing any metal particles in the oil. Amazon: BougeRV Fits Honda EU2200i Generator Easy Fill Oil Change Funnel Mess Free + Magnetic Oil Dipstick Fits Honda Generator EU2200i.

I  doubt if the EU2200i can run all three at one time--it can only handle max/peak 2200 watts.  And, I would guess that you don't want to  exceed 75%(1650 watts) of the EU2200I's rated 2200 watts capacity. Not knowing the size/age/amps of freezer/fridge it is hard to say.  Check the fridge/freezer manufacturer's model/power label for max amps. Then to calculate watts required, use this formula: "watts =amps x voltage. For  example my fridge has max 6 amps on a 120 volt circuit.  720 watts = 6 amps x 120 volts. Keep in mind when a compressor on the fridge or freezer kicks in, the power needed will temporarily surge beyond the rated amps used.

If you need more power than the 2200 watts, there is an option to run a pair of Honda generators together (parallel) on the same circuit, AND get a combined 3600 watts. Honda has a kit for this.  https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/generator-parallel-capability

The Honda generator/inverter setup that I have tested:  Samsung (energy star) refrigerator (720 watts -- 26 cu ft)  and LG (energy star) air conditioner, max cold/fan (660 watts---8K BTU)  and ran for about 2 hours with no problem--a total of 1380 watts, this leaves excess power without overloading the Honda inverter/generator. AND during this test run my Honda never had to run at full power. This was run on a Hutch Mountain propane kit (that allows me to use either gas or propane or natural gas.)

One last thought, and really give this serious consideration, because you never know when you will need the generator, consider a propane fuel kit (it is really easy to add a propane kit--CAUTION--this will void the warranty). Here is a youtube video showing how easy it is to add a propane fuel option--turn down the youtube volume, it has some weird music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xgJXJkLb7Q ALSO, with the Hutch Mountain tri-fuel kit (available on Amazon--but look at Hutch Mountain's website for more info: https://hutchmountain.com/), you can still use gas while leaving the propane kit in place. So you can switch be between gas and propane/natural gas as needed.

The benefits of propane fuel, imho, outweigh gas for many reason. Storing gas, even if you use a fuel stabilizer only keeps the gas usable for 6-12 months, and the gas will still be degraded. Running gas through the carburetor will eventually foul and need cleaning. Propane/natural gas is cleaner running--propane has a lower carbon content than gasoline, diesel, heavy fuel oil, or even biodiesel and ethanol.   Also, if you have propane tanks (like for a BBQ grill) you can store those tanks for years and the propane does NOT degrade. Also, the propane tanks will run longer than the gas tank on the generator. And, nobody likes messing with gas except putting it in a car. It is tedious to pour gas into a fuel tank on a hot engine/generator.

I am NOT affiliated with Hutch Mountain in any way, just a really satisfied customer with their well-designed product and the huge benefits of propane fuel.

Question 3

Brand new, this smells like there is gas in the tank. Is that normal?

Accepted Answer

I believe what you have observed is normal and results from function testing the engine at the factory.  I saw some oil on the dipstick threads and could smell gasoline vapor in the fuel tank of my new EU2200i generator that came sealed in the original factory box. When I set the new generator on its side, about 1/2 oz. of oil dribbled out.

You will find the following quote in the Owner’s Manual of some Honda generators (and lawn mowers) which I believe also applies for the EU2200i generator.

“All Honda engines are run at the factory prior to packaging.  Most of the oil is removed prior to shipment; however, some oil remains in the engine.  The amount of oil left in the engine varies."

For an example, look on Page 4 (second paragraph) of the Honda EB2800i generator Owner’s Manual online at http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/manuals/00X31Z43B010.pdf#page=4

Question 4

Can I get examples of your successful household usage: frig + tankless water heater? Frig + flat screen,etc?

Accepted Answer

I use this unit with my travel trailer.  It runs the lights, the fridge.  One or two additional appliances (coffee maker, toaster, hair curler) have been used, but only one at a time.
I wouldn't depend on this unit to run my household fridge, or other appliances (go bigger).
This unit is new to me.  My prior generator was only 1000i  - please accept replies from others who are using this unit; they might be more aggressive users than I am.

Manufacturer	Honda
Part number	EU2200I
Item Weight	21.1 Kilograms
Product Dimensions	50.8 x 40.64 x 27.94 cm; 21.09 kg
Item model number	EU2200I
Color	red
Power source type	Fuel Powered
Voltage	120 Volts
Wattage	2200 watts
Item Package Quantity	1
Special Features	Super Quiet
Included components	Recoil Starter
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No

Honda 664240 EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator with Co-Minder

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