Honda EU1000i Review – You Should Buy it For Camping & RVs

The Honda EU1000i portable inverter generator is one of the most compact, portable, popular, reliable, and powerful inverter generators. It is enough to run a small beer fridge and other small appliances with less than 1000 watts.

It produces super-clean power, so you can safely charge your laptop, cell phone, computer, DSLR camera, and other power-sensitive devices.

In this article, we have given the Honda EU1000i review based on noise and load tests, efficiency, portability, convenience, price, merits and demerits, and overall performance. We have conducted each test in different environments to be sure about the facts.

Honda EU1000i Review

Honda-EU1000i-Review
  • Dry weight: 29 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 17.8 x 9.5 x 1.9 inches
  • Gasoline fuel type
  • 120V, Surge watts 1000 (8.3A), running watts 900 (7.5A)
  • 0.55 gal fuel capacity
  • Noise levels: 53 to 59dB at very high load. Very quiet
  • Runtime: 8.3 hours on ¼ load on 0.6 gal fuel
  • Receptacle: 15A, 125v duplex
  • Manual recoil engine starting
  • Eco-throttle switch for fuel efficiency
  • Fuel shutoff valve
  • CARB compliant

Weighing only 29 pounds, the HONDA EU1000i is an extremely lightweight inverter generator which is why it is very popular among campers and RV users. It virtually takes up no space at all and it can fit anywhere due to its compact dimensions.

Honda generators are way more expensive than other competitors in a similar price range, but they are known to provide highly advanced inverter technology that can last for a long time.

HONDA EU1000i is no exception. This inverter technology is known to produce highly stable and safe power as we get from outlets at home. The harmonic distortion is below 3%.

The control panel is super neat and clean. You got your HONDA EU1000i two outlets, a battery charging system, overload, output indicator, and some basic stuff.

It only takes one pull to start even if you run it for years, one of a maximum of two pulls is all it takes.

Despite its popularity, this is the first time I have purchased this model so I am going to do a noise test.

Noise Test Of Honda EU1000i:

So I gave it a 20% load. From a distance of 20 feet, I was getting 41 to 42 dB.

Then I gave it 50% load from 20 feet distance again and was getting around 50 to 51dB.

It is unbelievable how quiet this HONDA EU1000i inverter generator is. Even under a high load, the noise pattern doesn’t change a bit.

Next up is the load test.

Load Test Of Honda EU1000i:

I gave it a halogen work light, just the fan of the space heater, a heat gun, and a hairdryer with the lowest setting for blowing air with no heat. I saw a video of a man doing the same, so I did to test it on my generator.

So at 999 watts, the overload light was not ON. When I reached 1025 watts, the overload light went ON and then I shut it down.

Amazingly, the HONDA EU1000i went beyond 1000. Most generators in this power range can’t maintain even 900 watts continuously. I am impressed.

If you want a bigger unit you can go for HONDA EU2200ior even HONDA EU3000is

What Is HONDA EU1000i Used For?

It is used for outdoor activities. The advanced inverter technology produces clean power with less than 3% harmonic distortion. It is super quiet, portable, and fuel-efficient, and the total runtime on 25% load is above 8 hours on 0.6-gallon gas. So that is why it is mostly used for camping, RVs, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.

What Can I Run With A Honda EU1000i?

The starting watts of the Honda EU1000i is 1000 watts, and the running watts are 900 watts. It will easily run anything in this range like the following things:

  • Cellphones
  • Laptops
  • A 5000 BTU AC
  • Small power tools
  • Small portable heater
  • A small camping fridge
  • Small fans mostly portable
ApplianceQuantityPeak wattsRunning watts
Coffee maker1600600
Electric blanket1200200
Computer1250250
Incandescent lights5300300

If I compare the HONDA EU1000i with the Homegear 800-watt portable inverter generator, Honda will beat it by a slight margin. It is a cheaper option than Honda but a bit louder and slightly less powerful.

Should You Buy It? Verdict

Absolutely yes. Honda EU1000i is a super fuel-efficient, highly compact and portable, super quiet, powerful, reliable, and extremely durable portable inverter generator that is made for campers and small-time power needs for outdoor activities.

It can also be used at home if you require 800 to 950 watts of power to charge some appliances or low-wattage devices.

I would have loved for the HONDA EU1000i to come with an electric start in the future. For the price we are paying, an electric start is a fair demand.

The debate regarding HONDA generators being too expensive will never end, but I have always been on the side of HONDA because their machines are just too powerful and durable.

If you require more power, check out the Honda Eu2200i review.

Customer Reviews

HONDA EU1000i has received 4.5/5 stars based on 93 ratings. 74% of those are 5 stars. There aren’t any complaints regarding the performance of this machine.

What I Like

  • Powerful engine
  • Ultra-quiet
  • Extremely lightweight and portable
  • Ideal for camping, RV, and tailgating
  • Eco-friendly throttle
  • Efficient on fuel
  • More than 8 hours of runtime at 25% load on 0.6 gals of fuel

What I don’t

  • No electric start for the price we are paying
  • Expensive than competitors in the same power output range.
Alex black

Alex Black

Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.

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