Generac iQ3500 vs Honda EU3200i
Quick take: The Generac iQ3500 costs $1,350 less; the Generac iQ3500 puts out more sustained power (3,000W); the Generac iQ3500 is quieter at 52 dB.
| Spec | Generac iQ3500 | Honda EU3200i |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,249 | $2,599 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (1,900) | 4.6★ (250) |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Running / Output Watts | 3,000W | 2,600W |
| Starting / Surge Watts | 3,500W | 3,200W |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| Expandable To | — | — |
| Noise | 52 dB | 58 dB |
| Runtime | 8.9 hrs @ 50% load, 14.1 hrs @ 25% (2.6 gal) | 8.6 hrs @ 1/4 load, 3.3 hrs @ rated load (1.2 gal) |
| Outlets | 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R), 2x 120V 20A (5-20R), 2x USB | 2x 120V 20A (5-20R), 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R), parallel ports |
| Fuel Tank | 2.6 gal | 1.2 gal |
| Weight | 109 lbs | 59 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | No | No |
| Warranty | 3-year limited | 3-year residential |
Pros & cons
Generac iQ3500
- ✓As quiet as anything in the 3,000W class, Honda included
- ✓Electric start and idiot-proof PowerDial controls
- ✓Data display shows load, fuel, and time remaining
- ✓Starts 13.5k BTU RV air conditioners
- ✓14-hour quarter-load runtime
- ✓Steel enclosure shrugs off transport dings
- ✗109 lbs with no wheels — the #1 owner complaint
- ✗Carb needs religious fuel treatment before storage
- ✗Past recall history on early units shadows the model
- ✗No 240V output
- ✗Parallel kit is proprietary and pricey
Honda EU3200i
- ✓EFI eliminates carburetor gumming — the #1 small-generator killer
- ✓2,600W running starts 13.5k BTU RV ACs solo
- ✓Only 59 lbs — lightest in the 3,000W class
- ✓30A L5-30R outlet plus household duplexes
- ✓54-58 dB keeps campground neighbors friendly
- ✓CO-MINDER and Bluetooth monitoring standard
- ✗Early-production stalling and hard-start complaints are well documented
- ✗$2,600 is enormous money for 2,600 running watts
- ✗No 240V output despite the price
- ✗Dealer network handles warranty issues at dealer speed
- ✗1.2-gal tank means overnight runs need refueling or eco mode