Head to head
Generac iQ3500 vs Honda EU3200i
Generac · Inverter Generator
Generac iQ3500
~$1,249
3,000 W / 3,500 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
Honda · Inverter Generator
Honda EU3200i
~$2,599
2,600 W / 3,200 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
Quick takeThe Generac iQ3500 lists about $1,350 lower; the Generac iQ3500 puts out more sustained power (3,000 W); the Generac iQ3500 is quieter at 52 dB.
| Spec | Generac iQ3500 | Honda EU3200i |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$1,249 | ~$2,599 |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Running / output watts | 3,000 W | 2,600 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 3,500 W | 3,200 W |
| 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 |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and 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
- −109 lbs with no wheels, so owners add a wheel kit
- −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