Head to head
Honda EU2200i vs Predator 3500 Inverter
Honda · Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i
~$1,199
1,800 W / 2,200 W surge · up to lights, phones, router, a CPAP
Predator (Harbor Freight) · Inverter Generator
Predator 3500 Inverter
~$799
3,000 W / 3,500 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
Quick takeThe Predator 3500 Inverter lists about $400 lower; the Predator 3500 Inverter puts out more sustained power (3,000 W).
| Spec | Honda EU2200i | Predator 3500 Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$1,199 | ~$799 |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Running / output watts | 1,800 W | 3,000 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 2,200 W | 3,500 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 57 dB | 57 dB |
| Runtime | 3.2–8.1 hrs on 0.95 gal (up to 8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load) | 11 hrs @ 25% load (2.3 gal) |
| Outlets | 2x 120V 20A (5-20R duplex), parallel ports | 2x 120V 20A (5-20R), 1x 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), 12V DC |
| Fuel tank | 0.95 gal | 2.3 gal |
| Weight | 47 lbs | 99 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | No | No |
| Warranty | 3-year residential | 90-day (extended plans available) |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Honda EU2200i
- +Survives neglect: one owner's dumpster-rescued unit still starts first pull after an estimated 25,000 hours
- +48-57 dB — conversation-volume quiet
- +Fuel shutoff lets you run the carb dry for storage
- +Bluetooth app shows load and maintenance info
- +CO-MINDER auto-shutdown standard
- +Parallel-ready for 4,400W combined
- −Twice the price of comparable-spec competitors
- −1,800 running watts can't start most RV AC units alone
- −No fuel gauge and small 0.95-gal tank
- −No 30A RV outlet on the standard model — need the Companion
- −Two recalls (fuel-valve leak, salt-water short) can still be open on older or new-old-stock units
Predator 3500 Inverter
- +Runs 15k BTU RV air conditioners that stall smaller inverters
- +57 dB is legitimately quiet for 3,000 running watts
- +Electric start with simple controls
- +11-hour economy runtime
- +Owner-documented fixes for its common carburetor faults
- +Frequent Harbor Freight coupons drop it under $600
- −90-day warranty is the shortest in the category
- −99 lbs with no suitcase handle or telescoping pull
- −Awkward tilted oil fill makes changes messy
- −Carburetor gumming after storage is the top complaint
- −No fuel gauge on older revisions; small 2.3-gal tank