Honda EU3000iS

This is the Honda that people buy when the EU2200i is too small and the EU7000iS is too big and too loud. The GX200 engine and 3.4 gallon tank give nearly 7 hours at full load and almost 20 at a quarter load, so overnight fridge-and-furnace-fan coverage works on a single fill. Owners report it starting a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner, and it handles a fridge, furnace blower, sump pump and lights during a multi-day outage. It is a 130 lb machine, though, and the people who regret it are the ones who expected to carry it; the optional wheel kit helps. The 30A outlet is a 120V locking L5-30 plug, so it feeds a 120V-only inlet but not a 240V transfer switch. Price is the other recurring complaint: it costs well over twice an equivalent dual-fuel inverter, and owners pay it for Honda's reputation and for how little maintenance it needs. Honda's own EU3200i is the cross-shop to price against it: $2,599 for 2,600 running and 3,200 surge watts at 59 lb, against this unit's 2,800 watts, 131 lb and electric start.

2,800 W running, 3,000 W surge·Electric start, 3.4 gal tank·19.6 hrs at quarter load