Generac GP3000i Vs Honda EU3000iS: Is It Worth It?

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The main differences between the Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS are that the Honda EU3000iS has more running watts, a longer run time, better fuel efficiency, an electric start, a CO-minder, and longer warranties.

On the flip side, the Generac GP3000i has a lighter weight, more compact dimensions, and a price that is a lot lower.

If you really need the 500 extra running watts and/or like the long run time and warranties of the Honda EU3000iS, you could consider this generator.

That being said, if this option is strong enough for your needs, you will likely prefer the Generac GP3000i because of the big price difference.

Important differences Generac GP3000i vs Honda EU3000iS

The Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS are different in a variety of ways but some are more important than others.

In the first table below, you can find the differences that are most likely to play a role in your decision between these two generators.

FeatureGenerac GP3000iHonda EU3000iS
Running Watts2300 Running Watts2800 Running Watts
Run Time @25% Load5.8 Hours19.6 Hours
Fuel Efficiency
(kWh Per Gallon)
3.1464.035
Weight59.5 lbs (27 kg)130.7 lbs (59.3 kg)
Fuel Tank Capacity1.06 Gallons3.4 Gallons
Electric StartNoYes
CO-MinderNoYes
Dimensions22.2″ L x 13.3″ W x 18.4″ H25.9″ L x 17.6″ W x 22″ H
Warranties*Residential: 2 Years
Limited Parts, 1 Year Labor,
Commercial: 1 Year Limited
3 Years Warranty
(Residential And Commercial)
Price Category**$$$$$$$
Check Current PriceCheck Current Price
Important differences Generac GP3000i vs Honda EU3000iS

*Warranties can vary from seller to seller

**Price category at the time of writing

Other features Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS

Before investing in one of these generators, you may also want to take another look at the common features of the Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS.

FeatureGenerac GP3000iHonda EU3000iS
Starting Watts3000 Starting Watts3000 Starting Watts
Fuel TypeGasolineGasoline
Voltage120 Volts120 Volts
DecibelsAround 61 db According
To Customer Reviews
50 to 57 dB(A)
PortableYesYes
Outlets(1) 120V 30A L5-30R Twist Lock,
(1) Duplex Of 120V 20A
5-20R Outlets, (2) USB Ports
(1) 125V 30A L5-30R Locking Plug,
(1) Duplex Of 125V 20A
5-20R Outlets
Outlet CoversNoNo
Engine Displacement149cc196cc
Recoil Pull StartYesYes
Low Oil ShutdownYesYes
Fully Enclosed DesignYesYes
AC Frequency60 Hz60 Hz
Remote StartNoNo
Built-In
Digital Smart LCD
NoNo
Hour MeterNoNo
Fuel GaugeNoYes
Wattage MeterNoNo
Run Time RemainingNoNo
Engine Type4 Stroke4 Stroke
Low THDNot Mentioned But
Should Be Less Than 5%
At least Less Than 10%,
Likely Less than 5%
Remote
Generator Operation
NoNo
CO-MinderNoYes
Parallel ReadyYesYes
WheelsNoNo
Country Of OriginNot MentionedNot Mentioned
Check Current PriceCheck Current Price
Other features Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS

Differences Generac GP3000i vs Honda EU3000iS in-depth

There are situations where choosing between the Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS is as simple as looking at the table of differences and the prices.

At the same time, it is also possible that you are not sure about the consequences of certain feature differences and how much these should influence your decision.

If these things apply to you, the more in-depth explanations of important differences between the Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS can be useful.

Running watts

Generator brands like to highlight their peak watt capacities since these are the highest and look the most impressive.

However, you definitely also want to take a look at the running watts the Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS offer.

This detail comes down to how many watts generators can continuously offer which is important after you use the peak watts to get your electrical devices running.

The Generac GP3000i does a decent job in this area with its 2300 running watts. This tends to be enough to run combinations of smaller en medium electrical devices.

On the other hand, the Honda EU3000iS does a better job with its 2800 running watts.

This allows you to power stronger and/or more appliances and tools at the same time.

Whether or not you need the extra 500 running watts depends on what devices you want to power at the same time.

This difference can make it so the Honda EU3000iS could run an extra coffee maker, laptop, or blender on top of the device combinations the Generac GP3000i would be able to handle.

Winner: Honda EU3000iS

Generator weight

There are many details that are more important than weight when choosing the best generator for your situation.

However, because the other differences between the Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS are relatively straightforward, this detail is worth explaining a bit more in-depth.

First of all, the Generac GP3000i has a dry weight of 59.5 lbs (27 kg) whereas the Honda EU3000iS has a dry weight of 130.7 lbs (59.3 kg).

Besides that, both generators do not come with wheels (but Honda sells compatible wheel kits).

The main consequence of this detail is that the Generac GP3000i is a lot easier to take out of storage and move around than the Honda EU3000iS.

This can make a big difference for many people in many situations.

For example, elderly individuals who like to use their generator for camping may find this enough to go for the Generac GP3000i.

Winner: Generac GP3000i

Price

While the smaller weight and dimensions of the Generac GP3000i are a benefit, it is fair to say that the Honda EU3000iS performs better in many other areas.

That being said, while investing more in a good generator can be necessary, price differences do influence decisions to some extent.

At the time of writing, the Honda EU3000iS tends to be a lot pricier than the Generac GP3000i.

The difference is big enough to make it so the Honda EU3000iS will simply not be an option for certain budgets.

Winner: Generac GP3000i

User reviews Generac GP3000i vs Honda EU3000iS

Going the feature and price differences between the Generac GP3000i and Honda EU3000iS is a great way to start.

However, it is worth mentioning that customer reviews sometimes uncover unexpected downsides in generators that are not on the feature list.

In the case of the Generac GP3000i, there are a few mentions of the relatively small fuel tank and a few very exceptional issues.

On the other side, the Honda EU3000iS also has a few exceptional cases where the generator arrived with some defects.

That being said, while customers are just a bit more positive about the Generac GP3000i, users are typically very positive about the Honda EU3000iS too.

Is the Generac GP3000i or Honda EU3000iS right for you?

In short, the Honda EU3000iS has more running watts, a longer run time, better fuel efficiency, an electric start, a CO-minder, and longer warranties.

On the other side, the Generac GP3000i has a lighter weight, more compact dimensions, and a price that is a lot lower.

The run time and warranties of the Honda EU3000iS that are a lot longer than the values of the Generac GP3000i in these areas can be worth it in certain cases.

Additionally, if you need the extra running watts, the Honda EU3000iS may be a necessary investment.

That being said, because the price difference is so big, many people will prefer the Generac GP3000i instead.

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Author:

Mats is the founder and head editor of Generator Decision. With a combination of critical thinking, tireless research, and a healthy interest in electronics he helps people find the right generators and how to use these. At this point in the journey, Mats has done research on hundreds of portable generators.