There are multiple ways the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i vary. Discover what generator best is for you.
The main differences between the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i are that the IQ3500 offers more power, a longer runtime, more outlets, and a built-in tracking display.
On the other side, the Honda EU2200i is slightly more compact, is lighter, has a CO-minder, and has slightly better fuel efficiency.
When it comes to price, the Honda EU2200i tends to be more budget-friendly but temporary deals can swing this advantage in the direction of the Generac IQ3500.
If you only want to power a few small electrical devices and not necessarily at the same time, the Honda EU2200i can be good enough.
Additionally, people who want don’t have a lot of storage space and want to be able to move their generator easily will likely prefer the Honda EU2200i.
That being said, as soon as you add a few bigger electrical devices and/or want to run multiple options at the same time, the Generac IQ3500 quickly becomes the better option.
If you can get over the more bulky construction and weight, the Generac IQ3500 offers a good amount more power at only a slightly bigger investment.
Important differences Generac IQ3500 vs Honda EU2200i
The Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i vary in many ways but not all of these matter in equal amounts.
In the first table below, you can find our selection of the most important differences between these two generators.
| Feature | Generac IQ3500 | Honda EU2200i |
|---|---|---|
| Running Watts | 3000 Running Watts | 1800 Watts |
| Starting Watts | 3500 Starting Watts | 2200 Watts |
| Outlets | (2) 120V 20A 5-20R Duplex, (1) 120V 30A L5-30R Twist Lock, (2) USB | 20A 125V Duplex |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.6 Gallons | 0.95 Gallons |
| Run Time @25% Load | 14.1 Hours (Eco Mode) | 8.1 Hours |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | Yes | No But Honda My Generator BlueTooth App Available |
| Weight | 109.1 lbs (49.5 kg) | 47.4 lbs (21.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 23.7″ L x 18″ W x 21.7″ H | 20″ L x 16″ W x 11″ H |
| CO-Minder | No | Yes |
| Price Category* | $$$ | $$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Other features Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i
It is possible that you also want to know about the smaller differences and common features of the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i.
Depending on what you intend to use these generators for, the details in the table below could matter too.
| Feature | Generac IQ3500 | Honda EU2200i |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
| Decibels | Reviews Mention Around 50 To 88 dB Depending On Distance | Listed As 48 dbA (1/4 Load) To 57 dBA (Rated Load) |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes | No |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | Yes | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Engine Displacement | 212cc | 121cc |
| Hour Meter | Yes | In Honda App |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes | No |
| Wattage Meter | Yes | In Honda App |
| Run Time Remaining | Yes | In Honda App |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke |
| Low THD | Less Than 3% | Not Specified But Should Be Below 3% |
| Remote Generator Operation | No | Yes |
| Covered Outlets | No | No |
| USB Ports | 2 USB ports | No |
| Parallel Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Run Time @50% Load | 8.9 Hours (Eco Mode) | Not Specified |
| Run Time @Rated Load | Not Specified | 3.2 Hours |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 5.135 | 6.063 |
| Country Of Origin | China | Not Mentioned |
| Warranties* | 3 Year Limited | 3 Year Limited |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Generac IQ3500 vs Honda EU2200i in-depth
People who know what they want and need in generators could be able to choose between the Generac IQ3500 and the Honda EU2200i with the tables above.
That being said, it is also possible that you are not entirely sure about the consequences of some of these features.
Checking out the more in-depth explanations of these can help you find out whether the Generac IQ3500 or Honda EU2200i is better for your situation.
Starting and running watts
Generators are obviously made to provide you with the power to run a variety of devices.
That being said, that does not mean all models have the same amounts of power as you can see from the differences in watts the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i offer.
More specifically, the Generac IQ3500 has 3000 running watts and 3500 starting watts.
On the other hand the Honda EU2200i offers a lot less power with 1800 running watts and 2200 starting watts.
Starting watts are relevant in the sense that starting up certain machines like refrigerators tends to require an initial burst of power.
That being said, running watts are often more important for people. Especially in the lower ranges of the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i.
If you only plan to power a few small devices like a coffee maker, toaster, and a few light bulbs at different times, the Honda EU2200i could be strong enough.
That being said, when you want to add devices like an electric grill or run many devices at the same time, you likely want to go for the Generac IQ3500 or even a more powerful generator.
Winner: Generac IQ3500
Outlets
To get the power the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i generate into your electrical devices you need to be able to plug them in.
Preferably in a way that is safest for your purpose.
The small power capacity of the Honda EU2200i also shows up in the relatively low number of outlets.
More precisely, the Honda EU2200i has two 20A 125V outlets combined into a duplex construction.
The Generac IQ3500 also has these two 20A 125V outlets in a duplex but also adds a 120V 30A L5-30R twist lock outlet and two USB ports.
This twist lock outlet can help avoid accidentally unplugging any devices. Do keep in mind that getting stuck behind the cable in these can also move the generator itself.
Besides that, the two USB ports of the Generac IQ3500 can be helpful for powering smaller devices without needing an extra power strip.
Winner: Generac IQ3500
Built-In Digital Smart LCD
When using your generator it can be helpful to get a way of knowing details like how much run time and fuel is remaining.
Different generator brands can actually vary nice amounts in terms of if/how they approach showing these metrics.
For example, the Generac IQ3500 has a built-in digital smart LCD that shows you estimations for details like run time, wattages in use, and the fuel level.
On the other hand, the Honda EU2200i requires you to connect your phone to the generator with BlueTooth and through their app to get metrics.
And even when you do this, the Honda EU2200i does not give you an estimation of the fuel level.
This lack of fuel level estimation is not the end of the world but at the same time, knowing this detail can help you get a better idea of whether it is time to add gasoline again.
It is also worth mentioning that the Generac IQ3500 does not offer this BlueTooth tracking function. You can only check out the screen for the details.
So whether you like the Honda EU2200i or Generac IQ3500 in terms of tracking depends somewhat on personal preference.
Winner: Honda EU2200i if you like the somewhat more remote tracking
Winner: Generac IQ3500 if you don’t like tracking details on your phone and/or want to see a fuel level estimation
Price
Performance details typically take precedence for important tools like generators. However, price differences are often still relevant too.
Exactly how much the Honda EU2200i and Generac IQ3500 will depend on where you get them and can change over time.
That aside, at the time of writing, the Honda EU2200i is a bit more budget-friendly than the Generac IQ3500.
However, it is fair to say that the price difference is somewhat small compared to the difference in power potential.
Additionally, any temporary deals could even make the Generac IQ3500 the lower-priced option.
Winner: Honda EU2200i
User reviews Generac IQ3500 vs Honda EU2200i
Product descriptions are a good place to start but sometimes generator brands don’t entirely deliver on their promises.
That being said, customer reviews of both the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i are very positive overall.
In the case of the Generac IQ3500, there are some mentioned that the electric start is not always perfect, that the machine is relatively bulky, and that there are a few issues with running air conditioners here and there.
On the other hand, there are a few exceptional cases where Honda EU2200i customers got defective models.
That being said, customer support seems to solve these issues relatively quickly.
The customer reviews of the Honda EU2200i are just a bit more positive but not to the extent where it makes you stay away from the Generac IQ3500.
Especially if you need the extra power.
Is the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU2200i better for you?
The Generac IQ3500 offers more power, a longer runtime, more outlets, and a built-in tracking display at a price that is not much higher (and sometimes even lower).
On the other hand, there is the Honda EU2200i which mostly stands out in its compact dimensions, light weight, CO-minder, and slightly higher fuel efficiency.
Additionally, some people like the somewhat more remote tracking with the BlueTooth app from Honda.
If you really only want to power a few small devices at the same time and/or want to keep your generator option light and compact, the Honda EU2200i can be the right choice.
On the flip side, many people will want to power more than this. In that case, you need to go for the Generac IQ3500 or another stronger model.
If you don’t mind the bulkier build and weight, this generator can offer you a nice amount more power at only a slightly higher price.
You can also check out the more detailed review of the Honda EU2200i to see whether this is the right inverter generator for you.
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