The main differences between the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS are that the Generac IQ3500 has more power potential, a lighter weight, a built-in tracking LCD, and a price that is a lot lower.
On the flip side, Honda EU3000iS has a longer run time, a CO-minder, a longer commercial warranty, and an optional wheel kit.
In theory, you could choose the Honda EU3000iS for its durability brand reputation and optional wheel kit.
That being said, most people will simply prefer the Generac IQ3500 due to the big price difference.
Even if you plan to use your generator in many different locations, you may prefer a more budget-friendly Honda EU3000iS alternative with wheels.
Important differences Generac IQ3500 vs Honda EU3000iS
The Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS are somewhat similar but still vary in many ways.
Luckily, you likely don’t need to know about every single one of these differences to be able to make a decision.
The main differences between the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS in the first table below and a quick look at the prices are often enough.
| Feature | Generac IQ3500 | Honda EU3000iS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 3500 Starting Watts | 3000 Starting Watts |
| Running Watts | 3000 Running Watts | 2800 Running Watts |
| Run Time @25% Load | 14.1 Hours (Eco Mode) | 19.6 Hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.6 Gallons | 3.4 Gallons |
| Weight | 109.1 lbs (49.5 kg) | 130.7 lbs (59.3 kg) |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | Yes | No |
| CO-Minder | No | Yes |
| Warranties* | 3 Years Limited Residential Warranty, 1 Year Commercial Warranty | 3 Years Warranty (Residential And Commercial) |
| Price Category** | $$ | $$$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Similarities Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS
At the same time, you may still want to know about the smaller differences and common features of the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS before making your decision.
| Feature | Generac IQ3500 | Honda EU3000iS |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 4.067 | 4.035 |
| Voltage | 120 Volts | 120 Volts |
| Decibels | Reviews Mention Around 50 To 88 dB Depending On Distance | 50 to 57 dB(A) |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Outlets | (1) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R Outlets, (1) 120V 30A L5-30R Twist Lock, (2) USB Ports | (1) 125V 30A L5-30R Locking Plug, (1) Duplex Of 125V 20A 5-20R Outlets |
| Outlet Covers | No | No |
| Engine Displacement | 212cc | 196cc |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes | Yes |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | Yes | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Remote Start | No | No |
| Hour Meter | Yes | No |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Wattage Meter | Yes | No |
| Run Time Remaining | Yes | No |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke |
| Low THD | Less Than 3% | At least Less Than 10%, Likely Less than 5% |
| Remote Generator Operation | No | No |
| Parallel Ready | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.7″ L x 18″ W x 21.7″ H | 25.9″ L x 17.6″ W x 22″ H |
| Wheels | No | Optional |
| Country Of Origin | China | Not Mentioned |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Generac IQ3500 vs Honda EU3000iS in-depth
People who are more familiar with generators can likely choose between the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS with the table of differences and a quick look at the prices.
That being said, it is also possible that a more in-depth explanation of some of the differences can help you make a better decision.
Starting and running watts
The main goal of generators is converting fuel into usable electricity. That being said, exactly how much power generators can create often varies.
For example, the Generac IQ3500 offers 3500 starting watts and 3000 running watts.
On the other side, the Honda EU3000iS is somewhat weaker with 3000 starting watts and 2800 running watts.
The 200 running watts difference is not the most relevant since this is only a TV or other small electrical device more or less.
However, the extra 500 starting watts of the Generac IQ3500 can be relevant if you have appliances and tools that need an initial burst of power to get started.
Some examples of devices that fall into this category are air conditioners, refrigerators, and a variety of power tools.
Winner: Generac IQ3500
Weight
How many pounds or kilograms the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS weigh is not the most confusing feature.
However, it can be easy to forget that how much your generator weighs influences its portability a lot.
Especially in the case of generators like the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS that don’t come with wheels.
The weight of the Generac IQ3500 is 109.1 lbs (49.5 kg) whereas the weight of the Honda EU300iS is 130.7 lbs (59.3 kg).
If you plan to move your generator around a lot, the Generac IQ3500 does have a plus point.
Something to note is that if you really don’t see yourself carrying around either generator, the Honda EU3000iS could be the better choice since it has an optional wheel kit at an extra price.
Winner: Generac IQ3500 if you don’t want to invest in a wheel kit
Winner: Honda EU3000iS if you don’t mind investing in a wheel kit
CO-minder
While converting the fuel into electricity, generators also create a byproduct called carbon monoxide.
This is a toxic gas you definitely don’t want to breathe in.
For this and other safety reasons, you want to run your generator outside and far away from people.
However, even when doing this, it is sometimes possible to get a buildup of carbon monoxide around the generator.
For this reason, generators like the Honda EU3000iS come with a CO-minder that turns the machine off if it detects too much carbon monoxide.
You can still use the Generac IQ3500 safely but the CO-minder of the Honda EU3000iS can put your mind somewhat more at ease.
Winner: Honda EU3000iS
Price
If you just look at the features and generator brand reputations, choosing between the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS can be challenging.
However, you need to know that these generators also vary a lot in terms of price.
More specifically, the Generac IQ3500 is a lot more budget-friendly than the Honda EU3000iS.
Even if you take into account that Honda generators have a reputation for lasting long, the price difference will be a deciding factor for many people.
Winner: Generac IQ3500
User reviews Generac IQ3500 vs Honda EU3000iS
Being more budget-friendly than the Honda EU300iS is welcome but you may wonder if this also involves quality trade-offs for the Generac IQ3500.
While you ideally would want more long-term ways of checking this, the experiences of 100s of customers through their reviews do give some indication of what you can expect.
Besides a few exceptional cases of technical issues, customer reviews of both the Generac IQ3500 and Honda EU3000iS tend to be very positive overall.
One thing to note is that there are customer mentions about the Generac IQ3500 being hard to move around.
The lack of wheel kit options does not help with this.
Is the Generac IQ3500 or Honda EU3000iS right for you?
In short, the Generac IQ3500 offers more power, a lighter weight, a built-in tracking LCD, and a price that is a lot more budget-friendly.
On the other hand, the Honda EU3000iS has a longer run time, a CO-minder, a longer commercial warranty, and an optional wheel kit.
While the Honda brand does have a reputation for building generators that last and the wheel kit can be helpful, the Honda EU3000iS is likely just too pricey to consider.
Instead, the Generac IQ3500 is a solid generator if it satisfies your power needs.
Even if you really want to move your generator around a lot, you will likely prefer a more budget-friendly alternative with wheels over the Honda model.
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