The Yamaha EF4500iSE looks like a good generator but this review can help you understand whether it is worth the high price.
Yamaha EF4500iSE review in short
From the positive customer reviews, it looks like the Yamaha EF4500iSE is an exceptionally reliable 4500 watt generator.
The main downside to keep in mind is that you pay a hefty price for this.
If you have a big budget and want all the reliability you can get, the Yamaha EF4500iSE can be the right choice.
On the flip side, many people will find alternatives like the Champion 200988 4500 reliable enough and a lot more budget-friendly.
You can also check out other good 4500 watt generators.
Pros
- Long run time
- Reliable generator
- Relatively quiet operation
- Very positive customer reviews
Cons
- Expensive generator
- Somewhat harder to move around
- Bad fuel efficiency
Some of the best uses for the Yamaha EF4500iSE include:
- Home backup power for small to medium appliances
- RV or regular camping
- Tailgating
- Construction sites
- Small businesses like food trucks
- Running certain power tools
Yamaha EF4500iSE performance in important categories
The scores for the Yamaha EF4500iSE in the different performance categories below are often a helpful addition to the review, pros, cons, and uses.
| Performance Category | Yamaha EF4500iSE Score* | Performance Category | Yamaha EF4500iSE Score* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Capacity | 7 | Fuel Efficiency | 4 |
| Run Time | 9 | Ease Of Use | 7.5 |
| Quiet Operation | 9 | Portability | 6 |
| THD | <2.5% | Price Category | $$$$$$ |
| Reliability Reputation | 9.5 | Overall Expert Rating | 8 |
| Current Price | Check Price |
Individual reviews compare the specific model to portable generators in general and sometimes scores are based on customer input
Yamaha EF4500iSE key features
The big list of Yamaha EF4500iSE features makes it so figuring out whether this is a good generator for you can feel overwhelming.
Luckily, the somewhat shorter list of key Yamaha EF4500iSE features below is often enough to get an idea of what you can expect from this machine.
| Feature | Yamaha EF4500iSE Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Starting Watts | 4500 Starting Watts |
| Running Watts | 4000 Running Watts |
| Run Time @25% Load | 15.2 Hours |
| Noise Levels | 58 dBA |
| Outlets | (1) 120V 30A L5-30R Twist-Lock Outlet, (1) Duplex Of 120V 20A 5-20R Outlets |
| THD | Less Than 2.5% |
| Warranty* | 3 Years Limited Warranty |
| Price Category** | $$$$$$ |
| Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
What will the Yamaha EF4500iSE run?
While it is easy to read that the Yamaha EF4500iSE offers 4500 starting watts, 4000 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts you may not know what devices this comes down to.
4500 watt generators can run many combinations but a few general principles and examples can make things clearer.
First of all, some of the biggest appliances and tools a Yamaha EF4500iSE should be able to run individually are a window air conditioner (15,000 BTU), a table saw, or a 1 HP air compressor.
Besides that, the Yamaha EF4500iSE should also have no issues with running a few different small and medium devices at the same time.
An example of a combination like this is a refrigerator, blender, TV, coffee machine, and a few light bulbs.
Ideally, you would calculate the power needs of the devices you want to run and compare this to the capacity of the Yamaha EF4500iSE.
Yamaha EF4500iSE customer reviews insights
There are some cases where generators look great on paper but don’t actually deliver well.
To make sure this is not the case for a generator like the Yamaha EF4500iSE, you want to look at the reviews of customers before you.
I did this for you to save you some time and effort.
While the number of reviews for the Yamaha EF4500iSE is not the highest, the existing ones are exceptionally positive.
One customer does mention that the Yamaha EF4500iSE is somewhat harder to move and does still make a decent amount of noise.
However, overall, this definitely looks like one of the more reliable 4500 watt generators on the market.
Yamaha EF4500iSE alternatives
As you can see in this review, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is a quality generator but this is not the only thing that matters when investing in a new model.
There are also Yamaha EF4500iSE alternatives that are still very good and a lot less expensive.
If you still want to focus a lot on reliability, the Champion 200988 4500 is likely the best choice for you.
Additionally, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is still very reliable while also being more budget-friendly and quieter.
Is the Yamaha EF4500iSE worth it?
If you really want all the reliability you can get, for example to have backup power for essential appliances and tools, and you have a big budget, the Yamaha EF4500iSE can be worth it.
At the same time, there are other high-quality 4500 watt portable inverter generators that are a lot more budget-friendly.
Many people will prefer these alternatives over the Yamaha EF4500iSE.
Especially for purposes like RV camping, food trucks, and running power tools where you don’t need 100% reliability.
Other Yamaha EF4500iSE specifications aka specs
It is possible that you still need more Yamaha EF4500iSE specs to decide whether this generator is right for you.
You can find more of these in the table below.
The Yamaha EF4500iSE user manual can also offer some extra information that can help you make your decision.
| Specification | Yamaha EF4500iSE Detail |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Portable | Yes |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 4.5 Gallons |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 3.378 |
| Outlet Covers | No |
| Engine Displacement | 357cc |
| Recoil Pull Start | No |
| Electric Start | Yes |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes |
| Fully Enclosed Design | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Remote Start | Optional |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | Small |
| Hour Meter | Yes |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Wattage Meter | Simplified Power Meter |
| Run Time Remaining | No |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke |
| Remote Generator Operation | Optional |
| Parallel Ready | No |
| Wheels | Yes |
| CO-Minder | Yes |
| Country Of Origin | Not Mentioned |
| Dimensions | 30.7″ L x 24.3″ W x 27.2″ H |
| Weight | 194 lbs (88 kg) |
| Check Current Price |
Yamaha EF4500iSE FAQ
How long will a Yamaha EF4500iSE run?
On a full tank, a Yamaha EF4500iSE will run about 15.2 hours at 25% load or about 11 hours at 50% load.
How much oil does a Yamaha EF4500iSE take?
The Yamaha EF4500iSE has an oil capacity of 43.95 fluid ounces or about 1.3 liters.
How many decibels is a Yamaha EF4500iSE?
While sources vary, a Yamaha EF4500iSE seems to be around 58 dBA at 25% load.
