I love the outdoors and camping. Yet these activities need not turn into boot camps with little or no luxury. Nothing quite brings out the joy in camping like having a reliable source of power. I would therefore would like to compare two lightweight generators that I consider good for my next escapade. These generators can also be used at home or at a small function, giving you double the service for the same amount of money.
Ryobi Bluetooth 2,300 –Watt Inverter Generator
The RYOBI Bluetooth 2,300-Watt Inverter Generator offers clean yet quiet power.
Features
1. Power
With 2,300 Starting Watts and 1,800 Running Watts,
Double the power with parallel capability
Parallel capabilities can link together two RYOBI Inverter Generators. This generates twice the strength to accommodate larger power demands. It requires a parallel kit to do this.
2. Noise
The Ryobi is this generator is whisper quiet, less noise than normal conversation at 57 decibels
3. Weight
It weighs 52 lbs. and has rear wheels with an extending handle for easy transportation
4. Fuel efficiency
This Inverter is fitted with Idle-Down Technology that increases fuel efficiency. This auto idle Technology provides greater fuel efficiency and extens run time
5. Onboard LCD Monitor
This helps one to comfortably monitor the power consumption, the fuel level, and the run time remaining.
6. Bluetooth App
I can shut off my generator remotely with the GENControl app on my Apple or Android smart phone. It also has a GenControl App reset button and on board reset switch
7. Warranty
Backed by a 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty.
Other features include 3 easy steps starting for reduced start up times and has USB outlets that can be used to charge small devices
Specs
Running Watts: 1700
Starting Watts: 2200
Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.2 Gallons
Run Time at 25% Load: 10.3 Hours
Outlets: (2) 120V AC 20 Amp
Weight: 52 lbs.
Warranty: 3-Year Limited
Cost: $599.00
Honda
Offering a remarkable range of models and features. They have 7 types of EU Models, 3 types of EM Models, 4 types of the EG Model and 7 types of the EB Models making a total of 21 models to choose from.
The closest comparable model to the Ryobi 2300 Watt Blue Tooth Inverter generator is the EU 2200i.
Features
1. Power.
The all new EU2200i Companion delivers more power than the EU models of its class att 2200 watt 120V.
2. Double my power with parallel capability
If I need more power, I can connect the EU2200i Companion with a regular EU2200i for up to 4400 watts of power using a simple parallel cord and not an external parallel kit. It can also parallel with EU2000iK1/T1 models.
3. Noise
So quiet, the wild won’t even know you are there. Even your neighbors will thank you. The EU2000i Companion operates at 48, emitting almost no noise. This makes it ideal for camping and other quiet activities.
4. Weight
Weighing less than 47 pounds, the EU2000i Companion is incredibly light and portable, due to the Honda's inverter technology.
5. Fuel efficiency
It runs up to 8.1 hours on less than a gallon of fuel thanks to the Eco Throttle System. It runs 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single tank, depending on the load. This makes it great for overnight power.
The inverter technology offers clean, stable power in smaller and lighter package. This precision of the Honda's inverter technology ensures that the inverter generators produce power which is reliable just like the power we get from your electric outlets at home.
6. Oil changes
It has features that make it easier to change oil and to keep it clean while at it.
7. Fuel shutoff ("Fuel Off")
This “Fuel Off” position allows the engine to continue running until the almost all the fuel in the carburetor is used up and the engine goes off. This helps avoid issues of stale fuel. It ensures the generator is not stored with stale fuel in it.
8. Electronic Circuit Breaker
Protects the generator from an overload condition.
9. Better overall durability
It's the little things that show a product's quality and durability. For instance the stamped recoil rope on the EU2200i - designed to reduce potential damage to the body of the generator. So too are the increased ventilation areas, greatly improving the cooling of vital components. Plus the rotor configuration, which uses some of the highest quality and powerful magnets available.
10. warranty
3 year residential and commercial warranty is covered from top to bottom for 3 full years.
Specs
Running Watts: 1800
Starting Watts: 2200
Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.95 Gallons
Run Time at 25% Load: 8.1 Hours
Outlets: 125V AC 20 Amp Duplex
Weight: 46.5 lbs
Warranty: 3-Year Limited
Cost: $1249.00
Both generators can operate the following appliances generally
• Refrigerator or Freezer
• Microwave Oven
• Incandescent Lights
• Portable fan
• Furnace Fan, gas or fuel oil (up to 1/3 hp)
• TV / DVD
• Hair Dryer
• Coffee Maker
• Computer
• Garage Door Opener
• Blender
Compare and Contrast
These two generator are very similar to each other in many ways. They are both dual purpose in that I can use them both in the wild and at home when the need arises. They are not noisy which a big plus is and they allow me to work in a tent with my computer.
Ryobi however has some advantages over the Honda. It has a bigger fuel tank of 1.2 gallons compared to the 0.95 gallons of the Honda EU2200i which means it has a longer overall running time.
The Ryobi 2300 has a 10.3 hours runtime compared to the 8.1 hours of run time for the Honda EU2200i even if I were to fill the generators with the same level of gas.
The Honda EU2200i is the lightweight king though and noise levels which is its main selling point. It is lighter than the Ryobi 2300 by 10lbs. The connection to double power is pretty straight forward and this is great because sometimes I want to carry less rather than more when heading out.
In terms of technology, the Ryobi 2300 has a built-in Bluetooth in its inverter which allows one to monitor the generator through a mobile app. I find this to be very efficient and time saving.
My take, the Ryobi 2300 gives me more value for the dollar when all these factors are considered. It is significantly cheaper than the Honda EU2200i with minimal differences in features and specs.