Consumer Reports Generator Test HF vs Honda

mike-s wrote:
I've got a Kipor, which I only use a few hours per year. So, the savings works because I'm not expecting much. For someone who uses a genny on a frequent basis, cheap may be false economy.

That's usually how things work. Pay me now or pay me later.

mike-s wrote:
Sure, until something serious breaks. Then try to buy replacement parts. HF does not have a good reputation for providing parts. Sure, you can buy the HF extended warranty, but that doesn't get you anywhere near a reasonable 10-20 year lifetime which can be reasonably expected from the Honda.

Very good point, but consider cost of repairs as well. I have a generator right now that is leaking oil. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet this summer, but unless its a simple repair, I will have to either scrap the generator or pay a repair guy a couple hundred dollars.

*IF* (big if) these HF generators prove to be generally reliable, it might be cheaper to buy 3 of these over the years rather than 1 $2000 Honda and the bill from a small engine repair facility.

I only use my portable gen at the house when we lose power. We have some good summer storms in my are and are usually good for a couple of storms a year where we lose power for 2-3 days. A little 3500 watt generator allows us to run a portable AC, the fridge, some lights and a couple fans to keep the house tolerable on those gorgeous 95% humidity days! Not worth $2000 for that convenience, but maybe worth $650...

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Honda's stellar reputation will carry them for awhile. HF Predator and Champion are knocking on the door ! It is hard to argue with the price difference.

Sure, until something serious breaks. Then try to buy replacement parts. HF does not have a good reputation for providing parts. Sure, you can buy the HF extended warranty, but that doesn't get you anywhere near a reasonable 10-20 year lifetime which can be reasonably expected from the Honda.

Sure, there are probably some parts which are interchangeable because it's mostly a clone (that's my assumption, because many others are), but who knows how accurate a clone it is, and which parts actually fit and work?

I suppose it depends on how much and how hard you use the genny. There's definitely a risk/reward consideration involved.

I've got a Kipor, which I only use a few hours per year. So, the savings works because I'm not expecting much. For someone who uses a genny on a frequent basis, cheap may be false economy.

Noticed they have the Predator 3500 on sale for $679.

The one my stepson has also has a low oil switch.

2oldman wrote:

gbopp wrote:
.. I wouldn't let any portable generator run for a week. I'd stop it at least once a day to check the oil level.Maybe I'm just paranoid. :)

Honda's have low-oil shutoff that works pretty well. You wouldn't have to worry about it.

So does the system on my big CPE 3500. Same on my little Honda EU1000. I think low oil shutdown is pretty common and reliable.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Honda's stellar reputation will carry them for awhile. HF Predator and Champion are knocking on the door ! It is hard to argue with the price difference.

Just as with iPhones, there will always be a sect that will pay more just for the name regardless of how well the competition does.

Lots of Chinese Honda clones on the market and some are close to Honda in sound level. Not surprised the HF would do OK. Somebody was advertising a 2000w "Enermax" Honda clone genny the other day for $419.00.

wa8yxm wrote:
They missed that Honda is the only generator in it's class with a GENUINE fuel pump so that 0.95 Gallon tank can be "Expanded" to 5 gallons or more if you really want to (usually to about 2 gallons) by using their extended run system.

How about a generator that can run all week on a single start. Honda can do it. No other can. Not one (portable that is).

My powerhouse 2100 has a fuel pump as do others.

naturist wrote:

2oldman wrote:

gbopp wrote:
.. I wouldn't let any portable generator run for a week. I'd stop it at least once a day to check the oil level.Maybe I'm just paranoid. :)

Honda's have low-oil shutoff that works pretty well. You wouldn't have to worry about it.

I have two, a Generac 5500 watt open frame and an ETQ 1800 watt inverter. Both of them also have low oil shutoffs. I paid $199 for the ETQ, btw. But I also would be very reluctant to run a generator continuously for a week, and would probably check the oil level a couple times, too.

I own a ETQ 1800 as well, it's very finicky about oil level won't run if there is to little or to much oil. You got a better deal I paid close to 300 for mine. I have never run a generator for 24 hours let alone a week.