For heavy power users, Yamaha offers the EF7200DE and Honda offers the EU7000iS. Importantly, Yamaha’s high-powered portable generator is a conventional generator while Honda’s is one of the most powerful inverter generators currently available. So, off the bat there’s very little comparison if the advantages of an inverter generator are important to you.
The two generators are very favorably matched on surge power, especially given that the Honda model is putting out inverted power. The Yamaha generator can produce up to 7,200 watts, while the Honda generator produces up to 7,000 watts. For standard use, the Yamaha model can hold up to 6,000 watts continuously, while the Honda model is limited to 5,500 watts.
Thanks to the differences between a conventional and inverter generator engine – a conventional engine isn’t nearly as fuel efficient – the difference in fuel tank size between these two models doesn’t produce a huge shift in runtime. The Yamaha generator comes with a 6.9-gallon fuel tank that allows you to run at 6,000 watts for up to 8 hours. Meanwhile, the Honda’s 5.1-gallon fuel tank offers a runtime of up to 6.5 hours at 5,500 watts. These runtimes are extremely long (they’re equivalent to more than 20 hours each at a 25% load), so you hardly have to worry about fuel consumption with either of these generators.
The generators are largely matched when it comes to the outlet panels. Both feature a simple LED hour meter so you can keep track of your power output and remaining fuel. Both also have an electric push-starter, along with a backup recoil starter you can use in case the onboard battery dies. Each generator also offers a 120-volt/240-volt or 125-volt/250-volt twist-lock outlet so you can power high-voltage appliances and tools. The main difference to note here is that the Yamaha generator has four basic 120-volt outlets you can use, while the Honda generator only offers two of them.
When it comes to noise, there’s simply no competition – Honda’s inverter engine is roughly 100 times quieter than Yamaha’s conventional generator engine. The difference is staggering. You can easily hold a conversation next to the Honda EU70000iS, whereas you’ll want to consider ear protection when working near the Yamaha EF7200DE. In fact, the Honda generator doesn’t produce any more noise than the EU3000i Handi, which offers half as much power.
Both of these generators are quite heavy, so the 15-pound difference between them probably won’t make much of a difference for you. Each is mounted on never-flat wheels that are capable of off-road travel, and the frames include fold-away handles so you can tow the generator easily.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, cost is the big differentiator between these two models. Honda’s powerful inverter generator costs nearly $4,500, compared to less than $2,000 for Yamaha’s conventional generator. It’s hard to argue that the Yamaha is “better” in terms of specs, but your budget will play an important role in deciding which of these generators is better for you.