I've been thinking about this for a while so I'm going to put my ramblings down on paper.
It's a common belief that that Chinese generators aren't up to par with Honda. I don't think anyone doubts that. Part of the reason is substandard parts or build quality, and part of it is inflated specs. By most accounts, if you measure the maximum stable output of a Honda generator, you will get. A Chonda clone? Not so much.
While I don't have as much practical experience as others on this forum, I've read almost every review I can find on most brands. You'll notice that Honda tends to use larger engines than its competitors. Why is that? I know I know - an engine CC size is not always directly related to its output, but shouldn't efficiency favor a manufacturer like Honda and not the Chinese clones?
Honda EU2000i = 98cc engine
Honda EU2200i = 121cc
Most Chinese 2000-2200W = 80cc
I would think, if anything, it would be the other way around! Honda would build them better. This alone may quantity why Chinese brands fail at delivering their rated watts. There are even some bigger ones like a Champion 2500 still sporting a lowly 80cc engine. At least one Westinghouse alternative gets a 98cc.
Why aren't the Chinese manufacturers putting in bigger engines when it's clear they need it? All thorough reviews prove that. One reason in my estimation is the Chinese companies don't have an engine in the 100-140cc range to use. I think the patent has run out on the 80cc option and they're wringing everything out if it that they can. The next step I see is like a 192cc.
Speaking of which, the Honda EU3000iS has a 192cc engine. Champion boasts a 3400W model with a 192cc engine. Once again, surely if Honda felt a (Honda built!) 192cc was capable of more than 3000W then they would have done it. I can't believe China would have the edge in output & design. As many reviews have pointed out, they do not. Chinese generators rarely output what they list.
So am I suggesting you should not buy a Chinese made generator? No, not necessarily. In fact, I probably will soon but I also own a Honda EU2200i (because power matters when I pick something that small already.) What I think we should do is lower our expectations. Shave off a few hundreds watts or lower the listed specs by around 15% and that will be about right. Buying a 3400W generator? Pretend it peaks at 2720W. Need 5000W of continuous power? Make sure you get a model than specifies 6000W. Even after accounting for the Chinese conversion rate, you're still getting a pretty good deal compared to a Honda$.
It's a common belief that that Chinese generators aren't up to par with Honda. I don't think anyone doubts that. Part of the reason is substandard parts or build quality, and part of it is inflated specs. By most accounts, if you measure the maximum stable output of a Honda generator, you will get. A Chonda clone? Not so much.
While I don't have as much practical experience as others on this forum, I've read almost every review I can find on most brands. You'll notice that Honda tends to use larger engines than its competitors. Why is that? I know I know - an engine CC size is not always directly related to its output, but shouldn't efficiency favor a manufacturer like Honda and not the Chinese clones?
Honda EU2000i = 98cc engine
Honda EU2200i = 121cc
Most Chinese 2000-2200W = 80cc
I would think, if anything, it would be the other way around! Honda would build them better. This alone may quantity why Chinese brands fail at delivering their rated watts. There are even some bigger ones like a Champion 2500 still sporting a lowly 80cc engine. At least one Westinghouse alternative gets a 98cc.
Why aren't the Chinese manufacturers putting in bigger engines when it's clear they need it? All thorough reviews prove that. One reason in my estimation is the Chinese companies don't have an engine in the 100-140cc range to use. I think the patent has run out on the 80cc option and they're wringing everything out if it that they can. The next step I see is like a 192cc.
Speaking of which, the Honda EU3000iS has a 192cc engine. Champion boasts a 3400W model with a 192cc engine. Once again, surely if Honda felt a (Honda built!) 192cc was capable of more than 3000W then they would have done it. I can't believe China would have the edge in output & design. As many reviews have pointed out, they do not. Chinese generators rarely output what they list.
So am I suggesting you should not buy a Chinese made generator? No, not necessarily. In fact, I probably will soon but I also own a Honda EU2200i (because power matters when I pick something that small already.) What I think we should do is lower our expectations. Shave off a few hundreds watts or lower the listed specs by around 15% and that will be about right. Buying a 3400W generator? Pretend it peaks at 2720W. Need 5000W of continuous power? Make sure you get a model than specifies 6000W. Even after accounting for the Chinese conversion rate, you're still getting a pretty good deal compared to a Honda$.
