Last updated on August 30th, 2021
Ryobi 2300 Bluetooth Generator Review & Buyers Guide
Table of Contents
Ryobi 2300 Review & Summary
Product Name: Ryobi 2300
Product Description: This 2300-watt inverter generator by Ryobi is one for the techsavvy since it has a Bluetooth connection that lets you monitor and shut down the machine from your smartphone via the GenControl app. This CARB-compliant product comes at a decent price for its features and is especially useful for tailgating.
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Noise Level
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Reliability
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Value vs. Cost
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Ease of Use
Summary
Although not a budget option, the Ryobi 2300 Bluetooth portable inverter generator is a value for money choice. It has all the advantages of inverter technology plus great portability but in a tech-focused design.
The most noteworthy feature is the GenControl app that connects your smartphone to the generator via bluetooth. Once you have the engine running you can monitor its levels and even switch it off from a distance.
This inverter has 2 USB ports ideal for directly plugging in sensitive electronics like laptops and sound systems. However, there is no DC power outlet which some people might be looking for in a portable generator.
This is a great recreational portable generator for those that are looking for an off-grid power source for their electronics. It is also a good option for colder climates because of the cold start.
Ryobi is best known as a a power equipment producer but less known for its generators. However, their innovative designs are gaining attention.
There is an unexpected addition of Bluetooth in this inverter which is the first indication that the brand is trying to set itself apart from the other manufacturers. So, what does make this new venture into portable power stations interesting to consumers?
Monitoring through a mobile app was until now only really seen on home standby models with Generac taking the lead with their Mobile Link Remote Wireless Monitoring System. Though not the first, Ryobi is offering this feature in portable generators at a much more affordable price.
The benefit of a wireless monitoring application is that you can focus on the task at hand or relax without continuously having to return for monitoring. This is especially welcome when the inverter is placed at a considerable distance to drown out the noise and keep the fumes away.
Aside from this technological gimmick, there are other valid reasons to choose this model. It is portable thanks to the small wheels and two types of handles, has a good run time thanks to its fuel efficiency and is parallel capable for additional power.
For these reasons and more, check out this review of the Ryobi 2300-watt Bluetooth enabled inverter generator and decide whether you are willing to venture into new exciting brands.
This review is not based on any personal tests done on the machine but rather a comprehensive overview of the Ryobi 2300 Bluetooth derived from expert reviews, customer comments and the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Any conclusions drawn in this review are based on a comparison of these three different sources of information.
About the Ryobi 2300
The Ryobi 2300 Bluetooth is an inverter generator with a big focus on portability and user-friendly design. It is a good alternative to some of the bigger name brands as it offers a lot of features that other manufacturers would charge extra for.
Weighing 56 pounds it is not the lightest model available online today but the rear wheels and extending handle eliminates the bulk of the carrying weight. It also has compact dimensions so you can store away 2 of them in the trunk of your car or RV for double the power using the parallel capabilities.
Besides portability, it is also evident that this power tool producer is targeting the younger generation that is used to working with a lot of technology. You can see this in the wireless monitoring mobile application and the choice for 2 USB ports instead of a DC power outlet.
Besides the tech savvy details, it is also interesting to see a cold start option on such an inverter. This is yet another spec detail that you would normally pay extra money for with other manufacturers.
2300 Specs
Product Information Detail
Running Watts 1,800 watts
Surge Wattage 2,300 watts
Tank Size 1.2 gallons
Run Time 10.3 hours at 25% load
Fuel Gasoline
Noise Level 57 dB
Weight 56 lbs
This inverter holds 2300 watts starting power and 1800 watts continuous power. This is not exactly a powerhouse but it is enough for recreational use like outdoor lighting, charging mobile phones several times over and even for powering a DJ booth at your next garden party.
If you do need more power than considering buying 2 at the same time because this model has parallel capabilities. As mentioned, the price tag is quite decent for what you get so it would be a smart investment.
Ryobi has improved on its earlier designs by increasing the fuel efficiency in this newer version. The 1.2 gallon fuel tank is good for a great run time of over 10 hours on a quarter load, 7 hours on a 50% load and over 4 hours when running at full capacity.
Keep track of everything with the control panel at the front which has an LCD screen that shows how many hours its been running, the fuel level, current load and whether it is on idle. Next to this you will find two USB ports and two 120v 20 amp AC power outlets, circuit breakers and an overload reset button.
On the other hand, you can also always use the mobile application to keep an eye on things from a distance. You can even switch off the engine straight from your mobile phone.
This is an easy off-grid power source to take with you since it is compact and reasonably lightweight at 56 pounds. You can also choose to hold it in your hand with the carrying handle or pull it along using the rear wheels and extendable handle that you can pull out from the bottom.
There is no electric start nor can you start from the mobile application so you have to deal with a manual recoil system. However, it is an easy enough 3-step process with clear pictures explaining each step on the inverter’s side where you find the pull lever.
Another interesting feature is that there is the option for a cold start. A cold start makes sure that the engine gets running, even in cold temperatures, making this a great option for areas with cold climates or occasional extreme winter conditions.
Ryobi 2300 vs Ryobi 2000i
The Ryobi 2300 Bluetooth is the only model on the American market by this brand but the company has released another inverter with similar power in Australia; the Ryobi 2000i. How does this model compare and is the one available in the United States just as good?
The first difference is the capacity with 2000 watts surge power and 1600 watts running power. Despite being less powerful, this smaller model has a similar run time, also reaching 4 hours with a 100% load.
Another difference is the power outlets. The Australian version includes 15 amps instead of the North American standard of 20 amps but that is an expected adjustment for the two continents.
In terms of portability these models are very similar. The Ryobi 2000i is only slightly lighter by half a pound but has the same handy features such as the rear wheels and expanding handle for pulling it along like a cart.
Overall, these models are quite similar with the exception of the Bluetooth enabled mobile monitoring application. Since this tech detail is the most impressive specification, there is no need to wait for the 2000i to be sold in North America because the 2300-watt version is still the preferable design.
Ryobi 2300 vs. Comparable Inverter Generators
There is no other inverter generator that has the same wireless monitoring capabilities so instead we will compare the Ryobi 2300 to the Westinghouse iGen2500 and Generac 7117 GP2200i as more affordable alternatives and the Honda EU2200i as the more expensive alternative. The Ryobi sits nicely in the middle in terms of price range, around $700 depending on where you buy.
The Westinghouse and Generac are more affordable but what are you missing out on by choosing the budget option? Besides the Bluetooth capabilities, you don’t get a cold start feature making the Ryobi the obvious choice for colder climates.
The Generac 7117 does not have an LCD monitoring display but the Westinghouse does. So, if you like to keep an eye on things and prefer reminders for the next maintenance session, choose either the Westinghouse or Ryobi.
Then there is the power difference with the iGen2500 having more capacity. If you think that 200 watts makes a significant difference then you might considering switching but overall you should be able to do all the same things with any of these models.
Closer in capacity is the Honda EU2200i but the most obvious difference is the simplicity of the Honda versus the innovative design of the Ryobi. Would you choose the famous dependability of the Honda over the user-friendly modern qualities of the Ryobi?
The Ryobi has received great reviews so far with no serious faults mentioned. This would suggest that the newcomer is made of high quality materials and good functional design, as well.
These two inverters could not be more different in concept so it is really up to personal preference and the purpose of the portable generator. Where the Honda might be preferred by professionals like construction site workers, the Ryobi is more geared towards recreational use.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The biggest advantage of the Ryobi 2300 is clearly the GenControl mobile app that lets you monitor the inverter through a Bluetooth connection. This very practical feature keeps you from having to return to the machine for checks and even lets you change the settings from a distance. The LCD display on the control panel is a nice feature showing the fuel level, run time and current load. However, what the online reviews especially appreciate about the control panel is the double USB port that lets connect electronics directly. The clever design of a telescopic handle and rear wheels in addition to a regular carrying handle makes this a very portable generator even though it is not the most lightweight model in its capacity category. The LCD display on the control panel is a nice feature showing the fuel level, run time and current load. Another nice touch is the cold start which drastically increases the attractiveness for people living in colder climates with frequent power outages in the winter. Finally, it has all the benefits of being an inverter; it provides clean energy safe for sensitive electronics, it is more fuel-efficient and is generally more quiet. This engine has a good run time of over 10 hours at a quarter load accompanied by a rated noise level of 57 decibels.
If you are hoping to charge a car battery with this inverter then you would be disappointed because there is no DC socket. That is because this is more of a recreational generator. Then, the price tag won’t fit in a low budget. Even though it has advanced features and durable design, the purchasing cost is several hundred dollars above some of the inverter alternatives in the 2000-watt category.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ryobi 2300-watt Bluetooth inverter generator is a welcome newcomer offering modern features for the tech-focused generation. The wireless monitoring from a smartphone makes this model much more user-friendly compared to other inverters that hold around 2000 watts of power.
This inverter also wins in the portability department thanks to the extra telescopic handle for pulling it along on its small wheels. This is a nice addition compared to similar inverters that only have a u-shaped handle for hand carrying.
Ryobi has managed to deliver a portable generator that stands out from the pack by daring to be innovative. This is why the price tag makes sense and the advantages outweigh the only 2 small disadvantages.
Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API