Last updated on August 30th, 2021
Yamaha EF2400iSHC Review & Buyers Guide
Table of Contents
Yamaha EF2400iSHC Review & Summary
Product Name: Yamaha EF2400iSHC
Product Description: The Yamaha EF2400iSHC is an inverter generator producing commercial-grade electricity, specifically designed to be RV-ready. This is an easy maintenance model with a smart throttle system making the engine quiet and fuel-efficient.
-
Noise Level
-
Reliability
-
Value vs. Cost
-
Ease of Use
Summary
The Yamaha EF2400iSHC is an inverter generator producing commercial-grade electricity, specifically designed to be RV-ready. This is an easy maintenance model with a smart throttle system making the engine quiet and fuel-efficient.
Yamaha’s inverter generators are all popular models for different reasons. The EF2400iSHC is best known as the go-to recommendation for powering appliances and devices in an RV but how does it measure up to this reputation?
How does this model compare to the other versions in the same EF series? Are there really that many differences between each one when their power output is quite similar?
Read on to learn more about the Yamaha EF2400iSHC and find out if it is the right choice for your next RV trip.
This review is not based on any personal tests done on the machine but rather a comprehensive overview of the Yamaha EF2400iSHC 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 EF2400iSHC
Product Information Detail
Running Watts 2,000 watts
Surge Wattage 2,400 watts
Tank Size 1.6 gal
Run Time 8.6 hrs @ 1/4 load
Fuel Gasoline
Noise Level 53 - 60 dB
Weight 75 lbs
At 2000 watts running power and 2400 watts surge power, the output of this model is quite standard for an inverter generator. After all, these types of generators are not meant for powering big household appliances but rather for charging sensitive electronics and small devices during camping and other outdoor activities.
One interesting aspect about its power is that it has a high current output. This adjustment allows for a jolt of surge power that is capable of getting certain models of 13,500 BTU air conditioners running in temperatures up to 110°F.
However, the manufacturer does recommend getting a larger size portable generator if you plan on connecting high energy consuming appliances like an AC unit. Connecting too big a load can damage the engine and significantly reduce the lifespan of this unit.
As this is an inverter generator it already has minimal Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) but Yamaha takes it one step further and installed Pulse Width Modulation. This provides even cleaner electricity, equal to the quality of commercial power, making this the safest choice for your electronics.
There are two 120 volt AC outlets and one 12 volt DC outlet on the control panel. Unfortunately, this model is not parallel capable so you cannot connect it to a second unit for more power.
On the control panel you also find the circuit breakers and warning lights for low oil and overloading. There is no push button for an electric start but on the same side you find the manual recoil system for starting the engine.
The EF2400iSHC also comes with the Smart Throttle system that the manufacturer is well-known for. This adjusts the engine speed to the load which improves fuel efficiency and also reduces the noise it produces.
As a result, this is a very quiet portable generator. On a full load the noise level is rated at just 60 decibels while at a quarter load the noise level drops as low as 53 decibels.
Another great aspect of the engine is that its emissions are compliant to both the EPA and CARB ratings meaning that this model ships to all 50 states. However, it remains a gasoline-powered machine and must be placed at a safe distance away from any buildings.
The design holds a 1.6 gallon fuel tank which when full is enough for running the generator up to 8.6 hours on a quarter load. This is quite a decent run time and should be more than enough to bring your personal electronic devices to a full charge.
There is a fuel gauge so you can check the fuel levels without having to open it up. Then, when you are prepping the machine for storage, make use of the gasoline petcock to run the carb dry and prevent damage from stale gasoline left in the generator.
This is one way in which this is an easy maintenance option. The second way is the removable back access panel that you can take off to reach all the necessary parts without taking apart the entire unit.
This is a sturdy design with an aluminium die cast frame and cast iron cylinder liner. Both durable and strong materials protect the spare parts from damage ensuring a longer lifespan.
However, thanks to these features it is not the most lightweight inverter generator coming in at 75 pounds. To compensate for the weight, there are two handle bars at the top so that the unit is easily carried by two people.
EF2400iSHC vs EF2200iS vs EF2000isV2
Yamaha has two other well reviewed inverter generators in the 2000-watt category; Yamaha EF2200iS and EF2000isV2. The first is known as the more rugged alternative for outdoor use and the latter is famous for its unique design.
What these three models have in common is the quiet technology, Smart Throttle system and gasoline petcock. So, with any of these options you get an relatively quiet, easily maintained engine with good fuel efficiency.
One of the important differences is that the EF2200iS and EF2000isV2 are parallel capable. With two connected units you get double the power.
Then there is a difference in general design to suit a specific purpose. The EF2200iS is most suitable for an RV since it has a standard RV outlet and a three-handle design for easy lifting and carrying between two people.
It also has an illuminated LED display so you can monitor the device, even in dark conditions. This is handy for when you have it running outside where there is no lighting.
The super lightweight EF2000isV2 is perfect for camping and other outdoor activities, especially considering it is EPA and CARB compliant. It also has an auto-decompression system and automatic warm up so that it starts faster and is able to handle devices with a higher power demand right from the beginning.
The EF2000isV2 also has Pulse Width Modulation so you can safely connect any sensitive electronic device. The EF2200iS does not have this feature but the standard inverter generator technology is still more appropriate for sensitive electronics than a conventional portable generator.
In short, the EF2200iS is perfect for powering appliances on an RV while the EF2000isV2 is more suited for camping in national parks, for example. In comparison, the EF2400iSHC is the most rugged design and can handle high power demands the best.
Yamaha EF2400iSHC vs Honda EB2800i vs Generac 7117 GP2200i
As mentioned, there are plenty of inverter generators in the 2000-watt category. Good examples of alternatives for the Yamaha are the Honda EB2800i and the Generac 7117 GP2200i.
In terms of design, the box-like Honda is quite similar to the Yamaha but it is slightly lighter at just under 67 pounds. However, the Yamaha is still easier to carry because the Honda EB2800i does not have proper handles.
The more portable design is the Generac GP2200i weighing only 46 pounds and with a u-shaped handle for carrying in one hand. This is the more common design for an inverter generator, somewhat similar to a jerrycan.
As their product names suggest, the EB2800i has the most power with 2500 watts continuous power. The Generac holds much less power with just 1700 watts rated power.
Honda made the same choice with the EB2800i as Yamaha did with the EF2400iSHC – it is not parallel ready. As mentioned, parallel capabilities are almost standard with inverter generators so it is not a surprise that Generac has chosen to provide the option to double the power with their parallel capable kit, the 7118.
There is no official noise level rating for the Generac but from the separate reviews it can be concluded that the Honda is the loudest generator. Several consumer reviews mention how quietly the 7117 runs while the EB2800i is louder than the EF2400iSHC with a rating of 62 – 67 decibels.
Then we come to the run time. Each unit has a different fuel tank size; 2.1 gallons for the EB2800i, 1.2 gallons in the GP2200i and 1.6 gallons in the EF2400iSHC.
Usually, a larger fuel tank also means a longer run time but that is not the case in this comparison. On a 25% load, the Generac has the longest run time of 10 hours while the Honda has the shortest run time at just 5.1 hours, leaving the Yamaha in the middle.
Overall, there is a clear difference in purpose between these three models. The Honda EB2800i is more of a compact commercial use portable generator, perfect for handymen and on smaller neighborhood construction sites.
The Generac GP2200i is more of a camping tool or power source for tailgating. It is quiet and easy to carry anywhere, a very user-friendly choice that even the least savvy person can understand.
Compared to these two products by competitor brands, the Yamaha still remains the best choice for an RV. The design is easily stored away, comes with an RV-ready outlet, has good surge power and meets the environmental requirements of all 50 states.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages of the EF2400iSHC is that it is not parallel ready which is otherwise a standard feature on inverter generators. Considering their small output capacity, being able to connect two units significantly broadens their usability. It also only has a recoil start. This is more common with inverter generators because a battery for an electric start would make the unit larger and heavier. The weight is already on the heavier side for this amount of capacity. Even with the two handles, it is less portable than many other models available on the market.
Several customers have had complaints about the battery which is an important factor in making sure that both the electrical push start and remote start work. Although batteries are generally a simple replacement, it is unfortunate the company did not choose a more reliable battery. The other downside is that it is relatively heavy so not suitable for purposes where you want to move it around a lot. If you can install a weather safe outdoor generator housing, that would save you a lot of energy.
Conclusion
Compared to alternative models from both Yamaha themselves and their competitors, the EF2400iSHC still comes out as an excellent choice as an RV generator. It holds enough surge power for starting certain high consumption electrical appliances while still being compact enough for easy storage.
It is not the most portable design but the double handles make it easy enough to move it from the RV to the spot where it can run without bothering the neighbors with two people. It is also quiet enough and compliant to both the EPA and CARB regulations so you can bring it along with you on your trip to any of the 50 states.
The only reason not to get this model is if you are in need of more power, especially considering it does not have parallel capabilities. In that case, you might want to consider a larger inverter generator with greater output like the Honda EU7000iS.
Last update on 2024-07-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API