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Average Rating: 3.8 of 5.0
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By Jim Baugher, Product Expert
Electric Generators Direct
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The Handyman Club of America did a great job summarizing the benefits of the Honeywell Inverter Generators in the following YouTube video.
We agree. Very reliable and affordable camping generator. |
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Written July 29, 2010 |
| How to Start An Inverter Generator |
| By Jim Baugher, Product Expert (Bolingbrook, IL) |
Let's be honest. Operators manuals are so boring.
It's a lot easier to watch this video from Honeywell instead! |
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Written July 02, 2010 |
| Bill, The Boatswain Mate LLC |
| By Bill Burrows (Norman, OK) |
Electric Generator Direct gave me a fantastic price, and the generator was delivered in a few days, very timely.
I am really impressed by this inverter type generator, starts easy and very quiet. In fact, quieter than I expected.
I use it on my sailboat, which is also my service vehicle on the lake for my sailboat repair business. Has given me more options for small power tools, computers and to charge my battery bank when away from shore power.
Wonderful machine. Have also used it for overnighters on the boat, allowing for additional 120v appliances. |
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Written June 24, 2010 |
| Handled what we needed |
| By Mark Dahle (Minocqua, WI) |
Noise level satisfactory.
Always need choke to start.
Overall, handled what we needed. |
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Written June 22, 2010 |
| Honeywell 2000i generator |
| By Jim Woelfel (Anchorage, AK) |
Bought a Honeywell 2000i generator from the big box store. Saw the video on this site. Read the directions.
Found either the video or directions not necessarily correct, probably fits the 1000i or something. Filled the fuel, filled the oil, noted there was no primer, so opened the bowl drain on the carburetor until fuel came out, placed the choke on, started on the first pull.
True story. |
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Written June 21, 2010 |
| HW2000I Generator |
| By frank varga (Burns Lake, WY) |
Well, I am not sure what to think...First of I read all the reviews on this unit before purchasing so I knew what I could and what I could not expect...which was great...In particular the starting instructions were very helpful.
On that note, mine started on the 3rd pull out of the box, and has since then between 3-8 pulls. Considering that I drag this thing along bumpy gravel roads, starting has not been an issue.
What I have found though is that it will NOT run my microwave -( 1460w)... it surges, and I have not even attempted my AC unit. It will run the TV, and the heater fan and charge the batteries with all lights on in my unit, but I could not get it to run just the microwave, with nothing else on. Did I mention I have 27ft BH Tango?
So all and all, so far, it is doing 3 out of the 5 things, so I guess it deserves a 3 out of 5. I will let you know how it starts in hunting season, when it gets 15 below. |
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Written June 06, 2010 |
| Extemely Pleased |
| By Marian Wright (Oroville, CA) |
We did a lot of researching generators and finally decided on the Honeywell HW2000i.
I am extremely pleased with generator we chose, which we are using for camping with our horses. The HW2000i is easy to start, powerful and quiet.
Thank you for an excellent product. |
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Written May 27, 2010 |
| Fill 'er up! |
| By Dave Brown (Salem, OR) |
Needing a good camping and light duty emergency generator, I was taken in by the 2000i. I got it at a local big box store, took it home and eagerly unpacked it.
Being a mechanic and electrician and having read a lot of hard starting reviews, I took it to my shop bench. First the Delo 15W-40 oil and 1.5 gallons of fuel per the manual. Full choke and it took about 50 pulls to start. But it ran nicely and produced good power...
I tried many things to try to lessen the 50-pull start. I studied the gravity feed fuel system, the height of the carburetor and the height of the fuel tank. I noted how the hoses dropped way down to the valve and then up again to the carb.
Then I remembered one sentence I had read in the book "Unit starts more easily on a full tank of fuel".
Thinking it couldn't be that easy, I added about another quart of fuel, so I had about 12" deep at the bottom of the fuel strainer, pulled the rope and it started on the first pull!
Gravity fed fuel systems can be a bit of a pain especially when the carb is mounted as high as it is in the 2000i.
Summary - Fill the fuel tank!!! |
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Written May 23, 2010 |
| 2000i Hard To Start |
| By JOHN WAGNER (Victoria, TX) |
I am on my second one; Honeywell replaced the first one due to surging.
This one is hard to start- I can pull for hours and nothing happens. If I let it sit, sometimes it will start- the fuel primer system does not work well.
I have 3 other generators, I bought this one for my emergency ham radio station. I think it is worthless Chinese junk, and Honeywell should be ashamed to put their name on it.
EGD RESPONDS: Honeywell will stand behind their 2 year warranty, even on a replacement unit. Please give them a call at (888) 494-3571 and let them make it right.
Folks may also want to take a look at our video "How To Start An Inverter Generator" from April 14, 2010; it may save some frustration. |
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Written May 17, 2010 |
| My Experiences To Date - HW2000i |
| By Tim Quimby (Bremerton, WA) |
I have to agree with some of the other comments on this model.
After I brought my new unit home I serviced it and started it. It took quite a few pulls the first time but I attributed that to it not having gas in it when I got it. It did start and does run slightly rough and is just a little noisy.
But like others have stated, for the price the noise can be lived with. I wish it was a little lighter but it is what it is. I too noticed this generator seems to need to be choked every time, even when warm.
After I warmed it up I shut it off and tried to restart. With no choking it would not start. As soon as I choked it started within a few pulls. Seems like 3-8 pulls will be normal for starting.
It runs my RV AC and that is what I mainly bought it for. That and charging my batteries. Plus maybe my electric chain saw when I can't use the gas one. Now I may not ever have to take my gas saw camping. |
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Written May 17, 2010 |
| Hard starting when cold |
| By harold scott (Schuylerville, NY) |
The unit runs well when you get it started, but it takes 8 to 12 pulls to get it to fire.
It should start a lot easier than that- fuel doesn't get to the carb when cold.
EGD RESPONDS: You may want to take a look at the video we produced on "How To Start An Inverter Generator" for some tips- we used a Honeywell unit for the demo.
Just click on the "Buyer's Guides" button at the bottom of our web site, then select Storm Stories and scroll down until you see the title.
You could also give the folks at Honeywell Tech Support a call (toll free) at (888) 494-3571 to see if they have any advice on easier starting. |
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Written April 28, 2010 |
| Worked out very well |
| By James Mazzaro (Carmel, NY) |
The Honeywell HW2000i generator and the Reliance Controls 20 Amp Furnace Transfer Switch has worked out very well for supplying emergency power to my furnace.
The generator is quiet and the transfer switch was easy to install. The instructions are great. |
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Written April 16, 2010 |
| Read the manual, works on 1st to 3rd pull |
| By Mike Stanage (Richmond, VA) |
Read the manual for operation preparation , added oil, gas, primed it up.
Started on about the 3rd pull.
Started on 1-3 pull every time I've used the generator.
It has powered electric saws, chain saws, etc. |
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Written April 12, 2010 |
| Honeywell HW2000i - 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Review |
| By Avid Camper In Montana (Billings, MT) |
Bought a new Honeywell from a Big Box store today. Watched a video on startup instructions. Fueled and oiled (SAE 30). Pulled 4 times and it started right up.
I ran it for about 30 minutes running a 680watt drill. Waited about an hour and restarted on first pull.
Quiet enough for camping (probably not at night in a congested campground).
Very Happy with purchase and will submit new review after summer camping. |
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Written April 08, 2010 |
| It's OK |
| By stevo scheuffele (Enumclaw, WA) |
It's OK- a little heavy & loud, runs rough; but it's half the price of a Honda and powers my A/C in the camper.
We will see how it does in 3 years from now...? |
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Written April 06, 2010 |
| What a waste! |
| By Jim Hagan (North Brunswick, NJ) |
The generator was shipped with a broken fuel value. I could not send it back because I put oil and fuel in it.
I took it to a service center where it has been sitting for two weeks, along with another one that someone else bought.
If I had it to do all over I would not by a Honeywell.
EGD RESPONDS: It's a Federal law that won't allow previously gassed-up motors to be shipped; but perhaps a call to the folks at Honeywell, 888) 494-3571 toll free, might reveal another service center in your area that doesn't have quite such a back log. |
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Written March 24, 2010 |
| Nice Unit |
| By harold hubschmitt (Pennsville, NJ) |
I started my 2000 up the day I received it. It started up very quickly after choking it several times.
It seems like a nice unit. |
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Written March 18, 2010 |
| Fast delivery, but hard starting |
| By Kenneth Tahtinen (Bovey, MN) |
I was pleased with the fast delivery.
I took it out of the crate, serviced it, and started it up as per directions, but it seems hard starting since. I've followed all the instructions. Can you advise???
EGD RESPONDS: Please call the technical support folks at Honeywell, toll free, at 888-494-3571. They may have some tips that will make starting your generator easier. |
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Written March 14, 2010 |
| Worth the money |
| By glenn hearn (Newfoundland, NY) |
It runs well once you get it started; having the same problems starting it.
Not a Honda, but worth the money.
EGD RECOMMENDS: For any gas engine that will sit for a while between uses, it's always a good idea to add fuel stabilizer to the gas. This keeps the gas from separating and will help the engine start easier when needed. |
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Written March 02, 2010 |
| Frustration guaranteed |
| By Jean Dufresne (Montreal, MI) |
I have to say that I experienced the exact same problems. To the point that, after getting the generator back from the service center (who, themselves had problems starting but told me it was normal...) I tried to start it myself and it took me over 50 pulls!!!
A few weeks after, I was unable to start it during a winter power failure in the country; (the exercises kept me warm though, over 200 pulls before I quit).
I am now trying to have Honeywell replace or fix it for good, or return my money back.
I would think twice about buying a generator from Honeywell... |
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Written February 18, 2010 |
| Very poor unit |
| By Alan Glad (Tulsa, OK) |
Electric Generator Direct delivered on time, great job.
This unit is junk unless you are a mechanic or live next to a service center. It will not start without at least 50 pumps at full choke and 10 pulls. Then it runs real lean and quits running when the electrical load is applied.
I am a licensed mechanic, so I called Honeywell to explain the issue of excessively lean fuel mixture. They are sending me a fuel bulb because they have many air leaks through them which cause a lean mixture.
Also, when you get it to run, if spraying WD40 at the carburetor to manifold joint the RPM goes up, it indicates an air leak there. I have another call into them on this. I may have to make a new gasket for that if I can't get a replacement.
I have had to adjust the idle mixture screw to keep it running. Once I get the carb air leak fixed it may run OK and carry an electrical load.
If I was not a mechanic I would be out of luck like many others have reported on numerous sites. My advice- buy a Honda or Yamaha unless you want a project to tinker with. |
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Written February 09, 2010 |
| Great Little Generator |
| By Doug McLean (Las Vegas, NV) |
Used it for the 1st time last weekend to power-up our Casita travel trailer. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it runs... not as quiet as a Honda, but for less than half the price I'm not complaining.
There was another camper running an old (VERY loud) generator about 200 yards away & I could hear HIS generator over the Honeywell! Definitely worth the price :-)
STARTING TIP: I noticed this engine likes to be "choked" - even on a warm engine re-start. |
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Written February 02, 2010 |
| No Problems Starting My New 2000i |
| By Jon Besemer (Syracuse, NY) |
Just received my new 2000i and after reading some of the reviews, I was concerned about starting it for the first time.
Followed all the prep instructions prior to starting and was pleased to hear the unit spring to life on the 4th pull of the starter cord. Should also mention that it was 15 degrees outside. Two hours later, I tried it again and it started on the third pull (still 15 degrees outside). The next day, after sitting in the garage all night, the unit started again with no problems (10 degrees outside).
Before purchasing the Honeywell unit, I was forced to return a competitive unit that did not run correctly. It started but would not idle or handle a small load. There were no dealers within a 150 miles so it went back to the big box store.
One reason for purchasing the Honeywell unit was the large number of local dealers in my area. I was comfortable that if there were problems, it could be handled without having to ship the unit somewhere.
This new unit replaces a Honda inverter that didn't know how to swim or float. I will report back after putting it thru the paces this summer. |
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Written January 30, 2010 |
| I like the size |
| By William Schierman (Shelton, WA) |
I followed the starting instructions, and the Generator started on the second pull. I let it warm up, then plugged a light into it. Then I plugged my RV power cord into the outlet. (30 amp RV cord)
I went into the trailer and plugged in a hair dryer (one of the main reasons for a generator). I had the generator in the economy mode. When I turned the hair dryer on the RPM's increased as they were supposed to.
So far I am not disappointed. I like the size, and the noise level is not bad. |
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Written January 27, 2010 |
| Honeywell generator 200i |
| By Quentin Wilkerson (Newburgh, IN) |
I don't know who wrote these reviews but here is my story.
I purchased my generator brand new. I can say that NEVER has my generator started quickly (1-2 or 3 pulls). This is one of the worst things I have ever purchased. It takes a minimum of 75 to 100 pulls to start and I'm not exaggerating. The priming is wrong also. I have to prime the dang thing about that many times as well (75-100).
To the non-believers out there, I own two other generators and know how to start them. The main reason I purchased this one is so that my wife can use the smaller. Well, forget about a woman starting this puppy. It is a workout just try to start this unit 3 days a week and your workout is complete.....DO NOT BUY!
EGD RESPONDS: That unit comes with a 2 year warranty from Honeywell. You can contact their tech support (toll free) at (888) 494-3571.
Or, click on the Customer Service button at the bottom of our web site, select Service Centers, then click on the Honeywell logo to find the closest Authorized Service Center near you. |
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Written October 07, 2009 |
| I am now satisfied with this generator |
| By JOHN WAGNER (Victoria, TX) |
I purchased this unit from a Big Box store. I un-boxed it and set it up according to the instructions; it started on the first pull.
After running for about 30 minutes it started smoking, running rich, and surging. I let it sit for 30 minutes and tried it again, but it wouldn't start.
I noticed fuel in the primer bulb, which seemed odd. I called the Honeywell Help Line, and they said there shouldn't be fuel in there. My local Honeywell Service Center was not able to find the problem.
I searched the Internet for a solution, and found that a new primer bulb might do the trick. I had the Service Center order and install it, and the unit started up just fine- but it still surged and ran rich.
I took a close look at the carburetor and saw that under the 14 x14 black plastic lock on the side was an adjustment screw. I removed the black lock, and with a small screwdriver adjusted the screw about 1 turn.
Now it runs as smoothly as a Honda 2000I! I am now satisfied with this generator. |
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Written August 29, 2009 |
| Started up like a champ |
| By Roly Perez (Miami, FL) |
I just bought one of these generators.
I put the oil and gas in, and followed directions.
It started up like a champ, and the noise level was way better than I thought.
It's not like the Honda but, for half the price, it's totally acceptable.
The weight is a little heavy but nothing out of this world at 60 pounds. |
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Written July 16, 2009 |
| Don't forget to turn the choke off! |
| By n reiffersceid (Gull Lake Sk Canada, MT) |
This is a great unit. Be sure to turn the choke to OFF after is has warmed up.
It starts about second pull, and is very reasonably priced. |
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Written May 09, 2009 |
| Honeywell HW2000i Purchase Review- A+ |
| By Michael Steward (Veguita, NM) |
The Honeywell HW2000i that I purchased from Electric Generators Direct arrived yesterday.
After filling it with oil, gas, and prepping the air filter, this little beast fired up on the second pull! Within 3 minutes it was running our 14' Fleetwood pop up camper with no problem.
The furnace, microwave, TV, fridge, and water pump were all running at the same time. This is a really great machine at an even better price.
Anyone who has researched a 2000 watt portable inverter knows that they cost around $1000 to $1400 plus shipping. I got it for $549.99 with FREE SHIPPING!
A word of warning: READ THE OWNERS MANUAL COMPLETELY. These machines will last a lot longer if you take care of them properly.
We are more than pleased with Electric Generators Direct.com and our Honeywell HW2000i. I would strongly recommend these two to anyone looking for a portable inverter for camping or recreational use.
They get an A+ all the way around! |