Ryobi is a big name in power tools, so how do Ryobi generators compare to the rest? We put them to the test. See our Ryobi generator review.
A well known manufacturer the world over, Ryobi should have a generator range right up there with the best of the generator brands... Shouldn't they? Let's see how their generators compare and provide an expert Ryobi Generator Review:
The Contenders:
The two Ryobi inverter generators in Australia are:
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Ryobi 1000i: 1000-watt petrol inverter generator
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Ryobi 2000i: 2000-watt petrol inverter generator
They are made in China and whilst Ryobi is a recognised brand, their generators are considered more of a 'budget' option.
2020 update: the Ryobi 1000W model is no longer available within Australia.
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Availability:
Well, we didn't get off to a good start. For one thing, the two popular inverter generators are only available at Bunnings (As of 2020 only the 2000W model is now available at Bunnings). Now, we know these guys are good with their timber and paint, but the chances of coming across a Bunnings staff member who knows the ins and outs of generators is slim.
2020 update: as mentioned above the Ryobi 1000W model is no longer available within Australia.
Warranty:
You get a two-year warranty with the Ryobi generators, while a premium brand like Yamaha gives you a solid 48 months warranty. Briggs & Stratton, another premium brand, offers a three year warranty with their generators. While a fellow budget option, Cromtech, comes with a one-year warranty.
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Noise:
According to the Ryobi Generator Review, this surprised us because Ryobi states that their automatic idle feature "reduces emitted noise". But the second we fired them up it was clear that Ryobi generators are far too noisy for their size. Both the 1000-watt and 2000-watt Ryobi models have an earth-shattering 67 - 72dBA noise level range. Compare that to 50 decibels for the Yamaha 1000w inverter generator or 52 decibels for the Yamaha 2000w inverter generator. DeWalt's 2200W generator on the other hand is a tiny 50 - 54 d(BA) in ECO mode! As a comparable budget generator option, the Cromtech 2400w inverter generator has a noise rating of 52-59dbA. For the record, a change in 10 decibels is approximately double noise level difference!
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Weight:
Both Ryobi generators weigh in at 23 kilograms each. For the 2000w generator, the Ryobi only weighs a couple of kilograms more than its counterparts (though every kilogram counts you're carrying a generator to and from your car). But the Ryobi 1000w generator weighs almost double the Yamaha EF1000iS. That's right, double! In case you were wondering, the Yamaha weighs a mere 12.7 kilograms and is currently the lightest 1000W portable generator you can buy.
Overall Value for Money:
All in all, the result isn't great for Ryobi. The 1000-watt model has a pricetag of around $500 - $600 and the 2000-watt model will set you back around $900 - 1,000 (prices slightly fluctuate throughout the year). However, it's difficult to know what you're actually getting for your money. After all, they aren't good enough to be considered premium generators like the Yamaha or Briggs & Stratton, nor cheap enough to be considered a good enough value proposition like the Cromtech.
If you are looking for a budget friendly option, then a Cromtech Outback 2400w model ticks more boxes; its lighter then the Ryobi 2000w model and it puts out more power. It retails for around $900 (again, prices fluctuate a little). Not to mention that Cromtech Generators are backed by a national service network - Crommelins Australia back up the Cromtech generators with over 500 service agents around the country.
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If you're looking for a generator that features more bells & whistles than the Cromtech, but isn't as pricey as a Yamaha, then look to Briggs & Stratton generators. Briggs & Stratton currently have four inverter generators in their range: 2400W, 3000W, 4500W and a 6500W - not to mention they also offer a parallel kit, so you can run two 3000W generators at once for a combined 4800W! A 2400W generator by Briggs & Stratton will only set you back $1,349, compared to Yamaha's new 2200W generator, which comes in at $1,935! Another option is the Dometic 2100W Petrol Inverter Generator which comes with electric start for only $1,399!
So why do the Ryobi gensets have relatively high sales? We can only put it down to their exposure on Bunnings' shelves. In fairness, we also also wanted to mention that the Ryobi 2000W model does have two small features which provide some appeal; In-built wheels and extendable handle to help move around, and parallel connecting cables to join two units together and almost double the power output (similar to the Yamaha EF2000iS Twin Tech feature for example). These are probably secondary considerations to the main factors such as weight, warranty, noise and fuel efficiency, but nice additions none the less.
Our Final Word:
For most people requiring clean, quiet portable power, a generator in the Yamaha range will get your job done and will last for many years to comeÂ…so we recommend you pay more for a Yamaha over a Ryobi; the Yamaha will be lighter, quieter and more fuel efficient. You will also get the benefit of a 4 year warranty and service support network of over several hundred accredited service agents.
If you aren't wanting to break the bank, a Briggs and Stratton inverter generator is a great value for money proposition - you'll save nearly $600 on the 2400W! These generators are high quality, easy starting, features a USB adapter and can be run in parallel. Plus you can't go wrong with a 3 year warranty and national service agent support.
Alternatively, if you are on a particularly tight budget and only intend to use your generator infrequently (e.g. reserve power on the occasional camping trip or for standby power in case of home blackout) then perhaps consider a Cromtech Generator - it has more going for it. You may also check out our Ryobi Generator Review for more information.
Another budget brand inverter generator made in China which also has a national Service Agent backing is Hyundai. These latest model Hyundai generators are backed by a nationwide Service Dealer and Spare Parts Network. Like the Cromtech and Briggs models, you'll get good bang for buck and there are larger Hyundai inverter models up around 4000 - 6500 watts which are popular for home back up and mobile businesses.
Still not sure which generator is best for your needs? Chat to us on our live chat at https://www.mygenerator.com.au
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
