Yamaha Vs. Honda 6.5kVA Inverter Generator Showdown: Yamaha EF6300iSE vs Honda EU65iS / Honda EU70iS

Honda and Yamaha set the benchmark for the world of power. And the largest portable inverter generators in their class by a country mile are the Yamaha EF6300iSE and Honda EU65iS (now also available is the Honda 7kVA generator, known as the Honda EU70iS model). So let's find out exactly how they match up.

We're going to say it: both of these generators are game changers. Whether you choose the Yamaha EF6300iSE, Honda EU65iS (or the newer Honda EU70iS) you are going to have plenty of clean power you need for your coffee cart, food truck, mobile business, backup power, or event - whatever you choose to use it for. The Honda EU65is pumps out a massive 6500 watts while the Yamaha EF6300iSE cranks out up to 6300 watts of power, and thanks to the inverter technology, both can be used to power your sensitive electronic appliances. Similarly, the Honda EU70iS produces a peak of 7000 watts at peak at 5500 watts continuous.

But is one better than the other?

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Let's delve into the features and specs to find out:

Clean power: The great thing about these generators is that you don't sacrifice quality of power for quantity. Both generate pure sine wave inverter power at 230 volts. That's perfect for high-demand items like coffee machines and pumps, as well as those sensitive electronics such as plasma TVs, laptops, camera equipment and mobile phones.

Weighing Up: When it comes to weight, it's really no contest. The Honda 6.5kVA generator is a massive 115kg compared to the Yamaha's 91kg. This is a significant plus of the Yamaha, particularly for those intending to use the unit for mobile businesses. Both units are ready to go with wheels and handles for easier transportation.

Quiet Please: Despite their massive power output, neither the Honda and Yamaha generators operate much louder than a normal conversation. The Honda is slightly quieter with the Eco mode on at 54dBA (1/4 load) then jumping up to around 60dBA for higher loads. The Yamaha ranges from 58dBA up to a peak of 65dBA at full power load.

Fuel Efficiency: Both generators run off standard unleaded fuel and have a fuel tank of 17 litres which holds enough fuel to comfortably last for hours without refueling. Both generators also feature a "smart throttle" or "Eco mode" to automatically adjust the engine speed to precisely match the load. If we were splitting hairs, we'd say the Yamaha just nudges in as the most efficient as it will last for 12.6 hours compared to the Honda's 12.3 hours.

Added Extras: Both the Yamaha 6300 Watt and Honda 6500 watt generators boast a handy fuel gauge and easy electric start system. Both the Yamaha and Honda have an overload warning light. If the temperature rises abnormally or it's overloaded, the generator will automatically switch off. The Yamaha also lets you see how much power is being used and how much is still available, as well as showing the accumulated running time for refueling and servicing.

Warranty & Support: No surprised that both Honda and Yamaha back their generators with a 48-month warranty. You also get the peace of mind that comes from knowing there are hundreds of Honda and Yamaha accredited service agents Australia-wide.

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The Winner

Both these generators are a terrific option for mobile businesses, trade events and backup power. When we choose a winner, we have to remember that the whole point of these generators is to provide portable power and that's why the Yamaha EF6300iS takes the prize with a 24kg weight difference. As at the time of the comparison, the Honda EU70iS was a recent release (superseding the EU65iS) and the full specs had not been provided by Honda, except to say that it is a slightly larger machine (around 118kg) that produces slightly more power at peak load with an RRP at around $6,299 (with dealer's price expected to be at a discount to RRP).

Yamaha EF6300i vs. Honda EU65iS Comparison Table:

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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.