Get the Honda EU2200i if:
- You want two standard household plugs. It has a 20A 125V duplex.
- It will mostly run on its own.
Inverter generators
Honda EU2200i vs EU2200i Companion (2026): which should you buy?
The short answer
Running it on its own? EU2200i
Pairing it or an RV? Companion
They're the same generator. The only difference is the receptacles: the Companion trades the 20A duplex for one 30A locking outlet plus one 20A outlet.
Best if you want two household plugs
Pick the Honda EU2200i if
- You want two standard household plugs. It has a 20A 125V duplex.
- It will mostly run on its own.
Best for pairing or RV (30A outlet)
Pick the Honda EU2200i Companion if
- You'll pair it with a regular EU2200i. Honda says the 30A outlet lets two units run in parallel with a simple cord, for up to 4,400W.
- You want a 30A outlet for an RV. Honda says RV use needs an optional adapter.
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Key specs
0Honda EU2200i
spec rows won
spec rows won
0EU2200i Companion
spec rows won
spec rows won
15even or
unclear
unclear
Counted from the chart below: the chart has no clear wins. Honda lists the same engine, rated output, tank, run time, noise and weight for both. The only difference is the receptacles, so pick by what you'll plug in.
Bold means one number is clearly better. Blank means it's a tie, it's close, the makers measured it differently, or the sources disagree. I only compare run times at the same load when it's fair, since 1/4 load on a bigger generator is more watts.
| EU2200i | Companion | Clearer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting watts (gasoline) | 2,200W (Honda "max") | 2,200W (Honda "max") | |
| Running watts (gasoline) | 1,800W (Honda "rated") | 1,800W (Honda "rated") | |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline | |
| Gas tank | 0.95 gal | 0.95 gal | |
| Run time at 1/4 load (gasoline) | 8.1 hr at 1/4 load | 8.1 hr at 1/4 load | |
| Run time at full rated load | 3.2 hr at rated load | 3.2 hr at rated load | |
| Noise (maker figure) | 48 dB(A) at 1/4 load; 57 dB(A) at rated load | 48 dB(A) at 1/4 load; 57 dB(A) at rated load | |
| Weight | 47.4 lb (dry) | 47.4 lb (dry) | |
| Starting method | Recoil | Recoil | |
| Outlets | One 20A 125V duplex | One 30A 125V locking outlet and one 20A 125V outlet | |
| CO shutoff | Yes (CO-MINDER) | Yes (CO-MINDER) | |
| Parallel capable | Yes, with an optional cable (up to 4,400W with a second EU2200i) | Yes, through the 30A outlet with a parallel cord, no separate kit (up to 4,400W with an EU2200i) | |
| Phone app | Yes (Honda My Generator, Bluetooth) | Yes (Honda My Generator, Bluetooth) | |
| Warranty | 3 years residential; 12 months commercial | 3 years residential; 12 months commercial | |
| Engine | Honda GXR120, 121cc | Honda GXR120, 121cc | |
| Note | Not for sale in California (49-state model) | Not for sale in California (49-state model) |
What it can run
Common things people plug in during an outage or at camp, checked against each generator's own gasoline ratings from the chart above: both are rated 1,800W running and 2,200W starting. I used the top of each range, so a smaller appliance may do better.
- Yes Runs it with room for small things too
- One at a time Runs it, but not alongside the other big items
- Tight Within about 10% of a limit, or only the low end of the range fits. Check your label.
- No Over the limit for a typical one
| Load | Running watts | Starting watts | EU2200i | Companion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size refrigerator | 150–400W | 800–1,200W | Yes | Yes |
| Freezer (chest or upright) | 100–500W | 500–1,000W | Yes | Yes |
| Sump pump, 1/3 HP | 500–800W | 1,000–1,600W | Yes | Yes |
| Sump pump, 1/2 HP | 800–1,050W | 1,300–2,150W | Tight | Tight |
| Gas furnace blower (1/2 HP fan) | 300–800W | 800–1,600W | Yes | Yes |
| Window AC, 5,000 BTU | 450–600W | 900–1,200W | Yes | Yes |
| Window AC, 10,000 BTU | 900–1,200W | 1,800–2,400W | Tight | Tight |
| RV rooftop AC, 13,500 BTU | 1,500–2,000W | 2,800–3,500W | No | No |
| CPAP (with heated humidifier) | 60–120W | No extra | Yes | Yes |
| Microwave | 600–1,200W | No extra | One at a time | One at a time |
| Coffee maker† | 600–1,200W | No extra | One at a time | One at a time |
| Space heater (1,500W setting) | 750–1,500W | No extra | One at a time | One at a time |
| Well pump, 1 HP | 1,000–2,000W | 2,000–4,000W | No | No |
| Circular saw, 7-1/4 in. | 1,200–1,800W | 2,400–3,600W | No | No |
| TV (32-55 in.) + router/modem | 90–420W | No extra | Yes | Yes |
| Phone/laptop charging | 20–100W | No extra | Yes | Yes |
| Electric water heater | 3,000–4,500W | No extra | No | No |
Running a few things at once
Add up the running watts. Then take the one item with the biggest starting surge and add its starting watts to everything else's running watts. Both totals have to fit.
Outage basics: fridge + furnace blower + 5 LED bulbs + router
Running: 400 + 800 + 75 + 20 = 1,295W (EU2200i 72% of 1,800W · Companion 72% of 1,800W)
Biggest start: furnace blower starting 1,600 + everything else running 400 + 75 + 20 = 2,095W (EU2200i 95% of 2,200W · Companion 95% of 2,200W)
EU2200i TightCompanion Tight
Fridge + microwave
Running: 400 + 1,200 = 1,600W (EU2200i 89% of 1,800W · Companion 89% of 1,800W)
Biggest start: fridge starting 1,200 + everything else running 1,200 = 2,400W (EU2200i 109% of 2,200W · Companion 109% of 2,200W)
EU2200i TightCompanion Tight
Hot night camping: 5,000 BTU AC + CPAP + camp lights + phones
Running: 600 + 120 + 200 + 100 = 1,020W (EU2200i 57% of 1,800W · Companion 57% of 1,800W)
Biggest start: 5,000 BTU AC starting 1,200 + everything else running 120 + 200 + 100 = 1,620W (EU2200i 74% of 2,200W · Companion 74% of 2,200W)
EU2200i YesCompanion Yes
Notes and sources
These are typical figures. Check the label on your own appliance. It lists watts, or amps you can multiply by 120 to get watts.
Motors need starting watts. Fridges, freezers, pumps, furnace blowers and air conditioners pull a short surge each time they kick on, well above their running watts (see the Starting column). Heaters, coffee makers and chargers don't.
Running several loads adds up. If two motors start in the same second, both surges stack. Honda's own advice is to start the big ones one at a time.
RV air conditioners: a 13,500 BTU unit needs more starting watts than either generator has. A soft starter added to the AC is often what decides it. Micro-Air, which makes the EasyStart, says it cuts startup current by up to 75%. Even then, leave the fridge and other big loads off.
Outlets: Neither generator lists a 240V outlet in the chart above, so anything that needs 240V is out. Check your appliance's label. The Companion has a 30A locking outlet. Running watts still cap the total, whichever outlet you use.
Water heaters: If your water heater runs on 240V, neither unit can power it, since neither lists a 240V outlet. On watts alone it would be "No" on both.
Load watts: Champion Power Equipment, Generator Wattage Chart. It covers appliances, not generators. †Coffee maker: 600W for a 4-cup maker from Honda's wattage guide, and 1,200W from Generac's wattage worksheet. Microwave: the wattage on the box is usually cooking power. Honda's guide lists a 1,000W microwave at 1,500W from the outlet, which is "One at a time" on both. None of these charts list an 8,000 BTU window AC, so it falls between the 5,000 and 10,000 BTU rows. Start-up advice: Honda. Soft starter: Micro-Air.
Carbon monoxide
One thing before the details: both burn gasoline, so both put out carbon monoxide. Keep them outside, well away from doors, windows and vents, with the exhaust pointed away from the house. Both have Honda's CO-MINDER shutoff, but that's a backup. It does not make a garage, a shed or a porch safe.
People search this pair because the names are nearly identical. Honda's spec sheets differ in one line.
Who should pick which
Get the Honda EU2200i Companion if:
- You'll pair it with a regular EU2200i. Honda says the Companion's 30A outlet lets two units run in parallel with a simple cord instead of an external kit, for up to 4,400W.
- You want a 30A outlet for an RV. Honda says RV use needs an optional adapter.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Skip it if
Skip the EU2200i
if you already own one and want an easier way to pair a second.
Skip the Companion
if you only need household plugs. You give up a 20A socket to get the 30A outlet.
What owners report
These points come from owners posting on Reddit, owner forums and retailer reviews, not from my own testing. A point is listed only when at least three separate owners of this exact model said it. Individual units vary.
EU2200i
- Several owners found it surging or running rough after it sat with fuel in it; cleaning the carburetor fixed it.
- Long-time owners describe years of use with few problems when it gets basic maintenance.
- Owners call the built-in tank small; some add an external or boat-style fuel tank for long runs.
- Owners say it usually starts in one or two pulls and runs quietly.
Sources: Reddit 1, Reddit 2, Reddit 3, Reddit 4, GeneratorBible user reviews, Reddit 5, Forest River Forums, Reddit 6, Amazon reviews
Companion
Not enough independent owner reports on this exact model yet.
Questions about this pair
Is the Companion more powerful?
No. Honda lists 2,200W max and 1,800W rated for both. Amazon's spec tables show 2,200W running for both, which is the peak figure, not Honda's rating.
Can I pair a Companion with a regular EU2200i?
Yes. Honda says it pairs with a regular EU2200i, and with the older EU2000i K1 and T1, for up to 4,400W.
Is the 30A outlet a TT-30R?
Honda calls it a 30A 125V locking plug and says RV use needs an optional adapter.
Why does Amazon show a different model number?
The Amazon listing says EU2200ITAN5, while Honda's Companion page says EU2200ITAN1. Honda's specs match on that page, but check the model number on the box.
Spec notes
Where the sources disagree on a spec:
- Honda EU2200i running watts: Honda rates it at 1,800W. The Amazon spec table lists 2,200W running. This page uses Honda's 1,800W.
- Honda EU2200i weight: Honda says 47.4 lb dry. The Amazon spec table says 51 lb.
- EU2200i Companion running watts: Honda rates it at 1,800W. The Amazon spec table lists 2,200W running. This page uses Honda's 1,800W.
- EU2200i Companion model number: the Amazon listing says EU2200ITAN5. Honda's page says EU2200ITAN1.
- EU2200i Companion weight: Honda says 47.4 lb dry. The Amazon listing says 53.6 lb.
Specs are from Honda, checked October 8, 2026. Any line marked "Amazon listing" is not a maker figure.
Related comparisons
By Mike E. · Last checked October 8, 2026 · Based on manufacturer specs. Lines marked "Amazon listing" are from Amazon, not the maker.