Any recommendations?

Tia

What are you looking to use it for?

I have a Predator (Harbor Freight) 3500 inverter - that thing is hell for quiet, and actually a really good generator. Every bit as quiet at the comparable Honda.

How big are you looking for? My dad as 2 of the EU2200's with a parallel kit to use to power the camper when needed. Even running 2 of them, it's much quieter than a traditional generator. With 1 running, it's not too bad. Not whisper quiet, but quiet enough to set off 15 or so yards and not have it be an issue.

I'll also add that both of them sat up for a year or so when Harvey hit, and I took one to my inlaw's house (we didn't lose power) and it started on the 2nd pull.

Would second that, I use my 2200 all the time for tailgating at sports tournaments and all you need is a 50ft extension cord and you don't notice it

If you're not trying to lug it around an old heavy 1800 rpm unit can be a good quiet option.

The Honda's are great and very quiet, same with the Yamaha. The only time you will be disappointed in either is when you see the number at the bottom of the receipt......or when somebody steals it. I painted mine green so it is less tempting from a distance.

All of the smaller inverter generators are pretty quiet now days, because they are all copies of the Honda. You can get those from Harbor Freight, Sam's, Amazon. From what I'm told they are all pretty good and the difference if noise level will be not be that noticeable. The noisy ones are the standard kind. Big difference

Anything with a Predator engine from Harbor Freight is a Honda replica, there is a racing division in kart racing called "Chonda Division"...slang for Chinese Honda. All the Honda OEM parts are interchangeable, but to get our engine you just go to Harbor Freight and buy a predator engine. All that to say, the harbor freight engines are decent engines considering the price difference.

I used a little Generac a few times, and a honda a whole bunch of times. The generac was just as quiet as the honda. I cannot speak to its longevity, but it was quiet and the power seemed clean enough for half the price.

schmellba99 said:

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What are you looking to use it for?

I have a Predator (Harbor Freight) 3500 inverter - that thing is hell for quiet, and actually a really good generator. Every bit as quiet at the comparable Honda.

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Glad to hear this. I've nearly purchased one several times, but talked myself out of it. I'm sure I'll get one sooner than later.

Thank y'all for the replies - still trying to size my need and happy to buy a cheaper alternative to Honda

Primarily need to run some tools/compressor and a portable/outdoor AC unit. Don't plan to lug it around much but happy to keep it smaller for portability