Why are Honda Generators so Expensive?

For nearly 60 years, Honda has been the world leader in the portable generator market. Their generators always have the latest technology, and their build quality and reliability are the best available. There’s just one problem: Hondas are also the most expensive generators you can buy. Is it worth the price? Should you buy one, or should you consider a cheaper alternative? Let’s take a look at what makes their generators are so special, and if it makes sense for you to spend the money to buy one of their units.

The Industry Leader Since the Inception of the Portable Generator

Sony’s first transistorized television was revolutionary, turning what was once a large, heavy appliance into something that was portable. Seeing the potential of this new technology, they looked for a power source that could keep their TV working on the go. They contacted Honda, asking for a generator that would make enough power for this new appliance. The result was the E300. A prototype was first shown to the public in 1963, and after took two years of development, it went into production.

The E300 wasn’t the world’s first compact generator, but it was the first to make portable electric generation practical. Before its debut, generators were either powered by large diesels or small, noisy and unreliable two strokes. The E300’s four stroke engine didn’t smoke, and didn’t require frequent rebuilds. It soon found its place on worksites, as a source of home backup power, and as a power source for recreation. Since then, Honda has been the leader in portable generator technology. Nearly every feature we expect from a portable generator, from pure sine wave inverters to automatic throttles, debuted in a Honda.

Superior R & D: Honda’s Biggest Advantage

Honda is a big company, making everything from sump pumps to jet engines. That means they can leverage their massive resources to stay ahead of the competition in niche markets, like generators. For example, they have an indoor weather simulator dedicated to small engine equipment, which lets designers simulate everything from summer rains to snow. This added testing lets them make sure their equipment will work in any operating condition.

From there, models are customized for use in their home markets. Generators offered in North America must first pass through their U.S.-based research and development facility. Here, their products pass through tests designed for real world situations, including use with American appliances, climate extremes, and high altitudes. All this work results in the most reliable, easiest-to-use generators available today.

The Features that Make Honda the Leader in Portable Generators

Honda makes a point of leading the market with new technology and integrating it into their models as quickly as possible. For example, Honda introduced their first inverter generator in the late 1980s. Today, nearly every model they sell has an inverter. This device smooths out electricity from the generator coils, resulting in an even waveform that is virtually identical to the power from a household outlet. This makes the power from these generators safe to use with electronics. While their largest models don’t have inverters, they do come with voltage controllers. This keeps power flow consistent, saving wear and tear on electric motors.

Generator noise is annoying for users, as well as those around them. A loud generator can get you in trouble with noise ordinances, and it may be banned from use in some RV parks. Honda generators are consistently the quietest in standard operating tests across all segments, from fully enclosed models to commercial open frame units. Honda was also the first company to introduce low tone mufflers, which help eliminate the high-pitched noises that are the most annoying to our ears.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious problem for both home and commercial users. To address this,  Honda’s new CO-MINDER system can shut down the engine automatically if CO levels get dangerously high.

Need to generate a lot of power for your worksite? Honda’s commercial models have defined hot and cool zones. This makes it easy to set up a line of generators without having problems with overheating from the exhaust of neighboring units.

Durability

If you look at small commercial equipment, you will see one thing over and over again: Honda GX Series engines. These engines dominate the commercial market, because they have a history of unfailing reliability. The GX Series powers every Honda generator currently in production. They’re also some of the most efficient engines available, reducing fuel costs.

Support

Parts availability can be a major hurdle for generators from other brands. You may find that there isn’t a local dealer you can go to for common replacement parts. Smaller brands may disappear after a couple years, or they may stop stocking parts for your unit. We’ve even seen manufacturers recommend high altitude kits and transfer switches for their generators, but never stock them.

Honda has parts available for new and old models, and you can buy these parts from a variety of online and brick and mortar retailers. Honda also has dealerships around the world, including shops in almost every large town across America.

In some cases, you may not mind getting a cheaper generator because you can do the repairs yourself. However, repair information may be hard to come by. Honda is one of the few generator manufacturers that sells shop manuals to the public.

Certifications

All Honda generators meet CARB emissions requirements, so you can use them anywhere. Their commercial generators also meet OSHA, LA-ETL and ANSI standards, and most models have GFCI outlets. This makes it easy to find a Honda generator that fits the requirements of your workplace, both for safety and insurance purposes.

Who Should Purchase a Honda Generator?

A Honda sounds like a great option until you look at the price tag. In some cases, their models can cost twice as much as comparable generators from other manufacturers. However, the high price may be worth it if you use your generator a lot.

If you use your generator commercially, a Honda generator is a great investment. Their reliability is proven, and it’s easy to get one repaired. While the upfront costs may be higher, lower fuel costs and less frequent downtime can mean significantly lower lifetime costs than other generators. This goes for all professional users, from construction workers to outfitters.

Are you a full time RV’er? Buying a Honda means ready access to repairs and parts no matter where you are. Honda generators are also some of the quietest on the market, which means you can use them without annoying your neighbors. Likewise, if you need backup power in an area with frequent power failures, like a remote cabin, it’s worth buying a Honda.

When is a Cheaper Alternative a Better Choice than a Honda Generator?

While Honda may make some of the best generators on the market, that doesn’t mean they’re always the best choice. For people who use their generator less frequently, it makes sense to go for a cheaper option.

If your generator is for emergency backup power, it’s probably not going to see many operating hours. Basic maintenance and fresh fuel are going to have a bigger impact on reliability than the brand of generator you buy. Propane doesn’t go stale like gasoline, making a dual fuel generator a great choice for emergency power. If you want to go that route, you have to buy something other than a Honda.

Do you only camp occasionally, or do you mostly camp at places with access to electricity? Having a generator is nice, but it’s not going to have a huge impact on your trip if you have problems. You’re also less likely to have issues if you only use your generator a few hours per year. The same can be said for tailgating. You can get a cheaper inverter generator that is almost as quiet as a Honda, while still having the power you need for TVs and other appliances.

What about workplace use? Maybe you’ve rented generators in the past, and have decided it’s time to buy one for occasional use. It’s not going to see tons of hours, so it doesn’t make sense to spend extra for a more durable generator. Going for another generator brand also lets you select a smaller unit, or one that doesn’t have an inverter. By only paying for the features you need, you can spending a fraction of the money you’d need to buy a Honda.

Do you rely on small DC-powered devices? If you need an easy way to charge drones, phones, computers and tablets, or you have loads of 12 volt appliances and lighting fixtures, look elsewhere. Honda doesn’t offer a generator with USB or cigarette lighter ports.

Should You Spend the Money to Buy a Honda Generator?

Buying a Honda generator is like buying a professional grade tool. It’s the most reliable and has the best features, but the price doesn’t make sense unless you use it a lot. If you don’t depend on your generator, you can probably have just as good of an ownership experience going with a cheaper brand.