Honda’s reputation for excellence in the generator world needs no introduction, and their latest 4000-series generator is a top performer. Whether you’re powering your home in an outage, running tools on a job, or preparing for emergencies, Honda has been a leading name for power and reliability since the release of their first generator in 1965. 

Read on as we cover everything you need to know about this powerful and value-packed generator.

Features & Benefits

The Honda 4000 generator has features galore, which translate to a simple experience whenever you need to use your generators. Let’s take a look at everything this powerful commercial generator offers. 

Power Output, Run Time

The Honda 4000 generator features a large 270cc OHV commercial-grade engine, which delivers a generous 4,000 watts of power. This generator delivers 5,000 watts of power during the initial startup to account for the startup surge common with tools, equipment, and large appliances. 

The generator’s engine is exceptionally efficient, and it delivers an impressive runtime of 16 hours at half load. The generator still offers 10 hours of runtime at total capacity, which is equally remarkable. With a full tank (6.2 gallons) of gas, you’ll be able to make it through the night or workday without having to refuel. 

Outlets, Hook Up Provisions, and Possibilities 

While the 4000-series generator doesn’t include the most outlets and provisions in its class, there’s still a generous selection of different outlets for you to tap into. 

This generator includes the following plugs and outlets: 

• (2) Duplex outlets – 20 amp 125V 
• (1) Locking plug – 30 amp 125V
• (1) Locking plug – 20 amp 125/250V

Starting, Remote Start

Remote start is a convenient feature to have, and it ensures that your generator starts quickly and reliably, even in extreme weather and freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, this Honda 4000 generator has a recoil starter, so it doesn’t provide the same convenience and ease of use as an electronic starter. 

With that said, Honda’s engines are world-renowned for their reliability and effortless starting. It might not be as simple as pushing a button, but Honda’s recoil starter fires up without issue after a pull or two in any weather conditions.

Portability, Dimensions, Weight 

As new technology emerges, large generators are getting smaller than ever. Unfortunately, this memo may have missed Honda, as the 4000-series is still a hulk as far as size and weight are concerned. 

The Honda 4000 Generator weighs in at nearly 150 pounds, measuring approximately 27” long by 21” wide and 23” tall. 

While it’s pretty large, it’s compact enough to quickly move it with two people. Honda also makes a wheel kit that allows you to mount heavy-duty wheels to the generator, so one person can easily move it.

Other Features

Beyond the basics, this powerful and feature-rich generator offers many other notable features you’ll want to learn more about.

Paralleling with Other Generators

You can run the Honda 4000 generator parallel with another 4000-series generator, provided you purchase the correct parallel cable kit from Honda. If you’re running generators in parallel, you’ll want to stick with another Honda generator to ensure that you aren’t causing damage to either generator.

Control Panel Features

The control panel of the EG4000CL is intuitive and easy to understand. You’ll find the on/off switch and voltage selector switch at the far left for toggling how much voltage the generator is providing. Your pairs of GFCI outlets, 30 amp, and 20 amp connections are to the right. 

The control panel also offers a circuit breaker and circuit protection for each outlet. There’s also the CO-Minder, which alerts you when carbon monoxide levels are too high. 

Security, Alarms, Accessories

The Honda 4000 generator is equipped with state-of-the-art security features and alarms to help keep you safe during operation. Their state-of-the-art CO-Minder feature monitors carbon monoxide levels and shuts the machine down automatically if heightened levels are detected. There’s also the Honda Oil Alert system which shuts down if engine oil is too low. 

Honda also offers a few accessories for the 4000-series generator, including a cover, transfer switch, and a kit for attaching wheels and handlebars to the generator so one person can easily wheel it in and out of storage.

Emissions

Honda’s long-standing reputation for excellence in small engine building extends beyond power and efficiency; Honda designs its engines to limit harmful emissions to equal with or below the required threshold of EPA standards. An internal computer monitors air to fuel ratios and other data, which reduces harmful emissions like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Warranty

Honda stands behind its generators with a comprehensive warranty covering virtually everything for the first three years. This warranty covers commercial use as well, so if you’re using this generator for your business, you can still enjoy the same excellent coverage.

About the Manufacturer

After making his name as a mechanic, Soichiro Honda founded the business in 1937. After years of producing engine parts, the brand evolved into a small engine and automobile manufacturer, and Honda has produced generators since 1965. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people have the same questions when shopping for a Honda 4000 generator. We’ve rounded up the answers below to help you in your search.

Does Honda make a 4000-watt generator?

The EG4000 is Honda’s 4000-watt generator, and it features industry-leading safety and performance features, such as their exclusive DAVR technology, which regulates voltage for consistent operation. 

How much does a Honda 4000 generator cost?

The MSRP for Honda’s latest 4000-watt generator is $1,899. 

What appliances can a 4000-watt generator run?

A 4000-watt generator can provide power for virtually all of the major appliances in your home. With a 4000-watt generator, you should be able to power a refrigerator, washing machine, lights, water heaters, and pumps. The generator can also power an electric stove, but you’d need to shut down most other appliances while using the stove.

What to Consider Before Buying

Before deciding on the Honda 4000 generator, you’ll want to consider a few things to ensure it’s a fit for you. 

Best Suited For

The Honda 4000 generator is an excellent choice for homeowners who need to power their homes during emergencies and contractors who need power tools on job sites where electricity isn’t available.

Reasons to Buy

This generator offers consistent and reliable power, has several cutting-edge safety features, and provides excellent fuel economy. While it’s more expensive than most consumer generators, it offers outstanding power handling and pro-level features that you won’t find in most other consumer generators. 

Strengths, Average Specs & Weaknesses

Pros

• Excellent runtime of over 16 hours at 50% load
• DAVR technology delivers reliable and consistent voltage to all your tools or appliances
• Comprehensive 3-year warranty for consumer or commercial use

Cons

• No wheels – challenging to move with one person without buying the aftermarket wheel kit
• Large and heavy
• More expensive than most 4000 watt generators

Standard Features

• 120/240V selector switch
• DAVR automatic voltage regulation
• Honda Oil Alert automatically shuts machine down when it runs dry of oil
• Independent circuit breakers for each circuit
• Dimensions: 26.8″L x 20.9″W x 22.5″H
• Weight: 146.4 pounds

What Other People Have to Say About the Honda 4000

We’ve scoured the internet for other owners of the 4000-series Honda generator to see what they have to say about the product. Here’s what a few satisfied customers have had to say: 

Just take a look at this review to see how economical and gas-efficient this Honda generator is. It’s light and holds up to everyday wear and tear.

When summers heat up, this generator can even handle AC for Texas heat.While not silent, it gets the job done.

This purchaser was justifiably impressed with the Honda 4000 generator’s one-pull start. It really doesn’t get easier to get a generator going.

Other Generators That Would Make an Excellent Choice

The Champion Dual Fuel 3,500-Watt generator offers similar features and functionality to the Honda 4000. This generator is significantly lighter than the Honda, weighing in at only 76 pounds. It has a much smaller fuel tank at only 2.9 gallons, but it’s pretty efficient, delivering around 11 hours of run time at 50% load. 

This generator is significantly cheaper than the Honda, retailing for around $950. 

Dewalt’s DXGNR4000 model also provides similar performance and features. This 4,000-watt generator weighs in at 123 pounds, significantly lighter than the Honda 4000 generator. This generator is a bit louder than the Honda and offers a shorter run time. It’s remarkably fuel efficient though, offering about 11 hours of operation at half load. 

The DXGNR4000 is also significantly cheaper, with a retail price of around $700. Note that these two generators are residential models, while the Honda is a heavy-duty commercial model that is stronger and longer-lasting than the DeWalt or Champion models.

The Dayton 38AW97 is the closest match to the Honda. This hulking generator weighs in at 223 pounds, and it’s much louder than the Honda, with an average noise volume of 74dB. This generator offers similar runtime as the Honda, delivering about 11 hours at a half load, even though the gas tank is a half-gallon smaller on the Dayton. 

This generator is most comparable to the Honda and retails for around $1,900. 

Final Word

For homeowners and contractors who need a reliable solution for their power needs, the Honda 4000 generator is one of the most valuable options on the market. While there are plenty of consumer generators on the market for lower prices, they fall far short of this Honda in the reliability or longevity department. 

With its DAVR technology, lengthy runtime, and Honda OHV engine that provides bulletproof reliability, you have one of the most compelling small generators for commercial or residential use. 

Take a closer look at the Honda 4000 Generator right here.