Yamaha EF2000ISV2 Review: Is This Generator Worth Its Price tag?

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by kiezelamquiz

In this review, I will look at the Yamaha EF2000ISV2, a portable generator worth considering, known for being quiet and easy to transport.

A portable generator is a great tool to have on hand. It’s nice to have as a backup power source in case of a natural disaster or other problem that causes power loss. It’s also great for things like camping and tailgating and working in remote areas.

Overview of this Version 2 of the Popular Portable Generator

This is the second version of this generator (V2) and it has some new and improved features (see the first gen EF2000iS review here). It comes with a spark plug tool you may need for maintenance down the line and a 12-volt battery charge cord.

Overall, it’s very user-friendly and it starts up pretty easily.

Yamaha is a trusted brand in the portable generator market and the EF2000ISV2 is one of the best models they make.

It has a unique and attractive design reminiscent of a retro radio.

The EF2000ISV2 is an inverter with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control so it offers clean power that is safe for sensitive electronics.

The construction is solid and very durable. It is also EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. The EF2000ISV2 is lightweight, compact, and ultra-quiet.

Unboxing the EF2200iSv2

In this video you can watch me unbox the sleek-looking Yamaha generator and get my first impressions:

Main features

• Fuel tank capacity: 1.1 gallons
• Engine: OHV, air-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke with cast iron cylinder liner
• Max AC Output: 2000 watts
• Rated AC Output: 1600 watts
• Max AC Current: 16.7 amps @ 120V
• Rated AC Current: 13.3 amps @ 120V
• DC Output: 8 amps @ 12V
• Dry Weight: 44.1 lb
• Size: 19.3 x 11.0 x 17.9 in
• Outlets: Two 120V AC outlets and one 8A 12V DC Outlet
• Warranty: 3-year limited
• Parallel Ready: Yes
• Inverter: Yes
• Starter: Recoil
• Fuel Gauge: Yes
• Oil Warning Light: Yes
• Auto Shutoff for Low Oil: Yes

Noise Level: How Loud does it get?

Generators, as a rule, are pretty noisy. They do continue to get quieter and quieter, though (check our quietest portable generators buying guide), and Yamaha is leading the way in this regard.

The video above from Mathew Smith will give you an idea (this is Idle / without load)

At a quarter-load, the EF2000IS V2 only 51.5 decibels which is very quiet, you won’t hear it from a reasonable distance.

For comparison, that’s about as loud as a quiet conversation at home. It will get louder as the load is increased but it only ever reaches 61 decibels which is about as loud as background noise in an office or restaurant.

The Yamaha EF2000ISV2 is definitely quiet enough that it won’t bother your neighbors.

This also makes it great for things like camping and tailgating.

The quiet operation of this generator is thanks to Yamaha’s Smart Throttle system, a great muffler, and noise-reducing rubber vibration isolation feet.

Gas Consumption & Capacity

The EF2000ISV2 offers a decent amount of power for a portable inverter, with 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts.

On a 500W load, it will last around 8 hours.

At 120V, the rated AC current is 13.3 amps and the maximum AC current is 16.7 amps.

The DC output is 8 amps @ 12V.

It has a fuel capacity of 1.1 gallons which will last for over 10 hours when running a quarter load.

It takes O.4 L (0.42 US Qt) of oil. You will need to replace the oil every 6 months or every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first.

Service, Manual & Warranty

The Yamaha EF2000ISV2 does not come with oil, so you’ll have to add oil before using it for the first time (see my post on breaking in your generator).

The recommended oil is Yamalube 4 (10W-40) but you can also use SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. There is easy access to the oil reservoir but you will need to use a funnel.

As with any generator, you’ll have the best results when you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance.

This suggested schedule and instructions for how to complete each task are described in the manual (V1 version).

This includes things like changing the oil and checking and replacing the spark plugs and fuel filter.

In the event that you need to have the generator serviced by a professional, you should use a Yamaha authorized service dealer.

This generator does have an excellent 3-year warranty. The warranty will be voided, though, if you haven’t completed proper maintenance or if you’ve installed any non-Yamaha parts or accessories.

Yamaha EF2000ISV2 VS HONDA EU2000I

The Honda EU2000I is one of the best-selling portable generators on the market. It offers many of the same features as the Yamaha EF2000ISV2. They’re both inverters offering clean power.

They have the same output. While they are both pretty compact and lightweight, the Yamaha is just slightly lighter and smaller.

They have similar noise levels. At a quarter load, the Yamaha is quieter but at a rated load, the Yamaha is just a bit quieter.

The Honda comes out ahead in fuel consumption, with its slightly larger fuel tank and its correspondingly longer runtime.

The Yamaha also stands out for being a little bit cheaper and for having a much cooler design.

You really can’t go wrong with either generator.

Differences with the EF2000IS (v1)

The new and improved V2 has one important distinction from the original.

The controller is brand new and it offers some advanced programming capability.

It offers better AC Output between its Rated and Peak Outputs.

This gives it the ability to power a much wider range of applications compared to the V1.

Other than that, they are pretty similar in design, engine capabilities, consumption, and overall use.

Customer Reviews & Scores

This is a very well-reviewed generator.

At the time of publishing this post, it had an average of 4.2 stars on Amazon, based on over 400 reviews.

Many buyers rave about how quiet it is compared to other generators and about how easy it is to use. Some users shared this is one of the best generators for boiler and household needs. Erik Osberg of the Outdoor Report calls buying this model a “wise decision.”

YouTube reviewer Mike calls it “insanely quiet” and found that it can easily power a large electric heater and even a 5000 BTU AC unit with still more capacity to power other things at the same time.

Potential Problems & Issues

Some buyers report that the EF2000ISV2 has an oil consumption problem after a significant amount of use.

Most other potential issues with this generator can be solved with some basic troubleshooting, as laid out in the manual.

For example, if the engine won’t start it could be that the fuel line or carburetor are clogged.

You’ll be less likely to have any problems when you make sure to complete routine maintenance.

My Opinion: Should You Buy It?

In addition to being lightweight and compact, the generator features a comfortable grip handle. It’s one of the best generators on the market of how easy it is to transport.

Without question, the Yamaha EF2000ISV2 has a lot of great selling points.

There is a reason so many people buy it and why it is so well-reviewed. In particular, it’s ultra-quiet, easily transportable, and just plain reliable.

This generator might not have enough capacity to power an entire home, but for most uses, it has plenty of power.

It’s also worth noting that this is one of the nicest looking generators out there, with its unique retro design.

Do you have any experience with this Yamaha generator? What did you think?