High capacity battery power plants could spell the end of the ubiquitous gas generator. Together with solar panels and the rising gas price, people have more reasons to switch to an alternative energy source. Does this mean the end for the gas generator?
Not so fast. EcoFlow has revisited the classic generator, giving it a few tricks along the way. The latest product, the EcoFlow Smart Generator (opens in new tab), is a highly advanced gas powered generator that works closely with other EcoFlow products, such as the Delta Pro battery station. It is an attempt to solve the problem of power outages lasting more than a few hours, which is the bane of battery-based power solutions.
The question is whether the EcoFlow Smart Generator is one of the best portable power plants (opens in new tab)† Read on to find out.
EcoFlow Smart Generator: price and availability
The 1800W smart generator is compact and fits nicely into the EcoFlow ecosystem. At a suggested retail price of $1399 (opens in new tab)it’s expensive for the power output offered, but the added features are worth the extra money.
EcoFlow smart generator: design
The generator weighs 28.5 kg and measures 59.7 cm x 59.6 cm x 47.5 cm. It has two handles, one in the front and one in the back, which makes the transport somewhat bearable. A set of wheels is missing which would have been ideal for this heavy product. The plastic housing feels strong and lasts for many years. Four rubber feet provide stability and prevent the unit from wobbling too much when the motor is running.
Accessories required for periodic maintenance of the generator are provided, including an oil funnel, screwdriver and spark plug cap. The owner’s manual and warranty card are also included, while an additional battery cable allows direct use of the generator with other EcoFlow devices.
The built-in R80-i engine is a 79.7 cc 4-stroke single cylinder. It has a maximum of 2.0 horsepower at 3600 rpm. The 4-litre fuel tank allows for three and a half hours of continuous use, which translates into an energy storage of 5.4 kWh. Only unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 86 or higher may be used with the generator. The engine smoke outlet is located at the rear and must be clear of any obstructions.
Engine oil change and carbon monoxide warning are displayed on two front panel LEDs. Two push buttons control the pairing of a smartphone with the generator and turn on the 1800W AC output. A dedicated 32A DC jack connects to other EcoFlow battery powered units such as the Delta Pro. This minimizes energy loss by running the cell charging voltage instead of the conventional 120V AC voltage.
EcoFlow Smart Generator: in use
With the same appearance as other EcoFlow devices with the distinctive housing and the large segmented LCD screen on the front, the Smart Generator is fundamentally different from other EcoFlow products in that it is less environmentally friendly and produces significantly more noise. A label on the housing warns not to use the generator in an enclosed area, as the engine emits carbon monoxide gas. That said, the built-in carbon monoxide detector can shut down the engine when too much is detected.
The generator must be prepared before first use. The fuel tank may contain a maximum of four liters of unleaded petrol. Then the maintenance panel on the right side is removed to add oil and connect the rechargeable battery. The generator is surprisingly quick to start using the push button start, which only takes a few seconds.
The EcoFlow smart generator can be used stand-alone as well as a regular gas generator, or together with an EcoFlow battery power plant, where it charges it when the battery capacity reaches a certain level. The inclusion of an electric start in the generator is useful because the battery station initiates its charge through the battery cable.
As with any gas generator, the engine must be run regularly to keep it running smoothly. If it will not be used for an extended period of time, the manufacturer recommends emptying the fuel tank and carburetor. Other components require occasional maintenance to keep the generator in optimum condition. This includes changing the engine oil and cleaning the air filter after 20 hours of operation.
The EcoFlow mobile app available for both iOS and Android can be used to control the generator via Wi-Fi. Installation is very simple and pairing is initiated by pressing and holding the IOT reset button for a few seconds. Since the generator uses the 2.4 GHz frequency, the procedure must be performed using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router and smartphone. Features such as electric start, fuel gauge and maintenance log are all available through the app.
EcoFlow Smart Generator: The Competition
A gas generator is ideal when there is a prolonged power outage. Like a portable battery station, modern generators provide a large number of outputs for most major appliances, as well as electronic devices such as telephones and laptops. It’s still unusual to see a generator equipped with Wi-Fi and a carbon monoxide detector, so the EcoFlow is in a league of its own.
Wen 56200i 1600W portable inverter generator is similar to EcoFlow generator. It has an identical engine and fuel tank, but lacks safety features such as the carbon monoxide detector. Being a universal generator, it doesn’t have the special high current DC jack to connect to an external battery like the EcoFlow Delta Pro. There is no remote start and of course no wifi connectivity.
EcoFlow Smart Generator: Verdict
The Smart Generator is great if you already have other EcoFlow products. It makes an excellent complement to the Delta Pro, for example extending its functionality by providing a secondary power source. Charging with this generator instead of a conventional one will be more efficient, resulting in gas savings. On the other hand, it is noisier and more expensive than competing models.
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