Yamaha EF1000is Portable Generator
If you ride ATVs or other off-road vehicles regularly, chances are you spend a good bit of time away from civilization where electricity is not readily available. We were intrigued when Yamaha released this very compact portable generator and decided to find out how it would work for us during one of our photography sessions where we needed electricity. The EF1000is features a 50cc engine with a Smart Throttle feature and Noise Block. The Smart Throttle automatically adjusts engine speed to precisely match the load, which results in less noise and lower fuel consumption and is the longest-running generator in its class. The Noise Block feature is a sound-reduction system that incorporates molded cases, glass wool, intake silencer and an oversize muffler to keep noise to a minimum.
The EF1000is uses a single control panel that incorporates all the controls into one place, including AC and DC outlets, fuel petcock, economy mode switch, choke, low oil indicator light, output indicator light, recoil start and a stop switch. Yamaha also included a battery cord that is designed to charge 12-volt batteries in autos, boats, RVs, etc. Another great design feature is that due to its exclusive compact dual coil, multiple alternator and the Pulse Width Modulation system it produces a pure sine wave that is as clean or cleaner than commercial power, meaning you can run without worry any appliances that have built-in computers or microcomputer-controlled equipment such as laptop computers.
Some of the things we noticed and liked about the EF1000is during our photo shoot were that it was very light, compact and easy to get around with. It easily powered our strobes for the shoot and was extremely quiet, so that we could barely hear it throughout the day. This would easily translate into not bothering your neighbors when camping. Starting it was a breeze; as we never had to pull start it more than once to get it going. At the end of the day, we were able to power our computer to check out the photos that we'd shot. With a two-year warranty including parts and labor, this great piece of machinery costs $879.
-Thad Josey
| TOOLS | 94 |
| Portability | 10/10 |
| Function | 48/50 |
| Durability | 18/20 |
| Design | 10/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
Bottom Line: With its light weight, ease of portability, high output of electricity, requiring very little gas and its lack of noise, the EF1000is is pretty much a must for those who spend extended time in the great outdoors.